Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 650

“Mom…” Madeline’s voice trembled, thick with tears she tried hard to swallow.

Shelly reached out, her touch feather-soft and warm as she brushed Madeline’s cheek. She looked at her daughter tenderly. “Madeline, you’ve been through so much these past few years.” There was a world of guilt and sorrow in her voice. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve protected you. I never wanted you to carry my burdens.”

Madeline shook her head as she listened. She knew her mother must have suffered too. If things had been easy, Shelly would have come back long ago.

Without another word, Madeline wrapped her arms around Shelly and hugged her tightly. “I’m just glad you’re home, Mom. I missed you every single day. I really did.” Her words came out quiet but full of longing.

Shelly hugged her back, shutting her eyes as relief and warmth washed over her. “I missed you too. Every day.”

Off to the side, Julian stood quietly, eyes averted so he wouldn’t interrupt the reunion.

Shelly glanced over at him, noticing how he stood silently by. He hadn’t turned any of his frustrations on Madeline, and Shelly felt a little tension melt away. Still, guilt flickered across her face for everything that had happened.

“Don’t cry. You’ve still got ointment on your eyes,” Julian said gently to Madeline.

She sniffed, trying to compose herself. “I know, I know.”

“Madeline, how are your eyes?” Shelly looked worriedly at the bandages covering them. “What did the doctor say?”

“The doctor said they’ll heal. I just need to rest and take care of them.”

Shelly’s gaze slid to Julian, who stood beside them with his brow furrowed, his expression grave. Madeline didn’t need to see him to sense the worry in the room.

Shelly’s chin wobbled again. She reached up and gently stroked Madeline’s brow. “That’s right, rest well, and you’ll get better. My Madeline’s going to be just fine.”

Madeline managed a tiny smile. “Don’t cry, Mom. When I’m healed, I’ll finally get to see you again.”

“Alright, I’ll stop.” Shelly quickly wiped her tears away.

A servant, waiting patiently in the background, finally spoke up. “Ma’am, they’re asking for you in the ballroom.”

Shelly took a deep breath. Straightening up, she let her tone slip back into its usual coolness. “I understand.” She reached for Madeline’s hand. “Want to come with me?”

Madeline nodded. “Yeah, I do.” She wasn’t about to miss whatever Claire might try to say for herself.

“Let’s go, then. We’ll face this together.” Shelly squeezed Madeline’s hand, a determined spark flashing in her eyes. From now on, no one would dare bully her daughter again.

“I’ll carry you,” Julian said quietly, stepping closer.

“I want to walk. Please? It’s embarrassing with my mom here…” Madeline mumbled, barely meeting his gaze.

“Just be good.”

He started up the stairs with her in his arms. Madeline huffed and gave his shoulder a light smack, trying to make him stop. “I’m not Noah or Oliver. You keep telling me to behave like I’m a kid.”

“You’re more stubborn than both of them put together. Now, move your hand.”

Madeline rolled her eyes. “You two are way too nervous.”

Julian leaned a little closer, dropping his voice. “If you don’t let go, I might just kiss you right here, in front of your mom.”

Madeline stopped struggling instantly. She could feel her cheeks getting hot, even as her heart raced out of control. “You’re impossible… so shameless.”

Julian smiled, the corners of his lips lifting just a bit. “You’re only now figuring that out?”

He sounded completely unapologetic.

Madeline gave up and let her head rest on his shoulder.

Well, if being utterly shameless was his thing, maybe that was alright.