Six

Mason's POV

After a long, sleepless night, today had finally arrived. I was eagerly anticipating the look on my father’s face when he discovered I was already married. Last night, I overheard him discussing plans with Margaret, something about the Prescotts visiting again today to finalize wedding arrangements. I still couldn't comprehend why that girl couldn't take a hint and understand that I was not interested in her. She seemed so wrapped up in her world that she failed to see that I had no interest in getting married to her.

I glanced at my watch and noticed it was already past 10 am. What was taking her so long? I sent my driver to go pick her up an hour ago, so why isn't she here yet? The anticipation was gnawing at me.

I already instructed someone to move my belongings to my penthouse; as soon as she arrives, I'll introduce her to my dad, and then we're out of here.

The knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Julie walked in, her face a mask of frustration.

"Mason, Dad wants you to come downstairs. Blair and Lenora are already here," she said, her tone indicating she was less thrilled about the situation. I forgot to tell her about yesterday, but then I decided to wait until Raven arrived. Raven, what a weird name.

"Sure, I'll be down in a minute," I replied, attempting to sound calm despite the tension building inside me.

Julie's eyes narrowed. "Why don't you seem bothered? They're planning your wedding and your engagement has been announced to the public." She asked furiously. I sent a quick text to Raven, I needed to know what was taking so long. "It seems I'm the only one who's not happy about this marriage, but never mind, carry on with your texting," she stormed off before I could respond.

Still no reply from her, did she change her mind or something? But we're already married. I headed downstairs, feeling a mix of anticipation and irritation. As I descended, I felt someone wrap their hands around me.

"What the fuck!" I flinched and pulled away sharply from whoever was holding me. If there's one thing I hate most, then it is body contact. The only time you can see me near someone is when I'm having sex with them.

"Hi, I just wanted to let you know how excited I am about our wedding." She said in a bubbly voice. I looked at the girl with disinterest. The nerve of this girl to touch me. She's lucky I don't hit women.

"Congrats on your wedding then," I said, my voice devoid of warmth as I tried to maintain a polite distance.

Her eyes lit up with an enthusiastic smile. "You're really funny, but thanks. Congrats to you too, on our upcoming wedding."

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm already married," I said firmly, taking a step back. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room shift towards me in shock.

"What nonsense are you talking about Mason?" My father’s voice boomed from across the room.

"It's not nonsense dad, remember you and I had a deal?" I said, trying to keep my composure.

"What deal?" Margaret, my father’s wife, inquired, clearly perplexed.

"48 hours is up." My dad said, his voice carrying a hint of anger.

"Good thing I got married before it ended, right?" I smirked, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

"What are you talking about Mason? You and I are supposed to get married. I've already announced it to all my friends, it was even on the news yesterday." Blair interjected, her voice tinged with desperation.

"And how is that my business? And I don't remember permitting you to say my name." I retorted, my patience wearing thin.

"If you are married like you claim, then where is your wife?" My father demanded. I scanned the room and spotted Raven walking in at just the right moment. I heaved a small sigh of relief.

"She's right here, Dad," I said, making my way over to her. I reached her and gave her a light peck on the cheek. "Hey gorgeous, what kept you so long?"

"Sorry, I overslept. But I'm here now." Raven apologized, her voice laced with genuine regret. She returned the peck on my cheek, and I was relieved she was playing along.

"Dad, Margaret, Julie, this is..." I started to introduce Raven.

"Raven?" Lenora’s voice cut through the air. She took a few steps forward, her expression darkening with recognition. I instinctively pulled Raven closer, almost protectively.

"Mom?" Raven's voice trembled. Did she just say, Mom? "Wh... what are you doing here?" She stuttered.

"I should be asking you the same question, what are you doing here?" Lenora’s voice was a sharp contrast to Raven’s nervousness.

"What the hell, Raven? Get away from my fiance." Blair demanded, trying to drag Raven away. I intervened, pushing Blair’s hands aside.

"Don't you dare put those hands on my wife," I warned her, my voice low and threatening. I was stunned by the revelation of their relationship. That's what I get for not doing my research first. But honestly, I didn’t have time for that. This was all my dad's fault.

"She's not your wife, stop saying that," Blair shouted, her frustration palpable.

"You told me you had a fiance back in France, so how did you end up marrying the second daughter of the Prescott family?" My dad asked, his tone surprisingly calm despite the chaos unfolding before him.

"I did, but when I arrived, I bumped into her that night of the dinner, and we had a connection. So I asked her to marry me, and she said yes. Isn't that right love?" I turned to Raven and pinched her nose playfully, hoping my dad would buy my story.

"Yes sir, there was just something about him that seemed to have worn my heart over," Raven said sweetly, laying the charm on thick as she patted my chest. Her performance was convincing enough that I almost believed it myself.

"But dear, why would you marry on such short notice?" My father pressed on, his curiosity piqued.

"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," Raven explained, her gaze pointedly directed at her mother. Her words seemed to carry an unspoken message. What did she mean by that?

"So this marriage is real?" My dad's calm demeanor was unnerving.

"Yes, Dad, you can call my lawyer to confirm," I said, trying to sound more confident. The barrage of questions was starting to get on my nerves.

"Come, my dear," my father said, reaching out to Raven. "Your father would be so happy right now. Welcome to the family." He enveloped Raven in a heartfelt embrace, his smile almost tearful. It was an unexpected reaction, I had never seen him this happy since my mother’s death. "Finally, I kept the promise I made to my friend. We need to have a proper wedding."

I scanned the room, searching for Julie, but she was nowhere to be found. The maids informed me she had left when Raven arrived. She's probably with her boyfriend, Kyle.

"This is not what we agreed upon. The contract clearly stated that he's to marry the first daughter not the second." Lenora’s voice rose in anger.

"Nora, calm down; we can discuss this later." Margaret attempted to pacify her. There was even a contract? And my father agreed to sign my life away?

"Don't tell me to calm down. After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me? You had one job, Margaret." Lenora continued, her voice tinged with rage.

"The contract didn't say he couldn't marry the second daughter. The deed is done, there's nothing we can do to change that." My father said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. I was growing more intrigued about this mysterious contract and my father’s involvement.

"No, he has to divorce her. I won't let her take Mason from me." Blair insisted, throwing a tantrum. "Mom, do something."

"Lenora, I think you should take your daughter home. I'll be in my study." My father said, dismissing them.

"You. How could you stoop so low?" Blair’s voice dripped with venom as she turned to Raven. I noticed a smirk tugging at Raven’s lips, a clear sign that she was enjoying the drama.

"Now you know how it feels, dear sister," Raven taunted. "Honestly, I had no idea who he was, but boy, am I glad this happened."

Blair tried to charge at Raven, but she was quick to evade.

"Oh, I'm sorry, does it hurt, sister?" Raven's words were laced with spite, and her smirk widened. It was evident she enjoyed getting under Blair’s skin. One could cut the tension between them with a knife.

"You ungrateful child, how could you do this to your sister, your flesh and blood?" Lenora’s voice quivered with frustration.

"I didn't do anything, Mom; this was not intentional, I swear," Raven said, her voice trembling slightly as she looked to me for support. I could see fear in her eyes.

"Then do the right thing, get a divorce," Lenora demanded. I wanted to argue but decided to listen to what Raven would say.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," Raven said decisively, her gaze unwavering.

"We'll see about that. Come, Blair, let's go home." Lenora said, her voice filled with finality.

"Just enjoy it while it lasts, sister; like the rest of them, he'll eventually choose me. They always do." Blair said with a smirk.

"I always knew you had a thing for my leftovers, but not this time, Blair," Raven said, her hand lingering on my chest. Her provocative words and gestures made me question my self-control. I needed to get Candice here soon.

~~~~

Later that day, I was preparing to leave. I still hadn't seen Julie, and she wasn't taking my calls. I instructed Raven to get ready because we’d be moving to my penthouse today. I wanted to escape the drama and the uncomfortable atmosphere of this house as quickly as possible.

"I'm ready," Raven announced at the top of the stairs.

"Okay let's go," I said as she neared me.

"Aren't you gonna say goodbye to your dad?" Raven asked as we walked toward the door.

"There's no need, let's go," I replied curtly.

As soon as we got into the car, I pulled out my phone to check for any updates. A message from the private investigator I’d hired to keep tabs on Candice caught my eye. My stomach churned as I opened it. The pictures that were loaded were of Candice and my cousin, Justin. They involved images of them on dates, sharing intimate moments, and even in bed together.

"What the fuck!" I muttered, my anger and betrayal mingling with shock. The images were a gut punch, and I felt a surge of rage that almost overwhelmed me. How could Candice do this to me, to us? And as for Justin, I'll kill him myself.

"Everything okay?" Raven asked, sensing my distress.

I barely registered her presence, my mind was consumed by the betrayal I was seeing.