The Broken Vow

Copyright © 2019 by Jane W.K

All rights reserved. No portions of this ebook should be reproduced whatsoever without written permission of the Author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and critical articles. This book is a work of fiction. The names and characters are a result of the Author's imagination and in case of any resemblance to the actual person’s dead or living, it is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

“Another drink please.” He shouted at the bartender.

He scanned the crowd for the beautiful blonde woman with piercing blue eyes. He had noticed her the moment she stepped into the lounge bar. Even amid other women dressed in what he would term as scanty outfits, her quiet and classic beauty stood out. The bartender passed him his drink, and as he slowly sipped the burning whiskey, Mason observed her. She was hurdled at the corner of the bar surprisingly alone. Her gaze roamed around the crowded space and briefly rested on the dance floor.

The lounge was square-shaped, had a colonial style and a natural grandeur. The combination of coal tones and ash gave it a dark, sinful look which Mason thought suited it just perfectly. The jazz music was playing harmonically and was quite soothing. As he sat on his stool, Mason

absorbed his surroundings and the noise it presented. The laughter and shouting though somehow annoying brought life. Coming to this lounge hadn’t been on his top agendas today, but at James' insistence, he had finally caved in. Speaking of James, where was the guy? The last time Mason had checked, James had gone to the bathroom, but that was twenty minutes ago.

This night, in particular, he was grateful that James had brought him along. Left to his own devices, he would probably have been home alonebrooding over his work. Ordinarily, Mason was not a bar kind of guy. He preferred scenes because they allowed him time to think.

“Hey man.” A tap on his shoulder forced him out of his thoughts. “Where have you been?”

James sat on the stool next to him as he brushed his hair with his fingers.

“Went to the bathroom then Emma called. I have to get home. Otherwise, she will have my head on a platter.” He said in disgust. To any other person, James' statement would have seemed like a complaint, but Mason knew better. The man was clearly obsessed with his wife. The two had been married three years and were joined to the bone. He knew that James

appreciated Emma’s bossy nature because he loved being under her thumb. “Okay. Go ahead. I sit here a while longer.” He said swirling his drink.

His gaze inadvertently scanned the crowd for the blonde woman and as if on cue, their gazes collided. He starred much longer than was necessary prompting James to look.

“Who is she?” James inquired.

“Don’t know. Just another girl in a crowded bar.” He shrugged hoping James would ignore the little occurrence.

“Okay, man. Whatever you say. I have to leave. But be careful. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Sure”

He playfully shoved James away causing the smaller guy to stumble.

Laughing, James saluted him as he walked across the dance floor towards the exit. Mason averted his gaze from James’ retreating body and continued watching the blonde woman. She was having a vodka tonic prompting Mason to speculate that she was not a heavy drinker. She did not appear old, and if he were to guess, he would guess that she was in her early thirties- thirty-one or thirty-two. She seemed oblivious to the guys around her who were trying to catchher attention. Her skin was olive and glowing which Mason guessed was from a recent tan. Her competent appearance gave her a cooperate look. Her hair was held up in a bun with few strands hanging loose. Mason watched as she ran her tongue across her red pouty lips that he wanted a taste of so badly.

His eyes never strayed away from hers and as if being pulled by a force beyond her, the blonde held his gaze without wavering. Mason didn’t look away despite the lurch in his heart. He knew that something powerful was happening between them.

“Want a refill?” The bartender asked forcing him to break his gaze for only a second.

“No.” He hoped his voice didn’t sound too gruff. His whole body was burning. He was as hard as a rock prompting him to shift uncomfortably in the small stool. Returning his gaze to hers, he noticed that she was on her

feet with her handbag firmly in place. He couldn’t let her leave. The

connection they had experienced tonight was too powerful to be ignored. He acted without thinking. As fast as he could, he crossed the dance floor and caught up with her before she could reach the exit door.

He abruptly blocked her path causing her to stumble. However, she regained her balance quite fast.

“I am sorry.” He said.

“It’s okay.” She muttered slowly extracting herself from his firm grip. “My name is Mason Jones.” He said extending his hand.

He knew that he was being foolish, introducing himself to a woman he barely knew. But the moment called for idiocy. She seemed hesitant, and for a moment he thought she would ignore his hand, but fortunately though reluctantly she shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Mason.” She said smiling at him and exposing her white set of teeth. Shewas more beautiful up close than he had thought.

“I have to go.” She said abruptly.

“Why?... Wait.” He said as she maneuvered past him towards the exit. He kept up with her strides.

“You didn’t tell me your name.” He said in an almost whiny voice. “My name is of no importance.”

Mason had to give it to her; she was a fast walker. As they approached her

car, he placed his hand under her elbow stopping her abruptly. She tilted her head and looked at him.

“Don’t leave. I know you felt the attraction because I saw you checking me out also.”

His statement caught her by surprise a pink blush snaked its way up her

cheeks. He wanted to kick himself for causing her discomfort. She lowered her gaze as a couple walked past them. He could see she was

contemplating and weighing her options, but her uncertainty gave him the confidence to continue pushing further.

“I noticed you immediately you walked in, and for some reason, I could not stop staring.”

She looked at him, and he could feel himself drowning in her beautiful blue eyes. They had a quiet moment as their eyes drowned in each other. He

could not explain this moment. He just knew that he felt more alive than

ever and the lines between right and wrong were quickly blurring. With the long stretch of their heated gazes, their heads started dipping towards each other, and slowly, their lips locked. The kiss was slow and short-lived. She pulled away.

“I can’t do this. I don’t even know you.”

“You don’t have to know me to feel the pull of attraction.” He whispered.

She looked at him contemplatively, and he could see the wheels turning in her head.

“I don’t know… I have a proposition for you.” She said. “What?”

“One night. I just need one night to forget.”

He had noidea what she wanted to forget, but he was happy to oblige her.

“There are rooms in this hotel. We can book one.” He suggested. Her nod though small made him feel like he had won a million bucks. He didn’t know whether what he was about to start would only be a one-night stand or an event that would dictate his future. But tonight he didn’t care.

Holding her small hand, he pushed the door to their hotel room open. He switched on the lights as he ushered her into the small yet neatly kept room. The bed looked comfortable enough, and the dim lighting gave it a romantic ambiance. Had it been in different circumstances, he would have allowed them time to talk, but she had made it clear that she was not in the mood to talk. However, he needed to know her name.

“What is your name?” He probed. “Olivia.”She replied.

She initiated the kiss. Her mouth was pressed into his as their lips molded together. He thrust his tongues and tasted each other hungrily. His kisses trailed into her neck and up her ears as he seductively bit her earlobe. She let out a breathy gasp encouraging him to continue with his exploration.

They were in a tag of war, each wanting control over the other. Her back hit the wall with a slight thud. He buried his face in her neck his hands roaming down to her ass. They tore each other’s clothes off. Her slight frame cradled

his now painful erection and he had to bite on his lip not to cry out. Olivia released her hair from her bun as Mason watched in fascination as it

tumbled down her back. He rocked his pelvis against hers and trailed kisses up her neck whispering in her ears.

“You look very beautiful.”He croaked out releasing her breast from the

the constraint of her brassiere. They were perky, and her nipples stood erect. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Setting her down the bed, they both grappled the remaining clothes and flung them across the room. His mouth was on hers as he slowly kissed down her neck to her nipples. Mason captured one nipple in his mouth and twirled the other with his hand causing her to gasp and arch her body in an act of pleasure. She brushed her fingers into his thick black hair as if hanging on. Mason ripped through the packet of foil he was packing, and after sheeting himself, he slide into her. The rhythms were slow at first giving them both time to master mastered each other’s bodies, but Mason quickly picked up the pace as they twined into each other until they lost their minds.

The buzzing of the phone woke him up from his stupor. Mason grabbed his phone from the bedside drawer. Shit! Three missed calls from Abby and

five messages with a series of angry emojis. Jumping out of bed, Mason

collected his clothes and quickly dressed up. Olivia was watching him with a guarded expression. He tried to think of something appropriate to tell her, but every thought that came to mind seemed too cliché. He wanted to ask

for her number but thought against it. This was just a one-night stand, and both of them seemed content with that arrangement. Fortunately, she spoke out before he had an opportunity to make a fool of himself.

“You seem in a hurry. What is the time?” She asked her voice a bit groggy from sleep.

“It’s 4 am. I need to leave. I didn’t intend to leave things as they are, butI have a bit of an emergency.”

She sat up as the sheet slid down her body exposing her breasts. If Mason wasn’t in a hurry and regretting his decision last night, he might have been tempted to get into bed with her. But for now, he had to be content with the view. She wet her lip and combed through her tousled hair.

“I think it is best that you live now. I will sleep in and check out at six.” She said.

With a slight nod, he rummaged through her clothes searching for his pair of socks. There was a stretched awkward silence as the enormity of what they had done fully settled in. He didn’t know her, and she didn’t know him. He looked at her uncertain of how to say goodbye. What did one do after having sex with a total stranger? Should he kiss her goodbye?

“This is awkward.” She said smiling up at him shyly. “Very.” He concurred.

“I guess I will see you around.”

They both knew that their paths were unlikely ever to cross again, but it was a polite way of saying goodbye.

“Yeah, I will see you around then.”

Having made up his mind, he leaned in and gave her a slight peck on the lips, it was not sensual- it was a kiss of two people saying goodbye.

Chapter 2

In the last three days, nothing had been right in Mason’s life. From his

argument with Abby to his one-night stand, Mason seemed to have a nark of making all the wrong decisions.

“What happened last night?” James asked as he grabbed a bottle of water from the conference table.

“Things have been hard for the last few days with Abby. Yesterday was only an extension of the shitty decisions I have been making lately.”

“Where were you? Abby called Emma thinking youwere at our place.”

Mason rubbed his temple. James was his best friend, and their wives were best friends, but he did not appreciate his probing. He was already dealing with a strained relationship with his wife. All they seemed to be doing in the past few months was fight. However, their fight three days ago had been explosive, and Abby had packed up and gone to stay with her parents for a few days. Therefore, it came as a surprise to him to find her home this morning after coming from a sexual rendezvous with a woman he knew nothing about.

He turned and looked at James. He knew that James would not judge him, but at the same time, he would not be happy that he cheated on his wife. He was not happy with himself either or the fact that he had hardly thought of Abby when he was with Olivia. Did that mean he didn’t love his wife? No, he didn’t think so. Abby was still the most important woman in his life. He loved her, and the thought of losing her was sickening.

“I spent the night with her.” He said abruptly. “Who?”

“The blonde. Her name is Olivia.”

The look on James’ face would have been hilarious had the situation not been dire.

“What the fuck man! Are you crazy?”

“There was an attraction between us, and it has been a month since Abby and I had sex. Plus I wanted to feel needed.”

Having that connection with Olivia was like a gift. The attraction had been mutual and instantaneous. The look in her eyes when he had made love to her had boosted his confidence concerning his male prowess. It had been a look of sheer satisfaction that he had not seen in Abby for so long. They had lain ineach other’s arms bringing a sense of contentment.

“You know that you royally fucked up.” “Yes. I do. Don’t you think I regret it?”

As if not hearing his statement, James paced around the board room mumbling how Mason had acted foolishly and had been selfish. His

emotions were spiraling from anger to sympathy and then back to anger.

“You know, if you are not happy with Abby, you have the option of divorce.

You don’t have kids, so nothing is holding you together. Don’t get me

wrong, I am always rooting for you two, but I’d rather see you divorced than making each other unhappy.”

Mason decided to wait him out as his ranting continued for another ten minutes.

“Will you tell Abby?”

The question brought a wave of fear.

“No, and neither will you. I don’t want Emma knowing about this either.” He said vehemently.

James rocked back and watched him thoughtfully. “Will you see the blonde again?”

Mason didn’t think he would see her again. Of course, he was remorseful, but if he was honest, he didn’t know exactly what he felt about last night.

He and Olivia had shared a connection though he could not put a name to it. The only thing he knew for sure was that the sex had been debilitating, and be as it may, he could not get the thoughts of her under him calling out his name out of his mind.

“Oh, dude. This is fucked up.” James said after seeing his hesitation. “Can you let me figure things out for myself?”

“Of course, but whatever you do, make sure it’s what's best for you and

Abby. Don’t throw away your two-year marriage and five years of courtship away for a nightstand.”

“Sure. Thanks for being impartial.”

“I am your best friend. I will call you out when you are wrong and support you when you need meto.”

Abby settled behind her desk as she sipped her hot cup of coffee. She was happy that it was a slow day at work because she was not in the mood to

work much. Thumbing through her phone, she found several messages from her mother and a voice mail from her husband. She unconsciously swirled the ring in her figure that was a reminder of their vows- for better or for

worse. This was the worst. Her life had been spiraling out of control since she miscarried a few months ago. She had gone through a period of depression and had alienated Mason and her closest friends.

Mason had been supportive at first, but his patience had soon worn out. With a wedge drawn between them, small arguments had magnified into big fights. Mason wanted her to quit her job, something she had vehemently opposed. Their arguments had extended to other issues, and insults were hurled a few glasses broken, and tears shed. She did not think her marriage would survive until she went home and her parents helped her see how unfair she had been to Mason by withdrawing from him after the miscarriage. She had driven home hoping to apologize and work things out. Unfortunately, Mason had been absent. She didn’t know where he spent the night. He gave her a flimsy excuse that he was at work, but she knew him too well to know when he was lying.

Maybe she should go home early today, but after glancing at the clock, she quickly dismissed the idea. It was too early- Ethan might still need her. As if on cue, Ethan poked his head in her office and gave her his usual

charming smile. He stepped inside and took the seat across from her.

Abby smiled at seeing his disheveled state. His usuallyneat middle-length brown hair today was a mess, and he had a five o’clock shadow which was unusual for Ethan.

“Having a rough day?” She asked half-jokingly.

He grabbed the cup of coffee sitting on her desk and took several sips. It was funny how much they were comfortable with each other. They had been friends longer than she had known Mason. To many, Ethan seemed

like your typical ladies' man, but Abby knew better. He was one of the most intelligent people she knew; otherwise, he wouldn’t have managed to start this advertising company from scratch.

Today he seemed more distracted than usual. “Just had a nasty argument with Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth was Ethan’s off and on again girlfriend. Their relationship was complicated, and if Abby were to advise her dear friend, she would

recommend a little break from Elizabeth. Their relationship was toxic, but she was not the relationship expert. Her own marriage was on the rocks.

“I think we are over. This time for real.” He continued.

He suddenly sprang off the sit and paced around the office. The break-up must have affected him more than Abby thought possible. Ethan had given her the impression that Elizabeth was just a fling. Maybe he had deeper

feelings for her than he let on.

“I am sorry Ethan.” She said genuinely meaning it.

He waved his hand as though to brush off her sentiment and abruptly looked at her. His eyes bore into hers- he had the greenest eyes she’d ever seen. Standing at Six-foot-two, a well-built, athletic body and a face any photographer would beg to capture on camera, Ethan was a heartthrob, and Abby was not ashamed to admit it- funny how they had been friends for over a decade and never dated. However, as soon as the thought cropped up, she quickly shook it off. She was marriedfor crying out loud, to a man

equally as handsome.

“How are you and Mason.” He asked breaking off the spell.

“I don’t know. He seems different. I came home yesterday only to find he was not home. He came this morning at around four and gave me a flimsy

excuse that he was working.” “You don’t believe him?”

“I don’t know. I know when he is lying, and today, he was lying.”

“Where do you presume he was?”

Abby contemplated the question for a while before replying.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t throw accusations without proof.”

Abby averted her eyes from Ethan’s piercing gaze. She didn’t want him to see the tears that were gathering in her eyes. But always the intuitive one

Ethan walked around and stood beside her seat and spun her around to face him. He knelt in front of her and ran a hand over her now wet cheek.

Involuntarily, Abby let the palm of her hand rest on top of his and held it there for a while. At that moment, she felt loved and content. All the neglect she had been feeling from Mason rushed over her, and a sob erupted.

Embarrassed and blubbering in between sobs, she tried to pull herself away, but Ethan held her in a firm grip.

“Shhh!” He whispered.

He placed a tender kiss on her forehead and tucked a few stray hairs behind her ears.

“I am sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

“You have the right to break down. You’ve been hurt, and the only reason I am not bushing Mason’s head for not taking care of you is that I know it

would upset you.”

She let out a husky laugh. For a long moment, they were both silent, content to be left to their own thoughts. Afterward, Ethan left his position next to her and proceeded to sit down.

Thesound of the front door opening made her heart leap a bit. The chicken pie was ready, cooked exactly as he liked it. She wasn’t sure what was

expected of her or how she would react when she saw him. With her hand trembling, she straightened the grey t-shirt she was wearing and ran her hands over her brown hair to ensure it was still in a ponytail. Abby watched as he walked in, struck a new at how handsome he was. His piercing vivid blue eyes complemented his black hair. Mason’s eyes rested on her frame

for only a second before averting them. Abby felt deflated and plastered a smile. She was determined to save her marriage despite the sacrifice it

would require. She loved this man.

“Hi.” His voice sounded natural enough.

“Hi. Dinner is ready. I made a chicken pie because it’s your favorite.” She hoped that her voice didn’t sound as breathy as she felt.

His eyes caught hers, and she saw a bit of hesitation. Guilt maybe? She was not sure. What did he have to be guilty about? Was he having an affair? Was that the reason he had come home at four in the morning? She felt dizzy at the thought of Mason touching and caressing another woman. His love and kisses were meant for her. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions. It had been a while since they said the words “I love you,” but she was certain that he loved her. A few months cannot erase years of happiness.

He walked closer and placed a hand on the small of her back. Gently as though afraid she would break, he pulled her to him and placed a kiss on her cheek. The familiarity of his presence almost undid her. She had missed his touch, his kisses, more importantly,his attention. She closed her eyes

for a second as she fought the urge to put her hands around him. She needed to take baby steps.

He took several steps away from her and looked at her warily. “Abby, we need to talk.”

She nodded knowing very well that the talk was inevitable.

She couldn’t look him in the eye as they walked to the living room area and sat across each other. She had made a pact with herself to be reasonable and slow to anger. Neither of them said a word. Mason tapped his leg on the

floor and looked like he wanted to do anything else but talk. “I am sorry Mason.” She broke the silence.

Her apology must have caught him off-guard. He seemed unsure of himself and had the situation not been dire, Abby would have found it funny.

“Why?” He asked.

“The way I treated you. After the miscarriage, instead of letting you in and grieving together, I let myself withdraw from you. I was too selfish to see that I was also hurting you…”

“I am also partly to blame.” He interrupted her.

“I buried myself in my work and did not make an effort to connect with you. I let you withdraw, and I allowed my work to rule over me. We were both wrong.”

She was not sure how to respond. Tears threatened to spill over, but she held them at bay. They stared at each other no one saying a word. It was as if their eyes were communicating what they could not say in words.

“I love you.”

Abby had not known how much she had longed to hear those three words until he spoke them. She let out a sob and buried her head in her hands. She did not hear him approach, but he was holding her, kissing her, and

whisperingin her ear. His hands trailed her back soothingly, and at that

moment, she felt safe and loved. She cried for all the frustrations, the

arguments, and the loss of their son. He cried with her meshing their souls together and healing from a past and mistakes that neither of them wanted to repeat.

Chapter 3

“We have a dinner party tomorrow,” Mason said as he adjusted his tie.

Abby wanted to tell him that it was such short notice but decided against it. It had been a month and one week since their reconciliation. Things were good, and she preferred not to ruin the bliss.

“I understand that it is such short notice, but it had escaped my mind.” He continued.

“No. It’s fine.”

She stood watching him with a sigh and a small smile. He looked handsome, and she was lucky to have him. Of course, he was fortunate to have her too. Abby thought. She was beautiful by anyone’s standards. Her eyes were big with a hint of brown and gold. Her hair brown hair was medium-length and framed her oval face perfectly. Her lips though small

were full and she had two well-formed dimples on both sides of her cheeks. She had a toned athletic body with slight curves and a round derriere that gave her a feminine look. But she knew that what Mason loved most about her was her sense of humor and kind heart.

He looked at her from the mirror.

“How do you think Ethan is surviving now that you are absent from work?” Though his tone sounded casual, Abby could sense the underlying tension.

He had never liked Ethan and had never made a secret of it. Ethan had

returned his sentiments, and at times, Abby felt like they were in a battle of wits.

“He will survive. It’s just one week.”

She’d taken a weekof absence just to concentrate on herself and her

relationship. It is a notion that seemed to please Mason. He would never insist that she leave her job at the moment, but Abby knew that with time, he would raise that argument again.

“He acts like he cannot run the business without you. If I didn’t know any better, I would bet that the guy is in love with you and just gave you the job to have you close to him.”

His words were offensive. She had a degree in marketing and her position as the head of marketing was well-deserved.

“I think I got the job because I am a good marketer.” She bit out.

The anger in her eyes and words must have warned him to tread lightly. “Of course. I am sorry babe.”

His words were meant to be comforting, but Abby felt the opposite.

Emma turned her brown eyes to Abby and gave her a wink as she lowered her willowy body frame into the seat opposite her. Emma was not beautiful in a classic way, but she possessed a charming personality that drew people in. Her sense of humor and loyalty were the traits that Abby loved most in her.

“You look good,” Emma said as she placed her elbow on the table. “Thank you. So do you.”

“Things must be going great between you and Mason.” Emma baited her.

“Yeah, they are great. We are reconnecting emotionally and having sex

regularly. But I still feel like he is holding a part of himself away from me. This is not the same Mason I remember before all the problems.”

She let out a sigh. She didn’t want to sound whiny, but she felt a bit lost. On a typical day, she would have confided her fears to Emma, but lately, she had been tight-lipped about herrelationship. It’s not that Emma wouldn’t understand, but Abby felt unsure of herself or her thoughts.

“So are you going to the party?” Abby asked changing the subject. “Yeah. James has been reminding me for a week about it.”

Abby felt emotions clogging her throat and was on the verge of tears. If she was being honest with herself, she was jealous of Emma and James'

relationship. She wished that she and Mason had a fraction of what the other couple had. Was it wrong to feel so alone? Her relationship was on the right path, but loneliness still clutched on her. For a moment the disquiet between the two friends escalated. Abby peered at Emma on top of her menu and saw the distress in the other woman’s face. Shortly after, the

waiter took their orders.

“Are you okay?” Abby asked. “Yeah. Why?” Emma asked

“You came here in your normal jovial self, and now you seem a bit distant.” “I was just thinking about Nathan.”

Nathan was Emma and James’ five-year-old son. He was such an adorable little boy, and Abby loved him as she would love her own.

“How is he?”

Emma’s lips twitched. “Adorable as usual.”

The waiter arrived with their meals, and the sight of the salmon made her stomach growl. She took a small bite and savored the taste.

“Have you heard that Joel is leaving the company?” Emma asked taking small bites of her stake.

Joel was the legal advisor of the Latter investment banking company that James and Mason worked for. He had become one of the guy’s closest

friends. His presence always brought laughter and Abby liked him a lot. So the news of his resignation and impending move to another state was unexpected.

“Yes. Mason told me. We will miss him a lot. Who is taking his position?” “I don’t know.”

They chattered along andshared laughter and reminisced on life. Anyone observing would have thought that the two women did not have a care in the world. However, both had a lot weighing heavily on their hearts, and none was willing to share with the other- maybe not just yet.

Chapter 4

They stepped into the room, Abby in her white cotton dress that flattered her curves. She was spotting red lipstick and had her hair up in a messy bun. Mason stood next to her in a black tuxedo. Wreaths and ribbons hang in every corner as soft, soothing music played. The sweet aroma of the buffet wafted across the room. Mason spotted several familiar faces including that of James and Emma.

He turned to his wife as his gaze roamed lazily over her exposed breast and moved up to her mouth. She was magnificent- probably the most

beautiful woman in the room. Memories of her smooth skin against his and the tangled sheets this morning flooded his mind. He felt the hardening of his groin and quickly squashed those thoughts. Today was an important day, and the thought of embarrassing himself in front of all these people was unfathomable. But damn, he wanted her under him, on top of him, in all

angles.

“Are you okay Mason? You look flushed.”

Abby’s soft voice interrupted his perverse thoughts.

“I am okay.” He replied giving her a light kiss on the lips.

He held out his hand to her and together, they walked towards a grey-haired man in his sixties. Mason lightly touched his shoulder forcing the other man to turn.

“Hey, Mason. Glad you made it.” Turning to Abby, the man gave his most charming smile.

“Abby, beautiful as usual.” “Thank you, Lance.”

Lance was Mason’s boss. Standing near them was a blonde woman who had the legs of a goddess. She had her backto them and seemed to be in a heated discussion with Joel. There was something familiar about her silhouette and those legs. Before he could disfigure who she was, he felt James' hand on his shoulder. The other man was in the company of his wife who wore a golden fitting gown.

“Hi man,” Mason said giving him a light hug.

He turned to Emma and pecked her cheek. “You look lovely Emma.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

He noticed that her demeanor towards him seemed slightly guarded. Maybe she is having a bad day. He thought as he watched her move towards Abby, who was laughing at something Lance said. He had always loved her laughter- it was vibrant, husky, and infectious. Mason found himself smiling as he gawked at her.

“How is the wife front coming along?” James inquired.

“Good. We are not in our perfect place, but I think we are okay.”

Sipping the glass of wine James handed him, Mason observed the blonde who had yet to turn in their direction. Something about her was unsettling.

“James, do you see the blonde talking to Joel?” “Yes. What about her?”

“She seems a bit familiar.”

“No. I can’t say she seems familiar to me.”

“Are you guys talking about our new legal advisor?” Lance asked interrupting them.

The thought of their boss eavesdropping on their conversation was a bit disconcerting. Something in Mason’s face must have revealed his thoughts.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping.”

“Yeah. Mason thinks she looks familiar.” James was quick to answer.

Mason wanted to hit his friend on the back of his friend. But the telling smile James was throwing his way was an indication that he was trying to get a reaction out of him.

“I doubt you know her. She’s only been in Tacoma for three months… As a matter of fact, let me introduce her.”

Mr. Lance motioned forJoel who was facing their direction. As she turned, Mason saw a partial profile and felt dread and familiarity crawl their way

into his body. He heard James inhale sharply as she fully turned towards them. His first impulse was to run as cowardly as that might seem. The thought of having his one-night stand and his wife in the same space was terrifying. He knew the moment she recognized him. Her eyes widened, and she visibly swallowed. However, she quickly masked her surprise. Mason threw a glance at James whose expression still looked mortified.

“Olivia Addington, I want you to meet my top investment analyst… Olivia, this is Mason and James. She will be replacing Joel.”

Mason recovered from the shock and extended his hand. “Ooh. Here come their wives.” Lance continued.

At the mention of wives, Mason noticed the slight glance at his ring finger that Olivia cast his way. His golden ring was in place unlike the night he had met her. Her face betrayed nothing.

“Ladies, I would like you to meet Olivia. He will be replacing Joel.’

Olivia turned a charming smile to the two women. She was as beautiful as the night he had met her, more so today. But her beauty faded in the presence of his wife. But to be fair, not many women could rival Abby’s

exotic beauty.

“Nice to meet you, ladies,” Olivia spoke out for the first time.

Hearing her voice starred up memories. He could almost hear her

whispering in his ears and calling out his name. Fuck, he thought he had buried these memories. His groin had a mind of its own. His heart gave a dull thud. He would never have thought that his one-night-stand mistake would collide with his life. He looked at Abby’s sweet smile and felt all the more guilty. He wanted toexcuse himself but knew it would be rude. Plowing his fingers through his hair, he smiled at something Lance said. He wanted to bury himself inside Abby and forget. But he was made of sterner stuff and he would persevere.

“What is wrong with Mason,” Emma asked Abby as the two women walked to the sidebar.

Abby had been wondering the same. Throughout their interaction with

Olivia, Mason seemed rather rude and edgy. She had never seen him take an instant dislike to someone.

“I don’t know.”

“Enough thinking and talking about Mason. Today is our night.” Emma said handing Abby a glass of margarita.

Abby smiled yet feeling oddly distant. She cast a glance towards Mason who was still talking with James, Lance, and Olivia. She realized that both Mason and James seemed strangely subdued. Abby did not know the number of margarita glasses she took but soon, it started to warm her.

Everything seemed to float by. Emma appeared drunker than she. Her actions were a bit animated and her words a bit slurred.

“I love you, Abby,” Emma said placing her hand on Abby’s shoulder. “I love you too,” Abby replied tapping the other woman’s nose.

“Why do men get so much under our skin?” Abby asked. “Is this about Mason again?”

The bartender filled another glass for Emma.

“Who cares about him? You are the strongest woman I know Abby. If Mason can’t see that, then that’s his loss. We are women. We are strong. You don’t need him to be happy.”

If she was sober, Abby might have laughed as Emma’s kumbaya moment. But her emotions were all over.

“Am I u..nl….ov..ab..le?” She hiccupped.

“Of course not… Your husband…” She paused a moment trying to recollect her thoughts.

“…Is an asshole.” They both laughed.

“That’s enough ladies,” James said grabbing the glasses from both of them. “Where is Mason?”

She saw nosign of him or Olivia. James avoided eye contact as he supported Emma who was now visibly staggering.

“I think he went to the men’s room.”

“I noticed you were absent for quite some time from the party,” Abby said as she hung her coat at the small shelf in the entrance.

“And I noticed that you and Emma drunk quite a lot.” He retorted back.

She moved past him keeping a small distance as if she couldn’t bear looking at him much less touching him, and she had every right to be disgusted with him. He was angry at himself and not her. He dragged his hands down his face as he followed her down the hall into the kitchen. His encounter with Olivia had not gone as planned. He had pulled her into the patio, and as expected, she had been angry with him.

“Why didn’t you tell me you are married?” She asked looking visibly shaken.

“I am sorry. We were going through a difficult moment at the time.”

His reply was lame. Whether he was going through a hard time or not, the fact was that he was still married.

“I don’t sleep with married men.” “I am sorry.”

They was a strained silence each not sure what to say.

“When you told me that you wanted to forget, what did you mean?”

She folded her arms as though protecting herself from him. Her eyes held his in stubborn defiance, and for a moment, Mason thought she would not answer.

“I was engaged six months ago, but my fiancé broke it off after seven years of being together. It was the first time in six months that I let myself feel the touch of another man. I wanted to feel again.”

Her explanation further plummeted him in a chain of guilt. She held his gaze, her stare transforming fromthe guarded look she had earlier to one raw with emotions.

“I liked you. After that night, I was planning to look you up.” She said taking a step towards him.

“Why did you choose me?” Olivia asked, her fingers playing with the edges of his coat. He meant to pull away, but the thoughts of the other night kept him firmly rooted in place.

“I don’t know. I just noticed you.”

He senses coming back, and he took a step back. “I am married, and I love my wife.”

“Did you think about her that night?”

He was ashamed to admit that thoughts of his wife had been so far from his mind. But he couldn’t tell her that.

“I hope we can maintain a professional relationship now that we will be working together.”

His statement must have cleared the haze, as she dropped her hand and took a step back.

“Of course.”

Everything seemed to have been going well; that is why it had been surprising when she had leaned over and kissed him. At first, he had been in shock and had returned her kiss, but he later pulled away.

“That cannot happen again.” That had been his parting shot.

“I am sorry babe,” Mason said as he pressed himself behind Abby’s back.

He trailed a few kisses down her neck and captured her breast over the

fabric of the dress. She pulled herself away just for a moment surprised by his action. His eyes were oozing passion, and this prompted Abby to pull back in and his lips captured hers. The kiss was slow, their tongues

colliding. He nuzzled her neck as his lips moved to her earlobes. Clasping his hands around her butt, he pulled her closer to him and felt her thigh press against his erection. He slowly unzipped her dress and watched as it slid down her body.He released her breast from the clasp of the brassiere gently sucking her red nipples. She inhaled sharply and arched her body

back from pleasure. He released her nipple and let her help him pull off his clothes. Abby pulled her lacy panties off and tossed them on the floor.

Mason marveled at the sight of her. She was beautiful with curves in all the right places. He carried her to the living room and placed her gently on the couch. He peered at her, and the passion in her eyes almost undid him.

Mason slowly and carefully entered her filling her with his love. She surrendered herself to him as their chests pressed together. A small grin spread across Abby’s lips.

“What?” He asked as he rested his elbow on the seat. It took every self-restraint not to move inside her.

“This is the first time since losing the baby that we are having sex without a condom.”

Mason had completely forgotten about the condom. He realized he could feel her all around him which seemed more intimate. He wiggled a little causing her to giggle.

“I like it this way.” He said as he drove in harder.

His slow strokes changed to faster harder movements. Abby screamed his name over and over again until they both had their release.

Chapter 5

The light knock on the door startled him from his work. “Come in.” He called out.

He watched as Olivia walked into his office in her elegant office pencil dress. She had been a pain in the ass for the last five months. She had been harassing him at work and sometimes at home. Her sheer obsession with him was growing out of control. Had he known that this was what he would have to deal with, he would not have hooked up with her in the firstplace. She was taking antidepressants and sometimes, she would go off her meds making her more erratic. Upon further digging, he had learned that Olivia had broken up with her former boyfriend because of her obsessive tendencies.

“What do you want?” He knew that his tone was rude, but he was past trying to act friendly around her.

She stared at him for a while, a stare that Mason returned. She seemed ignorant of his mounting irritation.

“I am sorry.” She muttered as she sat down.

“Why are you sorry?” he asked incredulously.

“I know I am not the easiest person to deal with, but I do love you.”

Mason snorted because the woman who stood in front of him did not know the difference between love and obsession. He knew that he was to blame because a month after she started working for the company, he had given in to temptation and had been intimate with her. Mason was ashamed that he had continued with this affair for two weeks. But when she uttered the

words “I love you,” Mason had come back to his senses. He didn’t love her.

Truth be told, at first, he was attracted to her, but the attraction had quickly fizzled out. So when she had declared her love for him, he had run.

Unfortunately, the damage was already done. “You have to stop this craziness.”

“Why? There must be a reason you chose me over your wife.”

“I never chose you over my wife. Those two weeks was a mistake.” She let out a sarcastic laugh.

“So you just use me and toss me away like I am nothing? I will not have that Mason.”

He gave her an icy stare and massaged his temple. “What do you want from me, Olivia?”

“I want you to love me. I want you to be with me.”

He wanted toshout that he loved his wife. Despite his actions, he loved Abby. However, he thought otherwise given her unstable mental state. He resolved to keep his cool.

“I need you to leave Olivia. I have a meeting in ten minutes. We will talk about this later.”

His voice was calm not betraying his inner turmoil. She stared at him for a second too long as though trying to read his mind. Fortunately, the ringing of the phone broke the tense moment.

“Okay. But we are not done yet.”

“How is my lady?” Ethan asked as he joined Abby for lunch. He had

always called her “my lady” since the day they’d met, a term Abby found endearing though it infuriated Mason.

“I am great. To what do I owe the honor of your presence? I thought bosses ate in their offices.” Abby remarked jokingly. Ethan never joined her for lunch. He always hibernated himself in his office which in Abby’s opinion was too dull and depressing.

A slow grin spread across his face. “You are glowing today.”

“You think?” She asked as she flattened her hair with her hand.

Ethan made an appraisal of Abby’s appearance. He stared at her with those eyes Abby had always thought beautiful. Eyes that had always been able to look at her and know exactly what she was feeling. She felt a bit self-

conscious under such scrutiny. He gave her a crooked grin making his eyes twinkle.

“Relax Abby I am not going to bite.” “Then don’t stare.”

She formed a repugnant wrinkle around her nose making Ethan smile. Their friendship was so natural, and in some cases, Abby found herself confiding in Ethan more than she did with Emma. It was not because she didn’t trust Emma but because she had been friends longer with Ethan than anyone else and anyway; Emma was preoccupiedwith her husband and kids. With a

chuckle, he took a bite of his pasta.

“I am thinking of opening a company branch in London.”

His news was unexpected. This was the first time Abby was hearing of it.

“I should have known. Any time you are nice to me, you are preparing me for unexpected news.”

“I am always nice to you.”

Abby propped up her head on one elbow as she watched him. He was a hardworking man and devoted most of his time to his work.

“I have found an investor in London who is willing to invest in the company.”

“When is this?”

“Maybe two months from now.”

She knew the implications of his words. He would have to move to London to get the business up and running. She felt a heavy clutch in her heart. Not having him around would be difficult. She swallowed the feeling down and decided to be a supportive friend.

“That’s nice.”

Ethan reached for her hand across the table. “How long have we been friends?”

“Eighteen years.” She breathed out.

“You were an awkward twelve-year-old girl whom I loved teasing mercilessly, and today, you are a thirty-year-old extremely beautiful woman who I couldn’t be more proud of. I would have asked you to come to

London with me, but there is the issue of Mason.”

She pursed her lips to hold down a giggle. Ethan never missed an opportunity to insult Mason. He had never hidden the fact that he didn’t like him for his best friend.

“But if you decide to leave him, my offer is open.”

He caressed her upper arm in circles, a move that caught Abby off guard. Ethan had never given any indication that he liked her. She had once had a huge crush on him when she was seventeen, and he was nineteen going to college. His first year in collegeaway from her had been hard. At the time, she had promised herself that when he came home for summer she would let him know she liked him. Unfortunately for her, he had come home with a girlfriend. Since then, she had decided to squash any feelings she had towards him. Meeting Mason had helped her achieve that.

“Thank you, Ethan. You’ve always been there whenever I need you.” “Anytime. I’ll always have your back.”

The table had been laid, and the chicken looked alluring. Everything was well-organized and the candles lit in the semi-dark room. Abby wanted a romantic night with her husband. She opened a bottle of red wine and poured herself half a glass. She placed an empty glass close to Mason’s vacant seat. Everything was now in place.

“Is dinner ready?” She heard Mason ask his steps approaching the dining area.

“Yes.”

She felt a flutter of panic as she cast another look at the table. What was

wrong with her? This was Mason. There was no reason to be nervous. As if on cue, he appeared in the dining door, his hair ruffled and wet from showering. He surveyed the whole setting, and a slow grin spread across his face.

“What is this?”

“I thought we should have a quiet supper. It has been a while since we talked. Both of us are always working late.”

He approached her and snaked his arms around her waist. Wiggling her just a little, he gave her a light kiss.

“Do you know how much I love you?” He whispered in her ear causing a slight shudder.

“No.”

“You don’t?” He asked tickling her. The room was filled with laughter as she retaliated by tickling him back. He was even more ticklish than her.

“Thank you, Abby.” He said sobering up.

He pulled her seat and proceeded to settle in his. Itwas a cold night but rather bright as the moon shone in all its glory. Abby looked at Mason’s comic face as he detailed today’s activities at work. She felt a thrill of pleasure at their intimacy.

“Ethan is expanding his business to London. He will be moving soon.”

“And I bet he asked you to go with him,” Mason said in his most sarcastic tone, a sneer marring his face.

“You know he only has good intentions.”

“You always take up for him. The guy can hardly stand me.” “And whose fault is that?” She snapped at him.

Ethan always thought that Mason was an egotistical and selfish man and some days, she agreed with him.

“What is that supposed to mean.”

His face was cold and his voice curt. Abby was clever enough to know when to back down. She did not want to ruin the night.

“Nothing. Let’s not fight.”

He nodded, but his demeanor seemed more reserved than before. They

chattered on about life, the future, career, and anything else they could think of. Abby listened to him intently as he spoke about his desire for more

children. He had a mellow and husky voice that she had always considered sexy.

The ringing of the phone disrupted them from their conversation. “I think I should take that,” Abby said.

“No. Just let it go to voicemail. Today is our night.”

Unfortunately for them, it was impossible to have a quiet night with the phone ringing every five minutes.

“Maybe I should take it,” Mason said pushing his seat back. “Yeah. Do that. Let me take something from the bedroom.”

She walked softly up the stairs to their room. She could hear Mason’s angry whispers from downstairs. She couldn’t imagine who would be calling at this time so persistently. She was never a distrustful woman, but Mason’s

actions nowadays were strangely suspicious. He preferredtaking calls in his office where she could not hear him. This might not have seemed strange to anyone else but for the years they had been married, Mason had always

picked up his calls in her presence. He also seemed a bit edgy. Maybe she was being paranoid, but her gut told her something was awfully amiss.

At that, Abby felt her curiosity get the better part of her. She walked to the bedroom extension phone and quietly picked it up.

“Don’t call my home ever again.” Mason was saying.

On the other end, there was a prolonged silence. Abby felt stupid for being suspicious of her husband and was about to put the phone down when a soft strained voice replied.

“I need you, Mason.”

“I told you Olivia, whatever happened between us was a mistake. I love my wife, and I will not leave her for you.”

“Then I will tell Abby everything.”

“Don’t you dare! If this continues, I will file a harassment complaint at work.”

“If you do that, everyone will know everything. How long do you think it will be before Abby finds out?”

Mason was quiet, and Abby could hear him swear in the background. She couldn’t stand listening to them anymore. She placed the phone down this time none too slowly.

Mason heard the click on the other phone and knew that someone had been on the other line. He quickly hanged up and ran upstairs taking two steps at a time. The bedroom door was ajar, and his wife was sitting on the bed her skin as pale as snow. She looked at him and couldn’t hide the anguish on her face. Abby knew. His wife knew that he had betrayed his marriage vows and strayed. Blood rushed in his brain and color drained from his face. “Since when?”

He rubbed his fingersrepeatedly across his now moist brow. “I am sorry Abby.”

He cautiously approached her, but before he could touch her, she jumped from the bed and paced around the room.

“No-no. Don’t touch me… Since when?”

“I met her the night I came home at four in the morning.” “Were you with her?”

His face crumpled as he replied “yes.” “Was that the only time?”

“No, a month after she joined the company, I had a two-week affair, but I ended it. I ended it because I love you.”

“Ooh, thank you for the favor.” She spat the words like acid. “Why?” She choked out.

“I don’t know. The first time it was because our relationship was strained. I needed the attention. But the subsequent two-weeks affair was something that just happened.” He said shame-faced.

“How could you do this to us? You were not the only one in need of

attention. I also needed you, but you didn’t see me going out there, and sleeping with the first guy that came my way. I held on to this relationship because I was sure of your love. But now, I can’t even stand to look at you.”

 

Her voice broke as a stream of tears flowed down her glossy cheeks. Mason wanted to touch her and assure her that he loved her, but he knew that would not be enough. She needed to vent and heal, and then maybe they would go back to normal.

It all happened so fast, at one moment she was standing at the corner of the room, and next, she was flailing her hands on his chest. He didn’t try to shield himself from her punches. He knew he deserved it. She looked like a crazed animal. Her hair lay loosely on her shoulder, her eyes blazing fire.

She slapped him hard across the face, but heremained immobile though his cheek stung like hell. Abby stepped back looking confused and lost. Mason stared at her hoping his eyes relayed the guilt and regret he felt.

“You are a bastard.” She shouted.

Mason hang his head low like a deer caught in the headlights. The taste of bile was bitter in his throat. He had never seen his wife out of control. She always maintained her composure even when they fought. The woman

standing before him looked shuttered and broken, and he was responsible for placing her in that state.

“Please forgive me, Abby.” He pleaded. The look of utter hatred masked her face. “I need to leave.” She said.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her face puffy.

“Please don’t go.” He begged as he walked to block the door. He was going to beg if that’s what it took to keep her.

“Get out of my way Mason!” Her command left no room for argument. She threw her bag at him, but he ducked. She came flying with fists and kneed his groin. With seething pain, Mason let out a groan as he fell on his knees. She was out and running before he could finally get his bearing right.

Abby stood huddled outside Emma’s door. She had driven around the park for almost an hour crying until she had gone numb. Her phone was blowing up with calls and messages from Mason and Emma. At first, she had taken Mason calls and called him every name in the universe but later, the fight had gone out of her. Now as she stood outside the door, Abby wrapped her arms tightly around her small frame, her skin chilled from the unforgiving

cold. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably and despite the effort she made, she could not stop herself from shaking. Maybe I am going to diefrom the cold. I bet Mason would like that. She thought almost sarcastically.

“Abby. Oh, my God. Look at you.” Emma exclaimed after opening the door.

She placed both arms around Abby’s shoulders, helping her into the house. “I am sorry for coming here, but I didn’t know where else to go.”

“You don’t have to explain, honey. My home is your home.”

James came running down the stairs looking frantic, his phone in his hand.

“Hey, Abby. Mason has been calling me for the last hour. How are you?” He asked placing his arms around her and pulling her into a brotherly hug.

“Did you know?” Abby croaked. Her voice was so husky it seemed almost foreign to her.

James pulled away, looking at her apologetically.

“He told me the first time he met her. When she started working with us, I didn’t think he would pursue things with her. You two were doing great. I asked him to tell you after I learned about their office affair. I am so sorry Abby.”

Abby pulled away feeling almost disconnected from her body. She knew that she couldn’t blame James. He was not her husband; it was not his

responsibility to protect her. She fell back into Emma’s arms.

“I am so sorry Abby. I also knew about them and I should have told you.”

Abby pulled away casting a confused look at Emma. What could she possibly mean by she knew? Emma was her best friend. Granted that she never disclosed everything to Abby, but loyalty and trust was the core pillar of their friendship. Could Emma possibly hold such a secret from her?

Maybe she had heard her wrong. Yeah, that’s right. She was just too exhausted and was hearing things wrong.

“What do you mean?” She asked her voice just above a whisper. She needed to confirm that her hearing wasfailing her.

“I knew about the affair.”

Her words registered, but Abby was not sure how to respond. Her heart had been broken by Mason, but now it was shattered. Did she know so little

about the people that surrounded her? “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was caught between a rock and a hard place. James had told me in

confidentiality. Plus I only knew about their first encounter, I didn’t think Mason would pursue it further.”

“Oh, my God, and you think that makes it okay.”

She shouted, her voice vibrating in every corner of the house.

“Keep your voice down. Nathan is sleeping.” James whispered. Abby was frantic, her spirit crushed from today’s chain of events.

“How could you Emma?”

Her friend was now in tears with her hands folded securely around her waist area.

“It was not Emma’s fault. I asked her not to tell you. So if you want to blame someone, blame me.”

If the situation was different, Abby would have been proud of James honorably taking up for his wife. But this was a different situation. The three of them had betrayed her trust and hurt her to the core. How dare James rebuke her for shouting at Emma? To hell with all of them.

“I’d better leave.” Her voice was now steely. “Don’t leave,” Emma begged.

Tears stung Abby’s eyes as she looked at Emma’s pleading face, a pulsing pain searing through her brow.

“I need to go. I want to be alone.”

Both Emma and James did not try to stop her as she left.

Chapter 6

Abby sat at the edge of Ethan’s bed feeling nauseated and mildly disconnected.

“Are you warm?” Ethan was asking.

Deep lines of concern marred his beautifully sculpted face. Abby wanted to nod, but she could not find the energy to do anything other than stare. For a moment, there was absolute silence, neither Ethannor Abby talked. No one breathed.

“Is there anything I can do?” Ethan said eventually, his voice barely audible.

What could she tell him, I want my life back? I hope this is a nightmare? She jumped to her feet pacing around the room in the small space between

the wall and the bed.

“Why did he do this to me?” She whispered.

Standing beside her, Ethan gently placed his hand on her stiff shoulder. He turned her towards him, and the kindness and love in his eyes almost undid her.

“I can’t give you an answer as to why, but I can tell you that you are a beautiful woman who deserves better.”

Abby was not sure what prompted her to act. Maybe it was the concern in his voice or her own shuttered heart. She would debate on that later, but slowly as though unsure of herself, she captured his lips with hers. At first, she thought he would push her away appalled by her actions, but Ethan’s lips molded into hers. His lips were soft and his kiss gentle. They stood lip-locked for a few minutes before Ethan pulled away.

“We can’t do this Abby.”

His rejection stung her pride. Something in her eyes must have alarmed him on her train of thoughts because he quickly quipped.

“Don’t get me wrong. I have always wanted to do that for years. But I

cannot take advantage of you right now. When I have you, and I pray I will someday, I want you to be sober-minded and sure it’s me you are craving

for and not that bastard Mason.”

His shallow breath and glassy eyes were enough evidence that the kiss had affected him and as selfish as it sounded, that satisfied Abby.

“Can I stay here for a while?”

“Yeah as long as you want. You can sleep in this room. Iwill take the guest room.”

Abby nodded, returning to her position on the edge of the bed. Ethan was a good friend. He stayed with her, encouraging her to talk it out. She cursed Mason and cried, eventually questioning her friendship with Emma. Ethan listened not interrupting her at any given time. Eventually, he helped her get under the bed covers as she fell into a deep stupor.

I love you, Abby. I have always loved you since the first day we met. These words were a chorus that played in his mind over and over again. Even as he stood in Ethan’s living room, he wanted to scream out for his wife. But the other man stood hands akimbo next to the stairwell case.

“What do you want Mason.” Ethan spat out his name like acid.

Mason couldn’t blame the other man. He had been Abby’s best friend even before Mason came into the picture. It was clear to Mason that Ethan was in love with Abby, and that had always goaded him. Abby seemed oblivious to her best friend’s feelings or opted to be ignorant.

“I need to see my wife.” He demanded.

He knew his voice was loud, but he could care less. If he woke up Abby, the better.

“She doesn’t want to see you. To be quite honest, I don’t know what she saw in you. I knew you were trouble from the first time I met you.”

“No one cares for your opinion. You can hardly keep a woman in your life because you are busy lasting over mine.”

“Well, at least I am not a sexual freak who can hardly stay faithful to one woman. You must be miserable for you to seek validation from other

women. God knows how many you’ve had.”

Mason threw a punch aiming at Ethan’s jaw, but the otherman was quick on his feet. He moved his head before the blow could land. Mason realized his mistake when he remembered Abby warning him a few years back not to pick a fight with Ethan because the other guy was a martial arts expert.

Before he could react, Ethan’s fisted hand connected with his jaw. Mason

fell back spitting blood. He slowly got up intending to retaliate any way he could when they both heard Abby’s voice.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

She looked beautiful in her sleeping attire and ruffled hair. She walked down the steps her eyes fixed on Ethan.

“Your husband came looking for you. He tried to come at me, and I put him down.”

The smirk on Ethan’s face made Mason want to beat the guy to a pulp. He was gloating for humiliating him.

“Are you okay?”

Her concern was directed at Ethan who was standing unscathed. She glanced at Mason with a frown.

“What are you doing here Mason?”

“I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere more private?”

“No. I don’t want to see you. In fact, I will be leaving for London with Ethan.”

Her announcement caught the two men off guard. Mason stumbled back horrified about the idea of losing her.

“Are you sure?” Ethan asked. “Yes.”

“So you are leaving me for him?”

Mason’s words seemed to anger her all the more. She stormed towards him, her eyes blazing.

“Why do men always have to think that women cannot do without them? I am going to London to work. I can do without a man most certainly you.

And if I decide to pursue things with Ethan, it will be because I choose to and not because I need anyone. You will be hearing from my lawyer about our divorce soon.”

With finality, she went up the stairs leaving the two men staring, onein satisfaction and another in pure terror.

“I think you can see yourself out, Mason.”

It was pouring heavily, but Mason did not care. Rain drenched him sticking his suit to his body like glue. He got in his car, slamming the driver’s door shut with a thud. The beat of water pounded the roof of the car. It had been two months since Abby left him, and in three days, she would be going to London. He had tried to reason with her, but she had made it perfectly clear that she did not condone any man cheating on her nor would she put up

with the same. The more Mason begged, the colder she became. Three

weeks ago, she had filed for a divorce, and he had promised not to fight her on that ground.

Mason propped his head on the back of the car seat and stared at the dark horizon. Water ran down his hair and snaked its way down his neck to his back. He was not an overly religious man, but at this moment, he would

appreciate any divine intervention he could get. He implored God to bring her back. He even threatened Lance to quit his job if Olivia was not fired. Lance had not appreciated the threat.

Mason and Olivia sat across Lance whom truth be told looked like he was ready to fire them at any given moment. His boss was much more

foreboding when his business was on the line. The squabbles between his lawyer and best investment banker were getting out of hand.

“How are you and Abby?”

His question seemed to spark an interest in Olivia who was sitting beside him. He saw rather felt her sit up straighter as she focused her gaze on him. Mason wanted to choke her, but killing her would only land himin jail. She was not worth it.

“She is proceeding with the divorce.”

Lance shifted slightly in his chair, marring his face with a frown of disapproval. Despite being friendly to all his subordinates, Lance was a difficult and sour man.

“Maybe it’s only right that she leaves you. Someone needs to call you out on your actions.” Lance said with just a hint of sarcasm. He leaned over and placed both elbows on the desk casting a look of contempt at both

Mason and Olivia. Mason tried not to squirm in his seat. He was feeling awfully uncomfortable being under such intense scrutiny. Olivia, on the

other hand appeared perfectly comfortable and oblivious to the tension. Well, that’s because she is insane. He thought almost laughing to himself.

“Is anything funny?” Lance asked. Oh my, was he smiling?

“No. Nothing is funny sir.”

Why did he feel like he was in the principal’s office on the verge of being expelled?

“I don’t usually get involved in people’s business unless it’s affecting my company and in this case it is. You two have been in a cold war that is rubbing some of my prominent clients the wrong way.”

He paused as if for effect. He leaned back in his seat, tipping it back, his eyes never straying from them. Despite the tension being too intense, neither he nor Olivia spoke.

“I guess no one is perfect, but to be honest, I thought you were an honorable man. It came as a surprise when I heard of your rendezvous in my office. I must admit that I am quite disappointed.” His comment was directed at Mason. Mason wanted to go on the offense but decided against it. He knew Lance better to know that he would throw him out if he dared contradict him. His boss was a ruthless SOB.

“I don’tcare how you two work things out, but I want peace in my office.”

As the indignation of the man’s voice grew strident, Mason’s anger also grew. How dare Lance judge him? Wasn’t the man divorced twice?

“In all respect sir, I ended things with Olivia amicably. I am ashamed of what I did and how much I hurt my wife, but Olivia has been harassing

me.”

Lance turned his gaze at Olivia who had yet to speak out. “Olivia, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Nothing sir, just that Mason led me on and when I fell in love with him he

left me high and dry. I think he should be held accountable for his actions.”

Her statement infuriated Mason all the more, and he blurted out without thinking.

“I cannot work with her anymore.”

“And what do you propose I do?” Lance asked lifting one eyebrow. “It’s either she leaves, or I do?”

The silence that followed was unnerving. Lance was glaring at him, and

Olivia looked disgusted almost nauseated.

“So you expect me to do you favors after you messed up. I don’t respond well to threats Mason.”

He knew he had taken a big gamble by giving an ultimatum, but hey, a guy had to try. Would he quit his job if Lance did not meet this ultimatum?

Probably not. If Abby had stayed, he would have made good of his threat and quit. But now that she was leaving, there was no use losing his means of income as well.

“I will not be firing Olivia because you asked me to, if you want to quit, then hand me your resignation first thing in the morning. If not, I expect you two to find common ground.”

“Of course sir, I give my word to separate my love life with my work life. What about you Mason?” Olivia askedturning to him with a smug on her

face.

“Our personal lives will not affect our work. I give you my word.” Mason said fixing his gaze at Lance.

“Okay. Then get out of my office both of you.”

Mason couldn’t get out of the office fast enough. How could Lance be so unreasonable? Mason thought he would at least take his side.

“What the fuck. You wanted to have me fired?” Olivia asked as she closed the door behind him.

Mason ignored her choosing not to justify himself. He continued walking as she followed close behind him.

“You know what Mason, now that you and your wife are separated, I don’t find you so alluring. I am ashamed to admit to myself that I preferred when we were sneaking around because of the thrill. Actually, knowing that you were unavailable turned me on.”

She seemed to contemplate her next words.

“See you around.” She walked away with that parting shots.

He was an ass. He had destroyed his marriage for a whim and almost destroyed his career. He had a full night to feel sorry for himself, but right now, it was eleven-thirty, and he had a meeting

His eyes stung as the enormity of what had become his life finally settled in. He tried to force his mind to go blank, but the pain in his joints kept him fully aware of his situation. At the moment, he did not know where he

ended, and Abby began.

As much as he wanted to be lost in this moment, he had to go home and work on a project. He inserted his car key in the ignition, and the engine

came to life as he clenched his fists on the wheel. He was bleeding from the core of his spirit. Mason ran a hand over his eyes as tears squeezed their

way down.

“When willyou be leaving?” Emma asked, sipping her hot coffee. “The day after tomorrow,” Abby replied.

They were sitting in the kitchen area in Emma’s house. After stewing for a

week, Abby had finally reconciled with Emma. She somehow understood

what Emma must have gone through being caught between her husband and friend. Abby could not fault her for her decision.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

Abby’s lips lifted in a small smile. “Yes, I am sure.”

Her tone was calm and quiet. Many people had questioned her decision including her parents. They thought she was being too hasty, but Abby knew that this is what she needed. She needed time away from anything that reminded her of Mason and their former life. Abby stared at the

wooden counter and slightly fingered a groove in the wood. Her life had

changed drastically in the two months she had been separated from Mason.

She had learned to love herself which was something she seemed to have

forgotten. It still hurt thinking of Mason and imagining a life without him, but she knew that with time, the pain would dull down and her new chapter would start.

“This is not just about Mason cheating on me. I need to find myself. I have devoted a lot of time, fighting with him and mourning my baby that I let myself go. I need to discover me before I let any other man in.” She said

almost absently.

“Do you think that in the future you will give Mason another chance?”

Emma’s question was expected but a bit annoying. Abby was tired of people trying to make sense of what Mason did, and subsequently trying to get her to reconsider the divorce. She had made up her mind, and she

refused to budge. Thank God for her father’s support. He was ready to kill Mason and hanghim out to dry.

“I don’t want him in my life. It’s a fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, kind of situation.”

Emma gave a slight nod. “I will miss you.”

“I will miss you too. But we will only be gone for eight months. Once the company stands on its own, I will be back, and we can eat cheerios all day long.”

They both laughed knowing that things are not always that easy.

Abby sat across Mason in the living room that had been hers for years.

Looking at him, he didn’t look like the man she had known and loved for years. He was always one to maintain neatness including a clear stubble, but today, he had a five o’clock shadow. He also appeared gaunt with the dark circles under his eyes very evident to his pale complexion. As she looked at him, she could see that the reality of his actions was dawning on

him. He gave her a weary look, his shoulders slumped and his hands neatly folded between his thighs.

His lost puppy appearance made the ache in Abby’s heart bigger. She

wanted to comfort him and assure him that everything would be okay. But she didn’t have the heart to do that. Why should she show him mercy when he had shown her none during his affair? Abby knew that this ache would relent for a while, but she was okay with it. With time, she would heal, and if anything, she knew this experience would make her stronger.

“So you are leaving tomorrow.”

It was more of a statement than a question. The frayed strand of hope that he had shown earlier seemed deflated, his face appearing defeated.

“Yes. Around six in the evening.” “So when will you be back?”

“In eight months. Once the London branch is firmlyon its feet, Ethan and I will come back.”

As he watched Abby in her fitted blue jeans and a purple paneled blouse, Mason couldn’t help but wonder why he was attracted to Olivia in the first place. His wife- well soon to be ex-wife was beautiful both on the outside

and inside. He watched her to his feel. Agreeing to the divorce was the most painful decision he had ever made. But he knew if he fought it, she would wind up hating him.

“I just wanted to make sure that you understand that I don’t want anything from this divorce.”

Her refusal to fight for any asset annoyed him. Did she want to forget him that fast? He wanted a piece of him with her. But he nodded dutifully something he has been doing a lot lately.

“Is this your final decision?” He had asked for good measure.

She was quiet as she observed him. He hoped that his eyes showed how much he wanted her. Mason did not care whether he looked pathetic as long as he got her back. Abby ran her tongue over her lips reminding Mason of the times he had spent kissing that mouth. Right now, he wanted to taste her mouth and feel her skin against his. She had always been a very responsive woman. The thought of those lost moments made him shiver.

“This is what is best for me and maybe you. You need to know what you want in life, and I need to spend time loving me.”

He wanted to shout, I already know what I want but he remained silent. He was going to let Abby go and hopefully, she would find the inner peace she was looking for.

“Okay. I assume you will be communicating through your divorce attorney?”

“Yes.”

The brokenness in her eyes was toomuch to bear. Mason had never thought of how his actions affected others, but watching Abby, he realized how much he had destroyed her. Maybe it was only right she get away from him. He also needed to discover himself and focus on work.

“I am sorry Abby and I hope that one day my apology can mean something to you.”

He could tell that she was struggling not to cry. He had loved her stubbornness, but lately, that stubbornness had been aimed at him. As he watched her rise from the seat, he knew that their relationship was at an inevitable end.

“Maybe someday Mason. I wish you all the best.”

The small kiss she gave him on the cheek served as their final goodbye.

Prologue

She held the phone firmly until her hand turned white. She couldn’t speak.

“Is everything okay?” Ethan asked from behind her. She turned too quickly and stumbled, but Ethan was quick to grab her. Their eyes met and held.

“I am pregnant.” Her reply was only above a whisper.

She had only been in London for one month, and everything was going as planned. She hardly thought of Mason, as she and Ethan spent their time working and free time strolling the streets of London. She had realized her periods had been absent two months after her separation but had attributed it to the stress. Now she was three months pregnant. How could she not have noticed?

“Wow.” Ethan breathed out.

It was a bittersweet moment for Abby. How would she break the news to Mason? Would this change the nature of their relationship? As though

reading her thoughts more specifically her facial expression, Ethan asked, “When will you tell him?”

“I don’t know. The divorce is being finalized in two weeks. I think I will tell him after.”

Ethan seemed to contemplate her reply for awhile.

“Do you think that’s right? I don’t like the guy, but even I would not want any woman to hide the fact that they are having my baby.”

Abby hated when Ethan presented a rational argument, nonetheless in this instance, she would wait. Two weeks could not hurt. She did not want to disrupt the divorce process because she had no intention of going back to Mason.

“Will you go back to him?”

His question seemed innocent enough, but Abby could detect an undertone of disappointment. She knew he loved her and maybe one day she would

return his sentiments. Just not now.

“No. We will co-parent. I can’t risk going back and having the same happen to me again. I wouldn’t handle it.”

“Okay. But after the divorce is done, you will need to tell him. Okay?”

He lifted her chin and peered into her eyes. He was the most loving man she had ever met. He had devoted his time making her happy since they were young. As Abby stared at Ethan’s adoring eyes, she was grateful that he was here sharing this moment with her. She couldn’t have chosen a better person.