waking up with my nemesis' baby novel

Their plan had been to stay one more night after the show and head home the next day . But Roderick got a call about urgent work that needed him back at the office . Madeleine thought it over . Leaving him to go alone didn't sit right . After a quick chat with Kevin , they decided to head back that night as a family . " Besides , you'll get a day to chill tomorrow , Kev , and still make it to kindergarten without missing a beat , " she said . Kevin's expression faltered for a split second before he nodded , his smile returning .

" Okay ." Madeleine caught the flicker in his eyes , her maternal instincts kicking in . " Kev , you don't like kindergarten ? " Roderick glanced down at their son , his gaze steady. Kevin's small frame stiffened briefly before he flashed a bright Chapter 21 grin , shaking his head . " No , I love it! " Madeleine didn't respond , but she wasn't fooled . That smile was a little too forced , and she knew her boy was hiding something . By the time they rolled back into Valenburg , dawn was breaking on the second day . The jet lag had taken its toll .

Madeleine , yawning relentlessly , collapsed onto the bed the moment they got home , sinking into a deep , exhausted sleep . Roderick , pressed for time with urgent work , tucked Kevin in and headed straight to the office . On the way , Gerry , his assistant , couldn't resist his curiosity . " Mr. Livingston , is Mrs. Livingston ... ? " Roderick , who'd been resting his eyes , snapped them open at the mention of her name . Gerry , realizing he'd overstepped , clamped his mouth shut . " Sorry , Mr. Livingston . I shouldn't have brought it up . " Chapter 21 It was an unspoken rule .

No matter how outrageous Madeleine's actions were , Roderick never tolerated a word against her . Not even a whisper of gossip was allowed . Rumors swirled in the office that Roderick must be under some kind of love spell , bewitched by his wife's charm . " Keep going , " Roderick said . Roderick didn't rebuke him . Gerry blinked , caught off guard , then cleared his throat , choosing his words carefully . " It's just ... Mrs. Livingston seemed different this trip . More ... normal , I guess . " Compared to the old Madeleine , these past few days she'd seemed refreshingly human .

Roderick didn't interrupt , so Gerry pressed on , treading lightly . " Before , whenever Mrs. Livingston spoke with you , it was like a robot . You two couldn't go three sentences without quarreling . And toward Mr. Kevin , she treated him like he was someone else's child . But these past few days , I've noticed ... she's been very good to Mr. Kevin . " Chapter 21 Fearing he'd gone too far , Gerry quickly added , " Not that she's ever been unkind to you , sir ." Roderick's face remained unreadable , but Gerry , who'd worked for him for years , could read the subtle signs .

The slight softening in Roderick's eyes betrayed a flicker of quiet joy . At the office , Roderick gave Gerry a task . " Find out what Madeleine was doing the past few days - where she went , who she met , and , if possible , what they talked about . " " Understood , " Gerry replied , nodding . Back in his office , Roderick made a call . The line picked up quickly , and a carefree , teasing voice came through . " Mr. Livingston , finally coming around ? I told you , too much abstinence isn't good for a man's health . Since you called , I'll throw a party tonight ...

" " Shut it ," Roderick cut him off , his voice sharp . The man on the other end choked on his words , pausing for a Chapter 21 beat . " Fine , fine , have it your way . No wonder your wife's giving you the cold shoulder . " He chuckled , then turned serious . " Alright , no more joking . You're calling me at this hour , so it's gotta be something big . What's up ? " " I need you to arrange a medical checkup . " " For whom ? You ? Look , it's nothing to be ashamed of . I'm a doctor , and you can tell me ... " Roderick pinched the bridge of his nose , barely containing his irritation .

If this fool had been in front of him right now , he would have punched him senseless . The man , sensing Roderick's rising temper , dropped the act . " Alright , alright , I'm serious now . What kind of checkup ? What's the focus ? " " Brain , " Roderick said , pausing before adding , " It's for Madeleine . " Chapter 21 " Madeleine ? " The man gasped , his tone turning grave . " Well , it's about time . I've said it all along - your wife's brain definitely isn't normal . " Roderick hung up before the guy could say another word , his patience worn thin .

One more jab , and he'd have driven across town to deck him . *** Madeleine woke in the early afternoon , her body heavy with the lingering haze of sleep . A hot shower and a fresh change of clothes finally revived her . As she headed downstairs , she spotted Kirsten arranging a bouquet of freshly bought flowers . " Kirsten , where's Kev ? " " Mrs. Livingston , Mr. Kevin's in his room with Dr. Clark , " Kirsten replied . " Dr. Clark ? " Madeleine's heart skipped , her voice tightening with worry . " Is something wrong with Kev ?

" Chapter 22 Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.