Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 432

“Look, I’m not saying I want to take the kids and leave the Capital.” Madeline knew better than anyone that was impossible. “I just want to live with them. You can see them anytime you want.”

Julian managed a bitter smile, his gaze heavy on her. “Is that really all we have left to talk about? Just the kids?”

She pressed her lips together, let out a small sigh. “Yeah. That’s it.”

Julian’s hands clenched at his sides. He stared at her, taking in her calm, almost distant expression. Slowly, he reached out, his hand landing gently on her head, smoothing her hair like he was afraid she might break. “Madeline, tell me what I have to do. How can I get another chance with you?”

His gentle tone sent a shiver down her spine. It had been eight years. When was the last time he’d called her Madeline with so much love?

She lowered her head, not wanting him to see the flicker of emotion in her eyes. Hearing her name in his low, rough voice should have been everything she ever wanted… but now, it just made her feel empty.

She knew exactly what he meant. There was no point pretending otherwise. “It’s in the past, Julian.”

Our past is over. You’re part of it.

From the night she left the Grayson house five years ago, Madeline knew her future could be anything. The only thing she didn’t imagine anymore was Julian in it.

He saw the finality in her eyes and his smile faded. She really didn’t want him anymore. Maybe she never would again.

But Julian wasn’t ready to let go. Not now. I’m sorry. I love you. I can’t let you go.

His lips quirked, his eyes sharp with determination. If her kids were her soft spot, then that’s where he’d have to start. “What if this is about the kids? The Graysons will never let you take them. If you want to stay with them, the fastest way is to be with me.”

Madeline’s mouth curled up a little. “So you’re threatening me again?”

“It isn’t a threat. It’s just the truth. Isn’t coming back to the Capital the only option you had because you knew you couldn’t take the kids away?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“Do you believe yourself?”

“I can do it.”

“I don’t think so.”

The old Madeline would have melted. She would have believed him, wanted to believe him. But that wasn’t who she was anymore. She didn’t want to get married again.

“I heard your insomnia’s gotten worse. I can keep helping with your treatment. If you let the kids live with me, it’s better for everyone.”

Julian let out a low laugh, tired and frustrated. “Madeline, are we really just making deals now? You offer one thing, I offer another, and if we don’t agree, we just keep bargaining?”