Invisible to My First Love by Lypstical Novel

Harper Maddox had played along just to help me get back at the Barclay Twins and I couldn't wait to tell my friends . all about it . I could imagine them going on and on about how much cooler that made him and it made me smile appreciatively as I spoke to him . " Thanks . " " You're welcome . Now , let's go . There are a few people I want you to meet ." Ever since we'd walked into the lobby , I'd spotted a few more celebrities but had to play it cool . I hadn't even stared at them for too long .

With my hand hooked around Maddox's arm , he began to lead the way down the stairs and I spotted someone else , one of the best actors I'd ever seen in action movies . " Whoa ! That's Brad , " I whispered in awe . " And you're about to meet him . " He smirked at me . " What ? " I held my breath just for a moment , wondering if he was being serious and it only took a few seconds to realize that he was , as he led me straight to Brad , who was in the company of others . I swallowed hard so I wouldn't fan girl too hard when we finally got to him .

Maddox proudly introduced me as his girlfriend and Brad was such a gentleman , making me feel more at ease even as we took a picture . When Brad moved on to the others he wanted to meet and my eyes followed him , Maddox was so amused by how hard I was trying to keep myself together that he ended up introducing me to every celebrity that was in attendance . I began to feel like my heart would explode . " I had no idea you knew all these celebrities here today ," I said as we made it up the stairs to get to the first floor . " And I wanted to keep it that way .

It's always fun when I surprise you , " he bragged . " The hall is on the first floor and along the way , a lot of people might want to say hi . Just in case you find it a bit too much , just say the word and we'll move along without making several stops ." I chuckled . " What ? " His forehead creased . " I don't know . It's just ... you're so used to everyone flocking to you because you're Maddox Aldridge and here you are , being considerate that I'm not used to this ." He shrugged like it wasn't a big deal . " The goal is to make you comfortable .

I wouldn't want my date to leave early because she doesn't like the type of vibe around me . " As soon as we made it to the first floor and turned at the corner , my heart skipped a beat when I spotted Grayson in the long hallway . He was in the company of three middle aged men in suits . There were a few other people moving along the same hallway , but my eyes were glued to his spot . At first , I thought he was looking right at me since I hadn't spoken to him yet , but I soon realized he was staring at Maddox when he even began to point at him .

" Here we go , " Maddox chuckled with satisfaction . " What is it ? " He leaned closer to whisper . " Have I ever told you how many times Grayson has used the fact that I'm his brother - in - law to gain favor in the business world ? " I firmly shook my head . " I know that things are very complicated between Grayson and I , but I think you usually just misjudge the situation . " He sighed , a little disappointed . " Of course you'd defend him . Well , you're about to see it for yourself . Come with me and I'll show you .

" He led me along the hallway and Grayson was still watching us approach , his smile growing wider . Suddenly , Maddox stopped in his tracks and turned back around , making me follow suit . " Wait , why are we going back ? " I whispered . " Isn't the hall on this floor ? " " Just follow my lead and you'll see ," he whispered back . Doing as I was told , I slowly walked with him while he told me about his uncle arriving shortly . Suddenly , Grayson called out to him from behind , making both of us stop and Maddox sighed with satisfaction . " And so it begins .

You're about to see for yourself . I'd love to see you defend him after this ." When we turned around to face the other side of the hallway again , Grayson was already leading the way as the others followed behind him . Maddox told me that we didn't even have to move from our spot as Grayson would come all the way to us . He looked back at the men in his company as he whispered something to them , then looked back at us as he got closer .

" I thought you were going to the hall since it's just that way , " he said to us in a polite tone as he pointed behind him , taking a glance at me now that he was close enough . " We forgot something on the ground floor , " Maddox responded , his tone just as polite . Grayson nodded once and was quick to introduce the men in his company as potential investors and until that point , I didn't see anything wrong with it . Then , it all changed when he threw his arm around Maddox's shoulder , claiming to be just like real brothers with him .

He even brought up some business ideas the investors had . He hoped Maddox would also step in as that was going to strengthen the investors ' confidence in him . I was so turned off by his attitude that I couldn't even force a smile . I never knew he had it in him to do such a thing just to get ahead . It was only after Grayson got what he wanted out of the situation that he finally introduced me to the potential investors . " This is Harper , my brother - in - law's girlfriend and my childhood best friend . " For the sake of the investors , I had to force a smile .

He had done that to me on purpose because I had been ignoring his calls . I wasn't even hurt by it because I was too disappointed in him and how he used the relationship he shared with Maddox to his advantage . Not wanting to be there anymore , I gestured to Maddox that I wanted us to go . He managed to smoothly get us away from there and we were now on our way to the grand hall . Grayson was so focused on his investors that he led them towards the opposite side of the hallway upon seeing another familiar businessman that he wanted to speak to along with them .

There was an elevator at the end of that long hallway and we were heading right in its direction . As it opened and I spotted some women in colorful ballgowns step out , I couldn't even express how breathtaking they all were as I could sense Maddox in my peripheral vision watching me . I knew he just wanted me to say it and I wasn't afraid to admit that I was wrong . " You were right , " I said without looking at him . " I know . " I scoffed . " That was just awful . How could he just ... " I trailed off , unable to even finish what I wanted to say .

That evening , I learned a new side of Grayson and there was nothing charming about it . The grand hall still had guests arriving and I was already in my seat with Maddox , the other four seats still empty . Tiffany and Grayson were already in the hall , mingling with some of the celebrities and business partners . There were people coming up to us who wanted to greet Maddox and he continued to proudly introduce me as his girlfriend . He said it so many times that it began to sound natural to him . " So , I'm guessing your father's coming alone tonight ? " I said . " Nope .

He's definitely coming with Margot . One would expect that she stays away to keep up the act of being injured , but she doesn't care . Her mission was already accomplished , so why would she stay away ? She thinks she's several steps ahead of us , but we're the ones several steps ahead of her. " " But your dad is- " " It's just like I said - all of us . " He was so confident when he cut me off that my eyes narrowed . "I've always had this feeling that there's something going on when it comes to you and your dad . I first noticed it at the estate when we were having lunch together .

" He chuckled while looking at the open doors . " One day , you'll find out . " I leaned forward with curiosity . " That means that something is definitely going on . " " My uncle's here . " He got up quickly . While I knew that he used it as a way not to say anything more , it was still true that Uncle Sebastian had arrived . His seat was at the next table and he was sharing it with Mr and Mrs Ford , Kate and two other girls who were Tiffany's friends .

Just as Maddox followed his uncle for a warm welcome , Tiffany and Grayson came to our table and finally took their seats , which were right across from mine . I instantly felt out of place as she shot glares at me with pursed lips . " Babe , I know we usually have these events every year , but something this year just doesn't feel right . Outsiders have been allowed in and I can't quite point them out , but the air around me just feels that way . Anyway , I shouldn't be having negative thoughts . It's not good for our baby . " Grayson reached for her hand , saying a few loving words .

He barely glanced in my direction , like he was still mad at me for not picking up his calls . Apart from our interaction in the hallway , which only happened because he was with those investors , I already had a feeling he wasn't going to speak to me first . But I'd managed to ignore him for a long time and even though he was finally right in front of me , I believed I could still do it . I just wanted to see how far I could go . Maddox brought Uncle Sebastian over to our table and he whistled . " Everyone looks amazing tonight , but Harper , you look absolutely gorgeous ." " Thank you .

" I smiled brightly. " The details on your address are absolutely stunning ." " My dress has some great detail too , " Tiffany chimed in as she smiled at Uncle Sebastian . " I spent $ 15,000 on this entire look and- " Maddox suddenly scoffed . " You spent $ 15,000 on everything ? " " Of course , " Grayson proudly responded , holding onto Tiffany's hand . " My wife deserves only the highest quality . " " You're right about that . " Maddox nodded in agreement , placing his hand on the back rest of my chair . " That's why my girlfriend's entire look cost $ 30,000 dollars . " " What ?

" Tiffany and Grayson asked in unison . " That can't be right ." She chuckled in disbelief .