Chapter 188

Chapter 188 Eugene didn’t leave. He made himself comfortable, settling into one of the guest rooms at Caleb’s house. He had cleared his schedule to stay until after the New Year’s, determined to spend time with Madeline.

Near dinner time, Caleb received a call–he had to head to the office to sign a contract personally. He knocked on Madeline’s door. “Maddie, want to come with incl “I need to drop by the office, and I have a dinner. If there’s time, we can go shopping after,” Caleb suggested.

Normally, Caleb wouldn’t ask Madeline to venture out into the cold, but he felt uneasy leaving her behind with Eugene around.

He still behind remembered catching Gavin taking notes once, murmuring something about Eugene being the most mischievous of the bunch.

“I’ll pass” Madeline shook her head. Just out of the bathroom, she seemed hesitant. “T... uh... it’s a linte inconvenient right now.

Could you ask Mrs. Ziegler to come by before you leave!”

“What’s wrong?” Caleb frowned slightly and noticed Madeline clutching her belly. “Are you feeling unwell Did you catch a cold? A stomachache?” He touched her forehead and discovered no fever.

“No.” Madeline muttered, feeling embarrassed. “Just tell her to drop by. She couldn’t find herself telling Caleb she was on her period and needed sanitary pads. His house was well–equipped. However, given that Caleb was a man and single, he didn’t have such fernale hygiene products.

Perplexed, Caleb headed downstairs to look for Sarah. “Why is Maddie clutching her stomach and not telling me what’s wrong?

Sarah froze for a moment before understanding dawned. She smiled gently. “Ms. Larson is probably on her period, Mr.

Simmons” “Period? Caleb thought. He wasn’t entirely clueless, but it was not something he was familiar with “Do we not have anything prepared for that?” “No,” Sarah aid. “There are many types and brands of these products, each offering a different experience. Hence, I didn’t prepare in advance “Ask her what she needs and get them” Caleb did not involve himself further.

Madeline was likely too shy to talk to him. Though Caleb’s face remained stern, a flicker of unfamiliar emotion stimed within him.

Meanwhile, Madeline was in her room. After giving orders to Sarah, the woman quickly delivered what was needed, even leaving her phone number in case Madeline required anything else later.

With her period supplies in hand. Madeline headed to the bathroom, relieved to freshen up. After washing her hands, she glanced at her freshly cleaned undergarment hanging nearby There was a dryer in the house, but it was downstairs on the first floor, as was the outdoor drying line. Without a laundry basket, Madeline felt awkward to ask Sarah to hang such personal items–especially the lone, delicate pair of panties.

Madeline stepped out of her room and scanned the area. Luckily, Caleb was out. Hence, she didn’t have to worry about the embarrassment of bumping into him.

With a deep breath, Madeline hurried downstairs to hang her clothes, Everything was going smoothly–until footsteps sounded behind her. Before Madeline could react, she found herself pressed against the wall. Her heart leaped as she hid her panties behind her back.

Eugene leaned one hand against the wall, lifting Madeline’s chin with the other. His lips curved into a teasing smile. “Maddie, why are you a secretive?

acting so “Why are you sneaking around? Show it to me. Eugene added Madeline’s body jolted like she had been shocked. She frantically shook her head, refusing. “No! Never! I have something to do.

Go take a sear talk to you later,” she said firmly. “Go now”

Eugene’s interest was piqued. “Oh What’s there that I shouldn’t see? I just got more curious. Why are you so fierce with me?”

something”

You fo must be hiding “If you don’t leave right now. I’ll get mad upset Madeline too much. After all, if she got mad, it’d Madeline clenched the item in her hand, her anger bubbling up.” Eugene couldn’t be bothered. Though, it was only their first day reunited–he didn’t want to upset be up to him to soothe her. “Fine, I’ll leave.”

Madeline let out a relieved sigh. “Leave now” Eugene turned to leave, and as Madeline patted her chest, ready to go about her way, he suddenly turned arcanel.

That was when Eugene saw it–Madeline’s blue lace panties clutched tightly in her hand. He paused for a moment, clearly surprised. “So that’s what you’ve been hiding-

Chapter 188 Madeline froze in place, her hand tightening around the fabric as she felt utterly flustered.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it eventually.” Eugene chuckled, seeing Madeline’s mortified expression. He reached over, patting her shoulder gently. “Want me to dry those for you!”

Blushing furiously, Madeline kicked Eugene and stormed downstairs. Once she reached the bottom, she turned only to see Eugene casually leaning over the second–floor railing, a playful grin on his face.

At that moment, Madeline wanted to hit Eugene so badly.

After drying her undergarment, Madeline returned to her room. She locked the door behind her before collapsing onto her bed, her face burning with embarrassment. “He’s so infuriating! No manners, no respect whatsoever.”

Awhile later, Madeline heard a knock at the door. She stubbornly pretended not to hear as she wanted to ignore Eugene.

Soon, Madeline heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. Clenching her teeth, she was ready to storm out. But before she could, Eugene easily wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her back inside.

With a thud, the door closed, and Eugene tossed Madeline onto the bed. As she tried to wriggle free, he pinned her down effortlessly. “If you keep misbehaving, I’m going to have to spank you.”

Speechless. Madeline wrapped herself tightly in the blanket as she glared furiously at Eugene, who sat at the edge e of the bed.

Eugene lifted the blanket and tucked a warm water bottle inside. “For your tummy.” He got up, closed the window, turned on the air conditioning. and glanced at Madeline “You’re letting in the cold air. Don’t you know it’ll make your cramps worset Stay here and rest. Stop moving around, Eugene added.

Madeline hugged the hot water bottle, her head lowered in silent stubbornness, The warmth against her belly was undeniably comforting Later. Eugene returned with a bowl of chowder. He blew gently on it, cooling it down before holding a spoon to Madeline’s lips.

It’s hot, be careful, he murmured, carefully feeding her spoonful by spoonful.

Leaning against the pillows, Madeline couldn’t help but glance at Eugene. His gentle, focused expression was unexpectedly pleasing to the eye- though he still had no manners After finishing the chowder, warmth spread through Madeline’s body, and her once cold hands and feet began to feel cozy again.

There’s no need to be so shy Eugene set the empty bowl aside and wiped his hands. “Sooner or later, we’re going to be the closest people to each other. It won’t be just your panties I’ll see “If you ask. I could even wash them for you. After all, I’m going to be your live–in husband. I’ll treat this cold weather, Eugene added.

at you well and won’t let you get your hands wet in