Chapter 212 Cherish the Present
Returning to the villa, Madison arranged her parents' rooms, prepared new toiletries and pajamas, and made the beds afresh. Mrs. Sterling, observing her daughter's competent demeanor, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and sadness as she thought about Madison's childhood struggles. Mr. Sterling, noticing his wife's emotional state, hastily asked, "What's wrong, honey?"
Mrs. Sterling shook her head before replying, "Seeing our daughter so capable just makes me sad. She must have gone through so much to be this self-sufficient. Look at me — I can hardly do anything." She was quite aware of her upbringing.
Mr. Sterling felt relieved. Mrs. Sterling had been spoiled since she was young. Being the youngest in her family, she was always the favorite. When they got married, Mr. Sterling had to persuade her hesitant family to let her marry at a young age. After they wed, he never asked her to do any chores because he cherished her innocence, regardless of her age.
"Now that she's back, we should be happy, not crying," Mr. Sterling consoled his wife. Mrs. Sterling finally dried her tears and smiled again.
As Madison finished setting up the beds, Matthew and Quentin came home, hurrying to their rooms to open their gifts. Hannah emerged in a beautiful Bella dress, calling out, "Look, grandma and grandpa, do I look pretty?" She donned the new dress she had received and twirled like a princess.
The family gathered in the living room around Hannah, who spun around, showcasing her lovely dress. After a few twirls, she appealed to Madison, "Mom, I think I need a pair of glass slippers."
Before Madison could respond, Mrs. Sterling eagerly said, "You absolutely need glass slippers to complete the look. I'll take you shopping for them tomorrow."
Hannah, still seeking her Mom's approval, asked Madison, "Mom, can I get them?"
Madison agreed, knowing that even if her grandmother didn't buy them, Hannah would convince Matthew to do so, as he could never refuse her. Hannah usually behaved well and didn't ask for unreasonable things. Plus, they had never bought glass slippers for her before. So, Madison didn't object to her grandmother's decision.
"Of course," Madison agreed, and Hannah joyfully twirled several more times, delighted with the permission.
While Hannah was happily spinning, Dorian arrived, silhouetted in the doorway against the light streaming in, with a black suitcase by his side.
Hannah dashed through the circle of onlookers, "Dorian, do you think my dress is pretty?"
Dorian made a deliberate English gentleman's gesture, bowing with an outstretched hand. "Very pretty, Princess Bella." Watching Dorian's movement, Hannah mimicked what she had seen on TV. She proudly raised her head and gracefully walked over, placing one hand in Dorian's. They walked ceremoniously toward everyone, eliciting hearty laughter from the group.
"Where's Quentin?" Dorian walked into the house and didn't see his nephew, so he started looking for him.
"Brother is in his room, taking apart toys," Hannah quickly answered.
"He's probably building with Legos; he's liked playing with them since he was little," Madison explained while smiling.
"Let me take you to the guest room to put down your luggage," Madison said. Madison made the bed and prepared towels, a toothbrush, and pajamas for Dorian.
"Bro, the new sheets and duvet cover aren't washed yet. This set has been used a few times, but it's clean. I'll wash a new set for you tomorrow; sleep in these for now," Madison said as she stuffed a pillow into its case. "I realized when I was making Mom and Dad's bed that we only had one clean set left."
"It's alright; I'm not fussy. I've slept outdoors while on missions," Dorian said, helping with the blanket. He was as precise as a soldier, and his folding was even more orderly than Madison's. Madison couldn't help but give him a thumbs up as she watched her brother fold the blanket as neatly as a block of tofu.
Dorian scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.
Madison grinned, remembering when they first met. Her brother had arrived in a suit and tie with Brianna, seeming like a gentleman with a mix of charm and toughness. She had wondered how he could have so many different traits. Now, she realized it must have been part of his undercover work. The man in front of her was the true Dorian: honest, brave, and very calm.
The thought of Brianna cast a shadow over Madison's eyes. She knew a little about her death from what Victor and her brother had told her. She pondered whether Matthew would feel guilty if he remembered, considering Brianna had taken a bullet for him...
Madison thought that perhaps Brianna had made some serious mistakes, but she probably had true feelings for Matthew.
Dorian noticed Madison zoning out and waved a hand in front of her, "What's on your mind?"
Madison snapped back to reality with a smile. "Nothing much. I just remembered the first time we met and how you helped me. Otherwise..."
"Are you thinking about Brianna?" Dorian asked as his younger sister mentioned their first encounter, which was at a dinner he attended with Brianna, and it was Brianna who had slipped something into the medication.
Madison paused, caught off guard by her brother's direct question. After placing a freshly stuffed pillow at the head of the bed, she nodded. "After all, she took a bullet for Matthew."
My apologies for not meeting your request. Here's a shorter version:
Dorian faced Madison with urgency, “Listen, sis. K Corporation's crimes are horrendous—organ trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and espionage. I spent seven years taking them down. Brianna's death isn't your fault or Matthew's. Don't carry guilt. Even if Matthew remembers, he'll understand. Brianna faced death anyway, so no one should feel guilty.” Dorian's passion came from memories of lost comrades and the justice he sought.
Dorian insisted, urging Madison to let go of unwarranted guilt. Matthew's choice to stay was his own, and Brianna's sacrifice had a purpose. Even if Matthew recalls the past, Dorian believed he'd grasp the truth. Brianna's fate was sealed regardless, sparing Matthew from similar consequences.
In that charged moment, Dorian's words resonated. He stood as a pillar of reassurance, resolute in his mission against K Corporation. Madison absorbed his guidance, finding strength in his conviction.
Madison looked at her brother, unable to resist hugging him.
Isn't it true that the peaceful years are due to someone else carrying the weight on your behalf?
"Alright, don't overthink it. You've found yourself a good husband; cherishing the present is what matters most," Dorian advised.
"Thank you, brother," Madison said sincerely.
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