Chapter 169
169 – Torn Between His Children
Madeline:
I saw the hesitation on his face, but he finally nodded.
I took my children to the first SUV while Elgin helped his daughters into the second. We drove back to the house.
When we arrived, his daughters dragged him toward the guesthouse door.
“You did not read us any stories last night,” Hailey complained as she pulled his hand.
Elgin glanced at me.
His eyes softened, and he looked torn between coming to my place to spend time with the children here or returning with his daughters.
It was only fair that he went with them.
My kids did not see him as a father, so they would not be bothered by his absence.
His daughters, however, would be upset.
I gave him a nod to show it was fine. I was not planning to ask him to join me, especially because I wanted to be alone for a while.
He followed his daughters inside the guesthouse.
I took my children into mine. I changed into black shorts and a loose white shirt.
After helping the kids change into their night clothes, they sat on their beds waiting for me to tuck them in.
“Mother,” Bodhi asked, tilting his head, “why is Uncle Baxter marrying Yuyonne p>
“Because he likes her,” I answered gently, pulling the blanket over him.
“But you look way more prettier than her, Mother,” Elara remarked, making me turn to give her a comforting
smile.
“That is not how it works, Elara,” I replied, reaching over to her bed and hunching down to tuck her in, brushing her hair with my fingers. “The prettier one is the one the groom wants p>
I laid them down, pulled their blankets over them, kissed their foreheads, and turned off the light.
We were all tired, so I knew they would not ask for a bedtime story tonight.
When I stepped out of their room, I took a deep breath p>
My chest felt tight, almost to the point of pain.
I sat on the couch in the living room and stared through the big window at the empty road. The house felt too quiet.
There were moments when I wanted to email my so–called husband, but I knew he would be too busy with his side -check again.
I took a few drinks to calm my nerves, and then I fell asleep on the couch outside.
When I began to wake up, the light coming through the window told me it was morning.
1/3
My neck felt stiff, and when I shifted, a blanket slid off my shoulder. I frowned, confused.
I did not remember covering myself. Someone must have come in.
Before I could think about who it was, I raised my head and saw Elgin stepping out of the kitchen.
He carried a plate full of fresh pancakes in one hand and a coffee mug in the other.
The warm smell reached me before he did. He walked over and set everything on the small table in front of me.
“I came in last night,” he explained quietly. “You were already asleep on the couch p>
I pushed myself up, still wrapped in the blanket. I reached for the coffee and took a sip.
The taste was strong and warm, spreading through my chest.
“Thank you,” I told him. “For everything p>
My gaze dropped to the coffee and pancakes as I spoke.
“It’s okay,” he replied, sitting on the other side of the table.
He adjusted his posture, and the change in his expression made it clear he looked anxious.
He rested his hands on his knees before speaking.
“I want to tell you something,” he began, clearing his throat. “I am planning on rejecting and divorcing Silver. I don’t want you to feel like any of this is your fault or like you are taking someone’s husband. I want you to know where I stand p>
My hand paused around the cup. I lowered it onto the table but kept holding it to warm my fingers. I shook my head.
“Do not do that,” I told him. “I already said it before. We are only marrying to keep the children with me. I do not want her coming after me because of a rejection.
I urged him, but I could already tell he was stubborn.
“I have already made up my mind, Madeline,” he replied, his voice carrying more confidence. “I have been thinking about it for a while, so do not feel guilty p>
I opened my mouth to answer him, but before either of us could speak again, a knock came at the door.
We both froze for a moment.
Elgin stood and opened it. The person who stepped inside was someone I had never expected to see here.
It was Lord Eldon.
I was prepared for him to start trouble, but instead he spoke calmly.
“I would like Madeline to come with me. There is an emergency, and we need her p>
As soon as he said it, I understood it was about the sickness. I had no choice but to leave.
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.