Trust in You

Chapter 58 - Ethan

"There were 3 of them I was really close to," she says nonchalantly.

"Wait!" I stop her. "You were a social media celebrity for 2 years and you had 3 boyfriends within that period?" Somehow, I want to punch these 3 boys right in their pretty face.

She laughs. "I'm not a celebrity. Just an influencer, Ethan."

"Whatever," I mumble.

She giggles. "They are not my boyfriends. We were good friends. We met during some project, we dated and had holidays together. They were touchy. Umm... okay, we kissed," she says quickly. I'm going to vomit.

"But nothing, Ethan. It was teenage hormones. When the project was over, we were busy with our own new projects. The distance grew, and we lost contact. The one who was heartbroken is the fans who shipped us." She smiles at me sweetly, as if her smile can help to soothe my anger. It helps, by the way.

"Are you still in contact with them?"

She shakes her head. "Not really. 2 of them are in Europe right now. One in LA."

"Not really?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I never met those 2 in Europe and had no contact even before I quit from my celebrity life. The last one was working with me on my last project. I didn't know that would be my last project, by the way," she laughs, but I'm far from laughing right now.

"We still kept in touch after I came back to Julian Town for a while, but we lost contact some year ago. And we met each other again here."

"Here?"

"Yes, here in LA."

I frown. Madeline met me on her first day in LA, and a few days later, she starts working for me. Who the bastard stole her time from me? "What is his name?"

"Braden Starck."

Fuck me! I come to her and kiss her senseless. She moans under me. "You still have feelings for him, Sweetness?" I whisper in her mouth and kiss her senseless without waiting for her to answer. I feel like I'm a caveman and need to mark my woman.

She pulls back breathlessly. "No, Ethan."

"I saw you laugh with him on your desk last time. What did he do in Hall building?"

"He came to my desk to pick some presents from Meredith. Meredith just came back from her tour and bought some small souvenirs for her friends. Braden is one of them. She knew Braden was having a project in Hall HQ. She asked him to pick up the gift from me. That's all."

"She did that on purpose?"

Madeline shrugs and looks at anywhere but me.

"She wants you to reunite with the fucker? He is a notorious playboy. Everyone knows it. I thought she was your best friend and wanted the best for you. Obviously Starck is a terrible choice."

"No, Ethan!"

My eyes widen. Is she defending him now? I'm going to send this fucker to Antartica.

"I mean... yes, she did that on purpose. But no, not for Braden to reunite with me, but to open your eyes! At that time, you were so stupid! Remember? I was so desperate to make you talk to me again."

Oh.. I can't help it. I grin like a fool. And I make a mental note to send a present for Meredith. She knows I'm a better choice for Madeline. The best one, I might add.

"Ethan stupid Hall" she says under her breath and pushes me back, but I'm still grinning. "Sit back, Ethan!" she commands. I lean back to my current position, but my grin still there. I can't help a happy feeling inside my heart.