Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 175

…

It was only nine o’clock, and for Brenda, the night was just getting started.

Inside a cozy booth at the bar, Brenda introduced Madeline to her friends. Brenda must've mentioned that Madeline didn’t drink, because everyone was super thoughtful. No one tried to push drinks on her, and whenever someone tried to flirt with Madeline, Brenda’s friends immediately stepped in to block them.

Madeline ordered a fruity cocktail with barely any alcohol and took her time sipping it.

People always say it’s easier to get drunk when you’re in a bad mood. It seemed true enough. Madeline had only taken a few sips, but when she stood up, her temples started to throb.

Brenda noticed right away and leaned over, concerned. “Madeline, where are you going?”

Madeline gave her a small smile. “Just going outside for some fresh air.”

“Want me to come with you?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll be right back.”

…

Meanwhile, over at the Grayson house, the huge living room felt empty and cold. Julian and Oliver sat together on the sofa, both of them looking distant and lost in their own thoughts.

Oliver glanced at Julian. “I can’t sleep.”

Julian met his eyes. He couldn’t sleep either.

Oliver scooted closer. “Daddy, can we go see Mommy?”

“We just visited her yesterday. We can’t go every day. Go back to your room and get some rest.” Julian stood up, but only made it a couple steps before Oliver wrapped himself around his leg, refusing to let go.

Julian frowned down at him. “What now?”

“We haven’t seen Mommy all day. Don’t you miss her?”

Miss that crazy woman? Not a chance.

“If you miss her that much, go find her yourself.”

Oliver instantly let go and turned to leave without hesitating.

Julian watched his son’s determined little back with a twitch of his lips. “If you go, don’t bother coming back.”

Oliver cheered under his breath. That was exactly what he wanted.

Thinking about Julian’s words, Oliver’s steps grew even lighter. He could almost feel himself flying back to his mom’s arms. But just as he reached the door, his feet suddenly left the ground. Julian had picked him up with one powerful sweep.

Julian scowled at him. “You little traitor.”

Oliver spotted the car keys in Julian’s hand, blinked, and then found himself being bundled into the car.

Julian had caved, after all.

Inside the car, Julian pulled out his phone and called Madeline.

Brenda heard Madeline’s phone ringing from inside her purse. Since Madeline hadn’t come back yet, Brenda fished it out and answered. “Hello?”

Julian instantly realized it wasn’t Madeline. “Who’s this?”

Brenda was so startled by his voice that she almost dropped the phone. She caught it with both hands and stammered, “Um, this is Brenda.”

“Why do you have Madeline’s phone?”

“Madeline had a little to drink. She might be a bit tipsy. She went outside for some air and hasn’t come back yet. Did you need something?”

Julian could hear the noise in the background. “Where are you?”

“We’re at a bar.”

“She said she was just stepping out for some air, but she never came back.” Brenda was getting worried too. “Maybe she went home. I was just about to check.”

“Alright. Lead the way.”

Brenda took a shaky breath and led the stone-faced Julian back to their booth. Madeline was nowhere to be seen.

Julian’s expression darkened even more, sending a chill down Brenda’s spine.

He turned away. “We’ll split up and look.” Without waiting for an answer, he walked off.

Brenda didn’t hesitate. She rushed off to search too.

Julian moved quickly down the corridor, growing more anxious by the second. He couldn’t call Madeline, since she didn’t have her phone.

He didn’t even realize how worried he was.

Why would she come to a bar? She already stood out so much. Didn’t she realize bars could be dangerous?

As he passed by the restrooms, he heard a sudden crash inside.

“Oh no, miss, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?”

“I’m fine.”

It was Madeline’s voice.

Julian stopped in his tracks. He was about to go in, but paused.

It was the women’s restroom.

But knowing Madeline, she could trip just from walking. She must be really drunk.

Julian stood outside the door, pinching the bridge of his nose, completely torn about what to do next.