Chapter 18: Carry Me

Madelyn quickly stood up and chased after him. Catching up, she threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around Sebastian from behind. “Sebastian, please don’t be like this.”

Sebastian furrowed his brows deeply, his tone brimming with displeasure as he said, “What are you doing?”

Madelyn clung to him even tighter and whined pitifully, “Sebastian, I’m hungry. Could you carry me downstairs? I promise I’ll be good if you do.”

“What is this woman up to now?” Sebastian said coldly and without any hint of affection. “Let go of me and go down on your own.”

“No.”

Madelyn didn’t yield. With a slight leap, she wrapped her legs around his sturdy waist, clinging to Sebastian’s body much like a koala.

Feeling the weight on his back, Sebastian pursed his lips. Suddenly, with a swift hook of his arms, he pulled Madelyn, who was behind him, directly into his embrace.

Sebastian truly couldn’t fathom her, and his tone was laced with a hint of frustration when he asked, “Madelyn, what on earth do you want?”

Surprisingly, upon closer inspection, his exquisite features and flawless skin appeared so immaculate that it seemed as if even his pores were invisible. Once again, Madelyn was utterly captivated by Sebastian. She wondered how anyone could be born so perfect.

With a natural movement, her hands found their way around Sebastian’s neck. In a soft voice, Madelyn asked, “Carry me downstairs for dinner, please?”

Sebastian, hearing her coquettish tone and seeing her soft, yielding demeanor, felt all the pent-up anger in his heart dissipate in an instant. Out of options, he could only tighten his hold on her and carry her down the stairs.

When the housekeepers downstairs caught sight of the scene, their eyes widened in astonishment. They all wondered if they were hallucinating. Could they really be seeing Sebastian and Madelyn?

Only Lydia, upon seeing the affectionate demeanor between the two, felt a surge of joy in her heart. She quickly stepped forward to serve them their meal.

After settling Madelyn in her chair, Sebastian returned to his own seat and promptly served Madelyn a generous portion of food. “You haven’t eaten since noon, so you should eat more.” Even though his expression was calm and his tone indifferent, Madelyn could still discern an unusual warmth. Why put on an act? It’s clear as day that he cares about me.

And so, she served Sebastian some food, her sweet smile radiant as she said, “You too.” Upon witnessing this scene from off to the side, Lydia was overjoyed.

Once the pair had finished eating and returned upstairs, Lydia instructed the staff to clear the table. She then discreetly slipped away to the living room to make a phone call. Naturally, the person she was calling was none other than Sebastian’s grandmother, Agnes Davis.

Besides working at Lockhart Villa, Lydia had an additional minor duty: to keep an eye on Sebastian and Madelyn for Agnes. Now that such a promising development had occurred, it was naturally her duty to report it.

“How have the young couple been doing lately?” Agnes asked kindly over the phone.

Lydia was overjoyed, her voice rising in pitch as she spoke. “Old Mrs. Lockhart, ever since Mr. Lockhart and Mrs. Lockhart got engaged, their affection for each other has indeed grown. Just moments ago, Mr. Lockhart was even carrying Mrs. Lockhart down the stairs to have dinner. They were incredibly close!”

Upon hearing these words, Agnes seemed a bit skeptical. “Is this for real? Are those two really getting along better?”

Lydia was brimming with joy as she continuously nodded. “Yes, indeed! It’s true!”

At the confirmation, Agnes was elated, a broad smile spreading across her face as a deep sense of relief welled in her. “See, I wasn’t wrong! Once a woman is tied down by marriage, even the wildest of temperaments naturally tend to mellow down!”

Lydia nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right, Old Mrs. Lockhart. I’ve noticed that Mr. Lockhart and Mrs. Lockhart’s relationship has been improving steadily. Moreover, Mrs. Lockhart has become much more obedient than before. She comes home on time every day and has given up her wild ways. I believe it won’t be long before she becomes an exemplary wife and mother.”

Upon hearing this, Agnes was delighted. “That’s absolutely wonderful!” she exclaimed.

At Lockhart Manor, after hearing the news from Lydia, Agnes was in a rather good mood. Even after hanging up the phone, she still wore a cheerful smile on her face.

Marsha Quantrill, Sebastian’s mother, was in the middle of applying a cucumber face mask when she saw the elderly lady’s elated expression. She couldn’t help but remove a slice of cucumber from her face, curiosity piqued as she asked, “Mom, what’s got you so cheerful?”

Agnes was delighted and said with a smile, “Of course, I’m thrilled about my precious grandson. He and my granddaughter-in-law are getting along so well now. I just got a call from Lydia, who told me that Madelyn has become more sensible. Not only does she come home every day, but she also clings to Sebastian and acts all sweet and affectionate.” Agnes spoke as if she was the one in love, her smile blooming like a flower.

On the other hand, Marsha was far from convinced. With a cold huff, she dismissively said, “Mom, you actually believe this? We’re no strangers to the temperament of the Thorntons family’s young lady. If she doesn’t stir up trouble for a day, it’s as if the world is at peace! And they’re supposed to be in a loving relationship? I bet you’re not aware of the rumors circulating about her. They say she’s willful, capricious, and promiscuous! How could their relationship possibly be good? I, for one, will never believe it.”

Whenever she thought of the rumors, a sense of discomfort would swell within Marsha’s heart. She firmly believed that a girl like Madelyn was simply not worthy of her precious son.

Unable to hold back her complaints, she said, “Honestly, I just don’t understand Sebastian. He’s such an outstanding boy. With so many wonderful girls out there in the world, he could have his pick of them! But no, he doesn’t want any of them. He’s set his sights on the daughter of the Thornton Family, who’s nothing more than a headstrong, wild girl. And I’ve heard that she’s even got another man in her heart… Oh, it gives me such a headache as a mother.”

After saying that, Marsha let out a deep sigh. But what good would her complaints do? Sebastian had always been headstrong. Once he made up his mind about something, no matter what anyone else said, he would ignore them. All she could do was grumble.

Interestingly, Agnes, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but speak up in favor of the young couple when she heard that. “In my opinion, that girl isn’t bad at heart; she’s just a bit headstrong. But she hasn’t really done anything wrong, has she? People’s characters can change. Besides, she’s now part of Sebastian’s life. As his mother, you should learn to be magnanimous or at least accept her, understand? In a couple of days, have Sebastian bring her over for dinner. You and your daughter-in-law should spend some quality time together to build a stronger bond.”

Although Marsha was reluctant, she didn’t dare to go against Agnes’ wishes. She simply responded with a noncommittal hum. Yet, in her heart, she was scheming. If the right opportunity arose, she would love to break them apart. After all, Madelyn was rather unrefined, with no sense of propriety. Rumor had it that her temperament was absolutely unbearable. Marsha genuinely couldn’t stand this kind of woman. Her precious son deserved to be with a much better woman.