Chapter 323
Madison
+25 BONUS
Hazel’s apartment smelled like cinnamon and vanilla. I sank deeper into her couch, thankful for the mindless background noise of some reality TV show about people renovating houses on impossible budgets.
“You look like hell,” Hazel called from her kitchen, the coffee machine gurgling behind her.
“Thanks. Just what every girl wants to hear.”
“Hey, I’m just being honest.” She appeared with two steaming mugs, handing me one before curling up at the opposite end of the couch. “That’s what best friends are for.”
I wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic, inhaling the rich aroma. “Then, as my best friend, you should’ve lied and told me I look fabulous.”
“Fine. You look fabulous. For someone who got hit by a truck and then dragged through a hedge backward.” She nudged my leg with her foot. “Better?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Much.”
Hazel studied me over the rim of her mug. “So, did you talk to Alexander about Katherine?”
My smile faded instantly. “Why do you ask?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Madison Harper. Those photos are everywhere.” She grabbed her phone, flicking through it before turning the screen toward me. “They’ve been spotted together three times this week.”
I didn’t need to look at the pictures again. They were already burned into my memory: Alexander’s hand on Katherine’s back, her head tilted toward him, both of them looking like they belonged together.
“Yes, I asked him about it,” I admitted, taking a sip of my coffee. “He said it’s just business. Katherine is collaborating with his stepsister, Georgia, on a fashion line for Knight Industries.”
Hazel raised an eyebrow. “And you believe that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because men lie, Madison. Especially rich, powerful men who are used to getting whatever they want.”
I shifted uncomfortably. “He was pretty convincing.”
“I bet he was. But seriously…” She leaned forward, her expression softening. “Those photos don’t look like business meetings. They look like two people who have history getting back together.”
“You don’t know that.”
“No, but I have eyes.” She pulled up another photo on her phone. “Look at the way he’s looking at her. That’s not a business look.”
I reluctantly glanced at the screen. Alexander was gazing at Katherine with an intensity that made my stomach twist. It was similar to how he sometimes looked at me when we were alone together, right before he’d pull me
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“I’m telling you this not to hurt you,” Hazel continued, interrupting my thoughts, “but to make you understand his intentions. Alexander Knight has a reputation. You know that.”
“I know,” I said quietly.
“If Katherine’s back in the picture, where does that leave you?”
I stared into my coffee, watching the steam curl upward. “I guess I’ve been thinking about that too.”
“And?”
“And I don’t know.” I set my mug down harder than intended. “What do you want me to say?”
“I want you to be realistic. You’ve been dating him. And suddenly his gorgeous ex shows up and they’re all over each other in public while I’ve yet to see a single photo of you two together.”
Her words hit too close to the truth of our arrangement. Alexander and I weren’t really dating; it was a business transaction with an expiration date. But I couldn’t tell Hazel that.
“We’re private, that’s all,” I said lamely.
“Private?” Hazel scoffed. “Madison, he takes her to fancy restaurants and charity galas. Meanwhile, what do you get? Late–night booty calls?”
I flinched. “It’s not like that.”
“Isn’t it?” Her voice softened. “Look, I know you care about him. That’s obvious. But does he care about you? Or are you just convenient?”
The women from the office cafeteria had used that exact word: convenient. It was a placeholder until Katherine returned. Hearing it from Hazel made it hurt even more.
“He cares,” I insisted, but the words sounded hollow even to my own ears.
“Maybe,” Hazel conceded. “But not enough to be seen with you in public. Not enough to tell his ex to back off.”
“You don’t know what he’s told her.”
“I know what these pictures tell me.” She tossed her phone onto the coffee table. “They tell me he’s keeping his options open. And that’s not fair to you.”
I picked up my coffee again, using it as a shield. “I can handle it.”
“Can you? Because you look miserable right now.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. You’re in love with him.”
My head snapped up. “I am not!”
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Hazel gave me a knowing look. “Madison, please. I’ve known you since childhood. I can tell when you’re falling
for someone.”
“Well, you’re wrong this time.”
“Am I? Because every time his name comes up, you get this dopey look on your face.”
“I do not get a dopey look.”
“You absolutely do.”
“I’m not in love with Alexander.”
“Uh–huh. And I’m not addicted to caffeine.” She took an exaggerated sip of her coffee. “See? I can lie too.”
“You’re impossible.”
“I’m right and you know it.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I nodded, unable to meet her eyes. “I hear you.”
“Do you? Because Alexander Knight is a player. That’s common knowledge. He dates models, actresses, and rich socialites. Not-”
“Not assistants,” I finished for her. “I get it.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.” She reached over to squeeze my hand. “You’re amazing, Madison. Smart, hardworking, gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you. I just don’t think Alexander Knight deserves you.
Her sincerity made my throat tight. “Thanks, Hazel.”
“Don’t thank me. Just promise you’ll protect your heart, okay?”
“I promise.”
She studied me for a moment longer before nodding, apparently satisfied. “Good. Now, can we please watch something less depressing than house renovations? I need mindless entertainment.”
I laughed, grateful for the subject change. “What did you have in mind?”
“How about that new zombie series everyone’s talking about? Nothing says ‘forget your boy problems‘ like watching people get eaten alive.”
“Sounds perfect.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
