EPISODE005
937 Words
MADISON’S POV
There was a lot of conversation and laughter during breakfast. Noah sat there nodding along as if he were listening to the most fascinating thing in the world as Carter continued to share his new ideas. I felt a warm sensation as they clicked. The kind of warmth that, until now, I was unaware I had been lacking.
I couldn't stop staring at the two of them after we had cleaned up and prepared to leave. Carter had taken to Noah as if he had known him for ages. What about Noah? He appeared so comfortable. So serene. So, yeah. This was a good kind of nervousness that I wasn't used to.
I knew we were the main attraction as soon as we pulled into Hudson Interiors. I gathered my employees in front of me, their eyes wide and their voices moving more quickly than I could follow. I didn't hold them responsible. It's not every day that Chicago's most talked-about bachelor shows up at work with you and your son.
I ignored the looks and kept my head up. Carter gripped my hand tightly, and Noah stood like he belonged on either side of me.
Lauren's typical firecracker energy was already sweeping towards us as soon as we entered the building.
"Good morning, you three!" She smiled broadly at Carter. "My favourite sidekick is there. "C'mere, munchkin."
With a giggle, Carter rushed into her embrace. As usual, they gave me a hug, and it made me feel something. Lauren had always been dependable, honest, and stable, much like family. And I was reminded of why I had worked so hard to protect our world when I saw her with Carter.
Lauren, who was still holding Carter on her hip, stated, "I was about to brief Madison on the Griffin meeting notes." "Unless this is a bad time?"
I said, "It can wait." "We need to talk about something else."
Noah glanced at me and nodded slightly. Then he turned and smiled courteously at Lauren. "Could you please give us a moment?"
She kissed Carter's cheek and said, "Of course," before they left together. "Come on, child. The adults should be left to their serious faces.
The room fell silent as the door behind them clicked shut. Too quiet.
Noah took a step forward. I stiffened but remained motionless. I always felt unsteady around him, as if the ground beneath me had become unstable.
"I told myself it was about the contract when I came over this morning," he began in a low voice. But then I noticed you. And I was done for, just like that night years ago.
I gasped. This was not what I was expecting to hear. Or perhaps I did. However, I was unprepared for what followed.
He took another step towards us, bringing our distance to just an inch. His finger touched the side of my jaw as he slowly raised his hand. I took a deep breath.
He whispered, "Don't act like you didn't feel it too." " It remains in place. That spark. Our clicking style hasn't changed.
With a rough voice, I shook my head. "Noah..What about Carter?"
His hand froze. He looked at me for a long time without saying anything.
"Is he mine?"
And there it was. I had been avoiding the question ever since he returned to my life.
I was certain he could hear my heart pounding so loudly. I turned my head away.
I said, "Carter needs someone stable." "Carter requires a consistent companion." I refuse to allow anyone to interfere with his life.
He didn't recoil and he didn't even appear angry. He simply nodded as if he knew more than I did.
He whispered, "I'm not here to take him from you." "All I want is to be a part of his world. Whatever that appears to be.
Something I couldn't identify was shining in his eyes. There was a depth beyond mere regret or longing. An unexpected kind of longing.
"Just tell me the truth," he said. "Is there any possibility that he could be mine?"
The floor seemed to be swaying beneath me. My mind's alarms all cried out to lie. To keep Carter safe. To keep myself safe.
However, I was unable to. Not just yet.
I muttered, "I don't know if I can answer that." "Not unless I'm positive you'll stay."
After examining me, he smiled slightly. "Let me demonstrate it. Tonight, join me for dinner. Only us. Now allow me to introduce myself.
I opened my mouth to refuse. It was too soon to tell him. However, the word never arrived.
"Yes," I said to myself.
His face lit up with a smile. I was completely taken aback by how quickly he pulled me into a kiss,Warm and promising.
Then his phone rang.
Frowning, he withdrew. "It's the workplace. I ought to accept it.
Still in a daze, I said, "Okay."
"I'll come get you at eight."
I gave a nod. "Eight is good."
He smiled one last time before leaving with his phone to his ear. With my heart pounding, I collapsed in my chair.
What just took place?
I took the locket I had hidden for years out of my desk drawer. There was a picture of baby Carter inside. I gave it a light touch.
"Mommy's trying," I muttered. "Trying to have courage. attempting to keep you safe. Additionally, it's possible that they're attempting to give you something you've never had."
I had no idea what would happen next. However, I was aware of this:
It was all going to change.
- Writer
