Chapter 29: He Didn't Remember Her

Madison couldn't deny the accusation. Indeed, she had complained to Grayson several times the previous night about Nora's lack of cooperation, which had led her to seek out Fabian.

What she hadn't expected was for Grayson actually to confront Nora. After all, Nora had been his first love.

Madison had never known her first love to be anything other than cold until now. Maybe Grayson was just focused on work progress, but the ripples that stirred in her heart were hard to ignore. She felt rather pitiful, cherishing every bit of affection he gave as if it were a secret treasure.

She didn't engage much in conversation with the agent; instead, she redirected her attention to organizing the shoot. Madison communicated with the photographer and then coordinated with the location manager. By the time she wrapped up the arrangements, Nora had finished her makeup.

Nora stood before Madison and smile lightly. "Grayson's throwing me a welcome party. You should come too."

Madison declined outright. "Better not. There's no point in going if I'm just going to kill the vibe."

After saying so, she turned and walked away. Nora's smile grew brighter. "Afraid, are you? Or are you scared to see how well Grayson treats me?"

A sense of heaviness settled in Madison's chest. She indeed didn't relish the thought of witnessing Grayson and Nora together. With Nora, Grayson was generous and unguarded with his affection, while Madison had to work hard for just a hint of that kindness.

Looking at Nora, Madison said professionally, "Ms. Nora, we're ready to begin shooting."

Nora cast a scornful glance before walking away. The session could have gone better. The concept had been tailored for Natalie Mellons, and Nora's style clashed fiercely with what had been envisioned. The photographer was dissatisfied all through the shoot.

Madison scrambled to adjust the plan on the fly. They managed to wrap up the shoot late in the evening, and both the photographer and the staff were exhausted. Nora then clapped her hands on set, announcing, "You've all worked hard today; dinner's on me tonight at The Spice Route."

A collective gasp of excitement rose, quickly replacing any grumbles from the shoot. Sophia muttered sarcastically beside Madison, "She sure knows how to play the good guy as if she wasn't the one who held us up."

Madison only smiled. "Do you want to go? Go ahead if you feel like it."

The Spice Route was an exclusive members-only venue, and one needed serious clout to get in. Most folks would live their whole lives without setting foot inside. Even Nora probably wouldn't have had access if it weren't for Grayson. That connection was the cause of everyone's excitement.

Sophia shook her head. "I'd rather spend my time helping my mom tidy up the house than this."

Madison chuckled and dropped the subject.

Some nosy colleagues immediately swarmed around Nora.

"So, Ms. Nora, is Grayson coming later?"

Nora offered a faint smile. "I'll ask Grayson in a bit."

"He's definitely going to show up, right?"

Nora's cheeks flushed a hint of pink. "He usually listens to me. If I ask him to come, he probably will."

"Wow!" Everyone's excitement instantly intensified.

Nora approached Madison. "Madison, you coming?"

Madison gave a small laugh. "No, I've got other plans, and I'm already booked."

Nora's mood soured immediately. "Madison, are you still mad at me?"

Madison grinned. "Of course not. How could I be mad when you are so lovely?"

"Then, let's all go out for dinner, or people might think we're not on good terms."

Madison genuinely admired Nora for one thing—her ability to bend and stretch for her benefit. She knew that declining today's invitation would likely label her as an antagonist to Nora.

Suppressing her inner annoyance, she nodded with a smile. "All right, I'll go."

Nora's face lit up with a grin. "Madison, you're the best."

Sophia watched the exchange with a shudder of disgust. Once Nora had left, Sophia muttered into Madison's ear. "Grayson must be blind to fall for someone like her."

Madison smiled to herself. She didn't get it either. Grayson was never short of women around him—the pure, the seductive, the vibrant, the graceful. He had all types at his fingertips.

Yet, he seemed solely fixated on Nora. It wasn't that she looked down on Nora. Other than her pretty face, there was really nothing impressive. However, Grayson was smitten and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

"Maybe we just have different types," Madison mused.

Sophia disagreed with a shake of her head.

The group drove to the Sun and Groundhog restaurant. Nora boldly dropped Grayson's name at the entrance, and the group buzzed with envy once again.

Madison silently trailed at the back. She was pretending to neither hear nor see anything.

...

In the end, Grayson did show up, causing Nora's face to lit up.

Madison sat in the corner, quietly eating her meal. She watched Nora, seated at the head of the table, interacting with everyone, fluttering around like a lively butterfly. Grayson watched her from the side. His gaze was always tender, and occasionally, she managed to make him chuckle.

Madison's mind wandered back to her childhood. Though she had followed Abigail in their wanderings, Abigail had always showered her with immense love. Abigail had lost her memories from before, but instinctively, she had a talent for singing and dancing.

Madison had learned to dance from Abigail since she was young. Even though they lived in the countryside, she grew up feeling like a little princess. Then, she met Grayson.

Grayson's gloominess and reticence had become Madison's least favorite demeanor. After all, with his handsome features, he should smile more.

So, she always went out of her way to coax a laugh out of him. She remembered once inviting Grayson over and preparing a spread of his favorite treats.

Had it been any other day, Grayson would have likely engaged in merry conversation with her. But that day, even after receiving the treats, he didn't smile.

Struck by inspiration, Madison said, "Let me dance for you. I just learned a new dance; you'll be the first to see it."

She changed into a dress her mother had made for her and performed the newly learned dance for him. She still remembered it vividly.

Back then, Grayson, just a kid. He watched her gently, just as he did today, and occasionally laughed at her antics. Finally, he smiled, and Madison thought to herself how good-looking he was when he smiled.

Now, although he still smiled, it was not for her anymore.

Madison looked away, suddenly finding the food in front of her bitter and unpalatable. She thought, perhaps Nora was Grayson's type after all. Vivacious and adorable, just like the radiant sun.

Indeed, Nora wasn't without her merits. Aside from her beauty, she was confident and bold; even her willfulness seemed charming and endearing. People like her were loved by many.

Grayson was one of them.

In contrast, she felt dull and uninteresting, of no value except for her looks.

Madison suddenly didn't want to stay any longer. This place was suffocating her. So, she stood up and walked out.

Before she had taken more than a few steps, she heard someone call out. "Madison, where are you going?"