ONE WISH

ONE WISH


Madison’s POV

“Who is it?” Michael demanded after a knock landed on the door.

“It’s me,” Tasha replied. “Breakfast is served and the Lord and Lady Worthington are waiting for you both,” she added.

I turned to Michael. He sighed and then turned to the door. “We will be out in a minute,”

I heard Tasha’s footsteps clicking away. I turned to Michael with my arms folded across my chest. “Do you realize how serious this is?”

It’s been over two hours since my father figured out everything. I’ve been restless since he dismissed us and now, he just casually invited us for breakfast?

Michael walked and stood before me. “Look at me,”

I reluctantly turned to him.

“We’ve got this,”

I sighed. I’m not sure if I’ve got this. I broke a law. I infuriated my father and in accordance with the provincial law, I should be exiled.

“Come with me,” Michael said, holding my hand.

I took his hand and reluctantly followed him outside. We made our way to the dining room where my parents were already seated. They leaned against each other and were whispering sweet nothings. I couldn’t help but smile. They’ve been married for over twenty years yet they can’t seem to keep their hands away from each other. They are so adorable.

Michael and I sat right next to each other.

“There you are!” my mother turned to us with a bright smile. “I hope you slept well. Are those bags underneath your eyes?” she turned to Michael. “What happened? Looks like she didn’t get enough sleep,”

Michael began to stutter.

“She’s doing perfectly okay,” my father responded. 

Michael and I immediately exchanged glances with waves of uneasiness coursing through our veins.

“Eleanor sleeps well. I’m sure the whole thing with the accident and the baby is what has left her worked up but I can vouch for our daughter. She’s not the type to stay up late or wander in the morning,” said my father.  “Except Michael has been keeping her busy,” he added.  

My mother playfully slapped him. “You're so silly,”

I swallowed hard.

“Right?” he turned to me.  

I faked a smile. “Of course.

At this point, it was evident that he didn’t inform my mother about the situation. How long is he going to keep stalling?

My mother turned to me. “You know what? I’ve been thinking. Why don’t you guys stay here till you have the baby?”

My father cleared his throat loudly before Michael and I could come up with a response.

“I’m sure they won’t have any objections. Looks like they are getting around the province really well and seem to have their hands full,” he said.  

I turned to Michael. He shook his head and continued eating. I sighed heavily.  At that moment, I just wanted to roll my eyes at my father. Seriously, what game is he playing? He might just go ahead and express his anger openly rather than resort to playing these mind games. 

I sighed and pulled a cup of fresh milk toward me. “Your offer sounds good, mother. Michael and I will think about that,”

“You know, you’re going to be an excellent mother,”

I kept drinking my milk, dreading when my father would open his mouth because anytime he did so, I got shivers down my spine.

My mother turned to Michael. “And you will be the perfect father. Eleanor is so lucky to have you. I know how much you cherish her and support her in all she does,”

“Of course,” my father quickly replied. “He supports her in all she does,”

I wanted to sigh for the umpteenth time when I suddenly felt bile rising from my bowels toward my throat. I immediately got up and pushed my chair back. I covered my mouth with the back of my palm and dashed out to puke.

“She’s becoming nauseous already. I’ll go check up on her,” my mother left the table with a smile.

\~~~

Michael’s POV

Lord Worthington was slicing the steak in front of him with a clenched jaw

I sighed, dropped my fork, and looked up to him. “I’m sorry,”

He lifted his head and tossed his plate to the side. He arched a brow. “Sorry? About what exactly? You were supposed to show her the right path instead, you joined forces with her to break the law,”

I took my head into my hands. “I tried. I really tried to stop her after she told me about the situation but you know Madison. She listens to no one whenever her mind is already made up. Believe me, I tried to stop her,”

Lord Worthington shook his head. “You didn’t try hard enough. I’m disappointed in you, Michael,”

“I’m sorry you feel this way about this but come to think of it, I think Madison did listen to me, and in all of this, she didn’t want to hurt you. This was her last trip. She understands the laws and is very..

“She understands nothing!” Lord Worthington gave the table a tight slap.

I surrendered with a heavy sigh.

“It’s best you two leave for New York,”

My eyes widened.

Lord Worthington matched my gaze. “I can’t bear to be far away from my daughter but at this point, I think it’s best if you two are not here. That way, I don’t have to worry about anything,” he said and then turned away. “I don’t trust any of you anymore,”

It felt as if a knife was pushed through my chest. I nodded. “Fine. I’ll tell Lady Worthington that we’ll have the baby in New York but before then, I need you to do me a favor,”

He watched me keenly.

“I’ll never ask you for anything again if you fulfill this one wish”

“Which is?” Lord Worthington asked and reached for a napkin.

“I need you to come to the foot of the mountains with me,” I said.

He gasped. 

“Just once my Lord. You can keep your distance when we get there but you must come with me this once and I promise I’ll never ask you for anything again,” I maintained.