- 10.
I refused to take the phone Mason tried to give me, but he wouldn’t back down.
In the end, I gave in and offered, “How about treat you to dinner as a thank–you?”
Mason thought for a moment, then smiled casually. “Why don’t you invite me to your place for dinner instead?”
My place?
I hesitated. But Mason quickly played the sympathy card.
“Today’s the Mid–Autumn Festival. It’s kind of sad spending it alone, don’t you think? If you’re really grateful, just let me join you and your family. It’ll be more festive that way.”
It was a flawless argument, and I couldn’t come up with a good reason to say no.
Not that Mason gave me the chance–he walked over to a nearby fruit stand, bought a bag full of fresh produce, and hailed a cab to my house.
To my surprise, my family wasn’t fazed by Mason’s sudden appearance.
The moment we walked in, my niece and nephew rushed to him, clinging to his arms with
pure delight.
My sister–in–law took the bags of fruit from him, playfully scoldingason, how many times have I told you not to bring anything when you come over? Keep this up, and next
time I won’t let you in the door.”
He laughed. “I just thought it’d be nice since it’s a holiday.”
Then, as if he’d been part of the family for years, Mason asked, “How’s your mom doing? Is her leg any better?”
“She’s doing okay,” my sister–in–law replied.
“Let me go upstairs and give her a massage. She deserves it.”
Fri Jan 10
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It was almost ridiculous how Mason made himself at home.
He played video games with the kids, helped my sister–in–law in the kitchen, and entertained my mom with funny stories as he massaged her shoulders.
He had this natural charm, the kind that made everyone around him feel at ease.
By the end of the night, I’d warmed up to him.
But just as we all gathered in the living room to watch the festival show on TV, my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Z, one of my old friends.
She’d sent me a picture of Liam and Nina standing in front of a castle Liam had rented for her.
The caption read: What’s this about?
Staring at the photo, my chest tightened. A sour feeling crept in, uninvited.
I made an excuse to step outside for some air.
The streets were packed with people heading to see the Mid–Autumn Festival lanterns
and fireworks.
Mason must’ve noticed me leaving because he followed me out.
I wandered aimlessly, my thoughts a tangled mess.
Suddenly, a car sped past me, far too close for comfort.
“Watch out!” Mason shouted.
Before I could react, he grabbed me and pulled me into his arms, shielding me.
For the first time all day, Mason’s usually relaxed demeanor was replaced with anger.
rui me mat unie an way, indɔuns usually leidreu ucilitativi was replaced will anyei.
“Emma, are you crazy? You can’t just walk into the street without looking!”
I opened my mouth to explain, but the words caught in my throat.
Before I could figure out how to respond, my phone buzzed again..
It was a message from Liam: Did you really quit your job?
I didn’t want to reply.
I was too tired–emotionally, mentally, physically. I just wanted to find a quiet corner and
cry.
But Liam was persistent.
He kept calling. Over and over.
Even Mason, who had been patiently standing nearby, finally spoke up. “Why don’t you just answer? Get it over with.”
Reluctantly, I stepped to the side and picked up the call.
Liam’s voice came through immediately, sharp and demanding.
“Emma, what’s going on? You quit without saying a word, and you returned all the money
I gave you. Are you trying to cut ties with me?”
Cut ties.
The irony hit me like a punch to the gut.
Wasn’t he the one who wanted to draw a line between us in the first place?
I let out a shaky breath, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I told you before, Liam. I quit.”
“I thought you were just stressed out. When are you coming back? I’ll pick you up.”
22:20 Fri, Jan 10 Gu
I didn’t understand why Liam was acting this way, but I kept my tone calm.
“I’m not coming back. I’m staying here.”
The silence on the other end stretched so long I thought he’d hung up.
Just as I was about to end the call, Mason’s voice broke through the quiet.
“Emma! Over here!”
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I turned to see Mason standing by a street vendor holding a bag of roasted chestnuts,
waving it in the air.
His voice wasn’t loud, but it was loud enough for Liam to hear.
“Who’s that?” Liam’s tone turned icy.
“It’s none of your business,” I replied.
“Like hell it isn’t!” Liam snapped, his anger spilling over. “I’m asking you one more time- who are you with?”
I felt something inside me snap.
“Liam, what’s wrong with you?” I shouted into the phone, my emotions boiling over.
“Why do you care who I’m with? Aren’t you supposed to be celebrating with Nina at your castle? Go enjoy your holiday and leave me alone!”
With that, I hung up.
My hands were shaking as I turned back toward Mason.
He must’ve noticed how upset I was because he hesitated before asking, “Boyfriend trouble?”
“No,” I replied firmly.
22:20 Fri, Jan 10 GM
My hands were shaking as I turned back toward Mason.
He must’ve noticed how upset I was because he hesitated before asking, “Boyfriend
trouble?”
“No,” I replied firmly.
The truth was, Liam and I didn’t even qualify as lovers. Calling us friends with benefits would’ve been generous.
Mason, however, seemed relieved by my answer.
He handed me the bag of chestnuts and said lightly, “If he’s not your boyfriend, then he’s not worth the stress. You know, there are over 7 billion people on this planet. If you let every single one of them get to you, you’ll burn out faster than a candle in the wind.”
His humor made me chuckle despite myself, but the emptiness inside me remained.
Seeing my lingering sadness, Mason suddenly grabbed my hand.
“Come on,” he said with a grin. “I know a place that’ll cheer you up. Trust me.”
- 12.
