Chapter 6

The sun tiptoed through the windows as dawn broke, casting a warm glow on the room. The air was crisp and refreshing, still carrying the faint scent of rain from the previous night. Madison stirred ever so slightly, her eyelids fluttering open like the petals of a flower greeting the morning.

She had slept and hoped to wake up a new person. Jenna spent most of the night encouraging her to move on with her life.

"Julian is already living his best life without you, probably fucking a bitch in his room at the moment," Jenna stated bluntly, "you don't have to keep sulking in self-pity for the rest of your life." As hurtful as that sounded, it was the truth they had to come to terms with.

 The absence of any news regarding Julian's whereabouts offered no indication of an accident or kidnapping, leading to a sense of uncertainty about his safety. As a prominent figure from a wealthy family, any news about his well-being would spread like wildfire.

Madison agreed to put the past behind her and move on with her life. It was going to hurt, but she'll do it. That's the best revenge to serve Julian. She won't give him the satisfaction of seeing her all messed up when next they cross paths.

She rose from her bed with a lazy stretch and a soft yawn, feeling a sense of anticipation for the new day ahead. It was as if a new chapter was beginning, and she was eager to see where it would take her.

She took a quick bath and returned to her room, scanning her wardrobe for something to wear.

"It's a new beginning, Adi; let's look for something sexy but decent to wear," she said to herself, running her hands through her clothes in the wardrobe.

She finally saw a knee-length blue gown that looked perfect for the day.

She eased into the gown as if slipping into a silky cocoon, its fabric caressing every curve and defining her beautiful shape. As she turned to look in the mirror, the gown announced her well-rounded figure, hugging her hips and accentuating her curvaceous form.

A little makeup would add a finishing touch, she thought, reaching for the light pink lipstick. She painted her plump lips with a smooth glide, making them look as irresistible as a freshly picked fruit, ready to be devoured.

Madison gazed into the mirror, studying the reflection that stared back at her with pride, and a soft smile crept onto her lips. Every inch of her was a testament to her beauty, from the curve of her smile to how her hair cascaded down her back in loose waves. Her features were a work of art, delicately crafted with care and precision. She was a masterpiece, beautiful in every way.

She picked up a black bag from the shelves to complement her blue dress and a black pair of shoes to match. She was perfect.

"Good morning, Jenna," She greeted with a wide grin as she made her way to the kitchen to grab breakfast.

Jenna had woken up very early that morning to prepare Madison's favorite meal of sandwich and oatmeal. Anything to make her cousin happy.

Just as they were about to eat, they heard a knock on the door.

"Expecting someone?" She asked Jenna, who shook her head. "I'll go get the door," she said, standing up from the dining room.

She adjusted herself one more time before opening the door as if she were expecting to see... No, that's not a thought she wants to have at the moment.

Just as she opened the door, she froze at the person standing before her.

***

Scotland, the land of enchantment, was a tapestry of emerald green, with sprawling landscapes and towering peaks that reached towards the heavens. Julian's apartment was nestled in the heart of this majestic landscape, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. 

He stood at the window, gazing out from the top floor of the towering three-story building. The wind danced softly across the garden below, causing the leaves of the trees to shimmer and sway like emerald jewels in the sun

It seemed perfect, but not perfect enough. Not when Adi isn't here with him.

He lifted the glass to his lips, the amber liquid warming his throat as the liquid slid down his throat, as he once again found himself drawn to his phone, stealing another glance and contemplating whether to put a call through to his cousin or wait for his call either way.

Liam had promised to check up on Adi again, and he nervously awaited his feedback. He was hopeful Liam would find Adi this time around.

"For heaven's sake, I hope Adi is fine." He ran his hand through his finely cut brown hair in frustration, taking one more aggressive sip from his glass.

He never relented; he kept calling her phone, but it still wouldn't go through. That was almost driving him crazy.

Julian's fingers drifted over the smooth surface of the phone, tracing the contours of the device as he stared at it with a blank expression. The glass on the table before him gleamed in the soft light. He thought of calling her again. A miracle might just happen.

He quickly scanned through his contact list and redialed Adi's line, absentmindedly. He snapped out of his daze when he heard the line ring, his eyes widening with a mix of shock and relief.

.

"Please pick up, Adi, please." He pleaded as he anxiously waited for Adi to pick up the call, but there was no response.

He tried again immediately, hoping she'd answer the call this time, but the phone went off again. It was no longer connecting.

"Fuck!"  He cursed as he flung the glass against the wall, and it came crashing to the floor.

With shaky hands, he picked up his phone again, dialed a number, and the receiver responded.

"Hello, son, How are you enjoying your new home?" Mr. Hudson's voice echoed through the phone.

"Dad, I don't think I can do this anymore. I'll be on the next available flight back home," Julian said, damning the consequences.

***

His tall, athletic body stood right in front of her door. Those deep blue eyes that made her drown in its depths were still fresh in her memory. His designer suit, which glittered in the rays of the morning sun, screamed 'wealth.' He had a charm that was difficult to resist.

"Liam," Madison said when she finally found her voice.

She didn't expect to see Liam at her door so early in the morning.

"Hey, beautiful, how are you doing today?" He answered with a charming smile spread across his face.

Today, her beauty was more evident. Her striking features and stunning figure made her look like a model.

She had this delicate beauty that made him want to drown in her embrace. The blue gown she wore did good justice to her shapely figure.

She had a beauty any man would kill for. He wasn't thinking of letting her go for anything in the world. He had found the one for him.

"I am doing fine, thank you. Come on in," she ushered him into the sitting room.

"I was checking on you to ensure you were fine... You know... After last night... I... Uhm..." He stuttered as he was at a loss for words.

"That's so thoughtful of you. I'm actually on my way to work," Madison cut in as if saving him from himself.

"Oh, that's great. I can drop you off; I don't mind," Liam offered.

"You don't have to... I can..." Madison started but paused when she heard Jenna's voice approaching.

"Hey, Liam, nice of you to have dropped by." She stretched out her hand for a handshake.

"Thanks, Jenna. Just making sure the damsel in distress is better now," Liam responded with a smile.

Oh, that smile, Jenna thought.

"I was about to take my leave." He said to Jenna, "Beautiful, can you let me do this, please?" He turned to Madison and asked in the most charming baritone voice she had ever heard.

"Alright. If you insist, and, hey, my name is Madison. You can stop calling me beautiful already," she said politely as she made her way to the dining room to get her bag.

"She can be like that sometimes. Pay no attention to her," Jenna whispered to Liam, which earned her a chuckle.

"Sure.  "I understand," Liam responded in a whisper, and they both laughed.

 *

The drive was somewhat entertaining. Madison felt a bit at ease talking with Liam. He was an interesting person, and Liam also found her fascinating.

"Do you mind sharing the reason you cried yesterday? I'm eager to know. Whatever happened must have hurt you so bad," Liam requested.

"Uhm… My boyfriend left me," she replied flatly.

"Why? You two had a fight?"

"Not at all. He just left without a word and never came back."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, but trust me; he must be one hell of a fool for doing that. Whoever leaves a woman like you?" He paused, glanced at her quickly, and continued, "Sorry if I make you feel uncomfortable with my constant compliments. I'm a decent guy, I promise," he added as he flashed a small smile, which made Madison blush a bit.

"I don't like talking about it. Can we just talk about something else?"

"Sure. I don't mean to be too fast, but I'll like to be your friend, Madison. I don't have many friends, you know."

Madison chuckled. "Of course, as long as you don't cross the line," she stated bluntly in her ever-beautiful voice.

"I cross my heart," he winked.

"So, going to work from here?" She broke the silence that was building up.

"Well, yes, I just have somewhere to be at the moment," he responded.

"Oh. Won't you be late for work?" Madison asked, concerned he might be late for work.

Liam smiled at her innocence. "I am the boss; I answer to no one." He responded with a sprinkle of pride in his tone.

That was when Madison realized she was sitting with one of the big shots in New York.

"Well, my cousin asked me to help him find someone. I'll be making a quick stop there before going to the office," Liam explained.

"Oh, okay. That's great," Madison replied.

"Will you mind going with me? It won't take a minute. I promise," Liam requested, hoping she won't say no. He didn't mind spending all day with her.

It didn't sound like a bad idea to Madison. A little ride won't hurt.