24 Family Reunion

Just like that, Elias and Maddison were on their way to meet with Maddison's parents. There were no reasons for her to not believe Elias when he told her she had found her parents. Even so, he had some evidence to prove it. 

The only thing left to do to prove it was a DNA test. However, based on how events lined up, Elias was fairly certain about her identity. 

"How did you find them?" She asked when she was finally able to arrange her thoughts. 

Elias turned to face Maddison. He cupped her face gently. There was love and care behind his eyes. Did he truly care for her?

"They're an old family friend. When we first met, I had Jack search for any information regarding your background. That was how I found out you were left at an orphanage when you were young. They happened to have lost a child at the time too. Also named Maddison," Elias explained. 

What were the odds that this would happen? It was as if the gods had finally answered Maddison's prayers. All this time, she had wanted to know her family, to find out what happened. Now the truth was about to be revealed. 

But Maddison still felt unsettled. She had a bad feeling in her gut and she did not know why. 

"So both my parents are still alive?" She asked. 

Elias clenched his jaw. There was information he did not wish to speak of, that much was clear from his expression. There was also a hint of pity. 

"I'm sorry, Maddison, but I think your mother passed on." 

It was one of her worst fears coming to life. Maddison bit her lip as she looked away from Elias as she tried to hide her sorrow. She didn't want him to see her like this, with tears in her eyes. 

But Elias was no fool. He could feel it. 

"I guess… that was to be expected," Maddison said, her voice quivering. 

She was trying to hold back her emotions from overflowing. Elias reached out his hand. He didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. It was the only way he knew how to provide her with the comfort she needed. 

Silence hung in the air between them. Maddison felt the warmth of Elias's body against her own. Although they barely knew each other, it was warm and affectionate. She felt safe in his arms, protected and loved. 

"Sir, we're here," The chauffeur's voice rang out from the front. 

Elias and Maddison immediately separated from each other. Maddison quickly wiped away the tears in her eyes before regaining her composure. Elias readjusted his suit and got out of the limousine when they came to a halt. 

A servant of the household they had arrived at wanted to open the door for Maddison. But Elias waved him away. He opened the door for Maddison and reached out his hand to her. He could see the hesitation written on her face. 

Who wouldn't be nervous?

"No matter what happens, I will be here for you," Elias said to reassure her. 

"Thank you," She replied with a smile as she placed her hand in his. 

Stepping out of the vehicle, Maddison looked up at the building before them. She had never seen such a big mansion before. She looked from left to right, stunned to see the gardens that surrounded the property. 

This place was huge!

Elias carefully guided her towards the main entrance which was up a staircase. Servants and maids lined both sides of the staircase. All of them bowed politely, never meeting their gaze, as the couple ascended the stairs. 

When they finally got to the entrance, Maddison realized there were a few people gathered there to greet them. There was an older couple and a young woman about her age. 

"Elias, what a pleasant surprise! How long has it been? Is your family well?" The middle-aged man walked up to shake Elias's hand. 

"Uncle Keith, it's been a couple of years. My family is doing well. I apologize for visiting unannounced," Elias greeted him as he shook his hand. 

Maddison stood by Elias's side as she watched their interaction. She could not help but notice someone staring at her. It was the young woman who was standing next to the older couple. 

"Who's this pretty young lady? Is this your girlfriend? She's pretty, isn't she, dear?" Keith said to his wife. 

The older woman didn't so much as say a word. She glanced at Maddison from top to bottom. 

"Uncle Keith, do you remember what I asked you about the other day? Regarding your eldest daughter?" Elias asked. 

Maddison was getting nervous. Her palms were covered in sweat as she watched the expression on Keith Walker's face change. 

"Yes, I do. You…," The older man turned to look at Maddison. 

He was about to look back at Elias but he didn't. He looked at Maddison for a few moments. Something clicked in his mind. He stumbled back in shock. 

"Are you saying…" He could not complete his sentence. 

"What's wrong, Keith?" The older woman looked at him with concern on her face, with a slight tinge of annoyance behind her eyes. 

Maddison was the only one who noticed it. Perhaps it was because she was an outsider looking in. 

"The evidence I have supports it, Uncle Keith. I believe Maddison Lane, my girlfriend, is your daughter." 

Maddison noticed their resemblance. She didn't know what to say. Her emotions were all over the place. 

"Are you sure about this, Elias? But didn't Maddison die with her mother?" The older woman spoke plainly. 

"Margaret!" Keith exclaimed sternly as he glared at his wife. 

"What?" She scoffed in annoyance before turning to Elias, "You have to forgive my skepticism, Elias. There had been multiple young women coming forward over the years claiming to be Keith's long-lost daughter. We've been burned before. I just don't want Keith to get hurt again."

Though those words sounded like they came from a true place of care and concern, Maddison wasn't so sure about it. Some of it just didn't sit right with her. 

If anything Maddison felt like she had reason to doubt if Keith was even her real father. Though she saw the resemblance in their faces, that could not prove anything. 

"Do you recognize this locket?" Maddison came forward to speak as she removed it from around her neck.

Under normal circumstances, she would never have done so. But this situation was different. She wanted to know for herself if Keith could be her father. 

"It's probably another fake, Keith. We've seen this time and time again," Margaret said dismissively. 

Keith looked a little skeptical, but he trusted Elias. Elias King would not bring someone he didn't trust to him. So, he stepped forward to take a closer look. 

He examined the locket carefully. He flipped it to the back and ran his thumb over the carvings. His eyes widened in shock. 

"This locket… it's the real deal," He said as he looked up at Maddison, "My late wife, Nessie, had one just like it."