Loving Madeline

Madeline's POV

"I am so glad that your baby is OK, Madeline, even after what you have been through in the ship. I know it was a very critical situation, and you could have died during the fire, but I am just glad you made it out alive. And thank you to the captain and his sister; you were safe. I couldn't believe you had to deal with a pirate. The word pirate alone made me have goosebumps." My aunt Francine said, and I smiled at her.

"Me too, I am so delighted that nothing is wrong with my baby, and this child is the reason why I didn't give up when I thought I was going to die on the sea. I was terrified and petrified but thinking that I had my baby in my womb, I needed to survive. And now I know the reason why I still need to live in this world, and that is to know you and grandpa, and I realized what I had been through was all worth it because I was able to know who I am." I declared, and I can see my aunt's eyes water."

"You made my heart feel so happy, my dear; just knowing that you are so glad to know about us is enough for me to feel this way. Thank you so much for giving your grandfather a second chance to know you, Madeline." My aunt Francine declared.

"And tonight, I hope, whatever happens, you will never walk out, and you have to face your grandfather, and I could tell dad is also excited to have a second chance with you. I know he feels guilty about what he has done, but I want to tell you in advance that my father will never apologize for what he had done to you. So, don't expect him to say sorry to you after what happened this morning at the dining room." She added, and I nodded my head.

"Of course, I understand, and I think I should be the one to apologize. I am grandfather's granddaughter, and I should show respect for him no matter how hurtful the words he said during breakfast. I know I am not like this, and I am respectful to everyone, especially to the elders, and I hated myself for talking back at him." I declared, and my aunt held my hands as the driver continued to navigate the limo on the highway, and I wondered where we were going now as I watched outside through the limo's glass window.

"Where are we going, mom?" I asked because I couldn't stop myself from feeling so curious.

"You have to wait and see, my dear. I wanted to surprise you because I want to buy you something, to make you remember me when you get back to Astikoz city, and I hope it will make you realize you also belong in this country. I hope you will always remember from now on that you are Madeline Grant Divenson." She said, and I couldn't stop myself from feeling so happy that right now, I could say I have a real identity. I always wanted to know my ancestry.

I was surprised when my aunt brought me to a jewelry store. I knew right away that she was a VIP customer because the shop manager immediately came to us and entertained us, and then my aunt introduced me to him. I could tell that she was so proud to say to him that I was her niece, and the manager was looking at my face for a long time that made me feel conscious.

"Is your niece a celebrity, Lady Francine?" The manager asked after a while, and my aunt laughed, and I could say even the way my aunt laughed was with elegance, and I realized I could never be like her, and I know that my face blushed because of what the manager had said. 

"Of course not, but as you can see, it runs on our blood. We looked like celebrities." She said.

"Indeed, my Lady, and please welcome to our shop, Lady Madeline, and I will show you our latest arrival." He said, and he brought us to a room where my mouth hung open, and my eyes widened when I saw diamonds all over the place. I could see they all glittered with the dollar sign, and I didn't choose anything because wherever I looked, from the rings, bracelets, necklaces, the price is all in seven figures. Even if my husband earned billions, I don't feel I have the right to shop for this kind of extravagance.

"Okay, I will choose for you, Madeline." My aunt said, and I couldn't stop my heart from pounding so hard in my chest, maybe because I grew up buying things in thrift stores, that is why I felt so unwell right now.

"You have to relax, Madeline. I know you are married to a billionaire. Still, I also know how down to earth you are even if you married Hunter Divenson, but consider this as a gift from me, my dear, and you have to think you are my niece and don't feel guilty if they will call you a walking dollar sign because that is what you are now, Madeline. You have to embrace the truth that you are Hector Grant's granddaughter, and you deserve all the glitters the world can offer." She said, and I had to swallow my saliva as I realized I couldn't say no to my aunt.

We got out of the shop, and I realized I became wealthier after she bought me one jewelry set composed of a diamond ring, necklace, bracelet, and anklet. I felt like I was hyperventilating. I know my husband showered me with jewelry, but it was mostly his gifts, so I don't have any idea it costs like this, and I felt so guilty that I didn't give them too much attention and value.

I grew up with nothing, and now I realize I have become the luckiest woman in the universe. I can feel my eyes water when I remember how much I wanted to bring my mom to the hospital, but we don't have enough money, and I will forever feel guilty that she died because we didn't have money, and I wish she lived long enough to enjoy the beauty of life.

"Are you hungry, Madeline?" My aunt asked me.

"I am not hungry, but I am sure my baby is now hungry again," I said, and my aunt laughed. She took me to the finest restaurant in Choraz, and I could tell right away, she was one of their valued customers.

"Don't sweat about the pieces of jewelry I bought you, Madeline, and it is one of our jewelry shops in the country." She said, and I was stunned.

"Madeline, your grandfather owns the largest diamond and gold mine in Neospoli. It is only understandable we owned jewelry shops as well." She said.

"Don't worry, one of these days, I will discuss with you the businesses we have, but for now, we have to enjoy our date." She said, and I am still in shock. As expected, the food served was superb, and I felt so full when I took the last bite of my dessert.

We continued to roam around the city, and I could say I had fun with my aunt Francine, and I realized this must be the feeling of having a mom around. When we reached the mansion, it was almost twilight, and she sent me to my room and told me dinner was at 6:30 p.m., and she wanted me to join them.

I took a rest, but I made sure I set my alarm at 6:00 pm. because I didn't want to be late since I didn't have another incident with my grandpa. Even if I felt so ready to face him, I couldn't stop myself from hurting if ever he would give me his snarky remarks, which I understood because he has been alone for a long time.

The moment my alarm clock buzzed, I got up quickly, changing into a comfortable dress, and I smiled when I looked in the mirror. I can see the little bump on my stomach, and I know before I know it I will be walking around soon with my big tummy; for now, I should enjoy my time because I know there are things I will find hard to do when I am on the third trimester of my pregnancy.

I walked through the dining hall with nervousness, realizing I should stop myself from feeling this way. I survived facing Hunter's family on the first day I met them, and why should I get worried facing my grandpa? But I can't deny I have knots on my stomach again, and I know I have to stay calm and think he is not Hector Grant but my grandfather.

I was surprised when I realized my grandfather was already sitting on the long table on his spot as the head of the family. To my horror, he was sitting alone, and I was frozen in my tracks as I realized my aunt Francine bailed on me.

"Are you going to stand there all evening? You have to sit down so we can eat." He said, and that is the only time I walked again towards the table, and one of the staff pulled the chair for me, and I seated next to my grandpa on his right side, and the staff quickly left after I mumbled my thanks.

"You should say, Grace." My grandfather ordered, and I bowed down my head and prayed, and when I raised my head, I found my grandpa staring at my face, and I hated myself that I became mute in front of him. I couldn't find the right words to talk with him until I heard him clear his throat.

"You should eat now, Madeline, while the food is still warm." He said, and his voice was as gentle as my aunt Francine's, and I looked at my grandpa, and for the first time, I saw an older man.. I realized he was looking at me with a tenderness that made my eyes water with happiness, and he didn't need to talk more because his gaze alone speaks a thousand words which include his joy to be eating at the same table with his granddaughter.