CHAPTER 05_ UNEXPECTED

MASON’S POV

As I emerged from the bathroom, refreshed from the shower. I was met with an unexpected sight; a fully dressed Christiana sat decently on the bed, her gaze fixed intently on me. A small smile played on her lips and I couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts were running through her mind.

I grabbed a towel, and began drying my hair and body, aware of her eyes following my every move.

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence. I looked at her, expecting her response, but she remained still. I hastily dressed in my shirt and pants, feeling a little bit uneasy, and headed to the door. Who could it be?

Opening, it revealed Mr Gavin, Christy's supposed boyfriend.

"Hello dear" his warm smile and greeting caught me off guard.

I had no idea how to act around him, as I was still reeling from the intensity of my encounter with Christiana.

Christiana, on the other hand, sprang to life, embracing Mr Lawson warmly.

He asked, “Did you have a good time?”

And she nodded in approval. “It was a fabulous experience, baby, you should load his pocket” she laughed as he dragged her cheeks, pecking her forehead.

A pang of jealousy stabbed me in my chest.

Unexpected and Unwelcome.

I brushed the feelings aside, reminding myself that I was just a mere participant. Yet, the sight of them together, so comfortable and intimate, left a bitter taste.

Mr Gavin handed me a bulky envelope, his expression serious. “Here Mason”. He offered.

I felt the weight of the content, knowing instinctively what it held. The cash was substantial, but why so generous? Was it merely payment for fulfilling Christiana’s desire?

“This is huge” I said with gratitude. “Thank you so much Sir”

Mr Gavin dismissed me with a nod. That’s fine. You can leave.

He ordered as I turned to depart. My gaze lingered on Christy one last time, but she had shifted all her attention to Mr Lawson, her eyes locked onto his.

A surge of annoyance coursed through me, as I muttered under my breath, “Such a bitch.”

I stepped out quietly, exiting the building.

We didn’t even get to exchange contact.

That was all I meant to her at that moment, because she obviously cared less.

_____________

As I walked into my home, I was greeted by a warm aroma of a home-cooked meal and the sight of Natalie, my girlfriend.

I know, don’t judge me.

I couldn’t tell Christiana the truth and watch her countenance fall.

I needed to play along. From the moment I saw her, I knew I needed her in my life.

Looking over at Natalie, her expression mixed with sadness. She held a spare key to my apartment, so I wasn’t surprised to find her there.

I looked at the clock on the wall, and it read past noon and on the dining table, were covered dishes.

“What’s cooking?” I inquired while stepping in.

She looked at me with concern. "I’ve been waiting for you." "Didn’t you see my messages and calls?"

Holly cr*p! I hadn’t even checked my phone in a while. I rummaged through my pocket, retrieving my phone to find eight missed calls staring back at me.

"I’m so sorry babes". I had no idea you called. I've really been disconnected.

I stepped forward, enveloping her in a gentle hug, pleading.

“I’ve been here for the past three hours” she said, her voice disappointed.

“I even made you dinner and served it. "" It should be cold by now.”

Guilt pricked my conscience, not only did I miss her calls. I had denied having a girlfriend, hours ago.

“Where are you coming from by this time” she asked, her brows furrowed.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “I was with Alex,” I lied.

Alex was my closest friend and would definitely stand in for me anytime.

“We were working on a project babe, and I’m so sorry” I added, trying to convince her.

Her eyes searched mine for assurance as I wrapped my hands around her waist, leading her to the dining table.

“What did you prepare?"" I'm starving.”

She forced a small smile, her eyes still clouded. "I'll just microwave your food, give me a minute", she requested as she disappeared into the kitchen.

I sat in silence. My thoughts drifted back to Christy. Those few hours with her have been the most exhilarating hours of my life and I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to see her again. I’m never letting her leave my sight.

She’s going to be mine and mine alone.

Just mine.