Loving Madeline

Madeline's POV

"Hey, relax Madeline, I am sure father will not bite your husband." My aunt said as we waited for Hunter. I already went to the dining hall, but I walked back to the living room because I didn't feel at ease knowing my husband was still inside my grandpa's study. I know my grandfather's domineering attitude will get into my husband's nerves, and I am sure they will clash.

"I just can't stop feeling so worried, and I know grandpa would say something to my husband that will drive him mad," I replied.

"Yes, I agree with you, Madeline. But you see after he talked with you in that manner, dad apologized, I understand that father is like that, and that is why Frank left us. He could be domineering and manipulative, but I know he was only doing that because he wanted us to have a bright future without realizing he suffocated his children." Aunt Francine replied.

"I tried to stop Frank from leaving, but he couldn't take it anymore. Anyways, it is from the past, my brother failed to appreciate dad's love for him, and I couldn't blame him, though, because dad was more strict when he was younger. I tried to run away once, but I was worried about him; if I left, who would look after him. He is my father, Maddie, and he is your grandfather. I hope you will broaden your understanding, and whatever happens between Hunter and dad will not affect your promise that you will stay for one month with us." She declared

And now that my husband is here, I doubt, and I felt guilty towards my aunt Francine because I know if Hunter will leave Neospoli, I will go with him because I can't stay here without him.

"Mom, I wanted to stay here with you, but you know I will come with my husband if he leaves this place. I don't want to be separated from him." I said honestly, and she smiled weakly at me.

"Of course, my dear, I will understand, and right now, I am hoping for the best. I hope dad won't ruin his chance to be with you." My beautiful aunt declared, and I smiled at her, and then it felt like forever before I saw my husband walking towards us. I can tell right away by the look on his face that he wasn't happy with his talk with my grandfather, but when he looked at us, he smiled, and I realized Hunter Divenson is a good actor. He masked his anger by giving my aunt one of his perfect smiles.

"Oh, my dear, I could tell you are meant for each other, and you looked good together, and I wonder what would be your children would look like, your husband's physique is perfect for his name and reputation. He looked like a celebrity, and no wonder you are so in love with him." My aunt said, and her words made me blush, and yes, even until now, every time I looked at my husband, I could still feel the knots on my stomach and butterflies on my chest, and I know I am so lucky to have him in my life. 

My aunt asked us to have breakfast with her, and I wanted to ask my husband what happened with his talk with my grandpa. Still, I could tell he was trying to control himself, and he tried to pretend everything was fine even if I knew he felt disappointed and angry, and I knew he didn't want my aunt to know his opinion about my grandpa. And I realized it would be lovely if grandpa were eating with us, and I wonder when he will accept that he needed us in his life, and I know Hector Grant needs someone to remind him he is not alone.

The moment we returned to my room, and we were alone, I asked Hunter right away what was wrong, and his answer made me feel so sad. Even if I expected it to happen, I was still hoping my grandfather would show him some favor. But he was Hector Grant again, maybe being the wealthiest man in the country made him think he could boss everyone.

I begged my husband to give my grandpa a chance since I wanted to stay here in Neospoli with my grandfather because I wished to know him more. I was hoping Hunter would allow me to have this chance to be with my father's family, and I asked my husband to listen and trust me as I told him that my grandfather is not that bad. I tried to look convincing because I knew I would feel sad, and he would say we were going home, and as I waited for his answer, I couldn't stop the racing of my heart. I wanted Hunter and grandpa to get along because I wanted to have a family I could call my own. I know the moment I married Hunter, he became my family, yet growing up, I couldn't deny I wanted to know my father.

"Okay, if that is what you want, Madeline, but I think I should leave and stay in a hotel nearby. I can't be here, my sweet." He said, and I was shaking my head.

"No, I want you to stay with me," I said, and he came closer to me, and he brought me into his arms.

"I am not leaving you, Maddie, I want your grandpa to know that I love you so much, and I am willing to do everything for you, and even if I wanted to be with you, I would give you a chance to be with him. I trust your instinct, Madeline, and I am willing to make a sacrifice, and I am sorry if I said hurtful words to your grandfather. He is a mean old man." He said, and then we both erupted into laughter. I kissed my husband on the lips, and he kissed me back passionately.

"Thank you for being so understanding, my love," I said, and Hunter smiled at me while he cupped my face.

"You are always welcome, Madeline. Call me anytime, and I will come right away." He said, and we kissed one more time before he brought me to the balcony, and we spent our entire morning together talking and making out.

When my husband said goodbye to me, it felt like I couldn't do it, and I wanted to come with him, but I understood my husband needed some space to think it over, and I didn't want him to feel guilty. My room felt so empty when Hunter left, and when it was time for lunch, Leo came to fetch me, and the moment I got inside the dining room, I didn't expect my grandpa will join us, and my aunt was smiling at me as I sat across from her.

"Where is your husband, Madeline?" My grandfather asked right away before I could even sit on the dining chair.

"He left. He will be staying in a nearby hotel." I replied, and I could see that my grandpa's face turned so red.

"How could he do that?" He asked.

"Dad, we should be asking you why Hunter left? I think you were the reason why Madeline's husband chose to stay in a hotel rather than staying here in your gigantic house. Dad, it is about time you have to accept you needed us in your life." Aunt Francine declared, and I couldn't believe we were thinking the same thing, and I saw how my grandpa's face fell as he put down his spoon and fork on the table, and then he looked at me, and then he turned his gaze on my aunt.

"And then after I welcome you all, you will all leave me, and so you think it will make me happy? I have all the money in the world, but my only son left, and he made me feel I was the most incompetent father in the world. He never called even once, I was waiting for him to say sorry and come home, but I only wasted so much time." He said, and I could hear the bitterness in his voice.

"Grandpa, if you love my father, you should have done your part as a father. You could have reached out and done things for him to remind him he has a loving father. It will never make you less a man if you only lower your pride, and you come after him. You know why my father left, and I hope you will not make the same mistake again. I want to spend more time with you and know you because I wanted to experience how it feels to have a grandfather." I said, and he was looking at me now with tenderness.

"But I can't stay here in your castle if Hunter will not be staying with me. I want you to know that he left because he felt like you didn't like him, and he never took me with him knowing I want to know you, grandpa." I said, and I saw my grandpa's tears fall from his eyes.

"Say it again, Madeline," He said in more than a whisper, and I felt confused about what does he want me to speak about again.

"I am sorry, but I don't understand what you mean," I replied while my aunt was also wiping her tears as she looked at her father.

"Call me grandpa, once again, Madeline." He asked, and I realized the reason why he cried, he loved it that I called him grandpa, and I realized this was the first time I called him grandpa.

"Yes, grandpa," I said, and he smiled at me.

"Oh, that is so lovely," He said, and then he looked at me in the eyes.

"I am sorry again, Madeline. I don't think I can control myself. I admit I was afraid that Hunter would take you away from me, I just got the chance to know you, and when I learned he came, I couldn't stop thinking he would bring you back immediately, and your aunt will stop revisiting me." He said.

"Oh, dad, I am sorry, don't worry from now on, I will always find time to be with you." My aunt said, and I knew it, my grandpa is very lonely, and he was only hiding what he felt.

"Grandpa, my husband loves me, and he will always respect my decision. Even if we go back to Astikoz, we know we can always come home here, and you can come and visit us anytime." I said, and he smiled at me.

"Okay, after we finish eating lunch, we will go and get Hunter; how could he leave you alone here.." He said, and I couldn't stop the tears of happiness that trickled down on my face, and I realized my grandpa was only jealous of my husband, and I know we should widen our understanding for him, after all, he is already old who needed attention, love, and care.