65We're heading out now

The family had been staying at The Old Residence for three days, and Matthew had been coming home early every day. They had been at The Old Residence the whole time, and Patrick had planned to head to the villa over the weekend, but that had yet to happen.

After dinner, the family enjoyed the rare occasion of gathering in the living room to watch TV. Matthew's phone wouldn't stop vibrating, but he ignored it, his gaze seemingly fixed on the television. Madison glanced at him discreetly and decided not to bother him.

Eventually, the phone rang out loud. Matthew glanced at it, ignored the call, and casually tossed it onto the couch. It wasn't long before it rang again. He picked it up with a faint look of irritation and pressed the call button.

"What's up?"

Steven's voice came from the other end.

"Matthew, we're at McGee's Pub. Hurry over with Madison."

"Not happening. You guys have fun." Matthew was enjoying family time and did not fancy heading to a bar, plus he doubted Madison would want to join.

"Why not, man? You're always at The Old Residence with her. I can't even drop by for a bite. Come on, you've brought Madison back for so long and still haven't introduced her to us. What's going on, Matthew? Got someone else on your mind?" Patrick's knack for drama could fill a theater.

"Forget it. Madison with you?"

"Yeah."

"Hand her the phone. I'll talk to her myself." Patrick figured Matthew would inevitably tag along if he could get Madison out.

Madison was engrossed in the TV show when suddenly a phone was extended toward her. She looked up confusedly to find Matthew by her side, who had just been on a call, now handing her the phone.

Madison felt odd. Why would she need to take a call from Matthew?

Yet, faced with persistent insistence as he held the phone out to her, Madison reluctantly took the phone.

"Sis, it's me. We're all at McGee's Pub – Willow and Quinn are here too. You and Matthew should come."


"Ugh, you go on ahead, Matthew. I'll pass. The little ones will need to sleep soon anyway."

With everyone around, Madison felt even less inclined to join them. How awkward it would be now that she hadn't seen everyone for so many years, and there she was, divorced from Matthew. What role could she fill in that setting?

"Sis, I can skip it, but you have to come. I've been wanting to crash at your place for dinner forever, but Matthew wouldn't have it. Aren't you guys at The Old Residence? William can babysit for the night. You two should have a romantic evening to reconnect," Patrick said. He felt like he was setting the stage for his brother.

Madison felt overwhelmed by Patrick’s words. Her cheeks flushed involuntarily as she glanced at Matthew, who remained absorbed in the TV. Seeing no reaction from him, she continued the phone call with Patrick.

‘A romantic evening to reconnect,’ Patrick did love his jokes.

Silence fell as Madison pondered how to decline, and then she heard the voice of Willow Nelson. It sounded like she had grabbed Patrick's phone.

"Sis, hurry over. We're all waiting for you. It would bum us out if you didn't show," Willow said.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Patrick's voice chimed in from the background.

Not skilled at saying no, Madison stood up, walked over to Matthew, and, with pleading eyes, whispered while covering the mouthpiece, "The gang wants to hit the bar for a bit. Could you tell them I'm not coming?"

Matthew lifted his eyelids lazily, "They invited you, not me."

Ha, she should have known he'd overheard the conversation with Patrick.

Giving up, Madison pushed the phone back into his hand and returned to her seat to continue watching TV.

Matthew took the phone and stood up. "We're heading out now."

Madison was utterly baffled that she had asked him to help her decline.

Quentin Garcia and Hannah Garcia had been eavesdropping on the phone conversation. As their dad ended the call, Hannah asked, "Dad, are we going out?"

"Mhm."

"Can Hannah and Quentin come too?"

Grandpa, seizing the opportunity upon hearing their phone conversation, knew it was his time to step in.

"Hannah, can you stay home with William tonight? Let your dad and mom have some alone time. Grandpa's study has so many cool things that you've never seen before. I'll take you there later."

Hannah quickly changed her mind at the mention of something more fun, "Okay, then I won't go. You two have fun!"

Quentin, always the level-headed one, didn't fuss about going and was happy to stay with William.

Madison had intended to stay home as well. Now, she felt trapped.

Matthew had gone upstairs to get the car keys. Returning, he said to Madison, "Let's go."

She sluggishly got up and followed behind Matthew.

When had she agreed to go?

Lately, Matthew preferred driving himself, always taking his sleek black Rolls-Royce.

As Matthew pulled the car from the garage to the front, Madison instinctively went for the back door.

"Sit in the front," Matthew said in an annoyed tone, as if she were mistaking herself for a chauffeur.

Hearing his tone, Madison hurried to the passenger side, got in, and fastened her seatbelt in one fluid motion.

She sat up straight, hands on her thighs like an elementary school student.

"All right, let's hit the road."

Matthew turned his head slightly, a smirk touching the corner of his mouth, and drove off.
True Love After Divorce
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