Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 151

“I’m here to take Noah home.”

“You think you’re fit to take care of a child?”

The tension between them was back in a flash.

Madeline met Julian’s eyes for a couple of seconds, took a slow breath, and decided not to argue. They walked inside together. Julian glanced at her, raising an eyebrow, quietly noting how comfortable she seemed now.

In the living room, Oliver tried his hardest to tamp down his usual energy, copying Noah’s calm and quiet behavior. He sat perfectly still on the couch, face blank, eyes cool and distant.

When Madeline and Julian came in together, Oliver almost burst with excitement. He wanted to run straight into Madeline’s arms for a big hug, but he stopped himself just in time. He had to remember that right now, he was supposed to be Noah.

Madeline’s heart jumped when she saw Oliver’s almost-slip. If he’d actually hugged her, Julian would have been suspicious for sure. Not that she was sure he wasn’t already.

Oliver was smart, though. He knew Noah had a head injury, so he’d wrapped gauze around his own head, making it almost impossible to tell the two apart.

Even so, Madeline’s nerves were shot. This was Julian they were dealing with, and he wasn’t easy to fool.

Trying to look completely calm, Oliver looked at both of them and said, “Daddy, Mommy.”

Madeline gave Oliver a quick look, hoping he’d get the hint to sneak away with her later.

Julian walked over and spoke coldly, “So, how is it being around such an irresponsible woman?”

Madeline shot back, “Irresponsible? And you’re the perfect parent? How many times has our son gotten hurt with you? You really have the nerve to blame me?”

They glared at each other for a moment, then both turned away, as if even looking at one another was dangerous.

“Daddy, Mommy, please don’t fight,” Oliver said, doing his best to sound like Noah, soft and steady. “I’m fine, aren’t I? Mommy wasn’t being irresponsible. I left on my own. Mommy’s great.”

Oliver dangled in Julian’s arms like a little kitten, his short legs kicking once or twice before he gave up and let himself be carried over to a chair.

Madeline clenched her jaw, taking a steadying breath. As if she actually wanted to eat at his place.

She turned to go, but after just a couple steps, she remembered her son was still here.

She instantly deflated, all her energy gone.

“I’m not eating,” Oliver said, pushing his bowl away and crossing his arms, his face set in a stubborn pout.

“What now?” Julian asked, glancing at the boy.

“I want to eat with Mommy. If she’s not eating, then I’m not eating either.”