Chapter 157 - I Am Home

Madeline's POV

Lily and I were laughing hard, even if I can feel my face swelled because of the hard slap I received from Charlotte, but it was all worth it.

"You are terrific, Maddie. I didn't realize that you can be that badass sister, Madeline, and I'm so proud of you right now, and I am sorry that because of me, you got slapped." Lily said the moment we recovered ourselves from laughing, and she helped me picked up the paper bags that were scattered on the floor. And I felt glad we are both wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

"Lily, you don't need to apologize to me, and it wasn't your fault because I know that your sister is wicked, and she will do everything to hurt you and me, and I just couldn't believe that she is willing to slap you, you are just fifteen years old, and you will be turning sixteen soon, but you are still young, Lily, and I wonder why I couldn't see love on her face the way she looked at you, and what is there is hatred," I said, and she nodded her head. I can see the sadness behind her smile.

"Yes, you are right, Madeline, my sister, never looks at me with love, and I haven't seen her gaze at me the way Hunter and you look at me. Maybe because she hated me because I was different from her and Parker, and I am like Hunter in so many ways." She replied.

" I love my sister, Madeline, but I don't like the way she treated you when you were at the Divenson mansion, and after I knew everything she had done to you and Hunter, I became angry with her. Hunter is our elder brother, and she should respect him, but instead, she keeps on formulating a scheme to ruin my brother's personal and social life. And that is why I don't like her anymore. And I don't want to have a grudge against her, but I know she will continue to ruin your relationship with my brother; I want to ask you to be strong for Hunter, Madeline." She declared, and I smiled at her.

"Of course, I will, and you don't need to worry because I will never leave your brother ever again, and I will stay by his side whatever happens and prove to Charlotte and everyone that our love for each other will survive no matter how they want to ruin it," I replied, and she smiled at me.

"That is good, and don't worry, mom and I will always be here for both of you." She replied, and when I have everything in my hand, I motioned her to follow me to the coffee shop, and as we rounded a corner, I saw Roman.

"Hey, Roman, wait!" I yelled at him, and I can tell he was shocked that I saw him, and I know he was there the whole time, watching us from a distance. I want to ask my husband about them watching over me from the day I left our house, but I don't want him to get upset with me that I knew about the bodyguards. And I understand he wanted me to be safe, and I knew he was afraid if something will happen to me like what his father did to Rebecca.

I am also aware that Clark Divenson is willing to hurt me, especially if I get pregnant because he told me once, the reason I am still alive because I didn't get pregnant with Hunter's child, and he was aware I was using birth control when I was still studying, and I know this time I need to be careful because anytime I can get pregnant. And Hunter's father is desperate to ruin his son's life for his interest.

"Hello, Mrs. Divenson, Miss Lily, fancy meeting you here." He said, and I know he felt so worried that I had seen him.

"Hi, Roman, relax. I will not tell my husband that I saw you, and I know about his protocol, but he wasn't aware I have learned that he asked you to look after me after he found out the truth about his ex. You don't need to hide from me anymore. Thank you for watching over me." I declared, and he smiled at us while he was scratching his head.

"Your welcome, Mrs. Divenson." He said.

"Please, call me, Madeline," I said, and he quickly shook his head.

"I love my job, Mrs. Divenson, and I don't want to get fired for not following protocol. I am sorry, but I need to stay away from you right now; my colleague might report to your husband, and I don't want to get suspended. I was worried when Miss Charlotte slapped you; that is why I came near you, but I realized you don't need my help since you handle it well." He said, and I can't stop myself from grinning, and even if I want to invite him to have a snack with us, I can tell he is now eager to leave us.

"Okay, you may now go back to your post, Roman, and thank you so much for your concern," I said, and he said goodbye and turned around, and walked away from us.

"Wow! I haven't realized my brother hired Bodyguards for you, and I am impressed, and it seems you are like a princess now. So far, this is the best thing that he has ever done to you, and I am glad because I know my sister and Kaye are planning something to hurt you, but now that I learned you have bodyguards, I am no longer afraid of them to attack you any moment. At least I am at peace if ever you will leave the house." Lily said, and I blushed because I am a nobody. I want to tell my husband that I am fine without bodyguards because I am not afraid of his sister and her best friend, but I can't stop feeling fearful of his father because Clark Divenson can be devious.

"What do you want, Lily," I asked her the moment we find a table.

"One cappuccino with a chocolate croissant." She said, and I go to the counter to order.

"Thank you, Madeline, for today, and so far, this is the best shopping moment for me at your expense. Sorry, I can't stop thinking about the slapping episode you had with my sister." She said, and she was laughing again.

"You are welcome, and I am so happy that you enjoyed our shopping together, and I am hoping that we can have another bonding moment next time, and I want to make sure that my husband is with us," I replied, and she grinned while she sipped her coffee.

We visited the jewelry shop as our last stop, and she was enjoying herself looking at the dangling earnings. I smiled just watching her as I realized she is very fortunate to have this kind of life, and I am glad she is born rich, for she will not experience the hardship of being unprivileged like me. I never go to a shopping mall with my mom, and I never ask her because I know we don't have enough to buy toys or dresses at the mall.

When I was younger, I enjoyed selecting dresses at the second-hand shop. Life was hard for us, but I survived, and I couldn't imagine I will experience a luxurious life the moment I meet my husband. He changed everything, and he provided me everything that I need, and the most valuable thing I received from him is his love for me. The first time Hunter told me he loves me, I felt so happy that no material things can level it up.

"Are you ready?" I asked Lily the moment we got out from the jewelry store.

"Yes, I am now ready to go home since I can feel my feet hurt, so I think it is best that we should go home now and I am excited that you are coming home with me, and I am sure my mother is ecstatic the moment she knew that you would be with us. It has been her dream that you will get back with my brother. I know mom doesn't want your marriage to be broken; that is why she was praying that you will forgive Hunter, and I am sure she will be the first one to celebrate your reunion with Hunter." She said, and I smiled as we walked to the parking lot.

The moment we arrived at our house, I realized how much I miss the place, and all the staff is waiting for us at the front porch, including Cerila, and of course, Mom Leticia. They all greeted and welcomed me with happiness on their faces, and the moment mom hugged me, I could no longer control my tears from crying.

"Welcome home, Madeline." She said, and I realized it feels so nice to have a family, and she took me inside, and I cried harder when I saw my favorite flowers all over the living room.

"Hunter asked me to have these flowers for you." Mom Leticia said while Lily was walking beside me, and Cerila with other household staff carried the paper bags, and they put them in Lily's room.

"Thank you, mom," I said.

"I should be the one thanking you, Madeline. I love my son so much, and I know how much he loves you, and now that you are back, I know he will be happy again, and of course, I felt so delighted to see you again, Maddie. You are my daughter too." She said and hugged me.

The moment I got inside our bedroom, I cried as I realized I am finally home, and my husband did a great job by putting a bouquet on our bed, and I smiled when I read the note on the card.

"To My Lovely Wife,

Welcome home, my sweet Madeline. I love you! And I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. I can't wait to see you tonight!

Love,

Hunter

I reread the note on the card as I let my tears of happiness trickled down on my face as I hugged the bouquet on my chest as I whispered.

"I love you too, Hunter!"