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She knew if it was spread around that they weren’t dating, Kiera wouldn’t deal with taunts about it any longer, and any other opportunist who might try to hurt or threaten Madeline to get to Nolan would realize it was pointless. She’d have her freedom back.
Freedom had never looked so lonely.
“Oh. If that’s what you’d like, of course I can do that for you.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, sir.”
“If that’s what you’d like,” he repeated. His voice was cautious. Madeline could sense he wanted to say more.
“Yes. Thank you. Good day.”
Madeline disconnected the call before he could even return the farewell. Madeline felt a letdown like she’d never felt in her life. Her visions of supporting Nolan in her unique way were just that—visions. She and Nolan were no longer dating. It had started out fake, but nothing could be more real to her than the love she felt for Nolan and his family. His analogy of a parent’s love expanding and growing with each child made sense now. She loved Kiera, Hope, Faith, Tristan, Jennifer, Macey, and all of his family and hers. Loving them didn’t take away the depth of her love for Chad. Her love had only expanded.
Sadly, the epiphany didn’t help. She and Nolan couldn’t be together if it hurt Kiera. She loved the girl far too much to cause her anguish.
It was done. She should go home. Live her life. Be independent and happy.
No. She couldn’t lie to herself. She would be miserable without Nolan.
Madeline blinked, realizing how dramatic she was acting. She and Nolan could date. This wasn’t the end of the world. It was simply a new step forward. She squared her shoulders and before she could second guess herself, she called Chad.
“Mum! I’ve been trying to reach you all day. T assures me you’re safe and all right. Jensen would not let me participate in the questioning of your attacker.”
“That’s probably for the best, love.”
“That’s a matter of opinion, Mum.” His voice was rough, but then he smoothed it out. “How are you? Truly?”
“Fabulous. As always.”
“My beautiful mum. You are incredibly brave—”
“Only because I have you around. Chad, how busy are you?”
“Never too busy for you.”
She smiled. Chad was an ideal son and always there for her.
“Can you come take me home? My mission at the castle is finished.”
There was a pause. “What did the king say about you leaving?”
She couldn’t lie to her son. “We’re figuring that out. How soon can you be here?”
“Is an hour all right?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Mum. I thought you and the king ... Is everything well between the two of you?”
“Oh yes, it’s fine, but we knew this situation was temporary. We’ll figure everything out. I don’t want you to worry. Now, get your important tasks done and I’ll see you soon.”
“All right. We’ll chat more while I drive you home.”
“Thank you, my love.” Madeline hung up the phone before the tears hit.
She was leaving.
Nolan. Kiera. Jennifer. Macey. All of these people that she loved and had thought needed her.
