Falling For My Billionaire Savior - Chapter 85: Chapter 85

My first marriage was for love, and it nearly killed me. This one was supposed to be just a contract, yet here I was, hopelessly in love with Mason. And I couldn't tell a soul.
"Will you be my bridesmaid?" I asked Elena.
"I'd love to. But... is it appropriate?" She hesitated.
"Of course! You're my best friend," I insisted.
Elena beamed, "Sure. I can tell you're excited."
As the wedding approached, trouble struck. One evening, Mason returned with grim news. Delilah had decreed that Joey would be my bridesmaid, paired with Richard as his groomsman. "No!" I groaned, throwing my hands up dramatically
"It's Delilah's decision. No negotiations," Mason said flatly.
I knew arguing was pointless. "I know. Let me vent, okay?" I shot him a glare, brainstorming workarounds.
I had already promised Elena. Backing out now would betray her, but defying Delilah wasn't an option.
Mason took pity on my misery. "You already have a bridesmaid?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I asked Elena weeks ago."
To my shock, Mason thought for a while and nodded. "Good. I'll add another groomsman. That way, Joey and Richard can't scheme as a pair."
"Perfect!" Overjoyed, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. But soon, I froze at his startled expression. Before I could backtrack, his eyes narrowed. I barely had time to yelp before he pinned me down on the bed.
I was jolted awake the next morning by raised voices downstairs. Joey was arguing with Nadia.
Mason's side of the bed was empty, as usual. I threw on clothes and rushed out, arriving just in time to see Joey slap Nadia. "Stop!" I shouted from the stairs. "How dare you hit her?"
Joey scoffed, "She refused to let me up."
I had hoped Joey might've learned some sense after recent setbacks, but she was still as spoiled and arrogant as ever.
Reasoning with her was pointless, so I played my trump card. "If I tell Delilah about this, who do you think she'll believe? You or me?"
"You threatened me over a servant?" Joey's eyes widened with disbelief, but there was a hint of fear.
I knew I had guessed right. "Nadia raised me. She's my family. Apologize, or Delilah will know everything."
Joey crossed her arms. "Only if you get my bridesmaid dress made by your wedding designer."
That was why she had come early in the morning. Relief mixed with frustration. I couldn't fulfill her request. I didn't even know who the designer was. Still, I was curious. How did she know about my wedding dress? It hadn't even arrived yet.
I said honestly, "I can't. Mason handles the designer. But I'll ask him."
"Fine," Joey muttered.
I dialed Mason's number, only for his ringtone to blare from the door. A second later, I heard the lock turn. Mason must have just come back from his morning run.
He strode in and froze at the sight of Joey. "Why are you here?"
"Mason," Joey said cautiously. She always treaded carefully around him. "I was asking Kate if your wedding designer could make my bridesmaid dress."
"That's not her call. Come with me."
"Katherine, you should come too." Joey looked at me, her gaze pleading.
"Unnecessary," Mason cut in.
"I'm sorry, Mason," Joey mumbled. Her earlier arrogance was completely gone, replaced by obedience.
Still, I followed them inside anyway.
Mason got straight to the point. "Why insist on this designer?"
"Someone said he is the best," Joey answered truthfully.
"Who?"
"Richie."
I couldn't believe Richard had manipulated even Joey.
Mason said coldly, "Did he mention that this designer requires months of booking? The wedding is in six days, but he asked you to come now."
"He wouldn't trick me." Joey's voice wavered, tears welling.
Mason didn't hold back. "By causing a scene, you risk Delilah cutting your shares, which would go straight to Richard."
"No, I won't listen!" Joey clapped her hands over her ears, ready to bolt.
"Stop," Mason snapped. "Your dress will arrive with the wedding gown. Just wait."
Joey blinked. "Really?"
"Believe what you want."
"I believe you!"
After Joey left, I eyed Mason curiously. "You were unusually patient today."
He grabbed his briefcase, pausing only to say, "Be careful around Richard and Helen. Ignore Joey."
This was the second time he had mentioned this. Only now did I understand what he meant. Joey was all bluster but no strategy.
The wedding dress arrived the next afternoon.
Elena gasped as I unfolded it, "Oh, Kate! This is stunning. Try it on."
I didn't need convincing. "Let's go."
We raced upstairs, giggling like schoolgirls. The moment I put on the dress, the mirror took my breath away.
Elena stared, stunned. Then, hesitantly, she said, "Kate, could I... try it on?"
"Of course." I agreed without a second thought.
Elena slipped into my wedding dress. The transformation was instant. She looked breathtaking. She asked softly, "Kate, do I look okay?"
"Gorgeous." I nodded.
Elena traced the delicate lace, mesmerized, reluctant to take it off.
"Take it off." Suddenly, a cold voice cut through the room.
I spun around and saw Mason standing in the doorway, his expression stormy.
Elena paled. "I... I'm sorry. I just..."
"Why are you home so early?" I stepped in front of Mason, trying to deflect.
The fury on Mason's face was obvious. Still dazed with fear, Elena instinctively tried to take the dress off, but with Mason still standing there, she didn't know what to do.
I shoved Mason toward the door. "Out. She can't change with you here."