Chapter 2
The next morning, I was jolted awake by a barrage of phone calls from Nina.
“Sabrina, the more I think about it, the weirder Mason acted yesterday. I mean, you two have been together for seven years–he couldn’t even give you a straight answer?”
I was quiet for a moment.
Because honestly… I didn’t know either.
Logically, after what happened yesterday, I should’ve been furious.
But I wasn’t.
Because I was used to it.
A message popped up on my phone,
“Company gala tonight. I’ll pick you up.”
I hesitated.
He rarely ever brought me to his company events.
This must’ve been his way of making up for what happened yesterday.
ally was a work thing. Don’t overthink it
“Yesterday really
Same old Mason Thornwell.
He was always quick to sense the tension between us, always faster to patch it up.
Every fight we’d ever had never lasted more than three days.
Because he had a formula. A step–by–step process he followed to fix things last:
Whenever I got upset and tried to talk things out, he’d go through his usual sequence–apology, excuse, offer to make it up to me.
Once he reached the final step, whether I agreed or not, he’d assume everything was resolved.
If I pushed any further, he’d just shut down and ignore me,
But the look in his eyes always asked the same thing: What are you even upset about now?
He never once stopped to think–some things can’t just be “fixed.”
Love isn’t a project.
We can’t run it on deadlines and flowcharts.
“Okay.”
my room to pick out an outfit, did my makeup, and made sure every detail from my hair to my heels was flawless.
I went back to my
But when I looked at my reflection, I couldn’t even force a smile.
Once upon a time, I would’ve been thrilled that Mason wanted to bring me to a company gala.
Now? 11 just felt like a chore.
I waited for him downstairs outside my building
People passing by glanced at me, probably wondering why I was so dressed up on a random weekday.
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I waited a long time.
Chapter
8
Nocall. No texts.
Screw it. I ordered a ride.
By the time I arrived at the venue and followed a staff member inside, the event had already started.
The room was packed. People chatting, glasses clinking, clusters forming all around.
I stood alone at the edge, awkward and unsure.
Mason was nowhere to be found. I didn’t recognize a single face.
So1 found a quiet corner and sat down.
And then I saw him.
Mason
He walked in–arm in arm with Chloe Hart
They turned heads instantly. The spotlight might as well have followed them in
They made their rounds together, toasting and greeting executives like a power couple straight out of a glossy magazine.
I watched as Chloe handed him drinks with practiced ease. Watched her lean in and whisper something into his ear. Watched the way
they smiled at each other
And the strangest thing was… I didn’t feel angry.
The first word that came to mind was perfect match.
They eventually made their way toward my side of the room.
I could see them clearly, but they didn’t notice me tucked away in the shadows,
“Oh wow, this must be Mrs. Thornwell, right? No wonder Mason’s been killing it—he’s got such a stunning, supportive partner.
Someone said it casually, like a joke.
The room fell just a little quieter.
Everyone in the company knew Chloe was his assistant.
They also knew he’d had a girlfriend of seven years.
That one offhand comment suddenly made every ear nearby perk up.
Chloe laughed behind her hand and leaned even closer into Mason’s side.
“This is Chloe, my assistant,” Mason said smoothly to Mr. Smith, ignoring the comment completely, “You’ve worked with her before, right?”
And just like that, be redirected the conversation.
But he didn’t pull away from her.
They walked off together, arms still linked.
I could hear the whispers and the quiet chuckles from people around me.
Feeling the flush creep up my neck, I looked down and reached for my phone.
Turns out, Mason had texted me.
“Chloe and I had to step into an urgent meeting. Took longer than expected.”
Chapter 2
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“You here yet?”
“Where are you? Why aren’t you replying?”
“Forget it. If you’re not coming, don’t worry about it.”
When I looked up again, all 1 saw was their backs as they walked away
And I wasn’t mad.
I just felt… foolish
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