Chapter 20: She Has a Crush

Everyone in the room echoed Grayson's sentiment, thinking he was just being tough. Only Madison understood; he genuinely didn't care.

He wasn't concerned whether she was kissed or not. What mattered to him was that his possessions remained untouched.

Madison took a deep breath, readjusting her mentality. The game was far from over.

This time, Madison wasn't so lucky. Aware of the awkwardness that had ensued during Steven's last daring escapade, Madison opted for truth with an air of resignation.

There was a tsk from Owen as he posed the question on her behalf.

"Do you have a crush on someone? If so, how long has it been?"

Once the question was out, all eyes involuntarily drifted toward Grayson. Grayson raised his eyebrows, apparently tickled by the inquiry. Madison stayed quiet for a brief moment.

"Yes," she admitted.

Excitement buzzed through the crowd instantaneously. Grayson narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.

Owen glanced at his older brother and, wearing a mischievous grin, inquired, "And for how many years has this affection lasted?"

Madison couldn't quite recall how many years it had been. If she counted from their reunion at seventeen, it would be ten years now.

"Ten years."

After Madison's revelation, the room erupted with astonished gasps.

A surge of dread struck Owen alone. If his memory served correctly, Madison had only known his brother for three years. Madison, being in love for ten years, made it crystal clear that her heart didn't belong to his brother.

A shiver ran down Owen's spine. Lately, it seemed he'd been jinxed around Madison.

His previous teasing had led to Madison and Grayson's first blush-worthy encounter. Now, thanks to his question, it turned out Madison's love interest wasn't Grayson. It was a major faux pas, one after another.

A lump formed in Owen's throat. He vowed never to engage in such games with Madison again.

Meanwhile, Grayson sat adjacent, his expression unreadable.

Madison did not check for Grayson's reaction. By voicing the answer to that question, she had braced herself for any outcome. Good or bad, she was ready to accept it.

She also didn't think Grayson would care whether she harbored feelings for someone. After all, to a man who didn't indulge in romance, the object of his casual fling's affection should be irrelevant.

She did not expect Grayson to realize she was referring to him either.

He had forgotten her.

The memories of childhood, the events of their seventeenth year, had all been wiped clean.

To him, she remained an outsider, a stranger.

Three years had passed, and she hadn't managed to enter his heart; it was evident he wouldn't come to love her.

Madison offered a wry smile, looking around the group. "Shall we continue?"

Right after her words, Grayson stood up. "Let's go."

When Grayson spoke, even those who hadn't fully enjoyed themselves felt compelled to wrap things up with a forced smile. "Yeah, it's getting late; let's call it a night."

Nobody dared to ruffle the feathers of this big shot. Madison trailed Grayson out of the private room. Not a word was exchanged between them as they made their way to the car, where Grayson casually tossed the car keys to Madison.

She caught them, climbing into the driver's seat without a word. Silence weighed heavy in the car. Leaning back, chin resting on his hand, Grayson gazed through the window.

Madison's heart still skipped a beat at the sight of his impeccable profile. She sighed, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. There had been a time when she'd imagined he could fall for her, but life had a way of shattering dreams at their peak.

Pushing away her thoughts, she focused on the road. Grayson turned to her, his eyes searching her face.

Madison was beautiful, a fact Grayson had always acknowledged. Many of his buddies had shown interest, not just Nicholas but Steven from tonight's gathering, among others.

Her clean and pure beauty, with a hint of allure that radiated from within, seemed tailor-made for a lover in his eyes. She had everything a man could want—looks, figure, personality—all the perfect matches.

She knew when to advance and when to retreat. In his book, Madison was the definition of a suitable lover. Yet, he hadn't expected that she would be capable of harboring affection for someone else.

She had loved someone for a decade.

A twinge of irritation rose unbidden in his chest. 'What kind of man commanded a decade of her affection?'

Ten years. She was only twenty-seven and had been in love with the same man for ten years. Perhaps even when she slept in his bed, it was that man on her mind. The thought ignited a fire in Grayson he couldn't suppress.

"Ten years? Started at seventeen?" he finally asked.

Madison's body tensed for a moment before relaxing. "Yes."

"Why aren't you together then?"

A pause. "He doesn't like me back."

Grayson snorted. "I see."

"What if one day he starts liking you?" he pressed.

A laugh escaped her. "He won't. He has someone he likes."

Grayson glanced at her, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "You're really a hopeless romantic, still pining even when he's got someone else."

Madison managed a smile. "Yes, because love and affection aren't things you can easily control."

A coldness crossed Grayson's face.

"Pull over," he commanded abruptly.

Madison swiftly flicked on the indicator and steered the car to the curb "Is something up, Grayson?"

Without warning, Grayson captured Madison's chin and planted a kiss on her lips. Madison, caught off guard, instinctively wanted to push him away. Her reflexive rejection ignited another layer of anger in Grayson.

"What's the matter? You don't you want my kiss anymore?"

Madison immediately clammed up.

Grayson held her chin firmly, his eyes smoldering with a deep fire.

"What about earlier today with Steven Jenner? You were pretty willing, then."

She hadn't expected him to dredge up the past. "It was just a game. I had to follow the rules."

Grayson chuckled. "Right, how could I forget? You are someone who respects the rules."

Madison pursed her lips slightly. "Besides, Grayson, you didn't seem to mind, did you?"

"I don't mind." Grayson laughed coldly. "But, Madison, you better clear up your status. Have fun but keep yourself clean. Otherwise, I'll find it disgusting!"

Madison's face stiffened for a moment. "Don't worry, Grayson. It won't happen."

His smirk was cold and sharp. "It's fine for you to like others, Madison, but I hope you always remember who's taking care of you."

Her heart ached. "I will always remember."

Grayson let her go abruptly. "Let's go."

Madison turned away and started the car.

That night, Grayson didn't touch her. She had a feeling he was still angry. Sometimes, she wondered what possessiveness really meant for men. They show such care, even when they claim not to like you.

...

The news about Madison's confrontation with Nora spread quickly at the company.

Arriving early, Madison heard various whispered conversations. In the restroom, she overheard the gossip outside.

"Do you think she's got something with Grayson?"

"Who knows? But she's been by Grayson's side for years; she can't be that innocent."

"Right? Why else would Nora single her out?"

"Just wait; there's more drama to come."

"Hah, I'm just waiting for her to be kicked out. Nora was his certified first love; who can compete with that?"

...

Madison hid in the stall, listening to their talk without expression, and then exited just as impassively. The two who'd been talking about her instantly changed their expressions.

"Madison."

Madison nodded in acknowledgment. They quickly exchanged glances and headed outside.

As Madison washed her hands, she said in an unhurried tone, "Next time you want to talk about someone, choose a better hiding spot. Getting caught like this is awkward for all of us."

They froze on the spot. "Sorry."

With that, they made a hasty retreat.

After they left, Madison's fingers clenched tightly around the edge of the sink. That tough behavior was an act. She almost laughed at herself for it.