BRIANN P.O.V
The morning was different from any other morning in the Mason's house.The light felt softer.The air warmer.Even the silence carried a strange sweetness that made my heart hum.
I woke up smiling,smiling like a fool because for the first time,I wasn't dreading the day.I was eager to see Massilo.
I couldn't stop touching my lips as I freshened up,the memory of his warmth still lingered there like a secret only my heart knew.Maybe last night was a dream,but it was one I wanted to live again.
I wore a blue jumpsuit that hugged me right,matching it with black stilettos.I even wore lipstick,pinkish red, soft but daring and styled my hair into wavy curls that framed my face like I was attending a prom I hadn't been invited to.
When I stepped out of the room,I felt…free.For a fleeting moment,I let myself imagine what it would feel like to be his,not by duty,but by choice.To be Mrs Massilo Mason,not the maid,not the charity case.Just his.
But my fantasy shattered the moment my eyes caught sight of Miss Zady.
The infamous lady from the blind date.Her beauty was disarming,the kind of beauty that makes you forget how to breathe.Her dress clung to her perfect hourglass figure,her hair cascading like silk.She was what every woman wished to be and what every man wished to have.
I froze, the smile dying on my face.What was I even thinking? That I could stand beside someone like her? That my heart could ever win against someone whose presence screamed perfection?
My feet wanted to run back to my room,back to where my foolish hope couldn't humiliate me.But fate was cruel.
Because before I could move,I bumped right into Massilo.
He looked at me with that unreadable expression — neither soft nor cold, just distant, as if the night we shared had never happened.My throat tightened.I kept my head bowed,pretending the floor was suddenly fascinating.
He was dressed simply in grey shorts,black flip-flops — casual, relaxed, beautifully human. It hurt that he didn't seem to remember anything.That he could walk around like nothing had changed while my entire world was still trembling from his touch.
"Massilo!"
Her voice rang out like a bell — sweet, confident, claiming him.She didn't even call him Mr Mason.She didn't need to.She already had what I didn't — permission.
I stepped aside,forcing a smile that burned at the edges.He walked past me without another glance and she followed closely,her perfume trailing behind them like victory.
For a moment,I just stood there,hollow.
Then I heard him call my name.
"Briann"
His voice was low and commanding,but this time it trembled,almost desperate.My heart skipped,but I forced myself not to turn.I was just a maid.I had no right to hope.
Mrs Angeles was already hurrying toward him with the breakfast tray,but he cut her off sharply.
"I called for her,not you"
Even when he said it,I didn't know whether to feel happy or scared.
I grabbed the tray of pasta from Mrs Angeles and went to the dining room,my hands trembling.My heart was in my throat,but I forced a calm expression as I stepped in.
They looked perfect together.My in his quiet strength, her in her blinding grace. I placed the dishes down,pretending not to exist.
But then she spoke,her voice dripping with affection.
"I'd like us to have our honeymoon in Hawaii"
The fork slipped from my hand before I could stop it.It clattered against the floor,loud enough to slice through the air.I bent quickly to pick it up,only to find his eyes already on me.
Our gazes met.And for a split second,I saw him tremble.
But she didn't stop.
"I've already bought my wedding dress" She said softly,reaching for his hand. "I can't wait to be your wife"
My chest tightened painfully as he gently pulled his hand away.
"Let's eat before the food gets cold" He said,his voice lowered.
The ache in my heart grew heavier with every word.
She tried to kiss him,but he turned away. "I'm not used to…all this" He muttered.
"Do you mean you don't want to marry me anymore?" She whispered,her voice cracking.
I bit my tongue.I wanted to scream,to tell her to stop forcing herself into a heart that wasn't hers,but I stayed silent. I couldn't let my emotions destroy the one thing he had worked so hard for: Damel Investment.
He ordered me to sit.His voice was firm, but his eyes were begging me to understand. I sat opposite them, my heart burning with jealousy I couldn't show.
"Please,Massilo" She said,tugging his hand. "Let's go shopping today.We never have fun together"
He hesitated,looking at me like he was asking for permission.I couldn't help but speak.
"It would be better if you both go" I said quietly. "You'll get to know each other more…and Mr Massilo might open up to you in time"
The words tasted like poison,but I forced them out with a trembling smile.
"Alright" He said finally. "We'll go"
The silence that followed was suffocating.I held it together until I reached the kitchen.Mrs Angeles was waiting,her eyes were full of concern.
"He's going out with her" I said flatly. "Shopping"
Her lips parted as if to comfort me,but I cut her off.
"I'm fine" I lied. "I'll always be fine"
I wasn't.
When I turned to leave,his voice stopped me again.
"Briann"
I turned slowly.He was standing by the door,sunlight catching the sadness in his eyes.
"You're coming along" He said softly.
I frowned,whispering under my breath, "You're really getting on my nerves.I hate you for doing this to me"
He smiled faintly. "I won't let it happen again" He said,his voice was barely above a whisper. "But just this once"
He reached out,his hand brushing mine and his head leaned gently on my shoulder like a man begging for forgiveness without words.
My heart screamed at me to stay.But my pride wouldn't let me.
I pulled away. "You already made your choice,Massilo"
And this time,I walked away without looking back.
Because if I did,I knew I'd fall apart.