Mason

The sound of apuse filled the hall, loud and endless. The paparazzi cameras shed from every corner, their bright lights almost blinding, but I barely blinked. I stood tall in my well-tailored dark grey suit as I epted the award handed to me.

“The youngest CEO to ever receive this honor,” the announcer said, smiling at me. “Mason Woods, everyone!”

The apuse grew louder. People stood from their seats, pping, some even whistling.

I took the microphone. “Thank you,” I said as I scanned through the congregation. “A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined standing here. But hard work, dedication, and the right people around me made it possible.”

The crowd cheered again. I scanned the audience once more-investors, business partners, people who once doubted me- and now they all looked at me with admiration and respect.

I continued. “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for my team and for everyone who believes in this vision. We’re not stopping here.”

More apuse. I stepped back, shaking hands with the event organizers, before walking offstage. A few journalists rushed towards me, microphones in my face.

“Mr. Woods, how does it feel to achieve so much at such a young age?” I buttoned my suit, giving them a short nod. “It feels like just the beginning.”

Another journalist leaned in. “Rumors say you’re expanding overseas. Any truth to that?” I smirked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

My assistant, Daniel, pushed through the crowd, clearing a path. “Alright, that’s enough questions for tonight,” he said, guiding me toward the exit.

The car was already waiting outside. I slid in, loosening my tie as Daniel joined me. “You did good out there, sir,” he said.

I leaned back, exhaling. “Yeah.”

Daniel pulled out his phone. “You have a dinner meeting with the investors tomorrow. Also, the new project’sunch is scheduled for next week. Everything’s on track.”

I nodded. “Good.” He smiled a little, still staring at me and fidgeting a bit. I could tell there was more he was hesitant to say. “Speak up, Daniel.”

“Your mother called.” I clenched my jaw. “And?”

“She wants to meet. Now.”

I scoffed. “Of course, she does. What does she want this time?”

“She didn’t say.”

I rubbed my temple. Seven months. Seven months since my stepfather died. Seven months since Lydia was locked away.

Seven months of silence.

At first, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. She was everywhere. In my head. In my dreams. No matter how much I tried, she wouldn’t leave my mind.

But work helped.

I buried myself in it, poured everything into mypany, and now, I was standing at the top-the youngest, most sessful CEO in the industry. Lydia had faded into the background.

And that was how it was supposed to be. I straightened up. “Drive back to the Woods manor house. But I won’t be sleeping

there.”

Daniel nodded. “Got it.”

I looked out the window as the car moved through the city. The skyline was alive, bright lights reflecting against the ss buildings. Everything was falling into ce.

Life was good.

After a few hours of driving, we finally reached the manor house. The gates opened, and Daniel drove in. I walked into the mansion and was first greeted by the butler, Kim. “Greetings, young master; Lady Mother is in the dining room,” he informed.

Nodding, I walked toward the dining room. Once I stepped in, I saw my mom with a ss of wine, looking elegant as ever. She smiled when she saw me.

“Mason.” I took a seat across from her. “Mother.”

She set her ss down. “Congrattions on the award.”

“Thank you.” a maid came in and set the table for dinner. I ignored it. “Why am I here?”

Mother sighed, tilting her head slightly. “Can’t a mother just have dinner with her son?”

“Of course you can, assuming there are no ulterior motives?” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You know, as a mother, I am only trying to do my best to ensure your future.”

“I already am.”

“With the right woman,” she added smoothly.

I exhaled sharply. “And here we go.”

“You’ve worked hard, Mason, and built an empire. But a man at your level needs stability. A partner whoplements his

sess.”

I ran a hand over my jaw. “I don’t need a lecture on rtionships.” She sipped her wine. “From your past choices, I beg to differ.”

I froze for half a second. “Lydia has proven that a mother is always right,” Mother continued. “It’s time to move forward.”

I clenched my fists under the table. “I already have.”

“Then prove it.” She slid a folder toward me. “Meet Veronica.”

I didn’t touch it. “Veronica?”

“A respectable young woman. From a well-known family. She’s everything you need.”

I pushed the folder back. “I’m not interested.” Mother didn’t flinch. “You will be. Eventually.”

I stood. This conversation is over.” She smirked. “Enjoy your sess, Mason. Just make sure you don’t let the wrong people pull you down.”

“I do not want to meet Veronica,” I said with all the seriousness I could muster.

I should have known my mother wouldn’t let it go. She turned to Butler Kim, who handed her another folder

“So,” she began again, setting her cup down gently. “I’ve arranged a blind date for you tomorrow evening.”

I blinked, sure I hadn’t heard her right. “What?”

She smiled, that same polished, practiced smile she wore at every social event. “A lovely girl from the Williamson family. You’ll like her.”

I stared at her, feeling my patience wear thin. “I’m not going.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.” I leaned back in my seat. “I don’t need a blind date. I’m not interested.”

“You haven’t been interested in anything but work for months, Mason. Since you won’t do it, I’ll think about your future.”

“My future is my business,” I said coldly. “I’m not getting involved with anyone,” I argued.

This isn’t about involvement. It’s a simple dinner. One evening. That’s all I’m asking.”

I shook my head. “No.”

Her expression hardened just a fraction, but I noticed. “Fine,” she said after a pause, her voice lighter, more calcted. “Then I’ll continue scheduling my dates. Maybe one day, I’ll marry again. Someone who isn’t so… foolish with his choices.”

I felt my jaw tighten. “Is this ckmail now?” She lifted her cup again, sipping slowly before answering. “I’ll stop… if you agree to marry someone I rmend.”

Iughed, but it came out sharp. “I’m not ready for marriage.”

“Not now,” she agreed easily. “But in two years. I’ll give you that long to… heal.”

I hated how calmly she said it as if she understood what I was feeling.

“I don’t need time to heal,” I said, my voice cold. “I just don’t want to be married.”

She set her cup down again, looking at me with that same unreadable gaze. “Two years, Mason. That’s all I’m asking. And until then, I won’t mention it again.”

I stared at her, knowing she was trying to corner me, and yet… I was too tired to argue. “Fine,” I said, atst, standing up. “Two years.”

A small, satisfied smile touched her lips. “I’ll tell her to expect you tomorrow evening.” I didn’t bother answering. I turned and walked out. I should feel angry, but instead, there was only exhaustion.

I sent Daniel home and drove myself back to my penthouse. I entered, mming the door closed and taking off the restricting suit. Loosening my tie and a few buttons of my shirt, I made my way to the corridor and stared at the lights of the city.

The air was cold and refreshing, and somehow, that moment just felt blissfully calming. Suddenly, the repeated buzzing

sound from my pocket broke that calm. It was Daniel calling, and I picked up with a sigh.

Yes”

“I’ve got the final contracts for the new project,” he informed me. “Alright,” I replied

“Also, your schedule for tomorrow-”

“Clear it,” I cut in.

He blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Clear my schedule for tomorrow,” I repeated, sitting down and loosening more buttons.

“Everything?”

“Yes.”

“May I ask why?” I breathed in and out before replying. “I’m attending the verdict.” he suddenly went quiet.

“Understood,” he said finally, his voice softer than usual.

I stood out there for a while longer, thinking about my decision to attend tomorrow’s verdict. I told myself I didn’t care what happened to Lydia, that her life had nothing to do with me anymore. She made her choices, so she had to be punished for them and by thew.

But the fact that I was going to that courthouse tomorrow.