waking up with my nemesis' baby novel

Madeleine stifled a giggle , her lips twitching . Kids and their wild imaginations - she couldn't hold it against him . By nine o'clock , Kirsten had given Kevin a bath . After that , he emerged in his adorable bunny pajamas , the floppy ears on his hood bouncing with every step . Madeleine's heart melted at the sight . This kid was the perfect blend of her and Roderick . " Sweetie , " she said , grinning , " if Daddy's company ever goes under , how about I sign you up to be a child model ? " Kevin tilted his head , unconcerned with modeling .

Instead , he asked seriously , " Is Daddy's company going bankrupt ? " Madeleine chuckled . " Just a what - if . I mean , look at your grandpa - his company went bust , didn't it ? " Kevin nodded , processing this with a gravity only a child could Chapter 32 muster . " Don't worry , Mommy , " he said , his voice brimming with determination . " If Daddy's company fails , he can work on a construction site . He won't let you go hungry . " Madeleine's smile froze . " Construction ? " she echoed , blinking . " Yeah ! " Kevin said brightly .

" In that show you were watching today , that's what they did ! " Madeleine's mouth twitched . The boy had been glued to her side all day , and while she watched her show , he had been playing nearby . She hadn't noticed he was listening . Now she realized she could never let him watch those dramas with her again . They were corrupting him . Roderick had been pampered since birth . The idea of him toiling on a construction site was laughable . She shook her head , amused . " Your dad's not cut out for that , buddy .

" She ruffled his hair and explained what construction work Chapter 32 actually entailed . Kevin listened intently, his little face serious . By the end , he seemed convinced that construction required great strength - and his dad wasn't strong enough . " Alright , it's almost nine - thirty , " Madeleine said , tapping his bunny - eared head . " Time for bed . You've got kindergarten tomorrow . " Kevin's eyes drooped , a flicker of reluctance crossing his face . " What's wrong ? " Madeleine asked , crouching to his level . He shook his head quickly and squeezed his eyes shut .

Madeleine's heart tugged . She could tell he was holding something back . She had noticed it a few times over the past days . Kevin was sensitive , his emotions running deep , but he struggled to voice them . When it came to expressing his own needs , he couldn't do it . While other kids might beg for a toy or a treat , Kevin never did. Chapter 32 He'd just stare with those big , hopeful eyes . And even if someone guessed and asked , his first instinct was always to shake his head . Madeleine didn't know much about psychology , but she knew her son deserved to feel safe expressing his needs .

She sat up on the bed and flicked on the bedside lamp , its warm glow casting soft shadows . " Kev , can you tell Mommy what's on your mind ? " she asked gently . Kevin's eyes popped open , surprised . " Or maybe ... what do you want right now ? " she tried again . He blinked , his little brain churning . No one , except maybe Nanette , had ever asked him that before . His dad and the household staff showered him with care , anticipating his every need before he could even think to ask . Madeleine saw his puzzled look and thought he didn't understand , so she tried again .

" Is there something you'd like , sweetheart ? " Chapter 32 " Kindergarten , " Kevin blurted , his eyes lighting up with hope as he looked at her . " Mommy , I want you to take me to kindergarten . " Madeleine's throat tightened , her words caught in a sudden knot . All that hesitation , all that quiet thinking , and this was his big request ? It was so simple , yet so heartbreaking . " I've never taken you before , have I ? " she asked , her lips pressing together . Kevin shook his head . She could guess why . The old Madeleine - the one who'd .

despised Kevin and Roderick - wouldn't have bothered . Guilt gnawed at her , sharp and relentless . She reached out , stroking his hair . " From now on , unless something big comes up , I'll take you to kindergarten . I promise . " Kevin's eyes widened , sparkling with disbelief and joy . He felt like he'd been wrapped in a warm blanket of happiness, Chapter 32 and everything was too good to be true . " Really ? " he whispered . " Really , " Madeleine said , extending her pinky . " Let's make it official .

" Their fingers hooked together , and both burst into giggles , the sound light and infectious . *** In the study across the hall , Roderick had just finished his work . His eyes were sore and burning . He leaned back in his chair , pressing at the corners of his eyes . Just then , Gerry called . " Mr. Livingston , I've got the report on Mrs. Livingston's recent activities ," Gerry said on the other end . Roderick's expression hardened , his voice clipped . " Go on . " " Nothing out of the ordinary so far , " Gerry reported . " But the day she met Edward , she fainted afterward .

Then she took Mr. Chapter 32 Kevin to the police station ... " Roderick's jaw tightened . 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.