Chapter 92

Chapter 92
Raven’s face paled, and she glanced at Damon, who looked just as stunned.

"Julie, you’re misunderstanding. Why don’t we discuss this at home?" Damon said.

"Really? I’m misunderstanding?" Julie’s eyes narrowed, her gaze darting to Damon. "So, are you going to deny that you don’t have any romantic feelings toward Raven, and the both of you aren't out on a date?"

Damon was speechless, his mouth opening and closing, words failing him. He couldn’t deny his feelings for Raven, but confessing them now would only fuel Julie’s anger.

"This is not a date, Julie, relax. You’re just assuming things," Raven said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Damon and I aren’t in a relationship."

"Like I didn't see you two kissing." Julie scoffed.

"We kissed. And so? Does that mean we’re in a relationship?"

Julie turns her anger to Damon.

“How could you do this to him, Damon? How could you! You’re taking advantage of his illness to move in on his woman!”

“Woman?” Raven asked.

“Not my words, it’s how they talked. Damon is moving in on Mason’s woman. They were always there for each other, no matter what was going on. No one could ever come between them. Not until you came along.”

“Julie-” Emily took her arm and tried to pull her away.

"Raven, no matter what’s going on with you and Mason, I want you to remember that he’s my brother. And you’re carrying his children. I won’t let you hurt him."

Raven’s face contorted with hurt, and something inside her snapped. "Oh? I shouldn’t hurt your brother?" Her voice quivered. "In case you haven’t noticed, I’m the one who’s always getting hurt by your brother. But who cares, right? I’m not anyone’s sister or daughter. Who gives a damn if I get hurt or not?"

“That’s not what I meant and you know it-”

“No? How else am I supposed to take it? I tried to be there for everyone else. And then, Mason comes along and I try and make it work. I fell in love with him, and I got clobbered.”

Damon tried to calm them, his voice low as he stepped between them. "Both of you, please. People are watching."

"Let them watch, I don't care! It's okay for me to get hurt over and over again but I'm not allowed to be happy. That's what you're saying, right Julie?"

Their argument was cut short by the buzzing of Julie’s phone. She looked down, her breath hitching as she saw Mason’s name flashing on the screen. Hope surged within her, and she quickly answered.

"Mason?" Her voice was a mixture of eagerness and relief.

His tone, however, was cold. "I just wanted to tell you that Candice and I have set a date for our wedding."

Julie’s heart sank, and she clutched the phone tighter. "W-What?"

"I know you probably don’t care since I haven’t seen you since I got out of the hospital, but you’re the only family I have left so if it’s not too much trouble, I’d appreciate it if you could attend.”

Mason hung up, leaving Julie staring at her phone. She couldn’t believe what she'd just heard. She felt Emily’s hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing.

"What happened to Mason?" Raven asked, worry evident in his voice.

"Mason... they’re getting married, they fixed a date," Julie whispered, her voice hollow.

Raven heard the words, and though she tried to hide it, tears slipped from her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, attempting to mask the pain that Mason’s decision had carved into her heart.

"I shouldn’t hurt your brother, you say?" Raven's voice was a whisper, laced with bitterness. "He's moving on, living his best life with Candice. And I'm just trying to do the same but you stand here pointing fingers at me. You have no idea how much your precious brother has hurt me. And all I wanted was just to be happy, Julie. For once in my life, can’t I just be happy? For a little while?”

Julie shook her head. "That's why you need to fight for him, Raven. You’re just giving up. You're letting Candice win."

"I'm tired of fighting. Have even thought of that?" Raven's voice cracked. "Since the beginning, I’ve been fighting for him. There’s always something coming between us. But with Damon, things are easy, not complicated and messy. He’s always kind, never cruel. I’m happy! I'm done, Julie. If he wants Candice, fine. Let him marry her."

"That's nonsense, Raven, and you know it. I can see how hard you’re trying not to cry. You love Mason, and we all know it. Damon is just a distraction. You’re Mason’s wife, for goodness sake!"

"Well, newsflash, Julie," Raven said, her eyes blazing with determination. "I'm divorced from Mason. I’m free to be with whoever I choose to be with. Maybe Mason and I weren't meant for each other. You should be worried about your brother. He’s the one marrying a witch. I don’t owe anyone anything, least of all the Barretts."

Julie’s face hardened. "You're forgetting that you’re carrying Mason’s kids. Unless you plan to hand them over, you’re tied to our family."

"Julie!" Emily, shocked, tried to stop her from saying something she'd regret.

Raven’s eyes flashed with anger. "They're my kids, Julie, mine. Mason has no rights to them after he denied them. And if you think I’ll let anyone from your family near them once he marries Candice, you’re delusional. The moment he marries her, that’s goodbye for all of you."

Raven took Damon’s hand and held tight to him as they walked out.