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Chapter 13
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2024-12-11 14:55:52
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The 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 : 2024-12-16The Forbidden Ties Chapter 19
Happiness’s POVThe walk wasn’t helping. The chill of the winter air couldn’t quiet the storm raging in my chest. My feet carried me through familiar paths, but my mind was far from the frosty park around me.I kept replaying Mason’s confession in my head: She said she still loves me.The way he’d hesitated before answering, like a man caught between the past and the present, had shattered something fragile inside me.I stopped near a bench by the frozen pond and sat down, my breath fogging in the air. A part of me wanted to scream at him, demand answers, demand clarity. But another part—a quieter, more dangerous part—wondered if I even wanted to hear those answers.Was it better to leave before he could truly break me?I rubbed my gloved hands together, trying to warm them, when I felt his presence.“Mason,” I said softly without turning around.“How did you know it was me?” he asked, his voice rough, tinged with exhaustion.I stared at the frozen pond. “You’re the only person who lo
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Forbidden Ties Chapter 20
Happiness’s POV The days felt lighter, but not without shadows. Mason’s presence was constant now, not overbearing, but steady. I wanted to trust him, to believe the promises he made. And yet, doubt clung to me like frost on a windowpane, refusing to thaw. On a crisp evening, we found ourselves in the kitchen. I was chopping vegetables for dinner, the rhythmic sound of the knife a welcome distraction from the quiet tension between us. Mason leaned against the counter, watching me with an intensity that made my hands falter. “You’re staring,” I said, not looking up. “Can’t help it,” he replied softly. “You’re beautiful when you’re focused.” I paused, setting the knife down, and finally met his gaze. “Flattery won’t make me forget, Mason.” He nodded, his expression earnest. “I’m not trying to make you forget. I just… I want you to know how I see you.” I sighed, wiping my hands on a dish towel. “Sometimes I wonder if this is all worth it,” I admitted. “If I’m worth it.” His eyes d
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Forbidden Ties Chapter 21
Happiness’s POV It wasn’t a sudden revelation or a grand gesture that changed things between Mason and me. It was the little moments, the quiet mornings when he brought me coffee, the way he asked about my day and actually listened, the way he never hesitated to reassure me when doubt crept in. We weren’t perfect, and we didn’t pretend to be. But over time, the cracks began to heal, replaced by something stronger. This evening, as we sat on the couch watching a documentary Mason had picked out, I realized how far we’d come. I wasn’t tense, waiting for the next shadow to fall. I was just… here, with him, and it felt enough. “You’re quiet,” he said, glancing at me. “Just thinking,” I replied, smiling faintly. “Good thoughts, I hope?” I nodded, leaning my head on his shoulder. “Yeah. Good thoughts.” And for once, that wasn’t a lie. Next morning, I woke up to the sound of Mason humming in the kitchen. It was a tune I didn’t recognize, but there was something comforting about it.
Last Updated : 2024-12-19
Latest chapter
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 55
Mason’s POVPeter narrowed his eyes. “Love?” He scoffed. “Love is easy to say, Mason. But it doesn’t pay bills. It doesn’t build a stable future.”I nodded, unfazed. “You’re right. Love alone isn’t enough. But commitment, effort, and respect? That’s what matters.”His jaw tightened. “And you think you can give her that?”“I know I can.”Silence stretched between us.Then, he leaned forward, voice low. “Tell me, Mason. Where do you see yourself with her in five years?”I didn’t hesitate. “Married, or about to.”Happiness sucked in a sharp breath beside me. I felt her grip on my hand tighten, but I didn’t look away from her father.Peter’s gaze flickered, just for a second. He wasn't expecting my answer.His fingers drummed against his arm. “And kids? A family?”“When she’s ready.”His eyes narrowed. “So, you’d wait?”“For as long as it takes.”His wife let out a soft sigh. I could tell she was beginning to waver. Peter, however, wasn’t done yet.“You’re a detective, Mason.” His tone tu
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 54
Happiness POV I had just stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around me, when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I wiped my hands hastily before picking it up.Mom.My stomach twisted. Mom doesn't call me directly, she prefers to send texts or let Dad handle any serious conversations.Something was wrong.Bracing myself, I answered. “ Hi Mom?”Her voice was clipped, controlled. Too controlled. “Happiness, you need to come home.”I froze, gripping the towel tighter. “What? Why? Is everyone okay?”“Yes. Your Dad and I need to speak with you. In person.”A cold chill spread through me. They knew. They had found out about my relationship.I forced a weak chuckle. “Mom, I have classes to…”“This is more important than your classes.”My heart sank. Mom never interrupted my education, no matter how upset she was. If she was doing it now, whatever they had learned was serious.I swallowed hard. “Did… did something happen?”There was a pause. Then, “We’ll talk when you get here.” The f
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 53
Happiness POV The rest of the day passed in a blur. I stayed in my apartment, trying to distract myself with schoolwork, but my mind kept drifting back to my conversation with Mason. And Uncle Max. And the growing weight of keeping this secret.By evening, I still felt restless. I needed air.Pulling on a jacket, I grabbed my phone and stepped outside. The cool breeze hit my face as I walked down the quiet street, my hands buried in my pockets.Maybe I was overthinking everything.Maybe Uncle Max’s question about Mason had been casual.But deep down, I knew better.I turned a corner, heading toward the small café near campus. I didn’t plan on staying long, just needed enough time to clear my head.But as I pushed open the door, my breath caught in my throat.Sitting at a corner table, talking in hushed voices, were Uncle Max and Mason.My stomach dropped.I barely managed to step back before they could see me. My heart pounded as I pressed against the wall outside, peeking through th
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 52
Happiness POV I was half asleep when my phone started buzzing. Groaning, I fumbled for it, squinting at the bright screen.Uncle Max.My heart stuttered. Why was he calling me this early?A knot tightened in my stomach as I hesitated before answering. “Hello?”“Happiness.” Uncle Max’s voice was calm, but I could hear the undertone of something else. Something that made my nerves spike. “Are you home?”I sat up immediately, my sleepiness vanishing. “Yeah… why?”“There’s something we need to talk about, and It'll be better if we see. The Edisson's Home, right?”I clutched the phone tighter. “Yes. What is it about?”A pause. “Just be ready.”The call ended before I could ask anything else.I stared at my phone, my pulse hammering.Uncle Max never called unannounced. And the way he’d spoken… like he was preparing for something difficult.Panic clawed at my chest.Did he know?Had Dad called him? Had he already figured it out?Throwing off the blanket, I rushed to my room, pulling on a fr
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 51
Happiness's POVThe door clicked shut behind my parents, and I finally let out the breath I was been holding. My legs felt weak, but I forced myself to stay upright until I heard the sound of their cab driving away.Only after then did I sink onto my couch, burying my face in my hands.That was too close.Dad’s suspicion was growing, and Mom wasn’t fooled either. She wasn’t pushing now, and it was only because she was waiting for me to come to her on my own.But I can't do that.Not now.I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to refocus. I needed to be careful, to make sure they didn’t dig any deeper.A sharp knock at the door made me startled.My pulse quickened. I wasn’t expecting anyone.I hesitated before standing up and making my way to the door. Peering through the peephole, I felt my stomach drop.Mason.I hesitated before unlocking the door and pulling it open just enough to see him. “What are you doing here?”He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied me, his sharp eyes scann
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 50
Chapter 50Happiness's POV I forced a smile, though my palms were already sweating. “Dad, would you believe me if I said this is all just a misunderstanding?”Dad crossed his arms. “Try me.”Mom, ever the peacemaker, glanced between us and sighed. “Darling, maybe we should continue this conversation when we get back.”“No,” Dad interrupted, his eyes locked on me. “I want an explanation now.”“Peter,” Mom called her face stern, and her voice was soothing. “We already attracted an audience.” I glanced around, and noticed that people are looking at us already. Dad does too, and he sighed. He went back to our table, packed his belongings and left. Mom followed him, but not before throwing me a “fix this” look. I swallowed hard, and tottered behind them. Dad already flagged down a cab when I got out. Mom got in after him, leaving the space beside the driver empty. I got in, and glanced at my Dad, but he wasn't even looking at me. Mom looked at me pitifully, but didn't say anything.I
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 49
Chapter 49Happiness's POV I looked at Drake as he jogged happily towards us, unaware of the dark thoughts running through my Dad's mind. Do I pity him? Yes. We haven't had a conversation in a while now, considering I've not been in school. I just hope he doesn't spill that fact. His steps faltered when he got closer, and noticed I wasn't alone. He continued towards us. “He's handsome.” Mom muttered, and recivedd a hot glare from Dad. She shrugged, then smiled innocently before going back to her food. “Hello Happiness.” Drake said. “Good day sir, Good day ma'am.” He greeted my parents. Dad was still glaring at him so he didn't get a reply. “Hello dear,” Mom said sweetly, like her husband wasn't glaring at the poor boy. “And who might you be?” “My name is Drake ma'am. I am happiness's course mate and friend.” Drake replied cheekily, unaware that Dad is plotting how deep his grave would be. I snickered at that thought, and that brought their attention to me. “Honey, won't you
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 48
Happiness's POV I immediately pulled away from him. My eyes widened as I stared at the door of the room, my mind an array of jumbled mess. Oh my God. Are they here already?I snapped my head around, having a panic attack. They can't see him here. We're going to be dead. How am I going to hide him?I glanced at Mason, who seemed frozen, his eyes blinked rapidly as he tried to process what we heard. I ran to the door, and checked through the peephole, my hands trembling as panic consumed me.Is that Emma? I clicked the door open before I realized I'm not with clothes, and went back to dress. Thankfully, Mason has gotten over the shock, and got up to meet me. “Are they here?” He asked, taking a deep breath as if preparing himself for what to come. “It's Emma.” I replied. “Emma? I thought they'd left.” “My thoughts exactly. Let me see why she's here.” I moved back to the door and opened the door for her. “Emma? Did you forget something?” I queried baffled. “No, I didn't. I met so
The Forbidden Ties Chapter 47
Happiness's POV I glanced at Mason, who has the same shock written on his face. He seemed to be at a loss for words. “What am I going to do?” I muttered shakily as I dialed my Dad's number. “Pick up Dad. Please.” I waited for him to pick the call, but the line went dead. I tried again but it's switched off. I dialed mom's number, but it turns out her phone is dead too. Happy, they're probably on the plane already. “Happiness,” Mason's voice snapped me out of my panic mode. He shot me a firm look, telling me to calm down despite this chaos. I have to be calm to think , else we wouldn't leave this mess. I nodded at him, and he strode towards me hugging me tightly. “We've got this.” He whispered determinedly. We drove back to my apartment, with my belongings. Thankfully, I didn't pack all of my stuff when I came to Mason's place. I had always wanted to come back, but the plan always flopped. I'm grateful for it now though, because it'll make this believable. Mom and Dad would b
