The Remorseful Brothers Novel

The women’s intimate clothes on the drying rack stood out prominently. It was almost impossible for Madeline not to notice them.

“I’m sleeping on the couch,” Loretta pointed to it, “Your room is off–limits, and so is Mr. Lewis’s and Mrs. Lewis’s room.”

“Even though I’m here to help you all, the treatment here is just shy of sleeping on the floor,” Loretta laughed lightly, but her eyes showed no amusement.

Gavin noticed the clothes on the drying rack and said, “Madeline, don’t get the wrong idea. She just came by last night. It was raining, and she got soaked, so I ordered some pajamas for her, didn’t touch your clothes.”

Loretta stood beside Gavin, arms crossed, watching Madeline with a teasing smile.

She wasn’t very tall, about five feet one inch, but her skin was fair, and her face was heart–shaped with gracefully arching willow–like eyebrows. Her long almond–shaped eyes added a touch of charm and allure. Her classical and elegant features looked great even with minimal makeup.

“Gavin, are you henpecked now?” Loretta’s eyes sparkled as she playfully poked the baby in the cradle. “But as far as I know, Madeline is never short of men. What are you to her? Boyfriend? Or just one of her admirers? Are you just going to quietly stay here and take care of her child without asking about her life outside? That’s too generous.”

Gavin’s smile disappeared as he said, “Loretta, don’t say things you shouldn’t say. You know whose child this is.”

Of course, Loretta knew the child was an orphan left by a former colleague. She smiled slightly and said, “But wouldn’t it be better to send the child to an orphanage?”

Madeline held the child, feeling the little fingers tugging at her hair. Her heart softened. “You don’t need to say these things here. Thomas and I are like siblings. I’m the one raising this child. If Thomas ever starts his own life, I won’t let the child be a burden to him. After all, it was my soft heart that made me keep the child. I know whose responsibility this is. As for whether the child should be sent to an orphanage, you, Ms. Larson, don’t need to worry about that. I have the means to raise a child to adulthood.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

With that, Madeline took the child and went into her room. Gavin quickly followed, dragging his suitcase into Madeline’s room, eager to be near her.

Loretta clenched her fists, her beautiful nails digging into the flesh of her palms. It hurt…

Night fell. Loretta decided to stay after all.

Madeline took a nap with the child, and when she woke up, the house was already filled with the delicious smell of food. She stepped out to find Loretta busy in the kitchen, wearing a soft white dress that made her look incredibly enchanting and charming.

“You’re awake?” Loretta turned to Madeline. “Let’s serve the rice; we can eat now. Something came up for Gavin suddenly. He mentioned you’ve been working hard and told me not to wake you.” “There’s no need to be on guard around me. Just think of me as a housekeeper.”

“Ms. Larson, you really know how to joke,” Madeline said awkwardly, managing a slight smile. She couldn’t quite understand how this beautiful woman could humble herself so easily.

“I’m not joking. I’m a very traditional woman. You see…” Loretta placed the food on the table, her small silver earrings sparkling brightly. “I don’t mind being the second. I like Gavin. You’ll realize that sooner or later, and I’m not hiding it from you.”

Loretta sat across from Madeline, a hint of helplessness in her almond–shaped eyes. “I know he likes you, but you’re not capable of being completely faithful, so taking my advice is the best for everyone involved.”

“Ms. Larson, Madeline couldn’t help but interrupt Loretta, “The food you made looks really good, let’s eat it while it’s hot and not waste your effort.”

Loretta smiled but said nothing.

She picked up the serving spoon, placing a piece of eggplant on Madeline’s plate. “Before you got back, I had Gavin teach me

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how to make it. It should taste just like you remember it. Eat more if you like it.”

Madeline glanced at the food on her plate, “Thanks.”

As the meal went on, Loretta didn’t eat much herself but kept adding food to Madeline’s plate, resting her chin on her hand with a cheerful look. Her eyes held a mysterious blend of indifference and interest, especially noticeable in the dim lighting.

Madeline couldn’t deny it: Loretta was someone who really knew how to look after others. Still, she felt there was something strange about her… Can someone truly love another so completely that they accept everything about them, even their faults? Madeline didn’t think so. That’s why she was always cautious around Loretta.

“You’ve just returned from the show, you must be tired. Go have a shower. I’ll look after the kid. Grace is probably hungry,

too.”

Madeline wanted to refuse, but the warm air was making her sleepy. She was indeed feeling quite drowsy.

She propped herself up, “Grace isn’t awake yet. I’ll take care of things later. Let me take a shower first. Just leave the dishes here; I’ll wash them later.”

“No need.” Loretta’s eyes sparkled. “Your hands are so beautiful; they’re not meant for washing dishes. Oh, that’s something Gavin once told me; he doesn’t like you doing chores. So leave it to me.”

Madeline’s exhaustion hit her like a wave. She stood up and, with Loretta watching, went into the room, making sure to lock the door behind her.

She was incredibly tired, so inexplicably worn out. Madeline had planned to grab her clothes for a shower, but as soon as she sat on the bed, she collapsed and quickly fell asleep.

Loretta tried the door, but it wouldn’t move. She chuckled, “Madeline, just have a good sleep. I’ll take good care of your man for you.”

Loretta crossed her arms and leaned against the door, looking very much like the lady of the house. To her, Gavin was just a naive young guy, and Madeline… well, she was just his temporary plaything. She didn’t mind him showing interest in other things; those interests would eventually fade. Only love would grow deeper over time.

Loretta threw away the food into the trash can and thoughtfully took the garbage downstairs to get rid of it.

On her way upstairs, she heard the baby crying, but she didn’t mind. Instead, she hummed a pleasant tune while cooking spaghetti and frying steak in the kitchen.

By the time Gavin got home, the baby had stopped crying. Loretta came out of the baby’s room and smiled at Gavin, saying, “Hey, Gavin, I just finally got Grace to sleep. Keep your voice down so you don’t wake her. I spent ages getting her to nap.”

“Where’s Madeline?” Gavin asked, noticing that only a few lights were on and was a bit puzzled.

“She’s asleep. I guess she was exhausted from the trip back. She ate and went straight to bed. I haven’t had dinner yet because I was waiting for you. Want to eat together?” Loretta said, patting her stomach. “I’m starving, Gavin.”