Perfection Isn't Ours

Chapter Fifteen

Mason adjusted his maroon bow tie as he stood in front of his floor length mirror in his walk-in Closet. He moved back a bit to admire his black suit and white dress shirt. Then he picked up his hair spray and sprayed his hair while touching the locks lightly.

He stopped when Fiona walked into the closet. He had to admit, she was actually hot in her dress. She wore a red gown that had a lot of mass from the waist down while the top were sleeveless, leaving her shoulders bare and making her have a fairytale look. But as usual, she over did it. It was just a small event.

She stood with a huge smile and he sighed in return. Her blonde locks were up in a messy bun and around her neck was a golden 24 karat choker she had gotten for the event. He looked away. She was just too much.

"Don't I look great?" She asked and he just stared at himself in the mirror.

Mason dropped the hair spray and left the room, ignoring the hurt in her eyes. He got to the room and picked up his phone. He sighed at the number of texts he had from Ciara. He knew that she was sort of right to slap him but, he still couldn't understand why she was still with Jerome.

"Are you okay?" Fiona asked. "You've been miffed since last night. Is all well?" She asked the more as she stood in front of him. "You usually compliment my outfits but now, it's like I'm a mannequin to you at a mall."

Mason shrugged. "Maybe I'm not in the mood to say sweet things to you. If you'd excuse me, I have an event to go to."

"Wait! Aren't we supposed to go together? You're my boyfriend and all," she stated, pissed.

He chuckled in a dry tone.

"People who are married are considered very important in such cases. I'm just a boyfriend. If I show up without you, people won't question me or whatever," with that, he left the room in a haste.

•••

Ciara stood, waiting for Jerome to come out the garage with the car. As she waited, she looked down the street where Mason's house was. But could hardly see anyone.

Ciara pulled out her phone from her silver purse and opened her message threads with Mason.

Me: Please, Mason. I'm sorry for slapping you. I shouldn't have. I was mad. Well, what you said was the truth. Can we please talk? Okay, if you won't answer me, we'll eventually meet at the party. And, Happy Valentine's day.

She locked her phone the moment she sent the text. Then Jerome parked the car in front of her. She boarded the car and strapped on her seat belt.

"I don't know what you're plotting with that, Maxwell guy. But-"

"It's Mason. For once try to act civil," Ciara cut off in a harsh tone. She watched as Jerome's eyes flashed in hurt, she smirked.

"Okay," he said and drove off.

•••

They got to the venue and got their car taken by a valet to the parking lot. Meanwhile, Jerome had offered Ciara his arm but she walked on without him.

The designs of the event were romantically touched. Guests, cladded in red. Red and white roses adorned the hall, rose petals on the floors and warm lightening with good music around.

Ciara looked around frantically in search of Mason. It was impossible, so many men almost dressed the same and nearly looked alike. Just when she wanted to give up, she spotted him with a beautifully dressed Cinderella-looking Fiona while he looked like a dashing fairytale Prince. She realised her heart was beating too fast and her body was almost breaking sweat at him.

"Ma'am?" A voice said, causing her to flinch.

She blinked and looked at the waitress who was holding a silver tray with three flute glasses of wine. She took one and smiled at the waitress.

Ciara looked around for Jerome and rolled her eyes when she found him talking to Harry. She held her red and black laced dress and walked straight to Mason who had not glanced her way.

She paused in her strides when the people he was talking to left and Fiona attacked him with a passionate kiss, which he hesitantly returned. Ciara didn't know why, but she dropped the glass, getting everyone's attention, including Mason who was shocked like a dead fish. She inhaled feverishly and turned around before walking away slowly. She only hastened her steps when she heard Mason call to her.

•••

Mason halted in his steps when Ciara refused to stop. He balled his fists when Fiona stood beside him with a raised brow.

"Why did you stop kissing me and push me away like that when you saw her?" She demanded in a low tone, brows coming together in anger.

Mason rubbed his jawline like he was in thought before fixing his blue eyes on hers. He pushed her aside and kept walking.

"Where could she be?" He asked as his eyes darted around the red themed room. It'll be hard looking for her when she wore red. And f**k, she was beautiful. How can a simple black and red laced dress make her look so damn beautiful? Her curves, hair. Everything in one simple dress. Fiona went out of her way to look great but she's nothing compared to Ciara. But why would I feel bad when she saw us kissing?

"Mr. Rivers?" He heard a familiar voice say.

Mason looked to his side and stood straight. Before him stood, Jake Deon, the owner and CEO of The Deon's Realty. He was in a similar outfit as Mason's and right beside him was his fiancé, in a mini red designer dress that reached her upper thigh. They actually looked good together in person than on their reality TV show and pictures.

"Mr. Deon," he said, stretching his hand to him for a shake, which he accepted.

"I just spoke to some of the England team and you guys are really doing well down here. Almost all our estate has been sold out. Quite impressive," Jake said, with a small smile.

Mason observed his facial expression. It almost seemed like he hadn't slept for days. His eye lids were looking heavy and his blue eyes were dull. Could this be about his sick secretary he had an affair with?

"Uh, yes. Thank you. We try our best down here. How come I didn't see you during the meeting we had three months ago?" Mason asked and his girlfriend beside him scoffed.

Jake cleared his throat.

"Well, you know the HQ suffered a lost in cost that moment due to almost losing one of our best workers. I couldn't attend due to personal reasons. But there's a meeting scheduled for next month," he replied.

"Okay. We appreciate this Valentine special. Our investors are impressed. I even saw workers from China and South and West Africa here. It's a nice thing to do," Mason added and that's when he realised that there were cameras around. Great, I'm on their reality show right now.

"Uh, you've met my fiancé, Victoria Kowalski, right?" Jack said and Victoria waved.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Kowalski. My girlfriend, Fiona really adores you. I'm sure she's been looking out for you," Mason said, kissing the back of her offered hand gently. He didn't miss the passing dark look in her eyes.

Victoria giggled. "I know about her. I met her once at Coachella. But, is she here?"

He nodded. "You'll easily find her. She's the outstanding one of all."

Jake and Victoria laughed at his statement but he didn't, cause he didn't intend for it to be a joke.

"Um. If you'll excuse me, I need to see someone," Mason said with a handshake with Jake before leaving the duo.

"Where are you, Ciara?" He whispered.