Chapter 190
Although Melinda had been working hard over the years, her world felt isolated and almost out of touch with society.
It wasnât until Andrew called that Madelyn reluctantly got up.
She leaned over and gently patted Serenaâs head, saying to Melinda, âIf she misses me, just call me.â
âSince youâre busy with work, just drop by on the weekends when you can,â Melinda replied.
It dawned on her how tough Madelynâs life must be in the elite circle, especially since she had to work so hard.
Thinking about her fledgling studio and the upcoming tasks, Madelyn nodded.
âAlright. Iâll visit her on the weekends.â
Madelyn exchanged a few more pleasantries with Melinda and was about to leave when Serena woke up. She rubbed her eyes with her small fists.
She softly called out, âMommy.â
Both Madelyn and Melinda turned around. Melinda instinctively wanted to reach for Madelyn but noticed Serena was looking at Madelyn.
Madelynâs heart melted. She stepped forward and hugged Serena,
âSweetheart, I have to go. Be a good girl and listen to your Mommy, okay?â
Seeing the disappointment in Melindaâs eyes, Madelyn tried to redirect Serenaâs attention back to her. It was clear from her words how much Melinda had sacrificed for Serena.
Understanding Madelynâs intention, Melinda approached and said, âSheâs really attached to you. She wouldnât address anyone before, not even her aunt.â
âReally?â
Madelyn was surprised. Then, she remembered what the nurse had said earlier about Serena calling everyone she saw âMommyâ.
Melinda nodded.
âSheâs quite hard to please. No amount of coaxing can get her to talk to anyone when sheâs upset. But the first time she saw you, she called you Mommy.â
Madelynâs heart melted even more, and she hugged Serena tightly.
Melinda, on the other hand, didnât mind. She hoped Serena would become more cheerful and confident. When she was raising Serena alone, she had to work so much that she hardly spent time with her. With Madelyn around, Serenaâs personality had noticeably brightened.
âMommy, canât you stay?â Serena pleaded softly.
She grabbed Madelynâs clothes with a tearful look.
Madelyn held her petite hand, saying, âSweetheartâ¦â
Okay, Mommy. You can go, Iâll be good. Come visit me when you can,â Serena sald.
Madelyn felt a dull ache in her heart. She had caught a glimpse of the fear in Serenaâs eyesâa worry that she might be a nuisance or, worse, forgotten.
Chapter 190
She hugged Serena and promised, âIâll come see you every day. I promise, okay?â
âReally?â
âOf course. Letâs make a pinky promise,â Madelyn coaxed gently.
Serena extended her finger and flashed a seemingly threatening look on her face.
Madelyn linked her pinky with Serenaâs and said, âTell me, what do you want to eat for breakfast tomorrow? Iâll bring it to you.â
âI want eggs, pancakes, andâ¦â
Serena listed a bunch of things.
Madelyn poked her tummy and said, âThatâs a lot. Are you sure you can eat all that?â
âMommy will eat with me.â
As Serena finished speaking, she turned to grab Melindaâs hand.
Melindaâs eyes softened, and Madelyn smiled, touched by how considerate Serena wasâproof of Melindaâs good parenting.
22
Madelyn had to leave after Andrew called for the second time. As she approached the car, she noticed Roger behind the wheel.
She paused and looked closely. It was indeed Andrewâs car.
Seeing her look at him suspiciously, Roger complained, âAndrew is in the back. What? You wouldnât get in if it werenât his car?â
âThatâs right!â
Madelyn nodded, then reached for the back door.
Roger smirked and teased, âWhy didnât you ever keep a lookout for Easton like this? If youâd been this cautious before, you and Andrew might already have kids running around.â
Easton and kidsâRogerâs words hit both of Madelynâs sore spots. She climbed into the car after suppressing the urge to kick him out of the car.
Chapée 191