Madison's POV
The meeting is finally done and dusted, and now we're looking ahead to planning the wedding. It still feels surreal how fast everything is moving, how my life is no longer dictated by others but is now in my own hands. Well, partially mine and partially Richard's.
I'm currently at my parents' house. I know I shouldn't be here,not after everything,but after the meeting last night went surprisingly well, I felt the need to paint. It's how I process things, how I breathe. But as I began looking through my supplies, I realized I had left a few of my favorite brushes and oils behind when I moved out.
So I came back.
The house was empty when I arrived, which made it easier. No awkward stares, no passive-aggressive remarks, no Sophia. I let myself in and headed straight for my old room.
The second I opened the door, I was hit by a wave of memories.some nostalgic, but mostly painful. The walls still wore the dull beige paint from years ago, the bed still neatly made, untouched. For a moment, I just stood there, staring. Back then, I thought it couldn't get any worse. But now that I've tasted what real peace feels like thanks to Richard…I understand now just how much of a prison this place was.
I snapped out of it and started gathering my things. My brushes, the oil pastels Richard had gifted me on a whim, my sketchpad with half-finished portraits tucked carefully inside.
Just then, my phone rang. Richard's name lit up the screen.
"Hello," I answered, my voice light.
"What are you doing?" His voice was calm, but I could hear the fatigue behind it.
"What about you? What are you doing?" I deflected, teasing.
"I'm at work. I think I'll stay here overnight. Might end up checking into a hotel late."
"Why not just go home?" I asked, sensing how tired he sounded.
"Hotels are comfortable. Do you want to come too?"
I laughed. "No thank you. I'm busy."
"Doing what? You were supposed to be resting after that dinner last night."
"I'm at my parents' house. I forgot a few things when I packed."
I could feel his mood shift at the mention of where I was. He didn't say anything about it, but the silence was enough.
"You know I could've gotten you anything you need," he said gently.
"Relax, okay? I might be adopted, but I have money."
"I'm not saying you don't. I'm just saying…"
"I know what you meant," I interrupted with a soft laugh.
"So… do you want a ride?"
"It's okay. I'll call a taxi."
"I told you not to do things alone. I said I'd always be by your side, so… don't try to carry everything yourself. Whatever it is, just tell me."
His words melted my heart, and I found myself smiling like a fool. I cleared my throat.
"Ehmm… Don't treat me like a child. Maybe when something difficult comes up, I'll let you know."
"I'm proud of you, Madison," he said.
"Didn't you say you were busy? You sure sound free."
"Of course I'm busy. I need to work hard if I'm going to feed you."
"Then work harder! I'm hard to please, you know. Bye!"
I ended the call, still smiling. I couldn't remember the last time I'd enjoyed a conversation that much.
Once I was done packing, I stepped outside, ready to order a taxi when a hand gripped my wrist from behind.
Startled, I turned around. It was William.
"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to pull away.
"You're going to Richard's house, right? Come on. I'll take you."
"Forget it. I can go on my own."
"I know the way. Also, I want to talk to you."
"I said forget it. What's with you?"
"Let me do this much. This might be the last."
He pulled me toward his car despite my protests. He wasn't listening. He never really did.
The car ride was quiet. As soon as we arrived at Richard's house, I stepped out, grabbed my bag, and was about to ignore him completely when he reached for my wrist again, spinning me around.
"I told you…I could take it inside for you."
"Forget it. Please leave."
"Madison, did you only ever see me as your boyfriend?"
I blinked. "What?"
"Now that it's over, do you not care at all? We were neighborhood friends, Madison. We shared everything with each other."
"Are you trying to blame this on me? Don't you know why we ended up like this?"
"I know it's my fault. That's why I'm not even mad that you're marrying someone else. Even if this is how we end, I still wish you the best… as a friend."
"What are you trying to say?"
He exhaled sharply.
"If it were someone else, I wouldn't mind. But Richard? He's not right for you. It's been just a few weeks and you're already engaged. Your families have met, and now you're moving in with him? Those who know him won't believe it. It's ridiculous."
"Maybe he's just passionate about me," I snapped.
"What?"
"When men are in love, they'll do anything. Just like how you were planning to marry the sister of the woman you truly loved. Am I wrong?"
He froze.
"You know… I asked him if he knew how close we were. That we dated. That we were friends for over twenty years. And you know what he said? That he didn't care. How can a man in love say that?"
"Richard is cool. He's different from a loser like you."
"That's not being cool, Madison. He's cold."
I turned to walk away, done with the conversation. But his next words made me stop.
"I bet you didn't know that Richard tried to kill someone."
My heart skipped.
"What?"
"He pushed his brother off a boat. That's why his brother's disabled now. That's why Richard left KINGS Group. It wasn't just pressure. It was guilt. Because what he did will resurface again."
I stood rooted in place, unable to make sense of what he just said. William stepped closer, his voice softening.
"You must be shocked. I'm sorry. But who else would tell you the truth? No one else worries about you like I do."
He wrapped his arms around me.
I didn't move. I was still trying to process everything. His voice was at my ear now.
"This is why we should get back together. After that, we should…"
"Let go of me," I snapped, shoving him away.
I stormed into the house without letting him finish.
Author's POV
Unbeknownst to Madison, Sophia had been hiding just around the corner. With a wicked smile, she stepped out, phone in hand.
"I got it," she said, waving her phone in front of William.
He immediately dropped his fake concern and grinned. The act was over.
They both walked away from the house, pleased with themselves.
In the car, Sophia stared at her phone screen, which showed a still of William hugging Madison.
"Do you think it'll work?" William asked.
"Didn't you see Madison's face? She was frozen. We'll see if their so-called 'love' can withstand the storm that's coming."
Her smirk widened as she tapped the photo.
The trap had been set.
And now, it was only a matter of time before it all came crashing down.