Chapter 20 Mason Love Me
Isabel wasn't prepared for Emma's sudden and curious question, leaving her utterly scared about whether Emma had overheard Mason's outburst. Accustomed to honesty with her family, she struggled to come up with an excuse.
"No, Emma... Not at all. We were just talking about something. I'm really sorry if it sounded like we were arguing," Mason interjected, standing beside Isabel. He had heard Emma's question and felt a surge of fear when Isabel didn't respond. To avoid any doubts about their relationship from her family, something he dreaded, he decided to clear the air. He knew that if Isabel's family suspected something, the news could eventually reach his mom.
"Oh, okay..." Emma sounded flustered by Mason's interruption. While she acted as if she believed Mason's explanation, there lingered a suspicion that she had indeed heard Mason's angry outburst. For the moment, she chose not to press the matter further, deciding to discuss it later with her sister, Isabel.
After handing the candle to Isabel, Emma left the room. Within moments, the electricity returned, much to Isabel's relief. However, her relief was short-lived as she noticed Mason looking at her with annoyance. She hoped he wouldn't start speaking loudly again, not wanting her mom and brother to question them like Emma had.
"Were you trying to accuse me by your family?" Mason inquired, fixing his sharp gaze on her.
Isabel shook her head in reply, making it clear that accusing him was the last thing on her mind.
"Then why were you silent when your sister was questioning you?"
"I...I...I...was scared. Believe me, I didn't want my family to know about the state of our relationship. Besides, I'm not confident enough to lie to my family, and that's why I couldn't come up with any excuses on the spot," Isabel explained, tears fighting not to spill from her eyes.
Mason chose not to say anything further; he felt more exhausted than ever. Resolving to sleep as soon as possible before losing control over his behavior again, he turned away from Isabel.
"I want to change," Mason said, prompting Isabel to leave the room and give him some privacy.
She headed to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee for Mason, having noticed his exhaustion earlier.
"What's the matter, sister? Is everything okay between you guys?" Emma asked from behind as Isabel prepared the coffee.
Isabel, startled, glanced around to ensure her mother and brother weren't nearby. Fortunately, she didn't find either of them around.
"What are you talking about, Emma? Everything is fine between us. Stop thinking nonsense," Isabel replied, focusing on the coffee maker and pretending that Emma was mistaken.
"Really? But I heard him and..." Emma couldn't finish as Isabel interrupted.
"You heard it absolutely wrong. We weren't arguing; it was just a simple talk," Isabel said, trying to hold back tears as Mason's harsh words echoed in her mind.
"Okay, I get it. But why are you not looking at me while saying that? Are you afraid that I may find the truth in your eyes?" Emma asked, still believing Isabel was lying and hiding the truth.
Hearing Emma's question, Isabel instantly looked at her, knowing Emma wouldn't be easily fooled.
"Are you kidding me? Since when did you start thinking I'm not telling you the truth, Emma? I've never lied to you, and you know that," Isabel replied, trying to sound as normal as possible.
Observing her sister, Emma began to doubt her suspicion, as Isabel didn't seem like she was lying.
"Believe me, Emma. I'm more than happy, and I think Mason is the best thing that has happened to me till now. You don't have to worry so much. And you won't believe how much Mason loves me," Isabel assured, fixing her eyes on Emma.
After delivering her reassurances, Isabel was genuinely surprised at how flawlessly she had lied, a skill she never thought she'd possess. Emma's eyes sparkled with happiness upon hearing her sister's words, as she, too, wished nothing but the best for Isabel.
"If you say so, then I believe you," Emma said, approaching Isabel and enveloping her in a warm hug.
"But if, even for a split second, you ever feel unwanted and unloved, don't hesitate to realize how precious you are and leave him at once," Emma added, her words hitting Isabel to the core.
It became increasingly challenging for Isabel to hold back her tears. She hastily broke the hug, excusing herself by mentioning that the coffee was getting cold. With that, she swiftly left the kitchen.
\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Returning to her room, Isabel found Mason changed into different attire, already lying down on the bed. Mason wasn't asleep but feigned slumber to evade further conversation with Isabel. He wished to pass the night without encountering any more issues in that unfamiliar house.
Isabel intended to wake him up with coffee but halted midway, losing the courage to disturb him. Placing the coffee aside, she contemplated lying down beside him, but the fear of Mason's potential furious reaction held her back. Sighing heavily, Isabel opted to place a mattress on the floor and lay down there.
In the morning, Isabel woke up before Mason. After freshening up, she headed straight to the kitchen to assist her mom in preparing breakfast. Emma informed her that Mason was looking for her. Anxiously, she went to him, hoping to avoid another confrontation.
"Is everything okay?" Isabel asked, sounding apprehensive as she approached him. Mason felt annoyed by her question, though he simply expressed the desire to freshen up and take a shower. Isabel guided him to the washroom, which fell far below Mason's expectations. He assumed it would be in subpar condition, but the reality was worse than he had ever imagined.
"What the hell is this?" Mason exclaimed, shocked, standing near the dismal washroom.
"Ummm... It's clean. You won't be..." Isabel began but was cut off.
"Seriously! You call this a washroom? The storeroom in my house is a million times better than this. And there isn't even any light," Mason continued, still in shock and seemingly transported to another world.
Never in his entire life had Mason encountered such a washroom. It was pitch dark, and the lock was broken. It was beyond his belief that people used such facilities in their homes, and, to his dismay, his wife's family was one of them.
"So, are your parents really that poor and cheap that they can't even afford a mere bulb?" Mason asked, gritting his teeth.