Madeline's POV.
As I stood there in the storage which was now filled with Liam's scent, I couldn't help but think about what he said, the sudden encounter and closeness, the warmth he exuded.
Even though the storage room was devoid of human presence and he had left minutes ago it felt like he was everywhere.
The words 'marriage' and 'contract' kept ringing in my head, did he mistake me for someone else?
I pressed a hand to my temple. He couldn't possibly remember me.
Of course, he didn't. Why would he?
We were four years old when we last had a conversation and he had changed drastically, both physically and emotionally.
The perfect fairytale image of my childhood crush was broken that fateful day I saw him in the library.
A sharp buzz jolted me from my thoughts. My phone.
I fumbled for it, barely registering the name flashing on the screen, it was Vicky.
Only then did I realise how much time had passed. The storage room was unbearably stuffy, beads of sweat forming along my upper lip.
How long had I been standing here?
-------------------------------------------------
In the cafeteria.
''Honey, how many bottles did you fill?''
Vicky's exaggeration made me chuckle, she always had a way with her words, truly charming.
At first, I was sceptical about her, she has a resting b*tch face and doesn't talk to people much unless they are close to her.
To add to that she was famous for giving snarky replies to anyone who offended her.
All this personality along with being a model subjected her to lots of bad judgment, but honestly she was a sweetheart.
Even though we have only been friends for three years, I can confidently say that Victoria has been with me for all my highs and lows.
She was with me when I was smiling the brightest and crying the hardest.
My thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of bickering.
I glanced at Evan and Vicky, going at it again over something ridiculous.
I couldn't help but ship them.
They were adorable.
I have known Evan for about eighteen years, we are almost like cousins, so I know the look of love on his face.
Evan has had his fair share of relationships but none of them ended well because he was the type to lose interest too soon so after breaking the hearts of two girls he decided it was time to stop dating.
And he wouldn't date anyone until and unless they manage to completely keep him on his toes and keep his intrigue going.
Vicky was the complete opposite though, she had been in a serious relationship for five years before the guy cheated on her.
I still remember how devastating it was to see someone as stunning, smart, and confident as Vicky crying over a guy who looked like a failed lab experiment.
But honestly? It was terrifying too. Imagine cheating on someone like her.
"You've been weirdly quiet," Vicky said, tilting her head. "What's up? Did someone finally confess their undying love for you?"
I forced a laugh, shaking my head. "Oh, please. It's you who gets the confessions, not me."
Vicky hummed, unconvinced. "Okay, you don't have to be so humble but what is it?"
''Nothing." I popped a fry into my mouth, hoping to sound casual. "Just tired. Spent too much time with the surveys."
Her eyes narrowed further. "Hmm. You're deflecting."
''Or maybe you're just overthinking." I flashed her my best innocent smile.
Vicky studied me for a second longer before sighing. ''Fine. But if I find out later that you've been secretly married off to some mafia heir or something, I will be offended that you didn't tell me first."
I nearly choked on my drink.
Evan suddenly snorted. "Honestly, Vicky, it's not that far-fetched. Arranged marriages are common in families like ours. People don't marry for love, they marry for business."
Vicky scoffed. "That's such a depressing way to look at marriage. Imagine spending your life with someone just because your parents thought it was a good business deal."
Evan shrugged. "Happens more often than you think. Especially with old-money families. It's all about mergers, legacies, and keeping wealth within the right circles." He tossed a fry into his mouth and leaned back lazily. "Love is optional, if not completely irrelevant."
Vicky rolled her eyes. "Ugh, rich people's problems. I'd rather be single forever than be forced into some emotionless contract."
I forced a laugh. "Well, lucky for us, we don't have to worry about that. No one's forcing us into anything, right?"
Evan smirked. "Yet."
Suddenly I was hyper-aware of Liam's words as a contract that I signed this morning flashed into my mind.
''F*ck!''
As I cursed at myself and left the canteen Evan and Victoria tried to follow me but I was walking too fast because I had just made the most biggest and stupidest mistake of my life.