Chapter 162 - I Am Not Alone

Madeline's POV

It feels like my life had suddenly lost its meaning when after one week, the rescuers said they didn't hear anything that might give them the idea that my husband and Cal are still alive. I have been trying my best for the past few days to look strong for Hunter's mom and Lily, but after one week, the reality hit me like a bomb. I couldn't hear his voice any more or see his handsome face. I miss my husband's intense gaze that made me have butterflies in my stomach and lit my entire body on fire. I miss Hunter's hugs and kisses.

It made us wonder why the other miners were able to get out later that night. And only Hunter and Cal remained underground. They said another explosion happened before those miners got out. They got out on their own while my husband and Cal got trapped underground. The rescuers said it would be hard to rescue them because of the thickness of the ground that covered the tunnel. If they are still alive, they can't survive without water after three days if they aren't injured, but if Hunter and Cal have some injuries, then there is a big chance that they are now both dead.

I spent my night cuddling Hunter's clothes in my chest and reading the note he left me when he was at my house after the first night he slept in there since I left this mansion. And the letter is now crumpled since my tears soaked it every time I touch his beautiful handwriting on my fingers. I can't stop myself from crying. Every word made me cry.

My sweet Madeline,

Good morning! I don't want to leave without saying goodbye, and I don't want to go without kissing your sweet lips, but I have an early meeting today, but I don't want to disturb your peaceful sleep. I am sorry that I came inside your room and gazed at your beautiful face before I left.

I can't wait to have you sleeping in my arms again. I miss you every waking moment, Madeline. Please forgive me quickly. I hope you will come home soon; I will be waiting for you patiently, loving you more each day. I love you, my beautiful wife. 

Forever yours,

Hunter

I can't remember how many times I read his love note today. Many reporters tried to contact us through Hunter's office, but I don't want to say anything because, for me, he is still alive unless I can see his body; that is the time I will accept that he already left me. I know my husband will fight, and he will find ways to survive, and even if I know his survival rate is slim because they didn't bring food or water, I still believe in miracles.

"I already forgive you, Hunter. You said you would be waiting for me, but why it was me who is now waiting for you for so long. You are so unfair. How could you leave me this time without saying goodbye, and without telling me you will be gone for so long? I miss you so much. Why do you need to break my heart over and over again? How could I love you this much, and all you did is make me cry once again. Please come back to me, Hunter." I said to him as I was touching his face on the picture frame.

And I smiled as I remember how much he made me so happy after Lily took our picture. He kissed me passionately that Lily need to drag him far away from me so we can leave the villa at once because it was getting late, and he promised to take her to the Arcade of Magnolia and have dinner at the Morigans after her shopping. It was a beautiful and happy day for us.

I skipped breakfast today, and I only eat a little during lunch. I heard someone opened my door, but I didn't turn around as I continue to hug my husband's love note since it gives me hope that we will see each other again. I was holding on to his promise that he will love me more each day.

"Madeline," I heard Leticia's soft voice, and I know mom is also having a hard time, but I could no longer pretend that I am okay. I am hurting and dying inside, and my regrets are killing me. I should have never left him in the first place, and now my guilt is eating me up.

"Maddie, I know how you are feeling right now, and I am also in pain, but we need to do something. We have to accept the reality no matter how painful it is, but I am not losing my hope. I know my son is still alive. But we need to fight because the company is in peril. I need to work and take over Hunter's position as of now because the Board of Directors are now asking for me to answer to them, and not only that I need someone to investigate this matter because I know those miners who got out have something to do with what happened to my son." Mom said, and I don't have a choice but to sat up on my bed and face her while I wiped my tears.

"Oh, Madeline, come her." She said and took me into her arms, and she allowed me to weep until there were no tears left.

"I am sorry, Maddie, I know how much Hunter loves you, and I know he doesn't want you to look like this, don't worry, many private companies called me, and they promised to help financially to expedite the rescue operation. Hunter's friends and business partners worldwide pledged to help and do everything they can to provide equipment for the rescue mission. And all the scholars who benefited from his program asked the people to help pray for Hunter and Cal's safety. I know my son Maddie, and as a mother, I can tell I have a deep connection towards him, and I can feel it in my heart that he will fight for you, and he is still alive." Mom continued.

Mom's words gave me comfort that I smiled weakly at her as she caressed my face. And I know from now on I have to be strong, but I couldn't stop myself from hurting, and I don't know how to live my life thinking he was out there without knowing if he was still alive. And I was not only aching for my husband. I was also hurting fo Calixto and his wife and children. He was like a father to us.

"Now, I want you to fix yourself because tomorrow, we need to go to Hunter's office together." Mom said as she looked at me with tenderness, and when I looked at her eyes, I can't stop myself from crying harder because I can see my husband's eyes are staring back at me. And I almost forgot that Hunter got his physical appearance mostly from his mom.

"I am sorry, mom, I can't stop myself. Don't worry, I will only cry today, but tomorrow when we will go to the office, I promise I won't cry anymore." I said.

"Hey, Madeline, I haven't seen you cried this way after what happened to your husband, and I can tell this is the only time you allowed yourself to cry. There is nothing wrong with crying, Maddie. It is better that you will release all the pains that you feel inside. And always remember Lily and I are always here for you, Madeline." Mom Leticia said, and this time I smiled widely at her.

"Thank you, mom," I replied.

"Your welcome, Maddie. And I want you to have dinner with us tonight. And prepare yourself because starting tomorrow you will be working in the company. We can't let these things paralyze the operation of the other mining sites of the Divenson Mining Corporation, so we need to take charge before my husband takes Hunter's place." She said, and I nodded my head.

"I want you to learn everything you need to know, Madeline, because I want you to be ready when my son returns, and I am sure he will be thrilled to know that his beautiful wife will be working for him. It would be nice if you will work together, but always ask him to give time for yourselves, find time to date." Mom said, and it feels so wonderful and pleasant to hear those words. I hope that we could have another chance to be with each other, and I know I need to be positive, but at the back of my head, there is a nightmare that I don't want to face, and that is the reality that my husband could be dead, and it terrified me beyond I can imagine.

"Hi!" Lily greeted me the moment she sat beside me in front of the long dining table, and I smiled at her. And I realized she doesn't have enough sleep as well as I can see the eye bags.

"Hello, Lily." I replied.

"It is nice that you could join us, Maddie. I miss eating with you." My sister-in-law said, and I felt guilty.

"Me too, Lily, don't worry, starting today, I will be joining with you." I said, and she beamed at me, and I know I need to talk with her soon so that we can draw strength from each other. When I raised my head, I found mom staring at us with a beautiful smile on her face. Still, I can see on her beautiful face the sadness beneath her smiles, and I know I am not the only one hurting. I felt so glad this time I am not alone, and knowing that I have them as I face another battle of my life, I felt more positive and confident that everything will be alright, and I thought that one of these days I would be in Hunter's arms once again.