Chapter 11 Lucia wins this time
1084 Words
Mason put Lucia's foot down. "No need to thank me," he said emotionlessly. "I just don't want my dad to blame me."
He tossed the ointment at Lucia and went to the door.
Lucia watched Mason's backside. "No need to thank me," she mouthed, copying Mason. "I just don't want my dad to blame me."
When she finished, the corners of her lips curled up. "I wasn't going to thank you," she muttered. "You're the reason why I got hurt and a fever! Hmph!"
Despite her words, it felt like sweet honey was running through her veins.
She'd gotten abandoned on the roadside and drenched in the rain last night, but it was worth it to be treated so gently by Mason!
The next day, they went to visit Lucia's grandma together. Mason's black car rolled to a stop before a two-story house.
Mason and Lucia alighted one by one.
When Lucia saw the familiar car on the side, her temples pulsed.
How come they were here?
"Hand." Mason walked to Lucia's side and extended a hand.
Huh?!
Lucia looked at him in confusion.
"Put on an act," Mason uttered from his thin lips.
"Oh," Lucia replied. She let Mason hold her hand. When she felt the warmth of his palm, her heart was also wrapped in warmth.
She looked down at the two clasped hands, and she smiled sweetly.
It was just an act, but she would treasure this memory forever.
As expected, they entered the living room, and Lucia saw her dad, stepmom, and stepsister talking to her grandma. They all looked troubled. Meanwhile, her stepbrother, Simon, was on the side, playing a game with earbuds.
When Grayson saw Lucia and Mason, he put on a fake smile and welcomed them in.
"Mason, Lucia, come on in. Take a seat."
Lucia wasn't used to how friendly her dad was.
Since her parents divorced when she was seven years old, her dad had stopped caring for her. He had always looked at her with cold, disgusted eyes.
In less than a year, he had married Yvonne and brought home five-year-old Jessica. One year later, Simon was born.
Yvonne didn't get along with Lucia's grandma, so Grayson bought another house, and the four of them moved away. Lucia and her grandma were left in this old house.
Lucia's heart was bleeding from getting her scars ripped apart!
Her parents were still alive, but she felt like an orphan.
Only her grandma truly cared for her, which was why they had a close relationship.
"Mason, we came to join in the fun when we heard that you and Lucia are visiting," Yvonne said, coming over with a wide smile, acting familiar with them. She also pulled Jessica over and pushed her before Mason.
"Hi, Mason," Jessica said shyly. She didn't hide the adoration she felt.
Mason grunted in reply. The moment he'd walked through the door, he'd felt the strange atmosphere in the room, but he didn't react. Instead of cooperating or rejecting them, he kept a neutral and indifferent attitude.
Lucia led Mason towards her grandma. When she passed by Jessica, she could clearly feel the animosity radiating from her.
Lucia scoffed. She was the winner this time!
Lucia and Jessica had never been close. No matter what Lucia had, Jessica had to snatch it over, not giving up until she took it from Lucia's hands! If she really couldn't take it, she'd rather destroy it than let Lucia have it!
Jessica had fought Lucia for Mason, too, and made a big commotion, but the Reynolds family chose Lucia over her.
Jessica glared at Lucia and Mason. The two looked like the perfect pair, and her chest throbbed in jealousy.
She'd never lost to Lucia before. It was the only time she'd lost, and it was a complete defeat!
She couldn't take it. She couldn't accept it.
One day, she would steal Mason back!
Jessica tightened her fists in determination.
"Granny, I brought something for you." Mason held out a few gift bags to Lucia's grandma, Pearl Donne.
"Oh, you didn't have to," the old woman said. "Your presence is a gift itself!"
"Granny, just take it. No need to act so polite with him." Lucia took the bags from Mason and set them on the table. Then she returned to Pearl's side and pressed her cheek against Pearl's.
"Granny, did you miss me?"
"Of course! Let me see…" Pearl cupped Lucia's face in her hands. "Oh, you got thinner!"
"Because I miss you so much!" Lucia said sweetly.
Lucia moved into Mason's house, so Pearl is living alone now. She'd hired a caretaker, but she was still worried for Pearl.
"Oh, so it's my fault!" Pearl joked, looking affectionately at her granddaughter. Then she looked at Mason. She felt that they made such a perfect pair! Mason was tall, handsome, and reliable; Lucia was pretty, spirited, and kind!
"Mason, how's your father's health?" she asked.
"Much better," Mason replied.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know about his surgery and didn't even visit him," Pearl said apologetically.
"My dad didn't tell you because he didn't want to worry you. He said he'll visit once he's better."
Mason had only met Pearl a few times, but he did like and respect this old lady. His grandparents had passed away before he was born, so Pearl helped fill that blank space in his life.
"He's not in good shape, so he shouldn't mess around. Have him rest well and stop worrying about me. I'm doing great." Pearl's concern showed in her expression and voice.
Timothy was closer to her than her own son these years. He was also more filial. Pearl had started viewing him as her son without even realizing it.
"Your dad and I really get along well," she lamented.
"He says that too," Mason agreed.
"Your dad cares for people. I'm sure his son must be as good as him," Pearl said. It was also why she agreed to let Lucia marry Mason.
"That's because you deserve to be respected," Mason said. "My dad is still grateful to you for saving him!"
"He still remembers something from so long ago…"
As Pearl spoke of the past, her thoughts drifted back as well.
Back then, she was a teacher, and Timothy was her student. He had excellent performance and worked hard, leaving a deep impression on her.
One night, she worked late at school, and on the way back, she saw a gang surrounding Timothy…
- Writer
