Mason seemed stunned by my sudden emotional outburst. After a moment of confusion, he started to argue back.
“Riley, what the hell is wrong with you? I’m asking you to come home and suddenly I’m the bad guy? You know…”
Before he could finish, I hung up.
Going crazy? Yes, I was crazy.
I spent three years of my life on someone like him–that’s the definition of insanity.
My distressed expression didn’t escape Liam’s notice. He tactfully waited until I had composed myself before approaching, taking my phone and silencing the persistent incoming calls.
“Riley, let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
Liam’s voice was calm, and I nodded without speaking.
Meanwhile, Mason, whose call had been abruptly terminated, was beside himself with rage.
“Ungrateful bitch.”
“Let’s see if you ever come home again.”
When Mason returned to the mansion, Elise was directing the staff to move everything out of the master bedroom.
Mason frowned when he noticed most of the items on the floor belonged to Riley.
“Why are you moving these things? Who told you to do this?”
Elise covered her mouth in delight: “Mason, you’re back!”
“The doctor said the baby needs sunlight, and auntie thought the master bedroom has the best lighting, so… she suggested I move in.”
“As for Riley’s things, auntie was worried they might inconvenience me, so she specifically asked them to clear everything out.”
Elise’s expression turned shy as she subtly moved closer to Mason, her fingers trailing up his sleeve.
While irritated by his mother’s not–so–subtle manipulations, Mason suddenly recalled Riley’s words from their phone conversation hours earlier–didn’t you say you’d consider finding someone else to be Mrs. Reed? Go ahead and change now. I’m not marrying you. You can marry your precious Elise without worries.
Was Riley still petty enough to be jealous of Elise’s presence?
15:30
Nine Years Wasted–Now l’int
Chapter 10
He had told her before Elise moved in that she was just staying temporarily. It wasn’t like he was cheating on her–what was the big deal?
After much consideration, Mason coldly removed Elise’s hand from his sleeve.
“Stop moving things. Although I don’t come back often, the master bedroom is still my space. It’s not appropriate for you to move your things in.”
Elise’s expression froze, but before she could respond, Mrs. Reed hurried over.
“How is it inappropriate? Elise is carrying your child–of course you two should stay together!”
“Babe, are you really going to make Elise suffer just because of Riley’s so–called three years of help to our family?”
“Let me tell you, even if you agree to it, my grandson won’t stand for it!”
Mason hesitated for a few seconds before finally pulling his mother into a guest room and closing the door. His voice was tinged with exasperation.
“Mom, stop saying Elise’s baby is mine.”
“If it’s not yours, whose is it? If the baby isn’t yours, why are you spending all this money and effort?”
Mrs. Reed gave Mason a sidelong glance, as if nothing could escape her perception.
“I know this situation isn’t respectable, but Elise is carrying your child–my precious grandson.”
“No matter who has to suffer, it won’t be my sweet grandson.”
Seeing his mother’s unwavering belief, Mason had to be more explicit about the truth.
“Mom, you’ve completely misunderstood.”
“I only brought Elise here because she was having a difficult time in her marriage. I’m just helping her through her
pregnancy.”
“There’s nothing between Elise and me.”
Mrs. Reed was stunned, taking a moment to process what her son had just said.
“So you’re raising someone else’s child?!”
15.30 O
