Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 2

Maddox

Every memory that I had about Harper was when she was a shy and quiet girl who always stayed by Grayson’s side. My sister always complained to our family that her dates with Grayson never went according to plan because Harper was in the way.

Even with that going on, Tiffany was never intimidated by Harper because Grayson always treated her so differently, but I saw it today for the first time. I knew my sister very well and seeing Harper look so breathtaking got to her. Who wouldn’t be shocked? That wasn’t the version of her that everyone knew.

While the sight before me was quite pleasing to look at, especially her toned legs on full display in those heels, the urge to call her out for her reaction at the engagement announcement was much stronger. I just couldn’t help it.

Placing a hand on her hip with her head high after taking a step closer, she boldly said, “You must be so irrelevant at this party that you came out here just to mock me. Nothing else to keep you occupied?”

Damn. She wasn't just pretty now. She was feisty and it was the last thing I expected. She didn't even need to raise her voice to make me feel each word.

The Harper I remembered would have stammered, maybe even ducked her head and rushed off in tears, but this version just stood in front of me like she wasn't scared of anything, especially not me.

I chuckled. “I didn't know you had that kind of-”

“Hold on,” she said, holding up the palm of her hand to my face. “It has just come to my attention that you and I are still talking.”

Did she just indirectly tell me that I wasn't worth her time?

She slowly walked past me to return inside, as if daring me to say something back to her, but I could only look on.

Then, I smiled, not because it was funny, but because it had been a long time since someone spoke to me like that, like they weren't intimidated by who I was.

Everything was so different about her and it left me curious. I wanted to know everything that college had changed about her.

“Everyone shut up! We're about to start the game!”

Tiffany yelled from the living room, screaming above the music.

I rolled my eyes. The two of us had lived under the same roof for years and yet I could never get used to her voice whenever she raised it.

~

Harper

While my feelings were still hurt by the engagement announcement, I realized that isolating myself wouldn’t make me feel any better, so I decided to show up for the rest of the party.

When I returned to join everyone in the living room, some of the guests were already in a circle, including Maddox. I still wasn’t over how he had seen right through me.

Some girls near me swooned over him as they whispered about how wealthier he had become after inheriting his father’s multibillion-dollar company.

Grayson stood by the drinks table, looking like he wasn't about to play the game, but Tiffany wasn't about to allow it. She had her hand wrapped around his arm with a pout, still trying to convince him to play until he gave in.

As the two of them sat together, she spotted me sitting across from her and her eyes lit up and not in a good way. I had seen that look before so many times. She only smiled like that when she was up to something.

With Grayson on one side, her best friend, Kate, sat next to her. Nothing much had changed about her because even after so many years, she didn’t like me.

That being Tiffany’s game, she went first, turning to face Grayson after glancing at me again.

“Truth or dare?” she asked.

“Truth.” He playfully rolled his eyes at her.

She giggled. “Did you fall in love with me at first sight?”

He raised his eyebrows in pleasant surprise and that only made my heart actually race as I also anticipated his response.

Kissing the back of her hand, he said, “Yes, as soon as I saw you, something in my heart told me you were the one.”

She rested her head on his broad shoulder, triumphantly glancing at me as everyone else found the moment to be so sweet.

“My turn!” Kate said. “Harper, truth or dare?”

My eyes widened a little at how she singled me out with a dramatic gesture.

“Uh…truth.”

“Are you currently in love with someone?”

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