Madeline’s POV

The knocking on the door awakened Hunter and me, and I suddenly felt worried if something was going on. And the moment my husband opened the door, I heard my aunt’s sweet voice, and I smiled even if my eyes were closed.

“My sweet, Aunt Francine said you would have a shopping spree early morning with the girls, and she will treat you all, and she asked an apology that she wasn’t able to inform you. I regret to tell you that everyone is ready except you, my dear.” He said as he pulled me up from the bed, and I was giggling as he carried me to the bathroom. I was shocked when my husband bathed me, and when I teased him by kissing his ear down to his collar bone, he grunted.

“Damn, Madeline, don’t tease me like this because I know they are all waiting for you; beware, when you come back later, I will make you cry out my name.” He said in a sexy husky voice that made me giggle, and when my husband started to strip his pajamas, it was my turn to moan as I stared at my Husband’s gorgeous torso.

Hunter leaned down and kissed me, and I melted with my husband’s mouth; and I wanted to stay with him the entire morning, but I couldn’t say no to my aunt. And I am excited to be with the girls.

“You look so gorgeous, my dear.” My aunt said the moment I joined them in the living room, and I was wearing one of the dresses she bought for me, it was a maternity yellow knee-length dress, and even if my bump is not yet so big, I wanted to wear it since it is so comfy.

“Thanks, mom,” I replied, and I felt so happy to see Hunter’s mom, Lily, Gina, Cerila, Rebecca, and Charlotte, and they were ready. And I wondered why they all woke up so early, and then my aunt Francine told me she invited everyone and forgot to inform me.

“I am sorry, my dear, I thought I had informed you already, and I was shocked when I started to headcount, and I realized there is one lacking as per Leo’s list, and it dawned to me, it was you. Your aunt is already old, Madeline; we needed someone young here in the Grant estate.” She declared, and I wanted to tell her I wanted to stay here with my grandpa and take care of him, but I knew I needed to have a heart-to-heart talk first with my husband.

The moment we got out of the main door of Grant’s castle, Cerila and Gina gasped when they saw the limousine waiting for us, and I know my aunt wanted this to be perfect for all of us. And I wonder if there is a department store or mall open at this hour.

Aunt Francine took us to the best place in Choraz, who offered a tasty and healthy breakfast. After taking our breakfast, we proceeded to the Grant Intercontinental Mall, and this is the first time that I have visited this place, one of my grandpa’s firms, and I found it hard to believe that my grandpa owned this place. 

“I requested the store manager to open the store earlier than necessary so that we can have an early shopping spree, and no other customers will be shopping with us at the department store.” My aunt proudly said, and Gina pulled my hand, and we were walking beside each other as we got inside the mall.

“Madeline, I couldn’t believe your luck. I mean the turn of events with your life, and I couldn’t be happier for you. It was my first time riding a limo. I wanted to call mom via Facetime so she could see me riding on a limousine, but I felt shy because your aunt is there, and not only that, I don’t want Charlotte to laugh at me.” She said, and I looked at her.

“Hey, I thought you were having a good conversation with my sister-in-law?” I asked, and she weakly smiled at me.

“Well, even if there is a big difference in Charlotte’s characteristics compared to before, I still doubt her intentions even if I know she can no longer touch you,” Gina said in more than a whisper, and I am just glad we are walking behind all of them.

“But I was hoping she is sincere, Madeline. I couldn’t forget the things she did to you from the past, and it still makes me feel worried.” She added, and I linked my arm with her.

“Gina, you have to let it go; I know nothing will happen to me as long as I know I have done nothing wrong to anyone. Kaye’s men almost harm me, but they didn’t become successful because good deeds will always prevail, Gina.” I said to my best friend, and she shook her head.

“That is why for how many times you almost got hurt because of your too much kindness, Madeline. But I am proud you are like that, and I hope everyone is like you. How I wish I could be as forgiving as you, Maddie.” She responded, and I smiled at Gina.

“You can if you will try harder, Gina. It is better to live without burdens in your heart, Gin; we need to let go of all the negative vibes.” I answered, and she smiled at me.

“Okay, I will try to follow your advice.” She muttered.

“That is better, and I think you should start with Charlotte; I want to say thank you for showing me your undying loyalty and support towards me; I appreciate that Gina, but she is Hunter’s sister, and whatever happens, we will always belong together because she is part of Hunter’s life,” I stated.

“And I know how much my husband valued his family, so I need to embrace her even if before she hated my existence, and right now I felt so happy that finally Charlotte and her dad accepted me, so you better accept them too, let us give them a second chance, Gina, that is what everyone needs, to have a second chance in life since no one is perfect.” added.

“You are perfect in my eyes, Maddie.” My best friend responded, and I laughed.

“You know I am not perfect, Gina; that is a biased opinion coming from you,” I said as I pulled her with me so we could catch up with our companions since I noticed we became so behind from them, and we were both laughing as we ran after them.

All of us were having fun shopping all we wanted, and my aunt told us it would be on her tab. The girls went crazy with our shopping escapade, especially Lily, who loves shopping. My aunt told us whoever got many items would receive another bonus coming from her, and I couldn’t believe I would enjoy shopping this much.

I suddenly remembered my mother and how I wish she were still alive so that she could have this kind of fun, and I felt sad for my mother that she died so young, and she didn’t get the chance to see me turned into a woman, and I wanted her to be with me at this very moment.

“Hey, are you okay, my dear?” My aunt asked me when she found me staring at the beautiful shoes in front of me.

“Yes, I am fine, mom,” I responded.

“Why don’t you take it if you love it, dear.” She said as she turned her gaze on the beautiful shoes I was looking at, and I hesitated because it cost a fortune, but my aunt took them from the rack, and she held my hand and asked me to sit on the nearby bench so I could fit the shoes.

“Viola! It looks perfect on your feet, Maddie.” She said, looking sad when she glanced at my almost empty basket.

“You don’t like the displays on our store, Maddie?” She asked.

“I like them, mom,” I replied.

“And why do you only have so little on your tray? We only have three hours before the store will open for the customers, and if you do not choose anything, you will lose your chance to get what you want.” She declared.

“Mom, I have everything in my closet, and thanks to you for providing me with more than I need, all the elegant dresses, signature bags and shoes, jewelry, and accessories. So, I don’t need anything for now.” I said, and she smiled.

“Oh, Madeline, you inherited mom’s attitude. That is why dad, was so in love with her. Your grandmother is a simple woman; she loved the simplicity of life, while I am a flashy person.” She said, and I smiled at her description of herself.

“Yes, Madeline, that is true. I love shopping a lot, and Lily reminds me of my young self.” She said as she put the shoes on my shopping basket, and she asked me to look at some of the dresses. I enjoyed watching all of them, including Hunter’s mom. I know she is a wealthy woman, but having this kind of shopping is entertaining. And I could tell Leticia Divenson was having fun.

After our shopping spree as expected, Lily won, and she looked so happy as she hugged my aunt Francine, and I felt so delighted for my little sister. We all get inside the limo, and as we travel back to the Grant castle, I can see all of them are wearing the same smile. And the moment we arrived at my grandpa’s place, the boys came to us immediately, and my husband took the paper bags from my hands.

Together we enjoyed eating our lunch, and I could say my grandfather was so happy to see us all, and I could tell he wanted to have us in his house because he was alone most of the time, especially if my aunt would go home to her husband.. And I can’t contain my happiness as I looked at every family member at the table, and now I am proud to say we became one family.