Chapter 105

Chapter 105
The dining table was filled with different breakfast dishes: fluffy pancakes topped with berries and syrup, scrambled eggs with herbs, smoked salmon on toast, and fresh fruit bowls. In front of Raven was a large bowl full of bacon, strawberry jam, and chocolate sauce – her strangest and most intense craving.

Mason sipped his coffee, stealing glances at Raven as she hummed softly, her hand occasionally resting on her baby bump. He had become more attentive than before – which was already overboard according to Julie. He was more proud, more focused, and a lot more protective. Watching her scoff down her food now, still looking as sexy as ever, made his chest hurt a little. So much had happened; she had been through so much; he just wished the worst of it hadn’t been because of him.

She sighed and looked up at him, offering him a genuine smile.

“What are you looking at?” she asked, but all he could do was shake his head and smile back at her. “Well, you’re being very strange.”

“Yeah, but you love it,” Mason teased.

Raven blushed and went back to her bowl.

Blair poked at her pancakes absentmindedly, while Julie scrolled through her phone, her fork suspended mid-air. Both of them had been distracted as if their whole lives depended on the very next second.

Suddenly, Julie’s eyes widened. "Oh my God," she whispered.

"What?" Mason asked, setting his cup down.

Julie’s fingers hovered over her phone. "It’s Lenora... there’s an article online. Wait..." Her phone began to ring, and she saw Emily’s name flashing on the screen.

Julie answered, her voice tense. "Hey Em, what’s up?"

"Are you watching the news?" Emily asked, her voice hurried. "Raven’s mom was sentenced to life in prison."

Julie froze. "It’s on TV too?" Without another word, she shot up from her seat and rushed to the living room, leaving everyone staring after her in confusion.

"What’s going on?" Blair asked concern etched across her face.

"I’ll find out," Mason said, following Julie.

"Guys, come see this," Julie called from the living room, her voice trembling.

Everyone hurried in and gathered around the TV. On the screen, Lenora was being escorted into a police vehicle, her face pale but she was composed. The bold headline read: LENORA PRESCOTT SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON.

Raven’s hand flew to her mouth. "I can’t believe this is happening," she said softly.

"Mom?" Blair whispered, her voice cracking as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Raven’s heart ached for her sister. Despite everything Lenora had done, she was still Blair’s mother. Raven stepped closer and hugged Blair from the side, her growing belly making a full embrace impossible.

Blair wiped her eyes quickly and shook her head. "I’m fine," she said, her voice wavering. "It’s all for the best, right? I mean, after everything she did. Everyone she… killed. Abducted."

Julie looked at Blair and offered her a smile.

“You’re allowed to be upset – or even to not be upset,” Julie assured her. “I can’t imagine what you must be feeling.”

"Besides, we have each other," she said gently. “Sisters.”

Blair nodded, leaning into Raven’s side for support.

Mason, Justin, and Julie stood silently, watching as the two sisters sought comfort in each other amidst the chaos.

\~~~

Later that evening, Julie sat across from Mason in Charles’s study. The warm glow of the desk lamp highlighted the stacks of papers on the desk, but Mason’s attention was solely on Julie.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Mason began. "Justin told me about the Kingston's visit."

Julie nodded. "Yes. I was waiting for the right time to tell you about it."

"I've heard a lot of nice things about them. Don't you think you should get to know them?"

"I've thought about that. I mean, they were kind of pushy, like they wanted me to move in with them or something. They didn’t seem to understand that I have a family and a home. They seem like nice people, but I don't want to cause them anymore more pain."

"They are good people," Mason agreed. "I’m not asking you to call them mum and dad, or make any big decisions right now, but I think you should take some time to connect with them. You’re in a unique position. Most people don’t get a second chance to experience the love of both parents."

Julie hesitated. "Honestly, I’ve thought about it. But it feels like… like I’m trying to replace Dad."

"We both know no one could ever replace him," Mason said firmly. "But even if Dad were here, he’d want you to know your biological family. It’s not about replacing anyone... it’s about understanding who you are."

Julie looked down at her hands, considering his words. After a moment, she smiled. "I think I’ll invite them over for dinner sometime. That feels like a good place to start."

Mason smiled back. "That sounds perfect."

\~~~

In the following weeks, as Raven’s due date approached, her mood swings intensified. Mason, however, was endlessly patient.

One evening, as Raven sulked on the couch because she wanted ice cream, Mason walked in with a tray. "I brought you something," he said, revealing her favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Her face lit up. "You’re the best."

"You didn't say that a few minutes ago. You said quite the opposite." Mason teased, sitting beside her.

Raven laughed, then sighed. "I’m sorry I’ve been so cranky. It's just..."

"Don’t apologize, I'm kidding," Mason said, cupping her face. "You’re doing the hardest job in the world."

Raven leaned into his touch, their eyes meeting in a moment of unspoken understanding. He leaned in, brushing a tender kiss against her lips.

"I love you so much, Raven," Mason said and pecked her nose.

"I love you more."

"You know that's not possible."