At midnight, thunder boomed, jolting everyone awake. It echoed through Southern Haven Villas, making Dalton cry. Madelyn soothed him until he was calm, changed the wet sheets, and tossed them into the laundry hamper.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe thunder outside continued. Madelyn decided to take Dalton to Zach's study. Dalton had recently put on some weight, so her arms began to ache after holding him. She sat on the couch and entertained Dalton with small toys. They were okay in the study, but Dalton started to cry again once they stepped outside.
Madelyn gently tapped Dalton's nose, "Are you that scared of thunder?" "Ma-Mama." Madelyn did not respond.
"Mama." "Ah, Ma-Mama." Madelyn looked at him, and he yawned. She tenderly picked him up, ready to head back to the room. Just then, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside, and its headlights flashed past. Unfazed, Madelyn turned off the lights in the study and headed back to her room.
Kai looked up at the upper floor, helping a drunken Zach out of the car. He took the keys from Zach's pocket, unlocked the door, and plopped him onto the couch without hesitation. He mocked Zach, saying, "Drinking with me when you have such low tolerance? No wonder Cecilia got the better of you." Without delay, Kai glanced down the hallway and put down the keys, leaving the villa immediately. As he got into his car and buckled up, his phone rang. He was about to dismiss the unknown call when he saw Madelyn standing by the third-floor window of the villa, her phone up to her ear. He accepted the call.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"It's rare for you to call me," Kai said.
Madelyn, dressed in a thin nightgown, maintained a cool expression as she said in a detached tone, "Does your word still count?" Kai replied, "It always does, no matter what." "Good. | need your help." Kai agreed immediately, "I'l help with anything. Just say the word." Kai started, "These days, are you--" His question was left unfinished as Madelyn, getting her answer, ended the conversation abruptly.
Once she was back in her room, Madelyn closed the curtains. Kai, smiling slightly, looked away. He ignored another incoming call, accelerated, and left the villa.
Shortly after Madelyn got into bed and drifted off, she heard unsteady footsteps outside her room. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a figure stumbled in, collapsing onto the bed and wrapping her tightly in an embrace. Madelyn opened her eyes, staring blankly at the dark corner of the room.
"Why don't you ever call me?" Madelyn felt his warm body and smelled the strong scent of alcohol. She whispered, "Dal just fell asleep. Don't wake him up." The drunk Zach tried to get closer to Madelyn. Her voice slightly trembled as she pushed his hand away, "Zach! It's late, | need to rest.” But Zach did not stop; the alcohol made him bold. He tried to kiss her again. Madelyn frowned, uncomfortable with his advances. She knew resisting would not change much. Even if she could push him away, what then? Zach's actions were wild, making Madelyn feel lost, like she was caught in a storm without an escape.