“Oh my darling Uncle”. I said while hugging him as he was backing me. “Uncle?”. A different voice asked and it seems to come from the person I'm hugging. He turned around with me in his arms and I stared into his eyes. Dark eyes. Uncle Max's eyes are blue, like mine. I let go of him immediately like I had been burned and blushed furiously. “Uhm, sorry. I thought you… were my uncle”. I told him. A chuckle brought my attention back to his handsome face. “Hello cutie, why do you think your uncle is here?” He said, his voice sending shivers down my body. *** Happiness Matthews, a 19-year-old college freshman, thought she had everything figured out when she left her small Texas town for the bright lights of California. But after a dangerous security guard targets her in her new apartment, she has to move in with Mason, her uncle's friend, who she met two years ago at his wedding. Mason, a man in his thirties still haunted by the woman who left him at the altar two years ago, never expected to share his home with his best friend’s niece. At first, their living arrangement seems like a temporary inconvenience—but the longer they stay under the same roof, the harder it becomes to ignore the magnetic tension building between them. As the lines between family and desire blur, Happiness finds herself drawn to the man who carries both charm and a painful past. But with every passing day, the unspoken rules become more difficult to follow, and a dangerous truth about Mason’s past threatens to tear them both apart. In a story where forbidden attraction and unresolved heartbreak collide, Happy must choose between loyalty, family, love, and her own future—before the stakes get even higher
View MoreHappiness POV
Age 17 “Oh baby, you look stunning." My mom, Daisy, gushed at me. I scan down my outfit for today's event, and I'm quite satisfied with what I'm wearing. A halter neck styled Tosca dress that crosses over to the front, fitted waist, leg slit. This should be appropriate enough to attend one of the biggest events this year. I glanced at my Dad, who is still grumbling about how big his munchkin has grown, as he got into the driver's seat of the car. He has been grumbling since he saw my dress, and mom had told him to look at how much of a woman I have become. We got into the car and we headed to the airport for the wedding. The event has been attracting the media’s attention since the moment the Smiths first announced it. And that is their son's wedding. Mason Smith's wedding. Today, at the age of 29, Mason would tie the knot with his future wife. That is why we are all here in the car heading to the most phenomenal wedding hall in Los Angeles. On getting to the building, my heart was beating fast as I stared at the grand entrance. The place is packed with celebrities, too many faces I recognize from the TV– actresses, actors, politicians, socialites, supermodels, singers and business men and women. When we arrived at the reception- a hall so huge and glamorous, filled with even more well groomed guests- my breath caught in my throat. There are reporters interviewing some guests and the media staff interviewing the event. This wedding will definitely be aired on television, though it might not be broadcasted live. My mom strides towards Mira, Mason's mom, who's standing in one of the rows near the altar, looking beautiful in her silver, long sleeve gown,her hair styles in an elegant twisted bun. She waved when she saw mom, and we approached her. She greeted mom with a hug, and a light peck on her cheeks. She greeted my Dad with a hug too. “Happiness." She beams, finally turning to me,her eyes sparkling with delight. “Look how big you've grown. So beautiful." We hugged each other, a warm smile on my lips. “Thank you ma'am." I said, pulling from the hug. “Come sit here." She gestures for us to sit with her. Mom sits beside her. Dad is next to her, and I am on her other side. I can't help but travel my eyes around the place. I have never been in a hall this big. Mr Smith snr came over to our table to talk to his wife. He seemed overwhelmed, they both did. Of course their son is getting married, they must be feeling emotional. I looked around trying to find my uncle, Max, but he was nowhere to be found. “I can't believe it's finally happening." Mom's voice brought me back, causing me to shift my attention to her. “Can you believe it? He's finally getting married to the love of his life. They're finally tying the knot after seven years of being together." She smiled lovingly. “They wanted to do it earlier, but they had to wait until Sandra finished her PhD degrees in London." A woman behind us said. “Two years of long distance was nothing to them, in fact, it made their relationship even stronger. Once she came back, everything went so fast, and here we are now." She tells her partner. “I heard Mason visited her almost every weekend. I'm so happy for them both. She is Mason's first love." Her partner said. “Mom, I can't find Uncle Max. Can you text him to know where he is? I haven't seen him in ages." I said to my mom, tuning the women behind me out. “Okay dear. Let's see." Mom said bringing out her phone and texting him. “He said he's upstairs, in the groom's room. Room 245." She told me, and I stood up to excuse myself. “Don't stay long, the ceremony is about to start." My Dad advised. “Okay Dad. I'll be right back." I told him as I walked towards the exit. I asked the security around how I could get to the elevator and he directed me. After getting off the elevator, I strolled down the hallway, my footsteps light and eager on the soft carpet, I couldn’t help but glance at the doors along the way, each one holding the quiet promise of a different story. Finally, I spotted it—the door with the number 245. I paused for a moment, before pulling the doorknob. There's someone in a suit and matching trousers facing the window, deep in thought. He didn't even realize he was not alone. I tiptoed to his back, and I hugged him. “Oh my darling Uncle. I missed you so much. Why didn't you come to visit?” I said while hugging him as he was backing me. “Uncle?” A different voice asked and it seems to come from the person I'm hugging. He turned around with me in his arms and I stared into his eyes. Dark eyes. Uncle Max's eyes are blue, like mine. I let go of him immediately like I had been burned and blushed furiously. “Uhm… sorry. I… I thought you… were my uncle." I told him facing down. A chuckle brought my attention back to his handsome face. “Hello cutie, why do you think your uncle is here?” He said, his voice sending shivers down my body. “My mom said he would be here, in the groom's room." Then I glanced at his tailored suit matching trousers, and gasped. “You're the groom." I whispered but he heard me anyway. “Yes darling. I am." That voice again. He brought his hands to my chin raising my face to meet his, the movement sending electricity through my body and I gasped leaning towards him. “Your—” He was cut short by the door opening and we pulled apart. My uncle walked in with a frown but smiled upon seeing me. “Happiness." He gushed hugging me, trying and failing to carry me. “You've become big. I can't even carry you like I used too." He frowned. “When you've failed to visit to see how I am. How would you know?” I asked mockingly. “Of course you wouldn't know I have grown. I'm almost an adult uncle, don't carry me like that again." I rolled my eyes at him, and a chuckle reminded us that we were not alone anymore. Uncle Max looked up to his friend, smiled, and clapped his shoulder. “Big man, I see you've met my not so little niece.” He was rewarded with another chuckle- one that sends shivers down my body- from the groom. “Happy, meet the man of the Day. Today's groom, Mason Smith”. He said, while gesturing to the groom. “Bro, this is my niece, Happiness.” “Happiness, such a nice name for a beautiful lady. It's so nice to put a face to the name I've been hearing for a while now. It's nice to finally meet you.” Mason said, fixing his heated stare on me. He stretched his hand for a handshake and I took it. I can feel his gaze on every part of me, sending electrifying sensations as his eyes trailed, making me blush. “The pleasure is mine ” I threw him a dashing smile, still holding onto his outstretched arm. My uncle, oblivious to what's going on around him, said in exasperation. “Man, I had no idea how much went into planning this! I feel like I haven't had a moment to relax in over 48 hours." He said, lying down on the bed. “Thank God this is a once in a lifetime thing.” “Oh yeah? Thank God then." Mason said, removing his hand from mine but still staring at me. “Sorry uncle. You're sounding stressed. Would you rest instead of attending the wedding?” I asked, facing him. “No. I'd see it through. I'd rest after they've gone on their honeymoon." He said, winking at Mason. Mason opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the door opening. His mom came in. “Darling, that's your cue." She and my brother escorted him out, and he turned back when he got to the exit and nodded at me. I went back to join my family at their seats. “What took you so long, honey? The groom is about to walk out." Mom said, and I shrugged. The groom walked out. His eyes are focused ahead, his face a mixture of nervous anticipation and quiet joy. The guests' murmurs fade into a hushed silence as he begins to walk down the aisle, each step deliberate yet filled with the weight of the moment. His posture is proud, but there's a softness in his gaze as he looks ahead toward the entrance, anticipating his bride's entrance. The hall was filled with an air of anticipation, the soft hum of whispers buzzing through the seats as the guests eagerly awaited the bride’s grand entrance. The heavy doors swung open, revealing a lady looking skittish, as she walked toward the altar- to the groom. “The bride is nowhere to be found." She breathed, but it was heard in the silent hall.Ash rummaged through the freezer, letting out an exaggerated gasp when she found a tub of chocolate ice cream. “Oh, we are best friends for life. You keep premium ice cream stocked? I knew you were the one for me.”I chuckled, shaking my head as she grabbed spoons from the drawer and plopped onto the couch beside me. She handed me one and popped the lid open. “No bowls. We’re eating straight from the tub like the emotionally balanced young adults we are.”I scooped a spoonful, letting the cold sweetness melt on my tongue. “Emotionally balanced, huh?”She waved a hand. “Details.” Then, as if remembering something, she turned to me with a grin. “So, tell me, does this place come with any mysterious, forbidden rooms? Like a secret passage or a wine cellar full of rare vintage bottles?”I raised an eyebrow. “It’s not a haunted house, Ash.”“Disappointing,” she sighed dramatically before shoving a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.I set my spoon down and leaned back, letting my head re
HAPPINESS’S POVThe car ride back felt longer than it should have. Mason’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his jaw set, but he didn’t say anything.I didn’t either.I was still trying to sort through everything Gift had said, still trying to make sense of the polite yet pointed conversation we’d had.She hadn’t been cruel. She hadn’t raised her voice.But every of her word had carried weight. And whether she meant to or not, I felt it pressing down on me.The moment Mason pulled into the driveway and parked, I exhaled slowly. My fingers lingered on the seatbelt before I finally unbuckled it.He turned to me. “Happiness…”“I’m fine.” The words slipped out automatically, but even I wasn’t convinced.Mason studied me for a long moment before nodding once. He didn’t argue. He didn’t press. He just reached over, took my hand, and squeezed.I squeezed back before pulling away and stepping out of the car.Inside, I headed straight for the kitchen. I wasn’t hungry, but I needed something
HAPPINESS’S POVThe silence in the car was heavier than it should have been. Mason’s hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles tight, his jaw clenched as he focused on the road ahead. He hadn’t said much since his mother’s call, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.“She won’t do anything to hurt you,” he finally said, breaking the silence.I swallowed, watching the trees blur past the window. “I know.”But that wasn’t the real concern, was it? It wasn’t about outright harm. It was about the unspoken words, the careful, measured tone that could cut just as deeply.Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”I turned to him, searching his expression. “And what would that say about me?”His lips pressed into a thin line. “That you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”Maybe he believed that. Maybe he wanted to. But we both knew this was something I couldn’t avoid forever. If I was going to be in his life, I had to face t
HAPPINESS’S POVThe morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred, blinking against the warmth of the sunlight as I became aware of the steady rise and fall of Mason’s breathing beside me.He was still asleep, his arm loosely draped over my waist, his body warm and solid against mine. I stayed still for a moment, listening to the quiet, trying to gather my thoughts.Last night, Mason hadn’t pushed me. He had simply been there, his presence steady, his touch reassuring. And somehow, that had made it harder to keep everything bottled up.I turned slightly, careful not to wake him, but as soon as I moved, his hold tightened.“Where are you going?” His voice was thick with sleep, his eyes barely open.“I thought you were asleep.”He hummed, shifting onto his back but keeping his hand on my hip. “I was. You okay?”I hesitated.I wanted to say yes. To brush it off like I did yesterday. But I couldn’t. Not this time.I swallowed, my fingers playi
MASON’S POVThe house was quiet when I got back. Too quiet.Happiness’s shoes were by the door, so I knew she was home, but I didn’t hear anything. There was no movement, no humming from the kitchen, nothing.I set my keys down, shrugging off my jacket as I walked further inside. The living room lights were dim, casting soft shadows across the walls. Then I saw her.She was curled up on the couch, knees pulled to her chest, staring at her phone screen with a look I couldn’t quite place. She didn’t notice me at first.I took a slow breath.James was right. Pushing her wouldn’t work. If I wanted her to talk, to trust me with whatever was weighing on her, I had to show her that she didn’t have to do this alone.So, I moved carefully.“Hey,” I murmured, settling down beside her.She blinked, startled, before quickly locking her phone and forcing a small smile. “Hey.”That smile didn’t reach her eyes.I didn’t say anything at first, just reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind
MASON'S POVThe bedroom was quiet, the only sound was the steady rhythm of Happiness’s breathing. The city lights filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the walls. She was curled up beside me, her back to my chest, her body warm but stiff—like she was here, but not really.I stared at the ceiling, replaying the night over and over.Something changed. I felt it the moment we left the party, the way she looked out the window instead of at me, the way her words were carefully measured, distant.She probably thought I didn’t notice. She was wrong.I reached out, letting my fingers trail lightly over her arm. She didn’t move, didn’t lean into my touch like she normally would.That tiny reaction, or the lack of it, gnawed at me.I exhaled slowly, my jaw tightening.Did someone say something to her?Had I done something wrong?I had tried to ask, but she shut me down with dismissive answers. Lies wrapped in soft words.I wanted to push, to demand the truth from her lips. But
HAPPINESS’S POVThe air in the ballroom was thick with expensive perfume, and laughter when I got back inside. The clinking of glasses as servers weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne.Mason’s hand rested against my back, firm and reassuring. Yet, despite his presence, the unease in my chest refused to fade.He leaned down slightly, his voice a low murmur against my ear. "You okay?"I nodded quickly, forcing a small smile. "Of course."His gaze lingered on me for a second longer, as if he didn’t fully believe me, but before he could push further, a deep voice called his name."Ah, Mason! Finally!"A tall man in a sleek black suit approached, exuding effortless confidence.“James,” Mason greeted, shaking his hand firmly. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”“Couldn’t miss it. Besides, your Dad wouldn’t let me.” James chuckled before his eyes flicked to me. "And you must be Happiness."I nodded politely. "It’s nice to meet you."“Likewise,” he said, though I could tell his intere
HAPPINESS’S POVMason’s car glided smoothly down the road, the hum of the engine filling the comfortable silence between us. City lights flickered outside the window, casting a soft glow over the sleek leather interior.I adjusted my dress slightly, smoothing the fabric over my thighs. Mason had been stealing glances at me since we left, and I wasn’t imagining the way his fingers kept flexing on the wheel.“You keep looking at me like that, and we might not make it to this party,” I teased, glancing at him.Mason smirked, shifting in his seat. “It's not my fault you look like that.”I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest spread. “Eyes on the road, detective.”He sighed dramatically. “You’re asking too much of me.”I laughed, reaching for his hand on the gear shift. The moment our fingers touched, he turned his palm up, lacing them together. His thumb brushed over my skin in slow, lazy circles.Mason stole another glance at me before shaking his head. “Seriously, how am I suppose
HAPPINESS'S POVThe scent of buttery popcorn filled the air as I curled up on the couch, my legs tucked beneath me. Ash sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through her phone, while Maria had claimed the other end of the couch, flipping through TV channels with little interest."Are we actually watching something, or is this just background noise?" Ash asked, tossing a kernel of popcorn into her mouth.Maria sighed, still flipping. "Honestly, nothing looks interesting. Why do they even make this many channels if they all suck?""Capitalism," Ash replied dryly.I chuckled. "You're just upset because you finished your series and now you don't know what to do with yourself."Ash pointed a dramatic finger at me. "Exactly. That show had me in a chokehold, and now I feel abandoned."Maria snorted. "Try reading a book."Ash gasped. "I'm offended. Do I look like someone who has the patience to sit through pages of tiny words?"I shook my head, amused. "You're ridiculous.""But you love me
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments