Billionaire’s Unlikely Bride - Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Mason's POV
I arrived home earlier than usual, with some special plans for tonight. I wanted to take Raven out for dinner, more like a date. Don't get me wrong, I don't have feelings for her. That's the last thing I want after my experience with Candice. My only priority was my company, and to do that, I had to find a way into her heart; that's the only way she'd agree to have my child. But when I walked into the apartment, Raven wasn't home.
I frowned, glancing at my watch. She usually came back around this time after her classes. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. She didn't pick up, and I tried 3 more times. It rang for a while before she finally picked up.
"Hello?" Her voice was soft and it trembled slightly.
"Where are you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, a hint of concern crept in. "I've been trying to reach you, are you okay?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and when she finally spoke, her voice sounded a bit off. "I'm on my way home. I'll be there soon."
"Are you okay?" I asked, my concern deepening.
She hung up before I could press further. I stared at the phone, unease gnawing at me. Something wasn't right. I knew Raven well enough to know she was upset.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I needed to find out what was going on with her. I called one of my guards, someone I trusted to handle delicate situations discreetly.
"Sir?" He answered after a single ring.
"I need you to find out where Raven was earlier today," I instructed. "And do it quietly. I don't want her to know."
"Understood, sir. I'll get back to you soon."
I ended the call and leaned back on the couch, my thoughts racing. Whatever had happened, I'm sure it had to do with her family. I've been doing my research on Raven and I discovered she doesn't get along with them. She was always kept in the shadows, and I'm yet to find out why.
To keep myself occupied while I waited for Raven to come home, I instructed the maids to prepare dinner in the garden. I know she wouldn't want to go out in such a bad mood, so we'll just have dinner at home. I wanted everything to be perfect, a beautiful table setting and her favorite food. I asked Julie earlier what her favourite food was and she told me it was lobster bisque and extra creamy noodles. I wasn't sure why I was going through so much trouble for her; I guess it was because I was trying to win her over.
By the time the maids were finished setting up, I heard the front door open and close quietly. I walked out of the kitchen to find Raven standing in the hallway, her back facing me.
"Raven," I called softly.
She turned to face me, and my heart sank. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face pale. She looked like she had been crying for hours. Seeing her like this stirred something deep within me: anger, protectiveness, and an overwhelming urge to pull her into my arms and hold her till she felt better.
"What happened?" I asked, stepping closer to her. "You've been crying."
"I'm fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked away, avoiding my gaze. "I just need to freshen up."
"Raven, I know I'm a stranger to you but no matter what we agreed on, it doesn't change the fact that you're my wife. So please, talk to me." I pressed, gently taking her hand in mine.
She shook her head, still avoiding my eyes. "I'm really tired, Mason. I just want to take a shower and lie down for a bit."
I could see she wasn't going to open up right now, no matter how much I pushed. I let out a frustrated breath, squeezing her hand lightly before letting go. "Fine. But freshen up quickly so we can have dinner."
She nodded, her expression unreadable, before heading to her room. I watched her go, feeling helpless. I need to know what happened to make her this upset.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I quickly pulled it out, seeing Marcus, my guard's name on the screen.
"Sir, she was at the Prescott house," he reported.
I clenched my jaw, my suspicions had been confirmed. "Did you find out what happened?"
"Not yet, but I can dig deeper if you need."
"No, that's enough for now. Thank you," I replied, hanging up. I'd find out the rest from Raven myself.
I paced the living room, my mind racing. If her mother or sister has hurt her in any way, I won't let it slide.
When the maids finished setting up the garden, I decided to go get Raven. I climbed the stairs and knocked on her bedroom door. "Raven? It's time for dinner."
There was no response. I knocked again, harder this time. "Raven?"
"I'm not hungry. You can eat without me." She yelled from inside.
I pushed the door open slightly and stepped inside. Raven was sitting on the floor beside her bed, her knees drawn up to her chest, her face buried in her arms. She was crying, the sight of her like this, made me want to torture whoever was responsible.
Without hesitation, I walked over to her and knelt beside her, gently pulling her into my arms. She stiffened at first, but then she melted into me, clinging to my shirt as if she was afraid to let go.
"Shh, it's okay," I murmured, stroking her hair. "I'm here. Stop crying, don't waste your tears."
She didn't say anything for a long time, she just cried against my chest. I held her close, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness.
After what felt like an eternity, Raven’s sobs began to subside. She pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, her eyes scanning my soaked shirt. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to---"
"Don't apologize," I interrupted gently, brushing a tear away from her cheek. "You don't have to hide anything from me. So, are you ready to tell me what happened?"
I noticed a small cut on her lower lip and a scratch on her shoulder. "Who did this?"