Loving Madeline

Chapter 355: My Family

Charlotte’s POV

The time I spent with Jack in Magnolia Village was the most enjoyable and exciting thing that ever happened to me. I finally found the one for me, and I couldn’t believe it was the country’s hot chef.

We spent many hours under the sun’s heat, swimming and laughing. I got tanned, and my bikini lines were visible, which I was so proud to have. It was evidence of my lovely and sweet moments with Jack and his family.

I loved his mom, and I knew it was weird that I felt closer to her than my own mother; maybe it was because I was guilty of ruining our family name countless times, and I was still not ready to face my mom’s wrath.

I had missed calls from her after I left Archois, but I pretended I didn’t receive any of them since I wasn’t ready to hear her painful words. I knew she would only reprimand me and make me feel worse.

I owe them an apology, even my sister Lily; I had been an evil sister to her. I should have been there for her growing up, but I only showed her the ugly version of myself, which I wasn’t proud of, and I wished one day I could see her and tell her how sorry I was, especially to my mother.

I believe there is always time for everything; for now, I am happy that I have found Jack. He became my rock and my confidante. He wasn’t only my lover but a good business partner, and I hoped he would someday become my life partner.

We left his hometown with a heavy heart.

I didn’t want to go home or return to the Manor in Barcelonia, but we are running a business now. I knew it was small, not as big as my brother’s companies, but I am proud that I made it through my efforts with the help of Jack and our friend Cecily.

I was happy after my vacation with my boyfriend, but after we returned to Barcelonia, I noticed something was off with him.

He tried to hide it from me, but I often found him staring into space. Even if I were talking to him, he wouldn’t notice me. It made me feel worried. I didn’t know if I had done something that upset him, but no matter how I squeezed my brain, I couldn’t remember anything that might have made him unhappy unless he was having doubts about our relationship.

It scared me, and I was more afraid to ask him what was wrong or if we were okay. He was sweet when we were alone. He slept in my bedroom every night, which gave me the comfort of knowing he still wanted to be with me, but I knew something was bothering him.

Then, one day, my family suddenly showed up, and I was shocked to find my mother, sister, brother, Madeline, and my adorable nephew.

I was lost for words as I realized they all came to see me.

"I am sorry, but I begged Jack not to tell you we are coming," my brother said after he released me from his embrace. I finally put the pieces together about why Jack’s behavior lately was off, and I suddenly felt jealous when I found him staring at my sister-in-law.

"Won’t you show us around, my dear?" My mom asked, and I turned my head and looked at her, still intimidated by her presence.

My mom will always look stunning and beautiful, which makes everyone around her feel intimidated, even her own children, and I always feel that way whenever she is around. That is why I was always a daddy’s girl.

She linked her arms with mine as we got inside the house, and I couldn’t believe I wished to be with Jack and show Maddie he was mine now, but there was a part of me that was so afraid to learn if he still felt the same way towards my sister-in-law.

I didn’t want to compete with Maddie because I knew I was nothing compared to her timeless beauty, but since we’re talking about it, I know I will do anything to have him in my life. Even if Madeline is now married to my brother, I still couldn’t stop feeling jealous of her.

I was so glad my mother took the initiative to be with me because I didn’t have time to face Lily and Maddie yet. I couldn’t avoid them forever, but I had to get ready to face them.

"Oh, you turned this manor into a magical place, Chalotte. I am so proud of you." My mother said after I showed her around.

We were standing near the swimming pool. I felt thankful I was finally alone with her. This was the first time I heard my mother praise me.

I couldn’t blame her since this was my first time doing something remarkable. I had always been the troublemaker in the family.

"Thank you so much, Mom. It means a lot to me." I responded.

"I felt so happy when your brother told me you started your own business." She said.

"I couldn’t wait to see it for myself, and if you will allow me, I want to be one of your business partners. You can expand your business, my dear." My mother said, and I was shocked by her words.

"Yes, you can build a hotel in the downtown area. I will finance it, and we will split the income." She added.

"Mom, I have Jack as my business partner," I responded, blushing.

"I am not saying we will eliminate him; he is still part of it," she replied.

"Are you sure, mom?" I asked, unable to believe it was happening.

I had been dreaming of this since my mother never even asked me to work in her company. She never trusted me.

"Of course, you are my daughter too, Charlotte." She replied and looked me in the eyes.

"I will think it over, Mom. I am not sure if I am ready to run another hotel." I responded.

"It is all up to you; when you are ready, you know where to contact me. And I hope to see you in our mansion from now on." My mother declared.

"Mom, I am sorry for everything I did to you and our family. I want you to know I wasn’t that bad; I wanted to be a good daughter to you, someone you can be proud of," I said as I bowed my head, and she slowly lifted my chin.

"Hey, Charlotte, you don’t need to apologize. I had forgiven you before your brother told me everything. From the start, I knew Kaye was not a good person, but I kept a blind eye to support your father." She answered.

"I guessed we were all fooled by her, including your father." She added.

"At least you redeemed yourself, and I am so happy to have you back." She continued, and we smiled at each other before returning to the house.

"When are you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?" She asked, and I blushed.

"Mom, there was nothing going on between Jack and me," I answered.

"Come one; I wasn’t born yesterday, my dear. He is a good man; you don’t need to hide it from us. I saw you holding hands when you met us a while ago." She responded, and I blushed.

"Sweetheart, don’t be afraid. You can tell us anything from now on, and we won’t judge you. We are happy to embrace and welcome him to our family, and whoever you choose to be your boyfriend is one lucky guy." My mother stated, and I couldn’t be happier.

"He was in love with Maddie," I mumbled, and my mother laughed, which confused me.

"Don’t be jealous of her, Charlotte; that was long ago; besides, Madeline was in love with your brother." My mom replied.

"I know, Mom, but," she didn’t let me finish my sentence as she faced and smiled at me.

"Don’t doubt his love for you nor your love for him. I can tell you are crazy about him. Falling in love is a wonderful feeling, Charlotte, don’t let your fears ruin what you have. All you have to do is believe in love," my mom added. I had never expected something like this to happen.

Never in my wildest dreams that one day I hear love advice from my mother, and I love every moment. I couldn’t wait to find Jack and introduce him to my mom.

Cecily told me Jack was busy preparing our meal, and I excused myself and made my way to the kitchen.

"Hey, are you that busy?" I asked behind him.

"Yes, I am," he responded without looking at me and continued what he was doing.

"I just want to introduce you to my mother," I replied, and it stopped him, and he slowly turned around and faced me.

"Are you sure you want to introduce me to your mother as your boyfriend or business partner?" He asked with shock on his face.

"Aren’t you ashamed of me?" He added, and I shook my head.

"Of course not; I am proud to have you as my boyfriend and business partner. I love you, Jack and I couldn’t wait to introduce you to my family unless you are embarrassed for having me as your girlfriend," I responded, and he was with me

in an instant.

Jack kissed me on the lips, and his actions spoke louder than words.