Billionaire’s Unlikely Bride - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

She hoped she had succeeded in creating a wedge between the both of them. But what Mia didn’t realize was that Justin had his plans. Candice was just a pawn in his game, a tool to use against his cousin, Mason. And now that he knew she was planning to go to New York, he could put his plans into motion.
The next morning at Mason's house, both Mason and Raven were having breakfast. Mason sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee while Raven picked at her food. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words.
Mason had tried to start a conversation several times, but each time Raven responded with one-word answers, her tone cold and distant. He couldn’t blame her, he said some hurtful words last night, and now he didn’t know how to fix things.
Finally, Raven broke the silence. "I want to talk to your dad."
Mason nearly choked on his coffee. He hadn’t expected that. "What? Why?"
"It has nothing to do with our marriage if that’s what you’re worried about," Raven replied, her tone icy.
Mason frowned, trying to figure out what she wanted to talk about. His mind raced, fearing that she might discover the ultimatum his father had given him. He couldn’t let that happen.
"Why do you want to talk to him?" Mason asked, trying to keep his tone calm.
Raven sighed, clearly frustrated. "I just want to ask him some questions about my dad. Do you want me to crawl and beg before you agree?"
Although Mason didn't like how rude she was, he relaxed slightly. "Alright. You can talk to him. After all, he’s your father-in-law."
Raven nodded, not bothering to look at him. She looked down at her plate, her appetite gone.
"Margaret's birthday is in two days," Mason said, trying to change the subject. "Julie wants us to attend."
Raven's expression darkened. "I don't feel like going. I'm not in the mood to see my family."
Mason couldn’t blame her, he didn't want to go either. But he had already promised Julie. "I know, but Julie wants us to be there."
Raven glared at him, her patience wearing thin. "I said I'm not going, Mason. Forcing me to go out with you wasn't part of our arrangement, was it?"
"Listen, Raven," Mason said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know you’re upset about last night, but---"
"Drop it," Raven snapped, pushing her chair back and standing up. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say. And, can you not just talk to me for the rest of the day? Your voice is annoying."
Mason flinched at her harsh words, but he knew he deserved it. He watched as she walked away and his eyes settled on her ass, suddenly remembering how soft it felt the first time he touched them. He shook off those nasty thoughts. Mason knew he was supposed to apologize for his behavior, but that's something he'd never done before.
As he sat there, lost in thought, the doorbell rang. One of the maids opened the door, and soon a tall, handsome man walked into the living room.
Mason stood up to go see who it was, his eyes widening in surprise. "Damon?"
Damon grinned, his blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "Surprise, old friend. Thought you could abandon me in France, didn't you?"
"I thought I did," Mason said, a smile breaking across his face.
Damon laughed, clapping Mason on the back. "Not in this lifetime. Your dad told me you're married, so I decided to come to see how married life is treating you."
Mason's smile faltered, and Damon raised an eyebrow. "That bad, huh?"
"It's complicated," Mason admitted, glancing toward the door Raven had just walked through. He was glad to see his best friend; now, he finally had someone to talk to about the mess he'd created.