Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 32

Harper 

I didn’t know if Maddox expected me to say something in return, or if he was about to say something himself, but the silence felt like if neither would happen, it wasn’t going to matter. 

We let it stretch on for a while as he continued to face the sky until he finally said, “Margot shouldn’t have done that to you.” 

My eyes went wide. “How did you-” 

“I heard it when you were with Zoey and Ella. I was just in the study with Uncle Sebastian…the whole time.” He emphasized the last part. 

I let out a chuckle of relief. “They thought my description was nonsensical.” 

“It was quite the opposite.” He barely made eye contact as we got back in the rhythm of moving along the pavers. “Good thing I was there when you said it. We probably wouldn’t be here right now. Anyway, I’m leaving tomorrow.” 

I thought he’d say more about the painting, but I chose not to push him. 

“I know. That’s one of the reasons I came. Even when you were being such a jerk, I wanted to say goodbye.” 

“Goodbye?” He scoffed. “Who says this is the last time?” 

“That’s because you’re the one who made it feel that way.” 

“Guilty.” He raised his hands in defeat. “It must have been so hard for you to see my clothes in your closet.” 

“That part.” I nodded in agreement. 

“Keep them for now. You’ll definitely give them back one day. When the time comes, I’ll tell you how.” 

He stroked his chin, looking at me from head to toe like he was stripping me naked with his eyes. 

Grayson had looked at me in a similar way not too long ago, but there was something about the way Maddox did it that sent a rush between my legs. 

“It doesn’t matter what Tiffany says about your dress, it shows off everything I’ve missed about you, or at least most of it.” 

“And you think that’s going to fix everything?” I stopped in my tracks and crossed 

He sighed. “Let me make it up to you.” 

“How?” I tilted my head. 

“Come with me and I’ll show you.” He smirked, holding out his hand for me, my arms. 

“I don’t think Kate will like this.” 

“She’s probably passed out by now. She’s not even my girl. I just want to have a good time with you. Don’t worry, I’m not about to fuck you.” 

I scoffed. 

“Now, let’s go.” 

I didn’t know what exactly he was up to, but something about stepping into the unknown made it exciting. 

As soon as I gave him my hand, he led the way back to the party. 

“When is your birthday?” he asked casually. 

“June 5th.” 

“Be nice to me and I might throw you a party like this.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Like that’s going to happen. Oh, wait…” 

I stopped in my tracks again and he followed suit, watching me rummage through my purse. 

Then, I took out a long narrow box neatly wrapped and handed it to him. “Happy birthday.” 

He took it, a small smile on his lips as he narrowed his eyes. “What’s inside?” 

“How about opening it so you can find out?” 

He scoffed, nodding in agreement, proceeding to open the box with a smirk but as soon as he checked what was inside, it faded and I held my breath. Did he not like it? 

“Well?” I forced a chuckle. 

“What made you get me something like this?” His expression was unreadable. 

“I don’t know. I just…pretty stupid, right?” 

He smiled in satisfaction, gently closing the box. “I haven’t painted anything in years. This art brush set must be a sign for me to get back into it, so no, it’s not stupid at all.” 

“I’m glad you like it.” I exhaled deeply, relieved. 

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