Chapter 28 Her Past
“Okay, okay. You won’t be staying in the nursery!” Madeline felt heartbroken seeing him so distraught, and she patted his back. “We won’t stay in the nursery.”
Buddy relaxed after getting his mother’s confirmation. He leaned on her shoulder and tilted his head at Sebastian. “We don’t want to stay in the nursery,” he whispered.
Okay, that reaction was odd to say the least. He whispered, “What’s wrong? Why does Buddy dislike nurseries so much?”
Aldo heard that. He held Buddy’s hand to comfort him and answered angrily, “It’s all because of that witch, Phoebe Xavier! Buddy and I were staying in the nursery earlier in the year, and a few days after that, she and some baddies came to the nursery at midnight. She wanted to take Buddy away because her niece wants him to be her son. That scared him, and from then on, Mom never lets us stay in any nurseries ever again.”
As he explained the reason behind Buddy’s reaction, Sebastian could feel his fury climb. Phoebe Xavier, is it? I’ll make sure to remember that name. “Alright, the nursery’s ditched.” He took Buddy from Madeline and patted his back. “It’s alright, Buddy. I’ll keep you safe. If anyone tries to hurt you or Aldo, I’ll beat them up.”
Buddy leaned against his chest and held his shoulder. “And you have to keep Mom safe too!”
Sebastian laughed, but he nodded. “And your Mom too.” He and Madeline put the kids to bed.
Buddy was exhausted. He asked Madeline for a naptime kiss and drifted to sleep once he hit the hay.
Aldo didn’t want to sleep just yet. He warned Sebastian, “You’d better not hurt Mom. I’ll grow up soon, and I’ll be super strong then. I’ll get back at anyone who tries to hurt Mom.”
He’s such a delicate boy, but he just has to put up that serious act. Sebastian was amused, but also sad. He’s only five. He should be protected, but he keeps on trying to protect his mother and his family despite his delicate age.
Madeline patted his head. “Aldo, I told you I’m strong. Nobody can hurt me, and I don’t need you to keep me safe. All you have to do is be happy and grow up in peace with your brother.”
Aldo pouted as he didn’t believe her. “Everyone in the Taylor Family hurts you except for Uncle Sam. Uncle Dan almost slapped you earlier, but you didn’t even dodge.”
Madeline was silent for a long while. Then she held his hand apologetically. “I’m sorry, Aldo. It’s my fault, but it won’t happen ever again. I won’t let anyone hurt me, I promise.”
The boys are starting to know what’s right and wrong. They’ll feel angry and sad for me if I get hurt, and it might even traumatize them. I’ve repaid the Taylors, and from now on, I won’t let them hurt me or take advantage of me ever again.
“Really?” He looked at her suspiciously.
“Really,” she promised.
“Pinky promise!” Aldo raised his right pinky.
“Pinky promise!” Madeline made a pinky promise with him and kissed his forehead. “Sleep. I’ll protect myself. You boys don’t have to worry about me anymore.”
“It’s not worry,” Aldo answered seriously. “It’s just a sweet burden.”
Madeline smiled and poked his nose. “I’ll try my best not to be your burden then, so all that’s left is sweet.”
“It’s alright,” he said solemnly. “Pressure is a kind of motivation, and it keeps me working hard. That’s the only way to power.”
“But you don’t have to be really powerful,” Madeline answered gently. “I’ll keep you two safe.”
“And me too.” Sebastian crouched down beside the bed and held his hand. “I’ll protect your mother and Buddy.”
Aldo pouted and pulled his hand away. He closed his eyes, turned his back on Sebastian, and fell asleep.
It’s fine. Time will tell him that I’m reliable. I’ll be the man they can depend on. I’ll make sure nothing stands in their way.
After the boys were asleep, Madeline and Sebastian left the room. Philip was waiting for them on the first floor with a pot of hot tea in front of him.
When he saw them coming down, he thought to himself, Wow, they’re a perfect match. Most ladies will only look like a servant if they stand beside Sebastian. He’s too handsome and powerful. Even the rich ladies get affected too, but not her. Not Madeline.
Odd. She’s just a frail lady and is unappreciated by the Taylors, but she’s as confident as that brat is. It’s like they’re made for each other. She’s not overshadowed by Sebastian. Why? Is it because she’s a great martial artist? The data did say that she’s a martial artist who’s almost unmatched. Maybe that’s why she’s so confident. Maybe that’s why she shines even though she looks weak.
While he was coming up with his own theories, Sebastian and Madeline had sat down across from him.
Madeline looked at him. “We may talk now, Mr. Philip.”
Philip sipped some tea and put the cup back onto the table. “You know what I want to talk about, don’t you?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “You want to know how I got pregnant with the boys.”
“Exactly.” He nodded solemnly. He found out a lot of things about the Taylors, but not how or why Madeline got pregnant with twins. The Taylors kept that under wraps, and his men were still looking for the answer. But he wanted to know the true answer from Madeline herself, for he had a plan that was dependent upon her integrity. He had to know if she could be trusted before he could execute it.
“It’s simple, really.” She looked at Sebastian. “Have you ever donated your sperm to the national sperm bank?”
Whoa. Sebastian was a master at controlling his emotions, and he was rarely shocked by anything, but this time was an exception. He asked in surprise, “You’re saying that the boys are IVF babies? And you applied for the sperm from the national sperm bank?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “What about you? Have you ever donated your sperm to the national sperm bank?”
