Everywhere went silent and Mason was left in awe when he saw Charlie defend him without asking for any single explanation and this alone had caused Mason to recover his confidence.
“Who is she again?” There were murmurings amongst the crowd as everywhere went silent again. People were eager to see what was about to go down amongst the three of them. By the time Judith raised her head and removed her hand from her cheeks, it was already burning red hot with a drop of tear reeling down her cheek. “Who the hell are you?!” Judith charged at Charlie fervently and was about to hit her when Mason stepped in and brought her hand down. Charlie, who had earlier wanted to defend herself, restrained herself and kept quiet as she watched Mason’s broad back against her face. “Mason Reed! This is it?! You want to hit me because of that thing you call your woman?!” Judith raged. “Hey! Judith! I’ve heard enough of all your foul plays okay! I won’t have you say any more words. Enough of your blasphemy unless you want me to expose you of your dark secrets and since you all are gathered here, I think you’d love to hear her story won’t you?” Mason looked around and everyone started to murmur again. This time around tables were turning, and Judith’s wall of blame was gradually falling. At this point, Judith knew that if Mason says how she had cheated on him with Alex, not only that, she will be blamed and called a whore, she will also be the topic of the internet. “I promise I’ll never let you off the hook! Expect more of me!” Judith snapped her finger, glared at Mason, and left in anger. Soon the security men standing in front of the hospital dispersed the crowds by waving their hands “Okay people. You all can go now…this is a hospital.” “Can we leave now, ma’am? You have other appointments for today.” Marve broke the silence. “I’m short of words…but…thanks for…coming through.” Mason bowed to Charlie. Charlie though Mason’s former coursemate, they both have no emotions attached to their marriage and Charlie doesn’t like too many scenes and dramas due to her fame and personality, especially ones that involve money. “You had to come to me to borrow money because of your family issues?”Charlie asked out of the blue leaving Mason silent as he nodded in shame. The both of them were not in the least concerned because the agreement stated that they would not interfere in each other’s business or affairs. Charlie was about to leave when she stopped and looked back at Mason whose head was still bowed. “How much is she asking from you? Your ex?” “Mmm…” Mason looked surprised. “How much? You know what, regardless of the amount she wants as compensation. If she shows up here again, direct her to the Synertech network, my company, and Marve here will take care of it. I hate issues arising every day. I can’t always be here to take care of things like that.” Charlie concluded. “You sound…are you that rich?” Mason asked. “Like I said earlier. I hate dramas. I’m an important figure in society. The last time I checked, we are married now and I wouldn’t want us to have any more issues in the future which could ruin the whole contract. Till then no one is allowed to talk down at you!” Charlie affirmed her words and left instantly leaving Mason shocked. To Mason, Charlie exhibited a kind of—domineering nature, but at least he was glad that issues with Judith had already been solved and he was going to get his peace of mind back. Marve ran after Charlie as her steps were a bit too hasty and almost ran into her when she suddenly stopped. “His name is Mason Reed right?” “Yes, ma’am.” Marve bowed. “Find out whom he came to get the money for from the doctors and have them transferred to one of the private VIP’s wards immediately. Is that understood?” she stared at Marve. “Yes, ma’am,” Marve responded and left. “Who is that woman?” Mrs. Reed asked, wiping off her tears as Mason turned to hug her. “It’s nothing to worry about mother. She is my former coursemate.” Mason smiled. “Judith? Is it settled? The whole issue? Do you think she will show up again?” Liza quickly chipped in. Mason shook his head negatively. At this stage, he has mastered Judith’s character and he knows that she will never leave him be. It’s only a matter of time before she uses Alex against him. “But…why would she step in like that and how did you…” Liza was not done with her words when Mason hijacked it. “Get the money to pay Dad’s hospital bills?” He completed the statement and placed his right hand on his forehead. “Yes.” Liza and Mrs. Reed chorused at once. “The woman that just left, Charlie—we struck an agreement. And you see she is very rich and I had no choice but to run to her. There was no one to help me Mom, Liza.” Mason controlled the tears that were about to flow down his eyes. “So how do you intend to pay her back?” Liza asked immediately. “I saw you flaunting a marriage certificate earlier…I…hope it’s not what I’m thinking?” Liza stared at Mason who clenched his fist. “I had to sign an agreement. And to pay back, it involves in the agreement papers that I have to marry her. And…mom…I don’t know what to do…and I can’t believe Judith will also cheat on me with my boss…I just…” Mason fought the tears in his eyes and gulped in the rest of his words. Mrs. Reed and Liza hugged Mason tighter at that point and they all sobered up a bit before letting go of each other. “Mom, Mason…I think I have to run along now. My kids will be back from school any moment from now.” Liza broke the silence and left in a hurry since she was a full-house wife the only time she had was just daytime. “Mom, I think you have to take your pills. It’s almost past the stated time.” Mason replied. Soon the doctor was out and he approached Mason and his mother faster. “The surgery was successful but for now he is unconscious and I was told to move him to one of our private wards by Mrs. Charlie. Do you…know her?”The doctor asked. “Oh, yes. I do.” Mason nodded. But he never believed Charlie could go to such extent. He quickly took out his phone and texted her. Hi Charlie The doctor made me know right now that you asked my father to be transferred to the private ward. I’m so grateful and I promise I’ll make it up to you. Thank you so much. I’ll see you soon. The doctor pened down some things before responding to Mason, “Great. You can’t see him for now, but you can stay. He is unconscious but hopefully, he will wake up tomorrow. On that note, I’ll be leaving.” The doctor bowed and left. “Mason, I think you’ve tried for a day and you need some rest. Just go home. I'll stay with your father.” Mrs. Reed patted Mason’s shoulder. “Are you sure Mom? I can stay while you go…” Mason was interrupted by her hand on his lips. “ I can’t leave my husband. I don’t think I can sleep without him.” She concluded. “Okay Mom, take care of yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mason answered. Meanwhile, back with Marve and Charlie, they were done with their visitation and were about to leave. “You were the one who asked me to transfer Mr. Reed to a private ward right?” A nurse asked, running after them. “Yes,” Marve answered. “We just did. The doctor asked me to tell you that.” She bowed. “Good,” Charlie responded nonchalantly and walked away. On getting to where their car was packed, Marve ignited it before asking “Where to, Mrs. Charlie,” “Take me to Euclid Ave Estate.” She commanded. ****** At the Euclid Ave Estate There was a man in a black limousine car, with black hair and a black suit, one could have mistaken him for an undercover agent, but he was no one other than Charlie’s second elder brother, Richard Wheels. Charlie had earlier asked Marve to buy the Euclid Ave Estate immediately after they were done with their court marriage and had decided to spend the night there with Mason. “Why is she walking alone? Where is her supposed husband?” Richard asked rhetorically. Before he knew it, Mason highlighted from a car and made his way into the beautiful mansion. Richard couldn’t hold what he had seen in and quickly messaged his other brothers on the F******k group created by him which Charlie was exempted from. “I’ve got some interesting news for you all.” He giggled.Richard being the elder brother, while Macdonald was the second, and Stephan being the last, never imagined that their sister would ever get married, not until Richard dropped a message, letting them know that their sister, Charlie was seeing someone. Richard: [Seems someone finally gets herself a man.]Soon two messages popped up on Richard’s screen.Macdonald and Stephan: [Who?!] Richard: [Our sister, Charlie got married and I just had to share it with you guys. I cannot keep it in any longer.] Macdonald: [No way!]Stephan: [This can’t be true? Since when have you been hiding this, brother?]Richard had only come to visit a regular villa of his which was not too far from Euclid Ave’s Estate when he saw Charlie come out of her car only to enter the house. Mason upon entering was feeling a bit uncomfortable and didn’t even know what to say to Charlie so all he did was just try to afford her stares.“I never expected you to be back this time. I thought you’d still be at the hospi
Richard couldn’t help but wonder what his sister was thinking that could have made her choose such an option as Mason. He was lost in thought and did not know when his other brothers' messages kept popping up until a call came in from the group chat but cut abruptly. Stephan: [Something seems off. Are you okay over there? Brother come on I’m waiting!] Richard giggled to himself upon seeing how curious his younger brother was and he couldn’t believe what he just saw happened between Mason and Charlie earlier. Another message popped up on his screen still on the family group chat. Macdonald: [Am I the only one who seems to notice this, but why didn’t Charlie bring her man home and introduce him to us? I mean…this picture says more than…I mean they are in love and he’s her husband…] Back to Mason and Charlie who just got back to their room. Mason dropped her on the bed without looking back and was about to head out but was stopped by Charlie’s words. “Can you help me with my makeup
Just as Mason realized he was fooled by Alex and Judith, who happened to have pranked him, in anger, he charged towards Alex where he was sitting, shoving Judith aside and dealing Alex a blow that broke his nose, causing him to bleed on his white collar shirt wrapped in a suit. "Fuck! You motherfucker!" Alex screamed in anger, while Judith, who was still laughing at Mason, yelled in fear. "What the hell did you do?!" Judith rushed towards Alex, picking a tissue on the office table to stop Alex's nose from bleeding. "I... I'm...sorry...I don't know what...came over me... I'm..." Mason stuttered in fear upon seeing his boss, Alex's nose which continued to run without the blood stopping. "Fuck off Mason Reed! Is this why you asked me for-I promise you are going to rot in jail!" Alex lashed out while Mason watched Judith attend to him. Judith couldn't believe how much Mason had changed in a while. She has never seen him like this lately. "I'm calling the police on you!" Judith p
“Alex, may I have a moment of your time?” Mason Reed asked, his voice trembling slightly in the Department's head office.The Department Head, engrossed in something on his computer, barely acknowledged Mason's presence. The explicit sounds emanating from the screen hinted at an inappropriate video that clashed with the professional setting of the office made Mason shift uncomfortably, wondering if this was the right time to bring up the sensitive topic of a salary raise.Clearing his throat, Mason continued, "I wanted to discuss the possibility of a salary adjustment. I've been putting in extra hours and taking on more responsibilities."Alex finally tore his gaze away from the screen, a dismissive look in his eyes. "Not now, Reed. I'm busy," he muttered, his tone indifferent, dragged his computer, and resumed watching his porn video.Undeterred, Mason pressed on, "I understand, sir, but it's important to me. I’ve been working for this company for the past ten years and still, I’ve n
“Aww…” Mason moaned in pain before gently opening his eyes only to frown at the unfamiliar environment.“Mason? Are you okay? Can you see me?” A familiar voice asked whose face he couldn’t see well since his vision was still blurry.“Who are you?” Mason asked.“It’s Carl. How many fingers am I holding up?” His colleague Carl Wayne who had earlier asked Mason to help him fix Alex’s PC had brought Mason to the hospital. Unfortunately, Carl forgot his phone and had come back to get it from the office when he met Mason on the floor electrocuted. Mason still held his head gently and tried to get up from the hospital bed. “What happ—” Alex had dealt him a blow after Mason had threatened him earlier and this landed him in this state.“Seems you remember now, huh? Just take it easy man, I have to get back to the meeting I told you about. I’m late already.” Carl tapped Mason’s shoulder and approached the door.“Carl,” Mason called. “Yeah?” Carl held the door and looked back.“Thanks.” Mason
The most expensive Euclid Ave Estate which had been Mason’s dream became his in a twinkle of an eye even though he had always wanted to buy it after College but he couldn’t afford it even if he were to work for Alex till now.Beep!Mason took out his phone and read the message that just entered loudly.“Lest I forget, you’ll be sleeping over tonight at my place. So get done whatever you need to be done with and…I will see you by 8 pm—Charlie.”This was becoming too much for Mason, but seeing the huge amount of money Charlie had given him and the huge amount of money he’d be getting after playing her fake husband for just three years—he dashed out of the company hopelessly and went back to meet his mom and his sister Liza in the hospital. On entering the hospital Mason went to make the remaining deposit of $28,000 and he was given a receipt as proof of payment. Mason heaved a sigh and went upstairs where he saw his mother and sister still sitting anxiously.Mrs. Reed stood up and appr
Still in the hospital Soon the theatre room was opened and Mason’s father was wheeled out and transferred to the ICU—the surgery was successful.“Can we see him? Like…I want to hold him…” Mrs. Reed inquired but was obstructed by one of the nurses standing in front of the door.“I’m afraid you can’t ma’am. He needs to be stable and conscious. Without that I’m afraid you can’t…” the nurse answered and stared back at both Liza and Mason.“Okay. Fine. We can—-” Mason’s words were interrupted by her mother’s tears.“They won’t allow me to see him…they won’t…” Mason dragged her closer.“Mom… come on. It’s okay. He’s fine. Let’s just listen to them okay?” Liza consoled alongside.Suddenly a loud noise caused Mason, his mother as well and his sister coupled with the nurse at the door to come to a halt.“Mason! Come out here and face me if you are a man. Pay me for wasting my time for a good five years assh*le.” Mason rushed downstairs only to see Judith holding a banner that had the words “