Chapter 204 It Really Is Her Brother
Madison suddenly burst into laughter and danced around like a child, surprising both Matthew and Dorian with her sudden change in mood.
Matthew shot Dorian a cold, piercing look, conveying a silent warning. Dorian met his gaze, almost apologetically—if only he had known, he would have approached the topic more delicately.
Just as Matthew was about to speak, Madison, overcome with excitement, rushed forward and clutched Dorian's arm, "Are you sure you've got it right? Is it really me? I am really... you're really my brother?"
Momentarily taken aback by her sudden action, Dorian mechanically nodded and reassured her, "Definitely... yes, if you don't believe it, you can have the DNA test redone. Let's do it tomorrow."
"I can't believe I have a brother!" Madison exclaimed with excitement, nearly jumping for joy. The two men beside her sighed with relief, overwhelmed with happiness.
The two men were thinking.
'My baby is so adorable.''
'My wife is so cute.'
Assuming the role of an older brother, Dorian pledged to protect Madison, "From now on, if anyone dares to bully you, just tell your big brother. I'll have your back."
Observing Madison clinging to Dorian's arm, Matthew felt a pang of jealousy, quietly pulling her to his side. Despite blood ties, his bond with her surpassed any familial connection.
While outwardly composed, Matthew silently criticized himself for doubting Dorian's claim. He considered confronting him, but seeing Madison's happiness, he refrained.
True companionship, Matthew reflected, was being there for each other through all emotions, whether joy or sorrow. His bond with Madison transcended all, growing deeper with each passing moment.
Madison's longing for family ties stemmed from her upbringing with Grandpa Sterling. Finding solace in Matthew and their family, she treasured their bond. Despite past troubles, she forgave and pursued her dream of a loving home.
Having feared abandonment, Madison never sought her biological parents, content with the family she had. Now, the news of a newfound family filled her with anticipation and nervousness, wondering if they would accept her.
Dorian seemed to pick up on the whirlwind of thoughts in Madison's mind. "Mom and Dad were eager to come as soon as they heard the news, but I stopped them. I was afraid they might overwhelm you, so I wanted to talk to you first. Whatever you decide is okay. If you want to see them, we'll arrange it. If not, that's fine too. Just know that Mom, Dad, and Grandma Sterling were all thrilled when they found out it was really you, Madison. You were stolen from the hospital right after birth. Who would've thought you'd end up in Horizon City, so far from Suncrest Heights? Our family never stopped searching for you over the years, chasing down any lead. We faced hope and despair but never gave up, and finally, our perseverance paid off. We found you, Madison."
Tears welled up in Madison's eyes as her emotions overwhelmed her. Matthew held her hand tightly, feeling a deep connection to her excitement, joy, and the resilience she had kept hidden. Seeing her tear-filled eyes, he pulled her into a comforting embrace.
Now shedding tears of joy, Madison realized she wasn't a discarded child; she had a brother, a mom, Grandma Sterling, and many relatives. It was a comforting realization.
After sharing so much, Dorian cautiously asked, "Madison, would you like to meet Mom and Dad?"
Madison glanced at Matthew, who squeezed her hand and nodded gently, silently reassuring her of his support.
Turning back to Dorian, she replied earnestly, "I would, brother."
Hearing Madison call him 'brother' nearly brought Dorian to tears. Despite facing danger and high stakes in his years undercover, he was now overcome with nerves. He had searched for Madison tirelessly, fearing she might no longer be alive. When he finally received the DNA test results, he was almost too anxious to reach out his hand.
Knowing that Madison was alive and thriving filled Dorian with immense pride.
With a hesitant start and a blush creeping across his face, Dorian asked, "Madison, could you call me that again?"
Madison smiled softly, her voice sweet as she spoke, "Brother."
"Hey," he responded warmly. Dorian felt a sense of completeness; Madison was his, his very own Madison.
The scene of a long-awaited family reunion was about to unfold when Matthew, with an intentional cough, made his presence loudly known. He asserted his claim over Madison, not even allowing her brother to be an exception.
Madison insisted that Dorian stay with them; a vacant room, previously prepared for Rachel, was available. She readied it with fresh sheets and a comforter, even fetching a brand-new quilt for his comfort.
Dorian readily accepted the offer, having only just met Madison and intending to stay for a while longer. He didn't hesitate to accept her invitation.
Observing Madison bustling around the room, Matthew felt a pang of sadness. Despite her efforts to accommodate Dorian, he couldn't shake off his unease. Seeing her preparing the bedding and arranging pajamas for Dorian, he couldn't help but feel discontent.
Unhappy was an understatement.
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