Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 681

“Ms. Monroe?”

The queasiness faded as quickly as it had come. Madeline shook her head, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. “No need to call the doctor. My stomach just feels a bit off. You can go.”

“Wait.” She caught the maid just as she started to leave.

Madeline had wanted to ask her to pick up a pregnancy test, but the words stalled on her tongue. That was something she needed to handle on her own. If anyone else got involved, it wouldn’t stay a secret for long.

No matter what the answer was, she needed to get her head straight before telling anyone.

“Never mind. It's fine. You can go now.”

As soon as the door closed, Madeline let out a shaky breath and pressed her hand to her stomach. If she really was pregnant, chances were it wouldn’t last. She hadn’t taken anything by mouth, just some ointments for her injuries, but even that might have an effect.

The weight of it all made her chest tight. She closed her eyes, feeling smaller than she ever had.

It was past midnight by the time Julian got home. Instead of heading for their bedroom, he slipped into the study next door, phone already in hand. He dialed Casey and waited.

“It’s me. Julian.”

Casey didn’t sound surprised at all. “You heard about Claire? They say her eyes are gone.”

“You always know everything first.”

Casey’s voice was calm, casual, as he toyed with something metal—a dart, maybe. “So, what now? Planning to give Madeline yours?”

“That’s what I’m doing.”

Julian’s answer was quick, steady, so matter-of-fact that even Casey took a second before responding. “Really? Is this your way of making up for all the things you put her through?”

On the other end, Casey let the dart fly, and Julian could hear the faint thud as it landed. “I get it.”

“Thank you.” Julian ended the call, then stayed in the study, staring at the photo a little longer, lost in all the things he couldn’t change.

He finally pushed himself up and went to the bedroom. As the door eased open, he saw Madeline shift under the covers.

“Julian?”

He stopped in the doorway, reaching for the light switch, but his hand stalled midair. Maybe it was time to get used to the darkness. It surrounded him, heavy and disorienting.

“You’re still awake?” His voice was quiet.

Madeline turned toward him, her hair fanned out on the pillow. “I slept too much during the day. Couldn’t really settle tonight.” She hesitated, searching his face. “Where were you? Why did it take you so long to come back?”