Chapter95Clearing the Preliminaries
Madison struggled to free her arm, frantically scrambling to open the car door, which, to her surprise, opened. She bolted out of the car and ran up the stairs.
Matthew was somewhat annoyed, feeling like he'd screwed things up again.
He didn't return to the reception. Instead, he drove straight to Nightshade Bar and called out his buddies.
Victor joined them, and the five brothers settled into a private room upstairs, ordering a bottle of Red wine. Matthew, not a big drinker, quickly got drunk due to his irritation.
Patrick and Liam burst in, making a fuss.
"It's been too long since we last had drinks. Just when I was thinking about it, I got a call from our big bro," Liam joked with a smile.
"Yeah, I was just thinking about going over to Matthew's place for another meal," Patrick added, not forgetting Madison's cooking.
Hearing them, Matthew's gaze dimmed.
Noticing the change in atmosphere, Liam and Patrick exchanged looks. Things were fine before, weren't they?
"Matthew, still haven't won her over?" Liam cut straight to the chase.
Matthew remained silent, and with Mitchell and Victor also unaware of the situation, the room fell into a hush.
Liam, feeling bold, asked, "Matthew, did you try those tricks I taught you?"
Matthew lifted his head and gave a look that said, "Obviously," while everyone else's gaze turned, in lockstep, to Liam.
It was difficult to believe the kind of absurd idea this kid had suggested to Matthew.
"What are you all staring at me for?"
"Matthew asked me how to chase a girl, so I taught him all the moves."
Both of his older brothers shook their heads. They could tell from Matthew's demeanor that it probably didn't catch on.
"Come on, guys, what's with the faces? You're telling me you don't go on dates, give flowers, or even make a move?" Liam stood his ground, full of conviction.
Steven murmured from the side. "Liam, don't you think going all in is a bit too much for the Little Miss?"
"But isn't that where things head eventually? Besides, Matthew and the Little Miss have a kid together."
Liam was adamant in his logic.
Not wanting to deal with more nonsense, Matthew concentrated on his drink.
"No, man, did you give her the flowers, Matthew? Did you tell her you love her? My plan is solid!" Liam persisted with his interrogation, unwaveringly confident in his advice.
Matthew stopped pouring his drink and asked in a daze, "When did you ever say I had to tell her that?"
Everyone was stunned. They all froze.
Matthew felt uncomfortable under their straightforward stares. "Let's call it a night, guys. Matthew, you should plan your confession properly, and if you need help, we're here for you."
Liam waved his hand, signaling it was time to wrap up.
Matthew sipped his drink and called his driver to pick him up, contemplating Liam's words. Could it be that Madison had rejected him because he had never openly expressed his feelings?
Halfway through, he had the driver turn around to head to the office.
Matthew reached his office and opened the drawer on his left, revealing an elegant gift box.
He opened it to reveal a pink diamond ring he had won at the last auction.
Matthew looked at the ring for a moment, closed the case, and put it in his pocket before leaving.
*
Madison hurried up the stairs, pushed the door open, and stepped into the warm embrace of home. Just then, Rachel emerged from the bathroom, having just finished her shower.
Rachel, toweling her hair, noticed Madison's flushed cheeks and the faded remnants of her lipstick. "Looks like you and Matthew had quite the talk," she mused silently.
"Did things go okay with Matthew?" Rachel asked.
Embarrassment touched Madison's face as she responded with a brief "Yeah" before hurrying off to her room to grab pajamas for her shower.
Once she had freshened up, she powered up her computer, eager to check on her competition entry. To her surprise, an email was waiting for her. She had passed the preliminary round and received an invitation to France for the next stage.
Madison couldn't contain her excitement and dashed out of her room. "Rachel, Rachel! I made it through the prelims—they want me in France for the next round!"
Rachel, drawn by Madison's exuberant voice, hurried out to join her. "Really? I told you, you could do it, Madison! You're the best."
The two embraced, caught up in the thrill of the moment.
Madison quickly thought of her two little ones. The email said the competition was in a week, with a few days for venue scouting. She had to leave soon. She worried about Grandpa's increasing responsibilities and didn't want to tell Matthew yet.
Reading Madison's hesitation, Rachel confidently offered, "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of Quentin and Hannah for you. I'll move in, for the time being, take them to and from school, and handle everything else. You just focus on your competition."
Madison replied earnestly, "Thank you, Rachel."
"Don't thank me. They also call me 'godmother,' don't they? Being a godmother is just like being a mom."
Madison felt a sense of relief knowing that Rachel would stay back in New River Gardens to look after the kids. This eased her worries. She retreated to her room and quickly arranged an appointment to apply for a visa the following day. Her goal was to secure her flight booking as soon as she received the visa.
The next day, Madison smoothly navigated through the visa process. In the afternoon, she fetched her two little treasures from preschool, and they went together to the local market to buy groceries.
"Mom, can we have shrimp for dinner tonight?" Hannah asked with hopeful eyes.
"I want the steamed fish you make, Mom," Quentin chimed in.
"All right, we'll get the shrimp first, then we'll pick up a fish. How does that sound?" Madison's excitement from last night carried over, making the simple outing a joyous occasion.
The three made their way through the market, a happy little family on a mission.
Madison made a dinner spread of garlic butter shrimp, grilled salmon, sautéed green beans, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and chicken noodle soup. Rachel arrived just in time for soup.
"Wow, it smells amazing! Looks like we're in for a treat tonight."
"Hey, godmother," Quentin and Hannah greeted her cheerfully, barely able to wait as they took their seats at the table.
"Perfect timing," said Madison, smiling at Rachel.
"You bet."
"Quentin and Hannah, wash your hands first," Madison instructed, noticing the two kids were about to dive in with dirty hands. They scurried to the sink and quickly washed up, rushing back as if they feared their meal might sprout wings and fly away.
At dinner, Madison informed Quentin and Hannah about her upcoming competition, explaining she'd be away for about four or five days. Although reluctant, the kids fully supported her, promising to listen to their godmother and assuring Madison they'd be fine.
Madison's heart swelled with warmth at the sight of her thoughtful and understanding children.
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