Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 431

That warmth. That scent. Madeline felt a stir in her chest as she leaned into Julian, pressing her ear to his heart. His steady beat echoed through her, and she realized her own pulse was racing to keep up.

“Madeline, I finally found you.” Julian’s voice was a quiet sigh, his arms wrapping around her, strong but gentle. For a moment, he just held her, like he could never let go again. All the feelings he’d kept buried came rushing to the surface, overwhelming them both.

Madeline’s hands tightened in her pockets. She was caught off guard, standing there, not sure what to do.

Brenda watched the two of them, hugging together, and her feelings were a mess. Julian had changed so much, but could everything he did to Madeline before really be forgiven? Brenda let out a soft breath. She didn’t know, and honestly, it wasn’t her decision to make. She waved for Noah and Oliver to come with her, slipping out of the room and pulling the door closed behind them.

Now it was just the two of them, the room quiet except for their breaths. Madeline needed a moment to catch up with herself. She pulled her hands free and gave Julian a gentle push. “Julian, let me go.”

His arms loosened, like he didn’t want to, but he let her go. Madeline stepped back and finally looked up at him. His eyes were red, and he looked like he was doing everything not to cry.

She’d never seen him like this, not the way he used to be, all sharp edges and control. He looked... softer. Vulnerable.

“You…” Madeline started, but stopped herself. “Never mind. Are you alright? I just got back today. I heard you’ve been looking for me these past two months…”

She trailed off. When she met his eyes, they were fixed on her, dark and deep, filled with so much emotion it nearly took her breath away. There was no looking away. She forgot what she wanted to say.

Madeline blinked, trying again. “Are you really okay?”

“No.”

Her lips twitched. How was she supposed to answer that?

Madeline looked at the broom in her hands, then up at Julian, blinking in surprise.

Julian was speechless. He’d never imagined his own son would be the one volunteering him for punishment. Unbelievable.

Madeline caught his shocked face and couldn’t help but chuckle, her eyes sparkling. “Were you being serious just now?”

Julian nodded, completely earnest. “Yeah. If it makes you feel better, do it.” He turned around, standing tall, waiting for the hit.

Madeline looked at his broad back, then smiled. But instead of swinging the broom, she set it quietly aside.

Julian turned, confused, just as Madeline met his eyes, her expression calm. “What’s the point in hitting you? You saved my life on that cliff. Whatever we had between us, I think we’re even now. If you still feel guilty, then just let me live with my kids. That’s all I want.”