Before I can fall face first on the floor, a strong arms helps me regain my balance, and saves me from falling. When I got on my feet, I looked up to my savior, and I found a guy staring down at me, still holding my arms. He has beautiful blue eyes like mine - even his glasses can't make them any less captivating. His hair is brown with messy bangs. I snapped out of my trance when I realized that all eyes were suddenly on us. The guy looks shocked too, and it takes a few more seconds before he let go of me completely. “Thanks.” I said, and he responded with a small smirk. He nods slightly before walking off, and I find it amazing that people were still staring at me even after resuming my steps. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I roll my eyes as I see who's calling. Dad. He's requesting a video call. I settled down in a nearby seat before picking the call.“Munchkin.” He started, and I showed him my surroundings. He made a zipped lip gesture before telling me he'll talk to me lat
“Happiness”. A voice called out. “Happiness”. Again. I moaned, opening my eyes to Mason shaking me vigorously. He took a deep breath when I opened my eyes. “Damn, Happiness. You just closed your eyes all of a sudden. Are you okay?” He asked, his eyes filled with concern. “Uhn? What happened?” I asked him, looking around and confused. ‘We're still in the backyard. Who interrupted our kiss?’ I wanted to ask, but kept quiet. “I was talking to you, then suddenly you just closed your eyes and you weren't saying anything.” ‘Oh My God! Did I imagine that kiss? But it felt so real, I even got goosebumps.’ “Oh, okay. Thank you.” I finally said when I noticed Mason was still looking at me. “What were you saying anyways?” I asked, acting nonchalant. I wanted to know why he touched me in the first place, my blood boiling in my veins all of a sudden. “I wanted to apologize about this morning.” He said, and I raised my brows. “I won't wander around shirtless again, I don't want you to be
I'm still jotting down the notes on my book when the lecturer finishes the first class of the day. I don't want to miss anything important. “I expect you to send the case study report by the end of next week. You can work in a group of two or three.” The lecturer said before walking out of the classroom. Now that I think about it, I don't have a partner to do the assignment with. I'm new here - an exchange student - while other classmates have already formed into groups. “Have you got a partner for the case study?” A voice asked behind me, and I turned towards it to find a girl sitting behind me. She has medium-length black hair, brown eyes, and pale Ivory skin. A smile spreads across her lips. “Would you like to join our team?” She asked. “It will be three of us.” Among my classmates, she was the first to reach out to me, and I appreciated her kindness. “I'm Martha by the way.” She extended her hand to shake hands with me, and I accepted it with a smile. “I'm Happy.” I told he
He wrenched his mouth away all of a sudden, his breath staggered. He dropped my shoulders, and put space between us. “This… We… I…” He ran a hand through his hair, hair that was in my hands seconds ago, his fingers tangling in it. “We can't do this.” He finally settled on, breaking my heart. Even though I know this was inevitable. My skin flushed a darker shade of red. I wanted to tell him that it was my first and best kiss I had ever had. I wanted to tell him that I would kiss him again and again till we both forgot our names. Instead, I cleared my throat. “You're right. It's my fault. I shouldn't have kissed you.” Something in me twisted as I said that, and I hope he'll see it in my eyes that it's a lie. “No. Actually, I'm the one that kissed you. And besides, I'm the older one, so I'm sorry. I got caught up in the moment, just…” He sighed and ran his hands through his hair again, my eyes following the movement. “Just forget it. Okay?” I nodded then shifted my attention back to
Mason's POV “I'll see you soon.” I hear my voice. Everything around is dark. “Okay darling. I'll meet you at the altar.” I still remember the beautiful smile that formed on her lips as she spoke to me. Silence fills the air, but then the darkness starts to change. Light took over my vision as everything around me turned white. Distinctly, I hear people chattering around me, excitement in the air. They're sounding happy like they're about to celebrate something joyful. But then, their voice fades again, and only silence is left. I look down and find myself wearing a wedding suit and a pair of black leather oxfords. A wedding suit? Then I remembered that today is the day. Standing here at the altar, feeling nothing but joy and excitement. Everything feels so serene. My heart has never been this contented that I can't even explain what I'm feeling. I can proudly say that I'm the happiest man on earth today, because today, I will take my vows with the woman I love at this altar. We
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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