FOREVER YOURS

The Man In Mask

"Mark! What are you doing here?" I asked, staring at him in disbelief. Mark. The deceitful, cunning guy I knew all too well.

"Mamma mia, that's no way to greet your boyfriend" he smirked, stepping forward.

"Boyfriend?"

"The last time I checked, you were my younger brother's friend" I snapped, barely holding back the urge to slap him.

"Shush, baby girl. Don't be so mean." He closed the distance between us.

"And what do you think you're doing?" I asked, stepping back immediately.

Mark was the only one among Jere's friends who always crossed the line. I used to love how he cared for my brother, buying him sweets, keeping him company. He was like family to me once. Until he mistook my kindness for affection and confessed his feelings.

Things turned bitter when I found out he slept with my so-called friend just to get my attention. I never confronted him. I simply told Jere to cut ties with him. And that was that-until now.

"Come on, Mamma, don't be like this" Mark said softly.

"You know I've always loved you. And I still do." His eyes met mine with that same insincere charm that used to fool people.

"Wow, I never knew that, Mark" I said sarcastically.

"But wait... how's Aria? Haven't heard from her in a while."

His face instantly paled. "You... you, Mia... I'm so-" he stuttered.

I shook my head, watching realization dawn on him. Then I turned to leave.

"And listen, Mark-next time you cross my path again, I'll forget you were ever a friend."

My eyes darted away as I walked straight to Chelsea's house.

~~~

It's been two days since I last went home. For some reason, I didn't feel like returning yet. But if I didn't, Jeremiah might turn that house into a circus.

"Good morning, Chelsea"

I yawned, stretching as I rose from bed. Chelsea was still fast asleep, snoring in the cutest way possible.

It was my day off, and Mr. Noah loved these days, probably because it meant freedom from his medications and my constant reminders. He'd often call just to tell me how peaceful his day had been without me "disturbing" him.

Usually, I'd spend my day off with Jere, either going for a walk or cooking something special, but since I wasn't home, I decided to visit Mr. Noah instead.

I slipped into a pair of blue jeans and a white top, hailed a cab, and soon arrived at Mr. Noah's mansion.

The moment I stepped through the gates, something felt different. The security men weren't the usual ones-these ones looked sterner, unfamiliar. I explained that I worked here, given my casual outfit, and they reluctantly let me through.

Inside, the mansion felt oddly quiet. I went into the kitchen, deciding to surprise Mr. Noah with a freshly made meal.

Halfway through, I heard voices coming from upstairs-Mr. Noah's room. I couldn't tell if they were arguing or just talking, but something about the tone felt... tense.

Balancing a tray of orange juice and bottled water, I stepped out of the kitchen and collided straight into someone. The tray fell from my hands as I landed hard on the floor.

"I'm so sor..."

I froze mid-sentence.

He stood before me-tall, a mask covering the lower half of his face. His dirty-blond hair hung low, almost covering his eyes, except for a narrow space where I could see them-green, sharp, and hauntingly familiar.

For a brief second, his gaze met mine. Then, without a word, he turned and strode away, followed by men dressed in black.

I sat there on the floor, dazed, staring after him. If not for the juice staining my clothes, I'd have thought I imagined it.

"Mia!" Nelson's voice jolted me back to reality.

Nelson-Mr. Noah's most trusted bodyguard. He was practically his shadow. He rushed over, helping me to my feet.

"Are you okay?, What happened?"

"Oh, thanks Nelson" I said, dusting myself off and picking up the tray.

He chuckled. "Why are you even here?, Isn't it your day off?"

"I'll go check on Mr. Noah. Be right back" I replied, hurrying upstairs before he could stop me.

"Sir?" I called softly, knocking on Mr. Noah's door. No answer.

I hesitated, then pushed the door open.

"Sir?"

The room was spotless, neater than usual. My eyes scanned every corner, but there was no one there.

"Mr. Noah?" I called again, stepping closer until I saw him-standing on the balcony, his back to me, hands resting on the railing.

"There you are! I've been looking for you" I said, walking toward him.

"Leave, Mia"

I blinked, stunned.

"Mr. Noah?"

"Leave!" he yelled, not turning.

I stood in awe, before I could get myself to ask anything else, Nelson suddenly entered, apologizing quickly on my behalf. He took my hand, gently but urgently, and led me downstairs.

"Why did you do that, Nelson?"

I demanded once we reached the living room.

"Look, Mia, this isn't the right time to be here. Please, just go home. Call me when you get there, alright?"

"Wait-what's going on?"

" First, that guy, and now Mr. Noah, acting so strange. What happened?"

Nelson froze, eyes narrowing. "Guy? What guy?"

"The one who bumped into me earlier!. He wore uhm...a mask, so I couldn't really see his face" I explained.

Nelson's eyes widened. "A man in a mask?" He leaned closer. "You mean... Mr. Mason?"

"Mr. Mason?" I echoed.

He nodded slowly. "Mr. Noah's son."

My jaw dropped.