Chapter 168
168 –Leaving The Ceremony
Madeline:
I grew tired of all the conversations. I wanted to go home.
Before the food was served, I decided to give my gift so I could leave.
I stepped toward Yuvonne and handed her a small box.
“This is for you,” I mentioned, offering a polite smile even though I did not have to.
She opened it. Inside was a diamond necklace, something I had earned through my own work.
She lifted her chin, and I noticed the slight raise of her eyebrow.
“Well, thank you,” she replied, not looking pleased, probably because she did not expect me to afford something
like that.
“I heard about the attack. I just wanted to let you know that I am really sorry,” I started quietly, trying to sound understanding because I did not want anyone to think I was jealous of her.
However, the look on her face told me she did not like it. She lifted her palm to stop me.
“You do not have to bring it up and ruin my day, Madeline,” she warned under her breath.
Heat rose up my throat. I felt disrespected, but I stayed quiet because I knew not many people had heard her speak to me that way.
I decided to leave. I did not have to stay any longer. But before I could turn around, a voice spoke from behind me.
“You’re not going to congratulate me p>
I turned slowly and saw Baxter standing next to Yuvonne.
He had a smile on his lips, and his eyebrow was raised slightly as if he were trying to appear playful.
To me, it felt more like teasing. I was already annoyed, so the attempt only irritated me.
“Congratulations,” I muttered under my breath. “I’ll take my leave now,” I added, noticing his smile fade completely.
“Why?” he asked, a crease forming on his forehead. “The food is about to be served p>
“It is late,” I replied, my eyes shifting briefly to my sister, who avoided looking at me directly.
She kept her attention to the side, her face showing clear exhaustion.
“I have never been away from my children for this long at public events. They do not get along well with the other kids. It is their first time being in a place like this. I want to take them home before they become fussy and ruin the whole evening.” I came up with the excuse quickly.
Baxter parted his lips as if he wanted to insist, but Elgin arrived at that moment, and I was grateful.
“It’s fine. I’ll take her home,” Elgin stated, stepping closer to me.
Baxter’s eyes moved toward the small space between us before he adjusted his coat and stretched his neck slightly.
I did not understand him sometimes. He behaved as if something bothered him, even though he was holding my
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sister’s arm.
“Okay. Take care of them,” Baxter replied, visibly upset, almost like a child reacting poorly.
“ Come on, let’s go, Elgin,” I stated, noticing the slight breath of relief Yuvonne released from the corner of my
eye.
She clearly wanted me gone.
I held back my tears as I walked toward the side garden where the children were playing.
The moment I entered the playground, I caught sight of Silver.
I had no idea when she slipped out of the royal garden.
She crouched beside her daughters, whispering something.
Her daughters nodded and moved away from my children.
I already knew what Silver had told her.
“Stay away from them,” I heard her say before she quickly straightened her back when she saw me.
Anger rose inside me. It was unfair how everyone here treated me and my children.
“There’s nothing good about you,” I told her, realizing I was about to take my anger out on her.
My jaw tightened as she opened her mouth to speak, but I continued, “You will always be the same, always so toxic and always a bully p>
Silver scowled at me, but she stayed quiet because Elgin stood beside me.
She still tried to defend herself.
“I was just p>
Elgin raised his hand in a warning gesture, stopping her immediately. I could tell she had disappointed him again.
However, the moment she noticed I was gathering my kids to leave with Elgin, her eyes widened.
“My kids are fussy too. Do you think, Elgin, you should drop us home as well?” she asked, lifting her chin and folding her arms across her chest.
“You should also spend some time with your daughters. They have travelled all the way from their pack to spend time with you,” she hissed.
I turned to Elgin and gave him a look.
“It is okay, ” I told him. “You can spend time with them. I will go in the other SUV p>
He did not have to sit with us in the same car, and I did not want Hailey and Hannah to feel left out.
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.