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.
