Chapter 99 99
Maddy's POV
With a skip in my step, I made my way outside. As I walked through the garden, marvelling at the blooming, colourful roses and the fluttering butterflies, something unexpected caught my attention.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw a familiar figure in the distance. It was Jason, whom I had helped escape from his cell not too long ago.
He was shirtless, his muscles glistening with sweat as he worked out in the open. I couldn't help but stare, my eyes widening at the sight. I wasn't used to seeing someone so fit and strong up close.
It was like something out of a movie! And I momentarily began comparing his flawless upper body with Zac's body. And I had to confess that Zac couldn't even be compared to Jason.
To my surprise, I noticed a few maids nearby, trying to sneak glances at Jason while pretending to be busy with their tasks. Their giggles and whispers reached my ears, making me realise that I wasn't the only one who found him attractive.
But then the thought that the maids were objectifying him and oogling at him seemed to rile me up for some reason.
Lost in my thoughts and admiration, I stood there, totally forgetting about Hazel and the reason I had come to the garden in the first place. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I realised I must have looked silly standing there, staring.
Suddenly, Jason stopped his workout and turned towards me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he suddenly recognised me.
My heart raced as his gaze locked on mine. He walked over, his bare feet padding softly on the grass, and I could feel my face turning even redder.
"Well, well, well," he said, his voice smooth and playful. "If it isn't Maddy, the brave little girl who helped me escape her goddamned mate, What brings you here?" He asked with a bright, mischievous smirk.
"I was just... exploring the garden." I stammered, struggling to find the right words.
Jason chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Exploring, huh? Or were you just admiring my impressive workout skills?"
My face burned with embarrassment, and I couldn't help but giggle nervously. "Maybe a little bit of both," I admitted, shyly trying my best to show a bit more pride and regain my sanity.
Jason laughed heartily; his laughter was contagious. "Well, I can't say I blame you. I do work hard to stay in shape, you know." His pride-filled voice was annoying yet quite exceptionally cute.
I nodded, feeling a mix of admiration and sheepishness. "You do a really good job," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. It was a compliment that he seemed to have liked getting from me.
Jason's smile softened, and he ruffled my hair playfully, which had me irritated for a while. "Thank you, Maddy. It's nice to see you again. But shouldn't you be off to find Hazel? She's probably wondering where you are."
I nodded, snapping out of my daze. "You're right. I should go see her. It was nice seeing you too, Jason."
As I turned to leave, he called out teasingly. "Hey, Maddy, if you need any more help with secret missions or daring escapes, I'm here. Just call me."
I glared at him for saying that. Oh, so now he could make jokes about it. I didn't hear jokes when his ass was getting beat up pretty badly back in the Blood Moon Pack.
"Oh, don't you glare at me like that, Maddy?" Jason said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You know I can't resist teasing you." He confessed.
I couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "Well, you're really good at it!" I replied, playfully sticking my tongue out at him.
With a final wave, I turned away from Jason and made my way back towards the mansion, determined to find Hazel. As I walked, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest.
Seeing Jason again brought back memories of our daring mission to free Draven and Hazel before saving him. And it made me realise just how brave and strong I could be, even against someone as powerful as Zac.
After a while of walking down the corridors, I finally located Hazel's room. I knocked a few times but got no response, so I gently pushed the door open. I found Hazel sitting on her bed, absorbed in her phone, unaware of my presence.
I couldn't help but smile at her familiar face and the way her eyes lit up when she was engrossed in something. Oh, how I hadn't realised that I missed it a lot.
I quietly walked over and took a seat next to her. "Hey, Hazel!" I greeted her, my voice filled with warmth.
Startled, Hazel looked up from her phone, surprise flickering across her features. "Maddy! When did you get here? I didn't even notice you!"
I chuckled, enjoying the moment of surprise. "Well, you were pretty lost in whatever you were reading. So, what's the name of the novel that has captured your attention?" I asked gently, nudging at her.
Hazel's face fell, and a hint of sadness crept into her voice. "It's called 'Demoralised Plaything.' It's about a girl who feels trapped and controlled by someone she thought loved her, only to get pulled in by someone else and still remain insecure."
I frowned, concern flooding my heart. "Oh, Hazel, that doesn't sound like a happy story. Are you okay? Is everything alright?"
Hazel sighed and put her phone aside, turning to face me fully. "I'm okay, Maddy. It's just that sometimes I can't help but feel overwhelmed by everything.”
“Draven is very caring, and I feel a huge sense of security whenever he is around me, like I could face any challenges with a smile on my face knowing I have him by my side.”
“But then, it's hard to believe that he truly cares about me. What if he is doing all this exclusively for the baby's sake? What if he doesn't really care about me?"
I reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently. "I understand, But remember, you're strong, and you deserve to be treated with love and respect. You're not a plaything; you're a person with dreams and desires, and I am so sure that Draven loves you a lot."
"Really? How? Why?" She asked, a mix of confusion, surprise, and hope flashing through her features.
"I witnessed it when you had suddenly gone unconscious. Draven was like a madman. He looked so messed up and couldn't think straight. At that moment, all I could see in his eyes was worry for your safety and health.”
“He barely spoke to the doctor about the baby's welfare. His worries were solely on you." I explained, sincerely recalling the events of last night.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Hazel's lips, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Maddy." I returned her smile, feeling a surge of warmth in my heart.
Hazel looked at me with appreciation, and what followed was a comforting silence, but then it got broken by Hazel's curiosity, which was sparkling in her eyes. "So, Maddy, how have you been since you got here? Is everyone nice to you?"
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "Yes, everyone has been really nice. Well, almost everyone," I replied, my voice trailing off. "Almost everyone? Who are you talking about? Is it Draven?" Hazel asked, leaning in closer with genuine interest and worry.
I sighed and rolled my eyes dramatically. "Oh no, it's not Draven. It's someone far more annoying. It's just this annoying sapphire-eyed man. He's so stubborn and loves teasing me.”
“He's playful, yet somehow agile even at his old age. Ugh, he's just so annoying!" I was slightly irritated as I spoke of him.
Hazel's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "An annoying sapphire-eyed man? Can you be more specific, Maddy? I don't think I know who you speak of."
I gasped past her in an empty space, letting my imagination take over as I described every detail of the person who had been driving me crazy for a while now. "Well, he has dark, tousled hair that always looks like he just rolled out of bed.
His eyes are the colour of the deep ocean—bright and full of mischief. He has a strong jawline and a mischievous smile that can make your heart skip a beat. He's tall, and... well, he's just so annoying!" I yelled out in frustration.