Loving Madeline

Madeline's POV

I don't know why I felt nervous as I dialed Lily's number, and I know because she is Hunter's sister after all, and even if I run away from the Divenson mansion, it doesn't mean my feelings for Hunter are gone, and just thinking about him makes me feel so weak. I know it would take me a long time before I can get over him. I can now say Hunter Divenson is my first love, and I hate that I fell in love with the person who bought me. I should feel disgusted towards him, but instead, he made me long to be in his arms. And I despise myself for thinking about his handsome face every time I wake up and before I go to sleep.

"Hello!" I heard Lily's sweet voice on the other line.

"Hi, Lily, it is me, Madeline." I said, and the little girl screamed, and I hope she is inside of her room at the moment.

"Maddie! Oh, thank goodness you are fine. I am so worried if something happened to you." She said, and I can hear she is sobbing on the other line.

"Hey, Lily, please, don't cry. I am a big girl, so nothing will ever happen to me." I replied.

"Even big girls could get hurt, Maddie. I am so happy you are fine. How are you? And thank you that you remember me." She declared.

"How could I forget an angel like you? I am always thinking of you, Lily, you are the younger sister that I couldn't have, and you made me realize that age is not the basis to find a true friend." I said, and I can still hear her sniffing on the other line.

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"Lily, I will give you back the money. How could you give me such a large amount of money? It was from your allowance, and you can be in big trouble because of me." I said.

"It was just a tiny amount, Madeline. It was a gift from my granny and Hunter, they always shower me with gifts, and I don't need cash. I have everything that I need. Besides, you need more money than me. Don't worry about anything. I always received gifts during my birthday and special occasions. I am a Divenson Madeline, and please, don't return it to me. I will be upset with you if you will do that. It was a gift from me, and you should accept it with a smile." She said, and I can't stop myself from smiling.

"Thank you, Lily. And I am so grateful for your kindness." I said.

"You are welcome, Maddie. As much as I want to see you again, I know I have to be patient. I hope one of these days Tony will take me there in Magnolia Village. I am glad he offered you a job at his sister's family restaurant." Lily said.

"Yeah, and Tony's sister and her children are nice to me. It was Lianne Tony's niece who helped me to buy a phone. I enjoy my stay here, Lily, even though I am missing you." I replied.

" I miss you too, Maddie. I am happy that you have a job now, Madeline, and you are enjoying your stay at Magnolia Village. I know that Tony's family are great people. He always helps me here, you know I may be a Divenson by blood, but I'm not particularly eager to spend my time with my family except for my elder brother, Hunter. I don't usually get angry with my brother, and this is the first time I am upset with him." Lily declared.

"I am so delighted that my brother was devastated until now that he couldn't find you. I want to help him, but I am still angry with him, and I am glad that Hunter is affected by your disappearance, and I want my parents and siblings to realize how important you are in Hunter's life." She said, and I don't know how I feel now that Hunter is worried about me. There is a part of me that feels so delighted that Hunter was looking for me.

I said goodbye to Lily and promised her that I would be in touch with her every day. And I am still fascinated by her wisdom, and it always feels like I am talking to a woman my age, not a twelve-year-old girl.

I called Tony and told him I am fine, and I thanked him for what he had done to me. He sounds so happy that I love Magnolia Village. I don't know where I am today if not for Tony. Then I contacted my best friend, Gina, and she was so thrilled and ecstatic about my new life, and I told her about the Morigans, their beautiful home, and the diner. And most of all I told him about the hot chef, Jack Morigan.

"Really? Wow, is he that hot? I couldn't wait and see this chef you are talking about." She replied after I told her about Jack, and I can tell her excitement over the phone.

"Yes, he is hot and handsome." I said

"I think I am already falling for this chef guy." She said, and I laugh.

"Wow, I believe you now, Madeline. It has been a long time I heard you laugh genuinely. I am happy for you, and I hope Hunter Divenson won't find you." Gina declared.

"Me too. I hope I will stay here forever." I replied, but I am not even convinced with my own words because there is a part of me that I couldn't deny I want to see Hunter again. I miss his kisses, and if there is only a way to be with him without complications, I will come to him in a heartbeat. I say goodbye to Gina, and she told me she would visit me soon, and I can't wait to introduce him to Jack.

Lianne told me last night I can still take the early shift, and I can have overtime if I want. So, I opted to wake up early and go to work early because it is still summer. I need to work hard to have enough savings for the upcoming opening of classes. Because I will not spend Hunter's money, and in the future, if I have a better job, I will pay him my aunt's debts. I already finished taking a bath and change into a simple dress I bought on sale yesterday. By the time I open my door, I am shocked to find Jack leaning on the wall beside my door.

"Good morning, Madeline, my sister told me you want to take the early shift, so if you are ready, we can now go." He said, and when I looked at him, Jack is blushing, and I suddenly felt conscious.

"Sure, I am ready; I will get my sling bag and doll shoes, and I am good to go." I said and walked back inside my door, and I hurriedly get my things.

"So, how are you? I mean, are you enjoying your stay here in the Magnolia Village?" Jack asked as he glanced at me sideways after we left the house. I suddenly became conscious because of his intense stare.

"Very much. I love your place, and especially the people. Thank you for accepting me not only being one of the employees of your restaurant but for letting me stay at your house." I said.

"We are all happy to have you in our home, Madeline, especially me. I want to know you more." Jack said meaningfully that made me speechless for a while.

"Do you love cooking?" I asked as I tried to change our conversation topic since I find it so awkward because I can tell Jack is hitting me, I can't deny Jack is handsome and hot, but I have a complicated love life. I don't want to make my life more complex than it is, and I don't want to use anyone to get over with my first love. Maybe when I am finally over with Hunter, that is the time I will entertain the idea of having a boyfriend.

"Yeah, growing up, food always fascinates me, the aroma of every menu caught my interest, and I love watching my grandfather do his work in the kitchen. That is why I took up Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts because I realized I wanted to be like him, and here I am I have been the sous chef in our restaurant while my mom is the executive chef, but I already asked my mom to support me with my dream. I want to have my restaurant in Archois City someday and become a well-known chef." He said, and I smiled at Jack.

"Well, I know you will make your dream come true, Jack. I wish I were like you, and I am sure you can realize your dream because you have a very supportive family." I replied.

"Madeline, I can tell you are determined, and your aspiration to achieve your dream will be your guide to attain what you want in life. I can say you are strong and diligent. I know my mom told me you don't have immediate family, but don't be discourage, Maddie. I know, and I believe you can achieve your goal in life. I admire your personality because some people will lose hope when things got tough." Jack said as he stopped the car at the restaurant entrance.

"I will make you a healthy breakfast, Madeline." He said as I climbed out of his car, and then he proceeds to the parking lot.

Jack was true to his word. He let me wait at the staff dining area, and minutes later, he brought me an Asparagus with Poached Egg and Prosciutto menu with fresh watermelon juice. It was fantastic, and he is grinning at me while I was eating my meal.

"Thank you, Jack, for an excellent breakfast." I said, and I smiled at him.

"You are welcome, Maddie. I don't want you to start working with an empty stomach." He said and smiled at me before he went back to the kitchen.. I find Jack's gesture sweet, and I go to the restaurant's main dining area to take orders from customers with a broad smile on my face, and I realized I am so lucky to be in Magnolia Village and meet the Morigan family.