Madeline's POV.
When the morning rays of sun finally woke me up, I turned around to see Liam sleeping with his back facing me, I sighed in relief, happy that I didn't hug him or move around a lot in my sleep.
I was known for my bad sleeping habits so I was just relieved that I didn't do anything wrong in my sleep.
I slowly moved away from the bed, walking out of the room. I wondered what I would do for the next few weeks as my winter break began today.
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Liam's POV.
Hearing the door of my room close, I slowly opened my eyes, lying on my back, I let my thoughts drift.
Last night was nothing less than a torture as Madeline's maddening scent lingered around me, her soft arms hugging me tightly as if she would lose everything in this world if she let go of me.
At some point, I let go of my constraint as I hugged her back, 'f*ck', I almost cursed out loud, because till now it seemed like I never knew what it was like to have someone in my arms.
As Madeline slightly shifted, I realized my mistake as I let go, though letting go seemed impossible.
I walked out of the room to the balcony in the hall trying to breathe some air and also some sense into me.
As I stood there on the balcony letting the breeze ruffle my hair, I heard my mum's voice behind me, ''Can't sleep?''
But I didn't turn back, I didn't want to answer her, not after what she did and what she is doing.
I could feel her getting closer to me, her footsteps growing louder, ''You are mad at me? Wow! Look how the tables have turned, are you angry at me for the mistakes you made?''
I swiftly turned around to face her, anger coursing through my veins, ''None of this would have happened, if you didn't forcefully make me sign that damn contract!''
The thin thread of patience I was treading on finally snapped.
''You are using Madeline, that innocent woman, for your son's benefit, my benefit!''
She shook her head in denial, ''Liam, listen to me...
''No! You know that I cannot maintain relationships, so you are using her to correct the flaws in me, Madeline isn't a toy to be played with!''
I didn't stop there, ''And she didn't grow up watching broken relationships like I did, she grew up in a healthy, happy family, and she deserves all of that and more!''
I paused, my chest heaving as my breath sped up.
The look on my mum's face softened, and it left me confused. I just raised my voice against her, so why...
''Do you realize what you just said, Liam?''
I frown formed on my face as confusion consumed me.
I heard my mum chuckle, her warm hands clutching my shoulder, ''You care for her, you want the best for her so what is stopping you from liking her, at least for an year, I am not asking you to love her, but is it so difficult to like her?''
Reality hit me hard as a rock.
Because now I realised what I was feeling for Madeline was more than 'like'.
I sighed, ''Ma, but I don't know if I am feeling this because we are staying under the same roof, this contract just puts us in a difficult place.''
I finally gave in and confessed whatever I was feeling to my mother.
A small smile bloomed on her face, ''Did your feelings show up after or before the contract?''
'Bingo.'
'Mrs Fernandes, as always, sharp as an eagle.'
My mum was already winning this talk, she continued, ''I bet you already have the answer, so to your question about your real feelings towards Madeline, do you want an answer?''
I stared into my mother's blue eyes that contained my reflection, ''Tell me.'' I said, my voice slightly wavering.
''Take her on a date, not a romantic one, just a platonic date.''
I sighed, ''Mum, I don't want to be on tomorrow's headlines, please.''
A hearty laughter broke out of my mum's throat, ''Don't worry, you can use our private island, plus you know I got the press covered.''
If there was a reason why I didn't have huge scandals circulating around me was because the Fernandes family had a huge control over the press for generations.
It was all thanks to my mother for my almost scandal free life, but the press these days has become more independent and stronger, making it difficult to cover all the scandals that arise.
I raised my eyebrows, asking, ''Are you sure that not a single word will get out?''
My mother raised her eyebrows back in challenge, ''You are underestimating me, my son. Just be careful until you reach the island, I will take care of the rest.''
''Goodnight, now go to bed.'' my mum ruffled my hair, causing me great annoyance.
As she happily hopped back to bed, I called out, ''Mum! Do you think it's a good idea? The date, I mean.''
My mum just smiled, before replying, ''It will be the best.'' she said before closing the door.