All Chapters of The Forbidden Ties : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

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

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

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

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

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