Seven

Raven's POV

I was unable to get any sleep last night; my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Jamie. It might sound crazy, but I don't think I ever truly moved on from Jamie. Yes, I know he hurt me, but when I think about the good times we shared, my heart starts racing.

Well, my lack of sleep is the only reason I'm gonna be late today. I'm supposed to be at Mason's house at 10 am. I wonder why he's in such a hurry. I had the quickest bath in the history of baths. I picked out a simple black dress and did light makeup. I can't remember the last time I was in such a hurry. I brushed my hair, put on my shoes, grabbed my phone and bag, and headed out.

I'm hungry, but I decided to skip breakfast; there's no time for that. Mason told me his driver would come to pick me up and I'm pretty sure he's parked outside. I noticed the house was quiet; then I remembered my mom and Blair had already gone to Barrett’s house to plan Blair’s wedding.

~~~~

"Good morning." I greeted Mason's driver as I got into the car, but I got no response. I guess he's upset because I made him wait for too long.

We arrived at Mason's place in no time and I stood outside, admiring the lovely mansion before me. I know I live in a mansion as well but this is way bigger than ours. I started regretting not doing my research on Mason. I mean, I don't even know who he is, and I agreed to marry him on such short notice.

When I remembered I was going to meet his parents, I started feeling guilty. He already told me what to say if they asked me how we met, but I couldn't shake off the guilt I was feeling.

~~~~

So remember when I said my mom and Blair were at the Barrett’s house? Well turns out that's exactly where I am. The look on Blair’s face when Mason called me his wife was epic. I wish I could replay that moment over and over again. Whatever guilt I was feeling before, had disappeared the moment I saw her here.

"She's not your wife, stop saying that." Blair’s face was a picture of fury. If she was a cartoon character, there would be smoke coming out of her ears, and if her eyes could kill, I would have been long forgotten by now. I heard someone else speaking, but I was too busy trying to savor this moment. I clung onto Mason's arm as if my life depended on it, trying to annoy Blair further. What do they say about karma again? Oh right, karma's a bitch.

"Isn't that right love?" Mason asked, slightly pinching my nose. Shit, I didn't hear what he said.

"Yes sir, there's something about him that seemed to have won my heart over," I said, offering my cutest smile. I hope I didn't mess up.

"But dear, why would you marry on such short notice?" Mason's father asks. I wasn't expecting that question and from Mason's expression, neither was he. Good thing I know how to improvise.

"Let's just say it was love at first sight, plus I also didn't want to be forced to marry someone I don't love." I wasn't lying about the last part, I don't think I even want to get married at all.

He motioned for me to go closer to him, which I did, and he embraced me. I was beyond shocked, but the words he said next left me speechless. "Your father would be so proud right now, welcome to the family." No one talks about my dad, not even my mother. I wanted to ask him so many questions about my dad but this wasn't the right time for that.

~~~~

After the drama that took place earlier, I thought about going to Mason's dad to talk to him. I wanted to know more about my dad, but I also didn't know if Mason would appreciate me speaking to his dad. There seems to be some tension between them.

Right now, we're preparing to go to Mason's penthouse. I noticed the change in his mood when we got into his car, and I'm guessing it had something to do with his phone because his eyes were glued to it. My curiosity got the best of me. I peeked at his phone screen and saw he was looking at a photo of a woman in bed with a guy. Wait, isn't she a famous model? I can't seem to remember her name, Blair never shuts up about her. Is she the fiance he was talking about?

"Everything okay?" I inquired politely.

"Nothing for you to worry about." He said, dismissively.

I felt bad for him, I know what it's like to get cheated on. But my insecurities were starting to surface. The lady in the picture looks like a goddess, so why did Mason choose me to be her substitute? I'm not even as beautiful as she was, just an ordinary waitress.

I plugged in my ear pods to keep myself distracted.

~~~~

When we went to his penthouse, Mason didn't bother stepping out of the car. He just told me not to wait for him. How rude.

I went inside, and the first thing I did was to find the kitchen; if I waited any longer, I might die of hunger.

~~~~

It's almost midnight and there's still no sign of Mason. I know he said not to wait, but I was scared; what if he drank too much because he was heartbroken, and then had an accident and died? That would make me a widow, I'm too young for that. I tried calling, but his phone is switched off; I'm starting to freak out.

My phone rang, and I quickly grabbed it without checking who was calling; I answered. "Mason, where the hell are you?"

"Who the fuck is Mason?" I heard Jamie's annoying voice. Great.

"Who said you could call me Jamie? I've told you, we're done." I said, my voice filled with disbelief.

"Is he your new boyfriend? I didn't know you could move on that fast, or maybe you were cheating as well." He accused, mockingly.

"Fuck you, ass hole." I hung up quickly, not wanting to hear another word from him. I turned around, only to get startled by Mason.

"Who were you talking to?" He asked, stumbling towards me. Is he drunk? Oh my goodness, I can't deal with a drunk man, I don't have time for this.

I was worried about him and he was busy getting wasted. I know he's heartbroken, but I got my heart broken as well; that didn't mean I had to drown myself in alcohol.

"Don't you dare walk out on me when I'm talking to you, Candice?" Did he just call me Candice? He grabbed my arm and forced me to face him, his grip tightened around my arm. I knew it would leave a bruise.

"Mason, you're hurting me. I'm not Candice, I'm Raven." I tried to reason with him.

"Raven?" He said, more like a question.

"Yes, please let go of my arm." He loosened his grip but didn't let me go.

"Why, so you can go to whoever it is you were on the phone with? In case you've forgotten, you and I are married, and that makes you mine." He grabbed my cheeks and forcefully kissed me. I tried to push him but failed miserably. When he finally pulled back, I slapped him hard across his face.

"We agreed you weren't gonna cross the line. I'm your wife, but it's only on paper. In case you've forgotten." I reminded him. It doesn't matter if he's drunk or not, I won't hesitate to smash a vase on his head if he tries any funny business with me.

To my greatest surprise, he sat down on the floor. He had tears in his eyes. "I loved her, fuck I still love her. I wanted to give her the world and spend the rest of my life with her. I was willing to give her everything, but she went ahead and betrayed me, and of all the guys in the world, it had to be my freaking cousin."

Shit, he loves her. How could anyone ever think of cheating on someone who cared so much about them? Who am I kidding, Jamie did it to me as well. I don't even know what to say to make him feel better. I just watched him as he cried for the woman he loved. If only someone could love me like that.

~~~~

I was able to help him to his room, the cook had shown me the rooms earlier.  I helped him get in bed and I wasn't sure if I should stay or leave, but I decided to stay just in case he needed something. I sat on the floor, close to his bed. As I sat there, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. His smooth jawline, high cheekbones, and long lashes. Call me delusional but I found his soft snores cute. I didn't realize when I fell asleep.