Chapter 211

When Beckett returned, Madeleine had already prepared dinner. She was wearing an apron, her hair simply tied up. She set the dishes on the table, then turned to smile at Beckett and Chris. "Come, wash your hands. Dinner is ready." Beckett paused to place Chris on the floor. Madeleine stood there in the kitchen, embodying his dream of a perfect, content household. Bearing the trauma of his parents' cold relationship, he had always resisted the idea of starting a family. However, right now... he felt an overwhelming warmth. He carried the sensation of a weary bird who, after a long flight, finally finds its way home. “Mommy," Chris hurriedly washed his hands and obediently sat next to the dining table. "Terrell wasn't at school today.” A slightly surprised Madeleine turned to Beckett, "Terrell wasn't in school?" Beckett nodded, not particularly interested in meddling, suggesting that perhaps the boy was ill? Madeleine didn't ask any further questions. Knowing how much Terrell is doted on