Chapter 101 101

Chapter 101 101
Maddy's POV
We continued our walk towards the small gazebo, and the rest of the walk was filled with a comfortable silence between us. I tried my best to focus on the vibrant flowers and the sweet scent of the garden, but it only reminded me of his presence here earlier. 
His sweat-stained skin was glistening in the sunlight as he worked diligently. I scolded myself internally, desperately trying to push those thoughts away.
The pathway to the gazebo seemed longer than usual, each step extending the silence that hung between Hazel and me. I didn't want her to think I had any interest in that arrogant jerk, Jason. 
But it seems that no matter what I say, she refuses to believe me. I wish I could erase him from my mind entirely, but he won't budge.
As we finally reached the gazebo, I let out a small sigh of relief as I slumped down carefully to the chair on my side while Hazel took the one opposite mine. 
It provided a momentary distraction from my thoughts, and I focused on the elegant structure before us. The intricate design and the shade it offered were a welcome respite from the scorching sun.
Hazel settled herself on the chair opposite mine and leaned in with a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Maddy, you can't fool me, you know," she said softly, her voice laced with amusement. "I can see it in your eyes. There's someone you're thinking about, isn't there?"
I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, but I refused to give in. "Hazel, really, there's no one," I insisted, my voice sounding more defensive than I intended. "Just forget about it, okay? I don't want to talk about this if you won't believe me."
Hazel's smile turned into a smirk, and she leaned in closer. "Well, it's just that irritating man." I mumbled my last words out as I gazed down on my fiddling hands.
Hazel's eyes widened in realization, and her voice filled with excitement. "It's Jason, isn't it? You're thinking about Jason!" She exclaimed, her tone brimming with amusement.
I felt my face grow warmer, and I shook my head vehemently. "No, no, it's not Jason! I told you, there's no one!" I protested, my words sounding less convincing than ever.
Hazel gave me a knowing smile, but surprisingly, she relented. "Okay, Maddy, I won't pry any longer. But remember, I'm always here if you want to talk," she said, her tone filled with genuine care.
I mentally said thank you to God. It seemed like everyone I met today just had the frequency to pry and tease me at the same time. 
We settled into a comfortable silence, and after a while, the maid came to the gazebi and offered us snacks and tea. 
We began enjoying the snacks and tea; the sweet treats helped distract me from my thoughts, at least for a little while. I enjoyed them wholeheartedly.
Just when I thought I had finally gotten rid of him, his deep, manly voice echoed from behind us. Hazel and I turned our heads simultaneously, but what I saw had shocked me to the extent of my eyes widening in surprise. 
Standing before us was Jason, looking more handsome than I had ever seen him before. His hair was tousled, and the sunlight seemed to dance upon his skin, creating an ethereal glow around him.
My breath caught in my throat, and for a moment, I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It felt like I was being magnetically drawn to him, and there was no escape. 
He smiled brightly, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight. I struggled to regain my composure, my gaze dropping to the ground.
"Good afternoon, Miss Hazel. I hope you are having a pleasant day." He smiled from ear to ear as he looked at her. He greeted Hazel with respect, his voice warm and friendly.
"Very pleasant with my company here. Then he turned his attention to me, waving casually to get my attention. I finally managed to meet his gaze, my cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and nervousness.
"Hey there, Maddy! Are you enjoying your time in the garden?" he asked, his tone playful and teasing.
I huffed, feeling a surge of irritation rise within me. Why was I so drawn to him? That question made me upset, as no one would answer it. "I was enjoying it until you showed up," I retorted, unable to resist my natural response to his teasing.
Jason chuckled, seemingly unfazed by my response. "Ah, come on, Maddy. You know you love my company," he replied, his smile widening.
I rolled my eyes, though a small part of me couldn't deny the truth in his words. "You wish, Jason. I'm perfectly capable of enjoying myself without you around," I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.
His teasing only seemed to intensify, and he moved closer, leaning against the gazebo railing. "Oh, really? So, my charming presence doesn't enhance your experience at all?" he asked with a playful glint in his eyes.
I crossed my arms, determined not to let him get under my skin. "Not in the slightest. In fact, it's quite the  opposite."I shot back, attempting to mask the fact that his smile was causing my heart to flutter, and I had butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
Hazel watched our exchange of words with amusement and a knowing smile playing on her lips. She could sense the tension between us, even if she didn't know the full extent of it. 
I shot her a pleading look, silently begging her to intervene in my favour, but she simply chuckled and sipped her tea, clearly enjoying the show. Classic Hazel. 
"Why do you love irritating me so much?" I couldn't help but blurt out, frustration lacing my words. I couldn't take it anymore and just wanted to hit him hard on the chest. "Do you exist just to annoy me?"
Jason tilted his head and flashed a mischievous grin. "Well, Maddy, it's not my fault that you're so easily riled up. It's quite entertaining, actually, especially when your face turns reddish like a tomato," he replied, his voice filled with playful amusement.
I scowled at his response, feeling a mixture of annoyance and attraction stirring within me all because of that annoyingly cute smile of his. 
"Is that the reason you're here in the garden again?" I retorted, attempting to sound unaffected. "To get a rise out of me?"
He chuckled softly. "Don't flatter yourself much, Maddy." He said this, his gaze shifting to Hazel. "Actually, I'm here for Hazel," he said, directing his words to her. 
"Draven  is having a conference with the pack, and he would like you to be present if you're agile enough to. You don't have to go if you still need rest."
Hazel nodded, her expression filled with understanding. "Of course, I'll be there. Tell Draven  I'm perfectly fine enough to attend the press conference," she responded, her voice carrying a sense of determination.
“Maddy? Does my presence make you nervous?" He taunted, a hint of challenge evident in his eyes. I sputtered, struggling for a response, but my mind went blank. Hazel, seeing my embarrassment, decided to step in and help. 
She placed a comforting hand on my arm and turned to Jason with a firm expression. "Actually, Jason, we both will be present at the conference," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
I opened my mouth to object, but Hazel cut me off gently. "Maddy, you have to go for my sake. I wouldn't want to stand alone. Besides, it'll be an opportunity for us to show our support for Draven . So I won't have to be at it alone."
I glanced at Hazel, understanding welling up within me. If not for anyone else, I shouldn't refuse her. I'll do whatever she says in hopes that it'll be some kind of redemption due to all the bad things I've done to her in the past with Zac. 
Reluctantly, I nodded, realising that facing the conference alongside Hazel might not be as daunting as I thought it would be.
Jason smirked at our interaction, clearly amused by our exchange. "Well, ladies, I look forward to seeing both of you there," he said, his voice tinged with playful anticipation.