Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121

Harper

For a brief moment, everything around us fell silent—the gentle notes from Clara Edevane’s piano ceased, leaving a stillness that felt almost sacred.

Maddox had just asked for a genuine chance, and instead of panic, a warm flutter spread across my chest. It wasn’t fear; it was something softer, more hopeful.

My mind drifted to Grayson—the man whose heart I had chased for what felt like an eternity. I realized I had been fighting for a place in his life that he never truly intended to give me. Earlier, he confessed he always knew I loved him but chose someone else—someone better, someone prettier. That truth stung, yet it was something I had carried silently for years, a love I could never reclaim.

Still, as I sat there facing Maddox, my heart didn’t ache as I expected. Instead, I felt gratitude. He was the one who had steadied me when I was falling apart, who made me feel desired in ways Grayson never had.

I carefully observed Maddox’s body language while waiting for my answer. He was doing his best to appear composed, but the restless tapping of his shoe betrayed his nerves, as if he was moments away from bursting with anticipation.

His eyes shone—bright, hopeful, and tinged with a hint of fear. It was so endearing that I almost laughed. Yet, the thought of finally closing the door on Grayson crossed my mind. I didn’t want to keep begging for fragments of affection from someone who had never truly chosen me, even after admitting he loved me.

Instead, I wanted the sincerity Maddox offered in that moment.

Matching his honesty, I said, “If I’m the only obstacle standing between you and what you want, then I want to change that. So yes, I’ll give you a chance.”

He stopped tapping his foot instantly, frozen in place, eyes wide and unblinking.

Then, almost in a blur, he rose from his chair, pulled me up with him, and swept me off the ground as if I were a prize he had just won. I laughed aloud at his excitement as he spun me gently before setting me back down—but he didn’t let go. Instead, he held me close, his arms wrapping tightly around my waist while mine rested securely around his neck.

“Now, we can finally eat,” he said with a casual grin.

I giggled softly. “Seriously?”

He shrugged with a smile. “I got what I wanted. Why wouldn’t I want to eat?”

He carefully pulled my chair back into place and sat down, still holding my hand. Even as we ordered our meals, I never once felt the urge to pull away. Not for a second did I regret deciding to give him this chance.

Watching him scan the menu, I noticed his face light up like a child’s. I never imagined I’d be the reason for that kind of joy.

Once the food arrived and we’d been eating for a few minutes, my curiosity got the better of me. “So, what have I missed?” I asked.

“Quite a lot, actually.” He drizzled more dressing over his salad.

Leaning in, I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “I have plenty of time to hear everything. I’m here until tomorrow—or longer if you want me.”

“You got that right.” He licked his bottom lip, his gaze flickering to my neckline before he chuckled softly. “Where do I even begin?”

I narrowed my eyes playfully, swirling the wine in my glass. “How about the most important thing that’s happened in the last two weeks?”

I paused, staring at the wall as if it would help him decide what to say first.

After taking a deliberate sip, he said, “My dad and I finally went to my mom’s grave together.”

I gasped in surprise, wine glass still poised at my lips. “Really? Wait.” I took a celebratory sip and quickly set the glass down, eyes wide with curiosity. “How was it?”

He smiled, looking down at the table as if reliving the memory. “At first, it was a bit awkward. He didn’t know what to say when we got there. It took him a few minutes to get comfortable, but after that, everything went smoothly. He even brought my mom’s favorite flowers.”

As he described the conversation with his father by the headstone, his expression brightened—a glow of fulfillment that made it clear this moment was something he had longed for.

“Want to know the best part? He wants us to do it again… as many times as possible.”

“It sounds like he’s really trying to make up for lost time.”

“That’s obvious, and honestly, I don’t mind.” He tilted his head thoughtfully, as if remembering something else. “I’ve never told you this, but he’s always been jealous of Uncle Sebastian.”

I gasped. “No way.”

He scoffed softly. “Yeah. You know the kind of bond I share with my uncle, so you can imagine why my dad would feel that way. He wants to come out on top, but honestly, he doesn’t have to try too hard. He’ll always be my dad.”

I noticed a subtle crack in his voice, a vulnerability that surfaced as he looked away and closed his eyes.

“Are you okay?” I asked gently.

He looked back at me with his usual confident smirk and lifted his chin. “I’m good. I’m just glad things are finally turning out the way I always hoped. Want to know who wasn’t thrilled that I got to spend time with my dad like that?”

I pretended to ponder, pursing my lips. “Hmm… Margot?”

He nodded, laughing as if sharing a private joke. “She tried everything to stop me from going to the cemetery with him. The excuses she came up with got more ridiculous each time. Even my dad played along for a bit, but he knew the truth.”

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