Falling For My Billionaire Savior - Chapter 48: Chapter 48

"Kate, is this your friend?" Elena returned right on cue—just in time to expose the lie I'd just invented.
"Well, pretty hot indeed," Mason said, sliding into his usual seat and calling the waiter over.
I said curtly, "Elena, let's go."
My mood, which had been so lighthearted all day, was now ruined completely by Mason's unexpected appearance.
It really shouldn't have mattered if he brought his girlfriend. But for some reason, I felt uncomfortable. Deeply, inexplicably uncomfortable.
"Is it really okay to just leave without saying goodbye to your friend?" Elena asked, reluctantly following me out. Her cheeks were flushed pink.
Oh no, something was off. That shy, wistful look on her face? She was clearly smitten.
I said, "Don't bother with him. That's my fiancé. He's always sarcastic and insufferable."
"Oh." Elena didn't ask any more questions, but the color had drained from her face. The atmosphere between us turned awkward. I wanted to say something to break the silence, but no words felt right.
Standing outside the restaurant, Elena gave me a faint smile. "I'm heading home. See you tomorrow."
I nodded, "Yeah, see you tomorrow."
We parted ways and each went our own direction. As soon as I stepped through the door of my apartment, a heavy fatigue washed over me. I desperately needed rest. I needed to clear my head.
What I had realized today unsettled me deeply. Was I falling for Mason? If not, why did it ache to see him walk toward me with another woman on his arm? Why did I react to Elena's interest in him by explaining our relationship?
I collapsed face-first onto the bed and didn't move. My head throbbed.
Rationally, I knew my relationship with Mason was purely transactional—nothing more than mutual use. No emotional entanglements allowed, especially not love.
Love, for me, had become a luxury I couldn't afford.
That once-beautiful word now felt scary, something to be feared like a wild beast. And yet, I'd caught myself developing feelings for Mason. The realization terrified me.
I knew I could not love him.
The previous romance had nearly destroyed me. If I let myself fall again, I'd deserve every wound that followed.
Besides, Mason was far more dangerous than Oliver ever was. He was cunning to the bone. If he wanted me dead, I probably wouldn't even realize it until it was over.
As the saying went, once bitten, twice shy.
My thoughts spiraled, chaotic and endless. The more I thought, the more frightened I became.
Then, I heard knocks on the door, followed by Mason's voice on the other side of the door. "Are you asleep?"
My goodness! The one person I didn't want to see came to my door.
"Yes," I blurted out and immediately wanted to bite off my own tongue. Could I be any dumber?
He replied, "Come to the study. I've got something for you."
I heard his footsteps fade down the hall. I scrambled up, washed up, and headed to the study.
When I pushed the door open, Mason was seated at the desk, skimming a file. He didn't even glance up and asked, "Jealous, were you?"
My cheeks flushed instantly. I retorted, "Jealous? Don't flatter yourself. You're not the sun; why should every flower bloom for you?"
He chuckled and said, "Good. That's how it should be. A partnership without emotions will be far more stable and long-lasting." His voice was as smooth as ever, but this time, it cut my heart like a blade.
I asked, "Is that why you called me here? Relax, I won't fall in love with you, and I definitely won't cling to you. If there's nothing else, I'll go back to bed."
I was ready to leave, but Mason stopped me. "Wait, I do have something important."
I sat back down, watching as he slid the file across the desk and instructed, "Memorize this before work tomorrow."