Chapter 213 Loudly Declaring to You

Madison left Dorian's room and noticed the living room was empty. Looking at the clock, she saw it was almost ten. 'It's quite late,' she thought, 'everyone must have gone to their rooms to rest.'

She walked to her parent's bedroom door and saw that the light was still on. She knocked, "Dad, Mom, are you asleep?"

"Daughter, no, we're still up," came Mrs. Sterling's voice from inside. As Madison heard the sound of quick footsteps approaching, the door soon opened. Mrs. Sterling seemed as if she hadn't taken a bath yet, still wearing her daytime clothes. She pulled Madison into the room.

Inside, Madison noticed Mr. Sterling intently observing a scroll laid out on the table. "Matthew," she whispered as she walked up to his side. It was only then that he looked up and acknowledged her presence.
"Daughter's here," Mr. Sterling carefully rolled up the scroll and put it away.

"You, Matthew, are so eager. You want to see the painting the moment you walk into the room," Mrs. Sterling said with a laugh, teasing him.

"Haha, that's my one true hobby," Mr. Sterling replied with a beaming smile.

Madison looked at the way her Mom and dad interacted, full of admiration. Through decades of ups and downs, at their age, their eyes still brimmed with love for each other. Neither of her parents complained; there was only understanding and love. She revered her dad like a hero, and he doted on her like a child, just as they both did with each other.

Madison and Matthew wanted the same thing for themselves: to weather life's storms together and grow old together.

"Did you finish packing for your brother?" Mrs. Sterling asked.

"Yeah, I saw your light was still on, so I came to check on you," Madison replied.

"Quentin and Hannah are such darlings. They said they were ready for bed, and off they went to wash up. I couldn't believe how young they were managing all on their own, so I thought I would help, but they wouldn't have it. You've raised them well; they're so independent," Mrs. Sterling gushed about her grandchildren.

"Quentin has always been mature for his age, always helping me out. Hannah can now manage her own washing up. They even went to summer camp together recently," Madison said, sparking a conversation with her parents about the kids' latest adventures.

After spending about fifteen minutes in her parents' room, Madison saw it was getting late. "Mom, Dad, it's getting late. You should rest. Tomorrow, I'll take you around Horizon City for a spin."

"That sounds great. You should also get some rest. If work gets busy, don't worry about us; let your brother Dorian show us around." Mrs. Sterling thought of using the ever-useful Dorian.

Madison playfully clung to Mrs. Sterling's arm lovingly, "But he's not as familiar with Horizon City as I am. He wouldn't know the fun spots or the tasty stores. Mom, let me stay with you guys. I want to catch up more."

Mrs. Sterling naturally beamed joyfully close to her heart, "Alright, we'll do as you say."

*

Leaving her parents' room, Madison went to check on Quentin and Hannah. The two little ones had fallen asleep. They used to kick off their blankets, and Madison, worried they might catch a cold, had bought each of them a sleeping bag. She peeked into their room and saw both sprawled out in bed. She gently closed the door and headed back to her room.

Matthew had already taken his shower and was lying in bed, scrolling through videos on his phone while waiting for Madison. He knew that it was her first day reconnecting with her parents, and she'd surely want to spend some extra time chatting with them. As Madison pushed the door open, she had a beaming smile on her face, clearly in high spirits. "Matthew, you're not asleep yet?"

Matthew set his phone aside, his eyes crinkling with a tender smile. " I couldn't sleep without you here."

Madison blushed at his words, ducking her head and hurrying to the closet to grab some clothes. "I'm going to take a shower," she said.

Matthew watched her hasty retreat with an ever-growing smile. Despite his memory loss, their child was already grown, yet his wife was still so easily embarrassed. Every time he saw her flushed cheeks, he found them utterly adorable.

After her shower, Madison emerged with the healthy glow of someone freshly bathed. Matthew patted the spot next to him on the bed, motioning her to hurry and sit beside him. Madison lifted the covers and climbed into bed, and the two of them leaned back against the headboard together.

"I had such a great day today," Madison said, leaning into Matthew's embrace and looking up at him, her smile impossible to hide.

Matthew wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head, patiently listening to her share her feelings.

"My parents are so great, Matthew. You always treat Mom so well, and Mom really understands you. Will we be like that too?"

"Of course," Matthew immediately affirmed, then added, "What's the plan for tomorrow? Have you decided where to take Mom and Dad?"

"How did you know I was planning to take Mom and Dad out?" Madison asked, curious. She hadn't mentioned it to him.

"Is it that hard to guess?" Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Mom and Dad have traveled a long way to Horizon City for the first time. Shouldn't we show them around? Tomorrow's the weekend. Quentin and Hannah aren't in school, and I'm free, too. Let's all go. Have you thought of any ideas?"

"Matthew, you're so wonderful," Madison said, hugging his waist.

"Silly, your parents are my parents. It's only right to spend time with them," Matthew said lightly, tapping her forehead.

Still pondering where to take her parents the next day, Madison suggested, "You go to sleep. I'll figure out where to take them and finalize the plans tonight."

As Madison tried to get up, Matthew caught her in his embrace, not letting go.

Madison squirmed to free herself from Matthew's arms and sat up again, "Matthew, go to sleep, please. If I don't get this sorted out, I won't be able to rest tonight."

Matthew swiftly pulled her in close, her body crashing against his chest. "I've got it all sorted out for you," he said, then opened his phone's notes app to reveal a long list detailing tomorrow's schedule. Every little detail was meticulously planned, from the departure time to the restaurant for dinner. Madison looked at Matthew's plan and asked, dumbfounded, "When did you do this?"

"While you were out," Matthew replied, "Take a look and see if you need to change anything. Just edit it directly." Soon after, the two sat face to face on the bed, and Madison lunged forward, tightly embracing Matthew.

She had Nothing to complain about; her heart was filled with affection. The thoughtful itinerary he had prepared was as detailed as the multi-million-dollar project proposals he used to craft.

Some forms of love aren't always spoken; his actions spoke volumes to her, telling her he loved her.

Madison lifted her head from Matthew's embrace and looked affectionately into his eyes. She wanted to express aloud today words she was too shy to say before: "Honey, I love you."

Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and sealed her declaration with a kiss...
True Love After Divorce
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