Chapter 198 Arrival in Horizon City
The two had once been so familiar with each other, so close, and Madison naturally understood his meaning instantly.
However, when Madison inadvertently noticed the bulge below Matthew, she blushed profusely, while Matthew, equally flustered, decided to take a shower to cool off. As Madison hid under the covers, she heard the water running in the bathroom, accompanied by what sounded like suppressed sighs.
With her heart still racing, Madison lay in bed, closing her eyes to relax. Before she knew it, she drifted off into slumber. The sound of running water ceased after about thirty minutes, and Matthew emerged from the bathroom. Observing the dimly lit room, he saw Madison seemingly asleep on the bed. Bathed in the soft glow of the lamp, he couldn't help but feel a sense of completeness gazing at her peaceful face.
When he woke up on the cruise ship, Matthew found himself utterly bewildered. Uncertain about the situation, he remained close to Bella, trying to make sense of his fragmented memories. Yet, upon seeing Madison, an inexplicable surge of desire ignited within him, overwhelming his senses.
Despite the intense attraction, he resisted acting solely on physical impulses, preferring clarity before any intimacy.
Yet his memories remained blank, and he didn't want to act on pure physical instinct under such unclear circumstances. He wasn't in a hurry for that kind of thing.
Even though he had just taken a cold shower, Matthew opted for another blanket, choosing to sleep under separate covers on the same bed to quell his impulses for the night.
*
The following day, during check-out at the reception, Madison noticed Dorian's absence and inquired about his whereabouts. Victor, equally puzzled, confirmed that Dorian had alreadyleave?"
Victor, too, needed clarification. "I don't know, I haven't seen him all morning. It looks like he's checked out already." After Madison inquired, the receptionist confirmed Dorian had checked out.
"He said he was going to Rome for some work, didn't he? A guy that big can't just disappear," Matthew commented. He always felt that Dorian was too interested in Madison and wondered if Dorian was using the guise of recognition to get close to her on purpose. Therefore, he didn't plan to worry about him.
Victor reassured Madison, "Don't worry about Dorian. He's familiar with the area."
Madison nodded, and Victor arranged for a car to take them to the airport.
In the airport lounge, they heard Dorian's voice. He dropped into a seat across from them, looking exhausted from his travels.
Curious, Madison asked, "Where did you go?"
Dorian replied, "I took a trip to Rome for some business."
"Why didn't you fly back from Rome?" Matthew questioned.
"I'm going back to Horizon City with you guys," Dorian stated confidently.
"What are you going to do there?" Madison wondered.
"It's a secret," Dorian teased.
The group waited quietly in the departure lounge, eager to board their flight and return home.
The plane landed at 5 a.m. in Horizon City. Willow wanted to pick them up, but Madison convinced her they could just grab a cab later.
Upon arrival at Horizon City Airport, the four of them split up Victor headed to the office, to meet with Mitchell and the team, while Dorian had errands, and Madison took Matthew home.
Madison had told Rachel about their arrival, so she was waiting at the house when they got there, even though it was still early.
Rachel was thrilled to see them, tears welling up in her eyes. Madison had been through a lot, but now they were back together with Matthew.
"Madison, Matthew, you're back," Rachel said, grabbing their bags and welcoming them inside.
Matthew looked around the house, noticing both familiar and unfamiliar things. Had they lived here before?
Madison had briefed him on Horizon City during the flight. He knew about Grandpa Sterling, who didn't live with them, and their two kids, Quentin and Hannah, who were with their godmother.
Their godmother was currently looking after Quentin and Hannah. It was strange that the kids didn't share the same last name, but Matthew didn't dwell on it.
Matthew had also heard about his company from Madison and received updates on their mutual friends. When he spotted Rachel inside, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks for looking after the kids while I've been away."
Rachel waved it off, saying, "No problem at all. The little ones were so excited to hear you were coming back—they stayed up late and will be thrilled to see you."
Matthew asked, "Can I go see them now?"
"Of course, their room is at the end of the hallway," Madison replied, leading Matthew to the children's room.
Pushing the door gently, they found the kids still fast asleep. Matthew hesitated, not wanting to disturb them. But then he heard a sleepy voice say, "Daddy."
Surprised, Matthew paused, wondering if it was one of his children calling him daddy. They soon realized it was just Hannah talking in her sleep. They closed the door quietly, letting the kids sleep a bit longer.
Madison went to her room to unpack while Matthew stood in the living room, looking at the family photos adorning the wall.
Meanwhile, Rachel, ready to head back to the studio, bid her goodbyes.
"I'm off. Thanks for the offer of breakfast, but I'll just grab something on the way," Rachel said.
"Make sure to drop by for dinner another time," Madison insisted.
"Will do," Rachel agreed with a smile.
As Rachel left, Madison began preparing breakfast, flipping pancakes in the kitchen. After a while, she brought out some soup and placed it on the table.
Matthew remained in the living room, lost in thought as he gazed at a photo wall adorned with pictures. There were snapshots of Quentin and Hannah as toddlers, as well as recent family portraits
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