Loving Madeline

Chapter 356: I Belonged

Charlotte’s POV

I requested our dinner at the pool area, and my staff put lighting all over the place, making it more magical. Even if my mom told me it was okay to introduce Jack to my family, I couldn’t stop myself from having doubts.

I am more worried about Madeline and her reaction because I know how much Jack loved her in the past, and I know they became closer even if Madeline rejected him so many times.

"Hey, you have to relax, Charlotte. Everything will be OK. I ensured everything would be perfect so your family would become proud of you. Congratulations on your relationship and for leveling it up." Cecily declared as she stood beside me, looking at the pool area. I veered my head and looked at her, confused.

"First, your hot boyfriend brought you to his hometown and introduced you to his family, and now, it would be your turn. Introducing each other to your family is quite serious; it is a big step in every relationship." My friend added, and I felt more nervous.

"Good luck, and leave everything to me," she continued as I took a deep breath before I responded.

"Thank you for giving me your word of encouragement and helping me, Cel. We couldn’t make it this far without you. It took me a long time to trust Jack, and without you, I don’t think I would give him a chance." I declared, and she shook her head.

"I don’t think so; you can figure it out, Charlotte; your feelings for each other are too strong to ignore. I am happy for both of you." She replied before excusing herself and returning to the kitchen to check the food.

I was still standing on the ground, feeling lost on what to do first. I am more afraid to face Madeline, and before I can move my feet, I smell something; it is a beautiful scent wafting in the air.

As I looked around, I felt my body turn like a stone as I watched Madeline walking towards me wearing an elegant Red dress that made me look like her maid.

The dress fit her every curve, and it was no wonder my brother couldn’t fight his feelings for her even if our parents were against their relationship, for they thought Madeline was a nobody without knowing she was a heiress.

Her father’s wealth was more significant than our entire family combined. Still, even after learning her identity, she maintained a low profile status, never showed off her wealth, and flaunted herself as a heiress.

She is still gorgeous and breathtaking to watch. She wasn’t raised by a wealthy family since she had no idea whom her father was growing up, but the way she carried herself was perfect and flawless.

I could watch her forever, but as she came closer, I could hear the audible beating of my heart. I panicked and wished to run away and avoid this moment, but I remained footed on the ground as I watched her with awe.

"Hi, Charlotte, it is a lovely evening!" She said as she halted walking before me, and a beautiful smile appeared on her youthful face.

"Hi, Ma—--Madie," I stuttered. I didn’t know how to speak with her, and I felt so tiny standing in front of her after everything I had done for this remarkable woman. If I could only turn back time, I would do things differently and make her my friend.

"Welcome to Barcelonia, and I am so happy to see you here," I added, trying to keep my voice trembling, and she closed the distance between ask and hugged me.

"Thank you, Charlotte; I had been dreaming for the day you and I could talk like this. I am sorry if I offended you for coming into your family. I didn’t mean to ruin what you have with your family, but I love your brother, and I couldn’t leave him." Madeline said, and I felt so guilty as I shook my head and felt my tears trickle down my cheeks.

"Madeline, you don’t need to apologize for loving Hunter. I was an immature one for listening to Kaye. I should be the one who should apologize for hurting you countless times. I knew I had been a bitch." I responded.

"And I wish I could make it up to you," I added as she released me from her hold.

"No need; I forgave you, Charlotte. I know you have a good heart like your siblings; you just got the wrong best friend who was a bad influence on you." Madeline stated as she wiped my tears with her fingers. My face blushed, but it felt like a thorn had been removed from my chest.

"Thank you so much for being so understanding, Maddie, and for loving Hunter," I replied.

"Of course, I love him more than anything in this world, and I had no regrets coming to the Divenson on that day, even if I was terrified during my first meeting with your family." She answered, how can I forget that day, and it made me feel terrible.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked as her eyes focused on the table.

"No, you are one of my guests; let me serve you," I responded.

"We are family, Charlotte, and a family should always help each other, whether it is a small or big matter; a family should always have each other back." She responded and walked closer to the long table.

"Please, Maddie, don’t do that; I have staff who will do the table sitting; please, don’t make me feel as horrible as I already am." I blurted out, and her steps faltered as she slowly turned around and looked at me.

"Why do you feel terrible? You should feel happy that your entire family was here." She softly responded, and I lowered my head, feeling embarrassed.

"I was guilty of the things I had done in the past, and I couldn’t get over it, and I don’t know what should I do to redeem myself," I answered as she grinned at me.

"Charlotte, don’t think about it. It was from the past, and you better leave them behind. We all came here to see you and not to judge or condemn you for your past mistakes. As long as you feel sorry and regret them, that would be enough. You can’t define your future from your past." Madeline declared.

"Don’t you feel animosity towards me after what I did?" I asked in disbelief.

"No, I always wanted us to be friends, Charlotte, and I wished to get closer to you," Madeline replied, and my heart swelled with happiness.

I couldn’t stop her from helping, and Maddie was really great. She was such an angel, and my brother was so lucky to have her in his life.

"You and Jack?" She asked after a moment of silence. I couldn’t stop myself from blushing as she stared into my face. I didn’t know how to answer her.

"You looked great together, Charlotte. I was worried about Jack after he broke up with my best friend, and now, I am happy that he finally found the one. He never looked at Gina the way he looked at you." She said with gentleness in her voice.

"Have you seen him look at me the way he looked at you?" I asked, and I should never throw that kind of question to Madeline, but my curiosity and jealousy took over.

"Yes, and that was a long time ago. But it changed now; Jack looked at me differently after realizing he was in love with you." Maddie responded, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"You don’t need to worry about anything, Charlotte; I never loved Jack romantically. He was like a brother to me that I couldn’t have." Maddie added, and I beamed at her

The rest of my family started to come, and I started to panic when I couldn’t see Jack as we were about to begin our dinner; then my heart raced as I saw him walking towards us, dapper in his navy blue suit. I couldn’t believe he would dress up like this for dinner with my family.

My brother greeted him, followed by my mother, sister, and Maddie, and he formally greeted everyone with a smile before he turned his attention to me. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach as he handed me a bouquet of red roses before he kissed me on the lips in front of my entire family, giving me knots in my stomach

I was lost for words, and I knew my face turned bright red after he released my mouth.

"Hi, everyone. I am Jack, and I am Charlotte’s boyfriend and business partner. I am sorry, Mrs. Divenson if I hadn’t asked permission from you to court your daughter, but I asked your son, Hunter." He said, and I was shocked when he introduced himself and beat me to it.

Jack asked permission from Hunter. It made me feel so special, and my blush couldn’t leave my face the entire dinner.

We had fun talking, and I felt I belonged to the Divenson family for the first time. I wished my late father and brother were with us to celebrate, but I am sure my dad would be so happy to see me like this. I couldn’t remember the last time I smiled nonstop.

I laughed and smiled for the entire duration of our dinner as I felt Jack’s hand under the table squeezing my thigh, and I wished the night would never end.