Chapter 197: Pursue Again!

Claire's wedding is happening in a week, and she asked Madison to be her bridesmaid.

Madison thought it didn't feel right at first. After all, she'd already been married, so being a bridesmaid felt kind of unlucky. But Claire didn't care about that stuff. "I want you to be my bridesmaid so you can see me happy. I don't care about lucky or unlucky."

Madison smiled and nodded. "Alright, then I'll be the one sending you off."

Claire had no parents or family left, so in this wedding, Madison was both her family and her friend. Seeing Claire happy would make her happy too.

When Madison got home, the place was dark and empty. The lights were off, and Alexander and the two kids weren't back yet. She hesitated, then called Alexander.

The phone rang for a long time before someone picked up, but it wasn't Alexander's voice. Madison recognized it right away—it was Nicholas.

She cleared her throat and asked calmly, "Where's Alexander?"

Nicholas started complaining right away. "This guy drank too much. Come get him."

Madison frowned. "Where are you guys?"

She grabbed her keys and headed out the door. Nicholas kept talking on the phone. "Alexander was so happy about getting his son and daughter back that he dragged us over to show off his kids. Who knew he'd get drunk from it."

Madison got in the car. "I'm on my way."

After hanging up, she drove straight to the address Nicholas gave her. By the time she arrived, most people in the private room had already left. Only Alexander's two closest buddies were still there. The two little ones were playing with dice on the table. Madison's face darkened when she saw them.

But the kids didn't notice a thing. Nora spotted Madison and ran over with a smile. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

Madison rubbed her head and held back her anger. She didn't want to snap at the kids. "Where's your dad?"

Nora pointed at the man on the couch.

Madison looked over. Alexander really did look drunk, slumped on the sofa. She frowned hard.

Nicholas saw the situation and quickly explained, "He didn't drink that much. He's just a lightweight when he's happy."

Madison didn't say much. "Who's taking care of him? I'm taking the kids and leaving."

Maxwell stopped her. "If you don't handle him, who will? I have to go home and deal with my wife. I can't take him."

He glanced at Nicholas and gave him a look. "How about you take him?"

Nicholas shook his head fast. "No way. My wife would kill me if I brought a drunk guy home."

He turned to Madison and said, "Looks like it's up to you. My wife doesn't let me drink outside. If I bring Alexander back, she'll know I was drinking too."

Madison could tell they were doing this on purpose. She gave a cold laugh. "I can't either. I have two kids to take care of."

Nicholas snapped his fingers. "Easy. They can come with us. My wife loves kids."

Before Madison could answer, he waved at Noah and Nora. "Noah, Nora, come home with me."

The kids didn't refuse. They just looked at Maxwell.

"Uncle Maxwell, can we go with you? I kind of miss Hayden."

Maxwell smiled and picked them both up. "Sure, I'll take you to see Hayden."

He walked toward the door, then turned back to Madison. "Alexander's all yours. Thanks, Madison."

Madison didn't even get a chance to say no. She could only watch them leave.

She found it funny. She didn't believe for a second that these guys hadn't planned this.

Madison looked coldly at the drunk man on the couch, walked over, and kicked his shin.

The man groaned. Madison was even more sure he was faking it, so she kicked him again. "Stop pretending. I know you're not drunk."

Alexander opened his eyes, looking dazed. When he saw Madison, he paused. "Madison? What are you doing here? I must be dreaming. There's no way you're actually here..."

Madison felt confused hearing him ramble. She waved her hand in front of his face. "Are you really drunk or..."

Before she could finish, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

Madison fell against his hard chest without warning. Her nose hit him and started to sting, tears almost coming out. But he acted like he didn't notice. One arm around her waist, he flipped them over and pinned her on the couch.

Madison got annoyed and pushed against his chest. "Stop faking!"

He smelled like alcohol, but his actions didn't look like someone who was drunk.

Alexander looked at her lively face and smiled a little. "I am drunk, but not so drunk I can't think. Still, it's nice that you came to get me. Does that mean you still care about me?"

Drunk Alexander talked a lot. Madison pushed him, annoyed. "If you're not that drunk, get up. You're crushing me."

Alexander didn't move. He buried his face in her neck and said softly, "No, I don't want to get up."

His warm breath on her neck made her feel itchy all over, and her face turned red.

She pressed her lips together. "Alexander, stop using the alcohol as an excuse. Get up."

"Not unless you agree to get back together with me."

He really was using the booze to act crazy.

Madison wasn't putting up with it. She grabbed his wrist and bit down hard.

Alexander hissed in pain but didn't pull away. Instead, he said through the pain, "If biting me makes you feel better and less mad, then go ahead."

Madison stared at him with wide eyes.

The room was dim. The man's eyes were a little red, his face flushed, but his gaze was clear.

"I'll forgive you under one condition."

Alexander's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Madison pushed him, and he let go, sitting up.

She fixed her collar and said slowly, "You want to get back together? Then chase me again. When I feel something, we can talk about getting back together."

She used to chase after Alexander with her whole heart. Now it was his turn.

Alexander's eyes softened. He understood the resentment she'd been holding in. He answered without hesitation, "Okay, I'll chase you."