So, I decided to break the suffocating mood; "I heard you have a gift for me. Where's it?" I went straight to the point.
Madison was stunned at my forwardness. It only lasted for a brief moment as the wide smile returned back to her face.
She stood up and walked over to where I sat. She placed her hand around my chair;
"Come with me." She muttered as she walked away.
I stared at her departing figure, wondering what the gift would be. Another ruse to get me to change my mind?
"Go on." I heard Benjamin's persuasive voice, urging me to just let go of my doubt and see for myself.
I stood up from my seat and followed behind Madison quietly. She walked into the bedroom she shared with Benjamin and brought out a big box from the closet.
The box had the sigil of the pack crested at the top of the cover indicating it was something important. Then, she pulled off the cover.
My eyes widened when I saw what was inside. Even if I gave it just a brief stare, I could recignize the gown anywhere.
"Is this?"
"Yes darling... it's the heirloom wedding dress that has been passed down to all the women in the family. It was the same one I wore on my wedding day."
What...
Her smile widened as she noticed my expression.
"And now..." She pushed the box over to me.
"...now it's yours." She whispered.
I looked over at the box, still feeling really doubtful. Why is she showing me this now? She had never cared about me nor bothered about the events in my life.
Why is she suddenly gifting me something this treasured by the family after I had announced to leave?
Like she noticed I was still suspicious of her;
"I wanted to give this to you, on the day of your dress fitting..." She sucked in a harsh breath like she was about to cry.
"....then I found out that Riley was back and she was really sick so I couldn't control my emotions." She added.
I alsmot rolled my eyes at her. As always, everything was about Riley. I am her blood daughter but she wouldn't give me something this important because her adopted daughter was sick.
Yeah.. I now believe she is. I had someone help me check at the hospital and I found out she wasn't faking it this time. But it doesn't mean she still isn't using her ailment to try to ruin me.
"What use is it now? I'm not getting married to Liam anymore neither am I an Emerson so why are you giving this to me?" I asked, my eyes suddenly turning cold.
I noticed something flicker in her eyes; was it guilt, tension or fear? I couldn't pinpoint what it was and I didn't care either.
I shouldn't have come here in the first place. I stood up and was about to leave when she suddenly held my wrist. I felt a jolt in my body when I felt her warmth on mine.
She's holding me. She was initiating contact with me for the first time in a long time. Then, her eyes got watery and she started crying. I looked around to see if Riley was with us but we were alone.
This woman has never gotten emotional in front of me nor for me except Riley was involved. What's happeneing?
"I know Riley did some really bad things to you years ago, I know you feel like she's taken your place."
Really? Now you know how I feel?
"But even after everything, I just hope the both of you would be able to co-exist peacefully as the two daughters of the Emersons."
I tried that once and the next thing I got was a stab in my chest and I was left in the cold to die.
"Riley is seriously ill because of her exilement and I can't help but feel sorry for her but you Avery, you're my real daughter.. why would you think I never loved you?" She asked as more tears poured out.
I on the other hand couldn't utter a word. This was the first time she was referring to me as her real daughter and I couldn't help but admit, it warmed my heart a bit.
She sniffed, stood up and held my face in her palm;
"Avery, you'll always be my daughter no matter what you think. I might have a lot of shortcomings but I love you so much. It's just that with Riley's deteriorating health and your fight with her, it's been killing me emotionally."
"I just want you both to go back to how you used to be as you're both my daughters..." She paused as she sniffed again.
"Someday, when you have kids, you'll understand how I feel." She continued.
I badly wanted to hate her; she had neglected me all my life yet I couldn't. Seeing the usual aloof and proud Madison being all emotional and vulnerable in front of me touched something within me.
It made me believe her, hope within me that she was telling the truth this time and she indeed wanted me back in the family.
"I'm so sorry." I whispered, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. I don't know why I'm being emotional all of a sudden.
"What could my perfect daughter do to be sorry for?" She asked as she gently caressed my arm.
"For what I said at the charity ball. I don't want to leave you. I still want to be your daughter. I..." She suddenly pulled me into a warm hug.
"Hush now dear.." She patted me gently on my back. "We caused it. We made you feel unwanted. That was the only reason you did it. I understand." She whispered as she deepened the hug.
Mu heart warmed up at her words. She understood me, my mother finally understands my feelings and pains. It was like a dream come true.
"You know what..." I pulled away from the hug.
"... I'll rectify what I said at the ball myself. If I'm the one to clarify the misunderstanding, then there will be no more issues."
She had a joyous smile when she heard my offer.
"Then, why don't you take a wedding photoshoot with Liam. The rumors will die out immediately people see photos of your wedding with Liam and better, you'll be wearing the family wedding dress!"
TBC