Chapter 212 Do You Have Any Objections?

“What are you trying to explain?” Sebastian’s voice was taut, his eyes locked intently on Madelyn, a flicker of confusion and something darker passing through them.

Madelyn’s voice wavered, tears brimming as she hurried to clarify, her voice thick with emotion, “Sebastian, I swear I’m not planning to elope. It’s just that my dad is unwell. I need to go back and look after him for a few days – that’s the only reason I was packing. You’ve completely misunderstood the situation.”

Upon hearing these words, Sebastian visibly flinched, taken aback by her revelation.

So that’s what this was all about….

Meanwhile, the grip of his large hand around her wrist gradually loosened, releasing the pent-up tension.

Madelyn gingerly covered her now visibly red wrist, her expression a mix of pain and relief, an aggrieved smile playing across her lips. Internally, she felt a surge of helplessness wash over her.

She had thought their relationship had grown stronger, more trusting over time. But now, it seemed nothing had truly changed; the apparent closeness they shared was merely superficial, and Sebastian had never truly trusted her.

This thought only deepened her sorrow, a bitter taste rising in her throat. Trying to regain some composure, she bowed her head slightly, continuing to pack her small suitcase methodically.

Each piece of clothing she placed inside felt heavier, loaded with the weight of her troubled thoughts. Her movements were automatic, her focus blurred by the redness of her eyes and the stubborn set of her jaw.

From the corner, Sebastian observed her, a growing sense of guilt gnawing at him. After a few moments of heavy silence, he managed to find his voice, albeit hesitantly, “Shall I take you home?”

Madelyn’s response was muted, a simple, indifferent hum, her focus remaining on her task.

Soon, her suitcase clicked shut, packed and ready. Sebastian’s gaze dropped to her wrist again, noting the red marks his fingers had left. Regret and self-reproach filled him.

Why did I let my emotions get the better of me?

Not only that, he had also infuriatedly increased the strength of his grip and ended up hurting her as a result.

With a tentative tone, trying to bridge the chasm of misunderstanding between them, he asked softly, “Does it hurt?”

“It hurts,” Madelyn admitted flatly, then, perhaps in a moment of wanting to lighten the mood, she added whimsically, “But a kiss might make it better.”

Caught off guard, Sebastian hesitated, searching her face for signs of sincerity. Seeing her expectant look, he felt his resolve weaken.

Gently lifting her hand, he pressed his lips against the reddened skin in a tender, apologetic kiss.

The gesture seemed to brighten Madelyn’s spirits instantly, her face lighting up with relieved joy.

Afterward, Sebastian personally drove her to the Thornton residence.

Upon arriving, Madelyn stepped into the familiar living room, announcing cheerfully, “Dad, I’m back!”

Derek was lounging on an old-fashioned couch, a cup of coffee in hand. He looked up with a blend of surprise and delight. “Maddie, Sebastian, why are you…”

Madelyn beamed. “I’m here to keep you company, Dad! I can’t possibly stay away for too long, can I? What if you miss me?”

Derek’s happiness was palpable, but this warm scene was soon undercut by the snide comments from her stepmother, Regina. “My, my, Madelyn, since when did you become so thoughtful? This doesn’t seem like you at all.”

Eunice, her stepsister, chimed in petulantly, “Exactly, Madelyn, you don’t need to fuss over Dad. I’m here for him, which is more than enough.”

In reality, Regina and Eunice weren’t entirely guilt-free, making them distinctly uneasy about Madelyn‘s unexpected return to the Thornton residence.

Madelyn, undeterred by their cynicism, responded with a bright, defiant smile, “But as the eldest daughter, it’s my duty to look after my dad. And just so you know, I’m planning to stay for at least half a month, maybe even longer. We’ll have to get along, won’t we?”

As she spoke, Madelyn’s laughter filled the room, her expression one of bold challenge as she locked eyes with Regina and Eunice. Let’s see how they dare to scheme against Dad with me around.

Sure enough, Regina’s reaction was immediate and visibly strained. She retorted quickly. “Madelyn, as the saying goes, ‘a daughter who’s married becomes a member of another family’. You’re someone’s wife, isn’t it inappropriate for you to keep returning to your parental home? Besides, our home isn’t exactly the ideal place for a couple to spend their time.”

Madelyn’s laughter was light and dismissive as she countered, “Madam Zimmer, you seem to be mistaken. I’m merely engaged, not yet married. The deal isn’t sealed.”

She paused for emphasis before continuing. “And even if I were married, why shouldn’t I visit as often as I like? This house, as you well know, was transferred to my name by my dad. I’m merely living in my own home. Do you have any objections to that?”

Regina was momentarily lost for words, her frustration palpable. She felt utterly powerless, particularly because the house’s ownership had indeed been transferred to Madelyn by the overly doting Derek. Regina and Eunice were, in essence, living under Madelyn’s roof, leaving them little ground to assert any authority.

Whenever the women of the household gathered, it invariably led to a verbal sparring match, much to Derek’s dismay. Feeling overwhelmed by the familial discord, he interjected wearily. “Enough, we’re all family here. What’s most important is that we get along…”

He then turned to Sebastian, eager to shift the atmosphere, “Sebastian, we don’t often have the pleasure of your company. Why don’t you stay for dinner tonight?”

Sebastian agreed with a nod, accepting the invitation graciously.

“Regina, could you please ask the kitchen to prepare some of Sebastian’s favorite dishes?” Derek requested.

With a resigned sigh, Regina acquiesced and headed to the kitchen to relay the instructions.

In the meantime, Eunice watched Sebastian with a mischievous glint in her eye, her lips twitching as if they were fighting the urge to speak.

Noticing her gaze, Sebastian instinctively sensed her insincerity and felt disinclined to engage.

Despite his clear disinterest, Eunice gathered her resolve and approached him with a saccharine tone. “Sebastian, can I ask a small favor of you?”

Madelyn, overhearing this, felt an inward groan at Eunice’s theatrics. Is there no limit to her drama? She outdoes even the most cliched characters in those cheesy novels.

Fortunately, Sebastian didn’t so much as glance at Eunice. His tone was icy as he said, “What favor?”

Eunice pressed on with a flattering smile, “It’s not exactly a big favor, you see. I’m nearing graduation and it’s time I started an internship in the real world. I was wondering… could you possibly help me secure a position at Lockhart Group?”

Her voice was sugary sweet, her eyes batting as she attempted to endear herself to Sebastian. In truth, Eunice had always been thinking of getting close to him.

Sensing his lack of response, Eunice called out coyly, not ready to give up, “Sebastian…”

Suddenly, Madelyn, her patience snapping, interjected sharply, “No way.”