Chapter 24

Nathan was somewhat shocked after hearing Madeline's story, though part of it had been within his expectations. Madeline had always been independent, so even after all she had been through, she still shone brightly. That was simply part of her charm. "Do you think I made a rash decision?" she asked. "Not at all. You're you, first and foremost, before you're anyone's mom. So no, I don't think it was rash." His earnest reply gave Madeline a deeper understanding of the kind of man he was. After getting out of the car, Nathan handed her the thermal jar and told her to drink the soup at home. Instead of refusing, Madeline simply thanked him and accepted it. As she watched Nathan drive away, she felt her anxiety ease considerably. But the moment she turned, she saw Bradley standing at her doorstep. Her smile vanished instantly, and her hand instinctively flew to her stomach. Seeing the movement as he approached, Bradley felt a dull ache in his chest. He suddenly remembered how las