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Chapter 10
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 13:59:13
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The Forbidden Ties Chapter 11
I woke up with the sunlight shining brightly on my face. I opened my eyes and saw that the window was not closed. It took me a while to figure out where I am. My pillow feels different as I try to get more comfortable around it but was stopped by an arm. Wait. Arm?My face is deep in Mason's armpit and I was using his arm as a pillow. His other hand held me tightly around my waist. I tried to stand up and the movement must have woken Mason because he groaned, using his hands to block the sun. We stared at each other in silence. Something stirs deep inside me as I stare at him, but it feels so complex that I can't even explain what it is. “Good morning.” He said after some time and I muttered a reply. There's a look on his face but it was gone before I could place it. “What time do you have class today?” “10am.” I answered still staring at his face, trying to keep my eyes off his naked chest. I didn't notice he was shirtless last night. He turned, reaching for his phone on the ta
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Forbidden Ties Chapter 12
I could barely breathe, panic clawing at my throat as I struggled to find my voice. My hands shoved at his chest, but he was solid, unyielding. His grip on my wrists tightened as he forced them above my head, trapping me against the cold wall.“Let me go!” I finally screamed, my voice cracking. I twisted my body, desperate to break free, but he just chuckled darkly.“No one’s going to hear you over that music,” he slurred, his grin sinister.Tears streamed down my face as I thrashed against him, trying to channel every ounce of strength I had. I needed to think. I needed—Suddenly, the weight pressing against me was gone.I blinked, gasping for air, and realized someone had yanked the man off me, sending him stumbling to the ground. My rescuer’s face was shadowed in the dim hallway, but the fury in his voice was unmistakable.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mason growled.My legs buckled in relief as Mason stepped between me and the man. His posture was rigid, his fists cle
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Forbidden Ties Chapter 13
The room felt charged with unspoken words, our breaths mingling in the silence. Mason’s hand still lingered on my cheek, his thumb brushing gently against my skin. For once, I didn’t push him away or question the emotions swirling inside me. I let the warmth of his presence drown out my fears.But then reality seeped back in.I pulled back slightly, my gaze darting to the window. “Mason, this... I don’t know what this is,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not sure if I’m ready.”He studied me, his eyes softening. “That’s okay. I don’t want to rush you or make you feel pressured.” He dropped his hand from my face but kept his tone steady. “I just need you to know how I feel. That I’m here, no matter what.”The sincerity in his words made my chest ache, but it also terrified me. “You’re so sure of this—of me,” I said, my voice trembling. “But I don’t even know if I can handle what’s happening between us.”His lips curved into a gentle smile. “Happiness, you don’t have t
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Forbidden Ties Chapter 14
The walk back to the apartment was quiet, but not in an awkward way. Mason didn’t say much, and I appreciated that more than I could put into words. He had this way of being present without being overbearing, of giving me space while still making me feel like I wasn’t alone.But even with his steady presence beside me, my thoughts churned.Last night.The memory was like a shadow, lingering at the edges of my mind no matter how hard I tried to push it away. The sound of that guy’s voice, the way he smelled of alcohol, the feel of his hands on me—it all came rushing back in flashes I couldn’t control.I hugged my arms tighter around myself, trying to keep the trembling at bay.“Cold?” Mason’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I glanced up to find him watching me, concern etched into his features.I shook my head. “No, I’m fine.”He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded toward the building as we approached. “Almost there.”When we reached the apartment, I felt
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The Forbidden Ties Chapter 15
After finishing our tea, Mason stood and stretched, his shirt riding up slightly to reveal a hint of his toned stomach. I quickly averted my gaze, hoping he hadn’t noticed.“I should probably get some work done,” he said, grabbing the empty mugs from the table, and heading to the kitchen. “You have any plans for the day?”I shrugged, leaning back in my chair. “Not really. I might tackle some homework.”He chuckled as he rinsed the mugs in the sink. “Homework on a Saturday? Who are you, and what have you done with the real Happiness?”“Hey, I can be studious when I want to be,” I said, feigning offense. “Besides, it’s better than sitting around doing nothing all day.”“Fair enough,” he said, turning to face me. “But if you’re up for it, I was thinking of leaving for the market later. Want to come with me?”“The market?” I tilted my head.“Yeah. There’s this little outdoor place downtown — fresh produce, handmade stuff, good food.” He paused, scratching the back of his neck. “Figured it
Last Updated : 2024-12-13The Forbidden Ties Chapter 16
THIRD PERSON POV After class, Ash and Martha had suggested they get something to eat at a Café nearby, and go through their assignments together. At the Cafe, they noticed Happiness was not her usual self, and they kicked each other's legs under the table, gesturing to the other to speak up. Martha sipped her iced coffee, her eyes narrowing on Ash as she watched Happiness shuffle through her notes, the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. The three of them were sitting in their usual spot at the campus café, but something was... off. Happiness had always been focused — almost to a fault — but today she seemed miles away, her pen tapping absentmindedly against her notebook. “So,” Martha began, leaning forward with a sly smile, “when were you going to tell us about him?” Happiness’s head snapped up, her brows knitting in confusion. “Him?” “Yes. Him, of course.” Ash tilted her head, giving her friend a knowing look. Happiness rolled her eyes, but the faint flush
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Forbidden Ties Chapter 17
Mason's POVThe sharp ring of my phone pierced through the quiet hum of my office. I glanced at the caller ID, my brows furrowing slightly at the number on the screen, one I couldn't recognize. “Hello?”“Mason, it’s Sandra.”I stiffened at the sound of her voice. It had been years since our last conversation, if I could even call it that. The last time we spoke, it was a terse exchange laced with veiled accusations and unresolved tension.“What do you want?” My voice was curt, betraying none of the unease I felt.“Straight to the point, as always,” she replied with a laugh that didn’t reach her voice. “I just thought it was time we caught up.”“We don’t have anything to catch up on.”“Don’t we?” Sandra’s tone was sweet, almost teasing. “I heard you’ve been... keeping company lately. A girl, isn’t it? Happiness, is that her name?”My grip on the phone tightened. The mention of Happiness sent a spark of protective anger through me. “What are you trying to say, Sandra?”“Oh, nothing,” s
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Forbidden Ties Chapter 18
Mason's POVThe message I sent to Happiness about talking to her later sat still in our chat, her quick response giving me the perfect opening. But instead of following through, I buried myself in work, convincing myself I needed more time.The truth wasn’t something you could just blurt out. Especially not to someone like Happiness. She deserved so much more than the mess I carried.The hours turned into days, and each time I thought about sitting her down and explaining, the words tangled in my throat. My excuses sounded weak, even to me. But the truth? The truth was terrifying.I couldn’t lose her.The knock on my office door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, thinking it was a colleague.Sandra stepped inside, her presence as disarming as ever.“I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, her voice soft, apologetic.I leaned back in my chair, my gaze wary, and my fingers hovered on the emergency button on my desk. “How did you get in here? What do you want, Sandra?”She
Last Updated : 2024-12-16
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The Forbidden Ties Chapter 72
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 71
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 70
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 69
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 68
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 67
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 66
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 65
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
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 64
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
