Loving Madeline

Madeline's POV

"Are you nervous, Maddie?" Gina asked as we drank our coffee.

"I would be a liar if I said no, Gina. I felt worried that things would go wrong, but I didn't want to live in fear for the rest of my life. We need to stop Clark from doing something evil because I couldn't deny I was afraid for my son's life." I responded as I looked at my best friend, and I couldn't stop noticing she was glowing.

"Until now, I don't understand why he hated me so much when I have done nothing to him. Ever since I met his son, I gave Hunter all the support he needed from me as his wife. I love my husband from the very beginning, and I am sure until the end." I added.

"I wished someday Clark would change, but I could tell it would be impossible based on the things that he had done in the past. He never learned from his mistakes; he even plotted to kill his own son and daughter-in-law." I continued.

"Yeah, and I felt sorry for Rebecca; your father-in-law tried to kill her once, but he was unsuccessful, but he had done it perfectly for the second time, and it hurts that Parker does with his wife," Gina responded, and I agreed with her.

"It hurts to think that Rebecca was first on his list, and it is common knowledge that you were second on his death wish. I hated him for plotting everything against you, from kidnapping and setting the boat on fire to get rid of you and killing innocent individuals along the process." She added.

"Your father-in-law was an evil who deserves to be punished for his wrongdoings." She stated, and I could see how she hated Clark through her eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do it with me, Gina? Your life could be in danger if we will proceed as planned." I said while I could hear the laughter of my grandpa's men in their seats.

"Of course. Do you think I will back out and let you go there alone?" She asked, and I shook my head.

"No, I know you, Gina, you are willing to take a bullet for me, but you have to promise me when things start to go wrong, you need to stop and save yourself," I said.

"Sorry, I can never do that, Madeline. We are on this together, and I will never leave you alone. I am your best friend, and I promise to be with you no matter what happens. Besides, I vow to Hunter that I will never leave your side, Maddie." She replied, and my face fell.

"Gina, don't be so hard-headed and don't make this hard for you, and I am your BFF, not my husband," I said, and she only laughed at me.

"Kidding aside, we need to promise each other never to save anyone," I said, and she archer her eyebrows.

"Are you sure about that, Madeline? I know you are worst than me. If I take a bullet for you, you are willing to jump and hug the bomb for me. Let us make this clear, we will do this without fear, and we need to think no one is going to die. Let us promise to be there in our senior years." She declared.

"I want to see you with your grandchildren, Maddie." She added, and I took her hand.

"Thank you, Gina; I promised I would be there with you even if we both find it hard to walk because of our arthritis," I said, and she chuckled.

"Deal, I love that," she responded, and we smiled at each other.

She put her head on my shoulder, and we both fell silent as we felt the turbulence, and I could feel how she tensed up.

"Relax, they are just strong winds, Gina," I said, and I stifled a laugh when I looked at the horrible expression on her face.

"I am not afraid of the turbulence, Maddie; I am worried about Clark." She lied as she gripped her seat.

I couldn't believe I was talking to the same woman who vowed to take a bullet for me. Gina has always been afraid of riding a plane, and she tried her best to hide it from me, and I tried to pretend I didn't know and kept my amusement to myself.

We safely landed at the Archois airport, and I couldn't deny I had the best time and realized it was one of the best flights I ever had because I was enjoying the entire flight looking at my best friend jerk and turning so pale every moment the plane shook the moment we encountered turbulence up there.

Having fun with Gina wasn't new; whenever she was around, she always made me feel better. If things went wrong, she would always tell me never to give up and lose hope, and when things were better, she would make it more enjoyable.

If ever I am reborn, I still want Gina to be my best friend, and I will never ask for anyone else.

We put on our shawls, straw hats, and oversized sunglasses before we climbed out of the plane to ensure no one would notice us. We got inside the black SUV waiting for us on the ground after dealing with the customs agents.

"Welcome home, Madeline!" She said right after the car moved away, and I smiled as I looked at her sideways.

"Thank you, welcome home too, Gina," I responded, and I leaned my back on the backrest of my seat after I removed my hat and sunglasses.

I wanted to look around but felt too tired to do so, and I couldn't stop from dozing off, and when I woke up, I was in awe when I realized we were already in the Magnolia village, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling when I remembered my first time visiting the town.

It was an unforgettable day, and I was so hurt that time since I was already fallen for Hunter.

"Madeline!" Jack's mom screamed when we got inside the restaurant, and I couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear as I ran and met her halfway. Lydia took me into her arms, and I missed the smell of the restaurant. The aroma of herbs and spices made me hungry.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" She asked as she looked at me.

"I wanted to surprise you guys," I responded, and her grin widened, and then she turmed her gaze to my best friend.

Gina was blushing as she said hi to her future mother-in-law, and I felt so happy for her, and my best friend's face turned redder when Jack came out from the kitchen looking as hot as ever while Lianne was following behind him.

Even if I am so in love with my husband, I couldn't deny I admired Jack's pretty face and toned body. And I love him as a friend, and I am so excited for him and Gina.

"You didn't tell me you would be here?" Gina asked her boyfriend while I giggled, watching them looking great together, and I smiled when Jack didn't answer her, but instead, he kissed Gina on the lips in front of his family, and I couldn't stop myself from clapping my hands as I shouted more.

I felt glad no customers were around, and I wondered why, but I set aside my curiosity as I looked at Gina's face after her boyfriend released her mouth.

My best friend was still blushing as Jack released her and looked d at me with too much happiness on his face, and I felt happier that love worked out for them and they gave each other a chance in love.

"Hello, to the heiress of Hector Grant, welcome.to our place." He said, and I shook my head while I was laughing.

"Please, Jack, don't ever say that again," I said ad he moved closer to me.

"Why? Are you ashamed of who you are? I still remember the first time you came here, you were looking for a part-time job, and I was glad uncle Tony chose to help you, and I felt so proud I am his nephew." He said, and I smiled as I remembered Tony, he was Lily's friend, and they helped me run away from the Divension mansion.

"He helped you even if we didn't know your true identity yet, and I few l glad Lily made that choice for you." He said.

"Me too; I felt so lucky and honored to be part of this establishment once and as one of your waitresses. Can I be a server for today?" I asked, and I could see his face fall.

"I am sorry, Madeline, I closed the restaurant just for you," he responded.

"You don't need to do that, Jack," I replied.

"For your safety, Madeline, even if your grandpa's.men surround the area, it is better to take extra precautions. I was aware you came here without telling your husband about it, and your grandpa had been calling me from the moment he had learned you would be coming home to Archois." He responded.

"I wanted to have some fun before we go on our mission," I replied.

"We can still have fun, go to the staff room now and grab your uniform, and you will be serving us." He said, and my face lit up.

"Are you sure I can?" I asked, feeling so excited.

"Yes, you can, Maddie, as long as you let me

borrow my girlfriend." He said, and Lianne was coughing, and I couldn't stop from chuckling while Gina's face turned redder.

"Of course, she is all yours, and I will be your only server for the day!" I said excitedly while they all settled on their seats on the table, and I made my way to the staff room feeling so alive and happy, and it felt like I was back to being eighteen.

I suddenly missed my husband, and I couldn't wait to be with him, but at the moment, I wanted to enjoy the old life I had been a part-timer; I was proud being one, even now that I have become an heiress it will never change that once I was a waitress who struggled to have a better life and dreamed of becoming a successful career woman someday without knowing what was waiting in the store for me.