Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 345

"Yeah, alright." Madeline’s voice was cool and distant, polite in the way that made things feel even colder.

Julian’s dark eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed. "Do you have to sound so distant every time you talk to me?"

Madeline just smiled, calm and unbothered.

They were parents to the same kids, nothing more. That was the only bond between them, and even that felt like it was there by default, not by choice. If it weren’t for the kids, they’d probably never cross paths again. It only made sense to keep their distance.

The taxi she’d called pulled up to the curb. Madeline glanced at Julian and answered him in the same calm tone.

"We don’t really have anything to do with each other. Keeping some space is just right. My ride’s here. Goodbye."

Julian frowned, moving to stop her. He reached out, about to grab her hand.

Right then, a branch hanging low over the sidewalk got in Madeline’s way. She lifted her hand, brushed it aside, and—

Snap. The branch whipped back, skipped past her, and landed straight across Julian’s face.

He hissed, face darkening on the spot.

Madeline turned around, startled. Julian looked furious, a red mark already standing out on his handsome face.

She swore she hadn’t done it on purpose. Well, it was like the branch had a grudge of its own.

Trying not to smile at the angry welt on his face, Madeline asked, "Are you alright?"

Julian ground his teeth. "What do you think?"

Madeline cleared her throat. That slap had sounded painful, even to her.

"Sorry, I really didn’t mean it... Do you believe me?"

"Do you believe you?"

"I do!"

Julian grabbed her arm, not letting her go. "You’re responsible for this."

Madeline stared at him, totally thrown.

"Mom, Dad, what am I supposed to do now? How do I make Julian stay? He can’t even stand to look at me anymore."

Bill and Courtney exchanged worried looks. None of this was what they’d expected, and now they had no answers for her.

Bill sighed. "Let’s not panic yet. Christian’s back, and he won’t let Julian do anything crazy. Let’s just wait and see."

But Helene couldn’t wait. Every second felt like she was losing her chance to ever be Julian’s wife.

...

"Can you stop at that pharmacy up ahead?" Madeline said, glancing over at Julian’s face.

The red mark was already swelling, standing out against his skin, but it didn’t make him any less handsome.

Julian kept his eyes on the road, his face cold. "So you think some ointment makes up for this?"

"What else do you want? Should I let you hit me too?" Madeline lifted an eyebrow at him.