Chapter 333
Madison
Mom sat across from me, her expression thoughtful. “You know, when your father and I were dating, we sometimes needed space. It’s healthy.”
I nearly choked. “Mom, we’re not, I mean, Alexander and I are, it’s complicated.”
“Love usually is,” she said with a knowing smile.
I didn’t correct her. What was the point? In a few weeks, when she was stronger, I’d invent some amicable breakup story. For now, let her believe her daughter was dating a billionaire CEO rather than… whatever Alexander and I actually were.
“The eggs are amazing,” I said, changing the subject. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better than you look,” she teased.
“Gee, thanks.” I rolled my eyes but laughed. My mother’s honesty was both her best and most annoying quality.
“Go enjoy your beach day,” she urged, patting my hand. “You work too hard. Have some fun, get some sun, flirt with a lifeguard.”
“Mom!”
“What? Just because you’re dating doesn’t mean you can’t look. Your father used to say that looking at the menu doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what you ordered at home.”
“Please stop,” I groaned, dropping my head into my hands.
She cackled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Alexander might be handsome, but he works you too hard. Tell him I said so.”
“I’ll add it to my list of topics to discuss with my boss,” I said dryly.
“Your boyfriend,” she corrected.
“Right. That.” I finished my coffee and stood. “I should get ready. Hazel will kill me if I’m late.”
“Wear sunscreen!” Mom called after me. “And that cute blue bikini!”
“Already ahead of you!” I shouted back, retreating to my bedroom.
I packed hastily, throwing sunscreen, a towel, flip–flops, and a change of clothes into a beach bag. The blue bikini went on under a loose sundress I’d forgotten I owned.
My phone buzzed again as I was about to leave.
Hazel: If you’re not in a cab in the next 5 minutes, I’m coming to drag you out personally.
Me: Getting in one now.
Chapter 333
+25 BONUS
I kissed Mom’s cheek on my way out. “Don’t overdo it today, okay? Dr. Williams said light activity, not spring cleaning.”
“I’ll just watch my shows and maybe water the plants,” she promised. “Have fun, sweetie. You deserve it.”
The sunshine felt foreign on my skin as I hailed a cab, like my body had forgotten what it felt like to be outdoors for non–work purposes. The driver cranked up his radio, and an upbeat pop song filled the car as we weaved through Sunday morning traffic.
For the first time in weeks, I didn’t check my work email. I didn’t look at the financial news. I didn’t g****e Alexander Knight and Katherine Sinclair.
I just existed, watching the city blur past, letting the music wash over me.
By the time I arrived at Hazel’s apartment building, I felt almost human again.
“She lives!” Hazel exclaimed when I stepped out of the elevator into her floor’s hallway. She wore a floppy hat, oversized sunglasses, and a cover–up that barely covered anything. “I was about to send a search party.”
“I’m literally five minutes early,” I protested, checking my watch.
“Which means you’re fifteen minutes late by Madison Harper standards.” She looped her arm through mine, dragging me toward the exit. “Everyone’s waiting downstairs. I’ve already told them all about you, so prepare for interrogation.”
“What exactly did you tell them?” I asked warily.
“Oh, you know, that my best friend is dating the Alexander Knight and that you’re disgustingly perfect together and that he probably has a massive—‘
“Hazel!” I hissed, heat rushing to my face.
“Budget for his company,” she finished innocently. “What did you think I was going to say?”
“You’re the worst,” I muttered as we stepped into the elevator.
“And yet you love me.” She adjusted her sunglasses with a theatrical flourish, then paused mid–step. “Oh, and don’t worry. I haven’t actually told anyone you’re dating Alexander. I may be dramatic, but I’m not completely tactless. Your secret’s safe.”
“Thanks,” I said, relief flooding through me.
“Seriously though, you okay? You sounded really weird on the phone earlier.” Her voice softened with genuine
concern.
I forced a smile. “Just tired. Work stuff.”
“Hmm.” She studied me suspiciously. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the photos of Alexander and that fashion designer chick, would it? She’s practically climbing him like a tree.”
She thrust her phone in my face. There they were, Alexander and Katherine, outside what appeared to be an upscale restaurant. Her hand on his arm, their faces close, her body leaning into his. They looked intimate.
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+25 BONUS
Comfortable.
“It’s probably nothing,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant while my insides twisted. “Business dinner.”
“At midnight? With his ex?” Hazel raised an eyebrow. “Look, I’m not trying to upset you, but if he’s-”
“He’s not,” I interrupted firmly. “Katherine is a business associate. That’s all.”
“If you say so.” Hazel looked unconvinced. “Just know that if he hurts you, I will personally ensure his fancy Italian shoes are filled with quick–drying cement.”
I laughed despite myself. “Noted.”
Outside, a group of people lounged against two cars, chatting animatedly. They turned as we approached, curiosity evident in their expressions.
“Everyone, this is Madison,” Hazel announced. “Madison, this is everyone.”
A chorus of hellos followed. Two guys with fashionable haircuts, three women in various states of beach–ready attire.
“This is Nathaniel and Devon,” Hazel pointed to the guys. “And Mia, Ariana, and Leila.”
I smiled, trying to commit the names to memory. “Nice to meet you all.”
“So you’re the famous Madison,” Nathaniel said, giving me an appraising look. “Hazel never shuts up about you.
11
“All good things, I hope,” I replied.
“Mostly,” Hazel winked. “I might have mentioned that you always work and never have fun.”
“I have fun,” I protested weakly.
“Name the last time you did something spontaneous,” Devon challenged, adjusting his designer sunglasses.
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
They all laughed, and I couldn’t help but join in. It felt good to be around people who didn’t know the complexities of my life, who weren’t caught up in Knight Industries drama.
“Car assignments!” Ariana announced, jangling her keys. “Nathaniel, Leila, and Devon with me. Hazel and
Madison with Mia.”
We split into two vehicles, and I slid into the backseat of Mia’s Jeep, the windows already down and music blasting.
Chapter 334
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.
