Chapter 63
Lily
Lily pushed open the door to her dorm room, the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla from her diffuser greeting her as she stepped inside. Her steps were slow and careful, still a bit shaky from the hospital visit. Jake hovered close behind her, his hand lightly resting on the small of her back, ready to steady her if needed.
"Easy now," Jake murmured, his voice low and warm. "You've had a long day. Let me help you."
Lily didn't argue. She was too exhausted to summon her usual stubbornness. Jake gently guided her to the bed, where she sank down with a sigh. He crouched in front of her, his concerned eyes searching her face.
"Do you need anything? Water? Tea? Snacks? Just say the word, and I'll get it," he offered, his tone brimming with sincerity.
Lily gave him a faint smile, touched by his attentiveness. "I'm okay. You don't have to fuss over me."
Jake smirked, his dimple flashing. "Fussing is kind of my specialty. You're stuck with it."
Before she could protest, he stood and began moving around the room with quiet efficiency. He grabbed a blanket from the edge of her bed and draped it over her lap, then picked up her favorite mug from the desk. "Chamomile tea? Helps with sleep."
Lily scrunched up her nose, "I don't like Chamomile."
"Drink it," Jake frowned. "Please. You need a good night's rest."
"Okay," Lily nodded.
"Thank you," Jake leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
Lily's chest tightened with gratitude and affection. She leaned back against the pillows, watching Jake as he boiled water in the electric kettle and prepared her tea, his movements smooth and practiced like he'd done this a thousand times.
As Lily watched, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and saw Gabriel's name. Her brows furrowed as she unlocked it to read his message:
Gabriel: Did you take your med?
Lily stared at the words, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. The casual yet caring tone of his text sent an unexpected uneasiness through her as her eyes flickered to Jake.
Lily: No. Not yet.
Gabriel: Don't forget it. I mean it, angel.
Lily stared at her phone. Her brows furrowed further as she began to chew on her bottom lip. Her fingers hovered over the screen, wondering if she should reply at all.
"What's that look for?" Jake's voice pulled her from her trance as he glanced over his shoulder.
Lily quickly locked her phone and slipped it face down onto the bed. "Nothing," she said, forcing a smile. "Just a reminder to take my meds."
"Mason is at the pharmacy. Don't worry," Jake said as he finished steeping the tea and brought it over to her, holding the mug out like a peace offering. "Here. It's not chamomile. I went with mint instead."
Lily accepted the tea with a grateful nod, but her mind was elsewhere. As Jake settled onto the chair beside her bed, she felt the weight of her phone against her thigh, the text from Gabriel burning in her thoughts. She knew she needed to reply, but the tenderness in Jake's gaze made her forget all about it.
Instead, she took a small sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jake smiled, his frown from earlier softening. "Always, babe."
Her phone buzzed again, but this time she ignored it, choosing instead to focus on the kindness right in front of her.
_______________________
Theo and Daphne
Theo's polished black shoes clicked against the floors of the office, each step measured but brimming with restrained anger. His hands were shoved into the pockets of his tailored pants, and a deep scowl marred his sharp features. His jaw was clenched so tightly that the muscles twitched with every step, his dark eyes clouded with a storm of emotions.
He pushed open the heavy door to Daisy's office without knocking, the scent of fresh peonies mixing with the faint aroma of her usual herbal tea. Daisy looked up from a neat stack of papers on her desk, her perfectly composed expression faltering the moment she met his gaze.
"Theo," she started, her tone calm but wary, "What's wrong?"
Theo didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I just got a call. Lily's insurance was used at a hospital in California. Do you know anything about that?"
Daisy's shoulders slumped slightly, a rare crack in her otherwise flawless demeanor. She exhaled a long, quiet sigh, the worry in her eyes mirroring his own. Setting her pen down with deliberate care, she leaned back in her chair.
"Lily had a seizure," she admitted, her voice heavy with concern. "She called me this morning."
Theo's scowl deepened. "And you didn't think to tell me?"
Daisy raised a hand as if to soothe him, but the tremor in her fingers betrayed her calm exterior.
"She didn't want to worry you or dad. She said she had a seizure... but she's fine now. Mason is there and she was discharged from the hospital last night. She sounded fine."
The knot in Theo's chest tightened, his anger momentarily giving way to a pang of fear.
"She sounded fine?" he repeated, his tone sharp. "That's not good enough, Mom."
Daisy reached across the desk, her expression softening. "I know you're upset. I am too. But she asked me to respect her decision. You know how stubborn she is. She has follow up appointments. Mason assured me he will be with her. Dad and I are going to California tonight."
Theo pulled his hands out of his pockets, pacing the room like a caged tiger. "She shouldn't be alone out there," he muttered, more to himself than to Daisy. "You can't possibly believe Mason is mature enough to handle this."
"You need to have more trust in him, Theo," Daisy said quietly. Her worried gaze followed him as he paced. "But also, Lily is an adult now. We have to trust her judgment... even when it scares us. We can't whisk her away from her school because we are uncomfortable with the idea of her being so far away."
Theo stopped in his tracks, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "This isn't about judgment. It's about her health. She doesn't take care of herself, and now this? This should have never happened."
Daisy leaned forward, her hands folded on the desk. "Theo," she said gently, though her tone carried an undeniable firmness, "I know you're angry, and I understand why. But Lily doesn't need us to smother her right now. She needs us to trust her. That doesn't mean we won't support her, but we can't control every part of her life."
Theo's scowl deepened further, a flicker of helplessness flashing across his face. "She's my little sister," he said, his voice dropping to a quieter tone. "I'm not trying to control herâI just want her to be okay. How am I supposed to sit here and do nothing when I know she's out there dealing with... this?"
Daisy's expression softened further, but her eyes remained steady. "She's scared too, Theo. She called me because she needed reassurance, not panic. If you want to help her, you need to show her that you believe in her ability to handle thisâwithout taking over."
Theo let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. "You make it sound so easy," he muttered, the tension in his voice refusing to dissipate.
"It's not easy," Daisy admitted, her voice calm but resolute. "But we'll be there for her, even if it's not in the way you want. Your father and I will talk to her in person when we get there. And if she needs more help than she's letting on, we'll make sure she gets it."
Theo stared at his mother for a long moment, his jaw tightening as if he were holding back the urge to argue further. Finally, he gave a curt nod.
"Fine," he said, his voice low and clipped. "But I'm coming with you and dad. I'll tell Daphne to pack for the weekend."
Daisy nodded. "Of course."
Without another word, Theo turned on his heel and strode out of the office, his frustration far from resolved but tempered by the faintest thread of trust in Daisy's assurance. As the door clicked shut behind him, Daisy allowed herself a moment to exhale deeply, her composed mask slipping just slightly. Her worry for Lily was as heavy as Theo's, but she knew they needed to approach this carefullyâboth for Lily's sake and for Theo's.
____________________
Lily
Lily lay sprawled across her bed, staring at the ceiling as the soft hum of her dorm's air conditioner filled the quiet room. She shifted, fluffing her pillow, then reached for her phone, only to put it back down moments later. Nothing held her attention.
She sighed heavily, her restlessness growing unbearable. I can't just sit here.
Grabbing her phone and wallet from the desk, Lily slid on her sneakers and was just lacing them up when a knock at the door made her pause.
Frowning, Lily stood and walked over, cracking the door open. Her breath hitched when she saw Gabriel standing there, his hair slightly mussed from the wind, holding a small bouquet of lilies in his hand.
"Gabriel?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.
He gave her a crooked smile, his eyes scanning her face. "Hey, angel. Thought I'd check in on you." He held up the bouquet, a little awkwardly.
"You came all this way to check in?" Lily narrowed her gaze. "You could have texted me."
"Huh," Gabriel shrugged. "I didn't think of that."
Lily's eyes lowered to the flowers in his hand. Gabriel followed her gaze to the lilies.
"These are for you," he said.
Lily blinked, "You... brought me flowers?"
"Don't look so shocked," Gabriel teased, handing them over. "They're lilies."
"No, you don't say," Lily gasped. She took them carefully, their sweet fragrance filling the air between them. "Thank you," she murmured. "But.... why are you being so nice to me?"
Gabriel chuckled. His brows raised for a brief second as he nodded his head. To lily it seemed as if he was having a conversation with himself in his own mind.
"How are you feeling?" He asked instead, leaning against the doorframe.
"Fine," Lily answered automatically, almost too quickly.
"Did you remember to take your meds?" Gabriel grinned.
"Yes," Lily nodded. "Thanks for that and also thanks for everything else. I....I really appreciate everything you did for me yesterday."
Gabriel didn't reply. He stood against the doorframe silently, his sharp eyes watching her as if he could read her mind.
"Where's your boyfriend?" He asked after a pause.
"In class," Lily said.
Gabriel nodded, his gaze flicking down to her sneakers. "Going somewhere?"
Lily hesitated, hugging the bouquet against her chest. She shifted her weight, "I was just going for a walk. Needed some air."
Gabriel straightened, his expression shifting to one of quiet determination. "I'll come with you."
Lily's eyebrows lifted. "Gabriel, I'll be fineâ"
"Nope," he interrupted, already stepping into the room to grab her water bottle from the chair. "You're still recovering. I'm not letting you wander around by yourself."
"Are you serious?" Lily frowned. "You can't be serious."
"I'm dead serious," Gabriel said.
She opened her mouth to protest, but something in his toneâand the truth of her own limitationsâmade her stop.
"Fine," she relented, tucking the lilies into a vase on her desk. "But don't complain if I walk too slow."
"Deal," he said, his lips curving into a playful grin. "Let's go."
As they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine, Lily couldn't help but glance at him out of the corner of her eye. She couldn't decipher the look on his face. He looked deep in thought as if the conversation in his head was still on going.
"Are you okay?" Lily asked as they approached the parking lot.
He stopped, turning to face her. "Yeah. Why?"
"Why did you come here?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"To see you," he replied simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Lily frowned. "Why? We don't even like each other."
"That's not true," Gabriel said, his tone matter-of-fact. "I like you."
Her jaw dropped. "I don't think I like youâor whatever this is."
"This?" Gabriel smirked. "You mean going on a walk with a sick friend?"
"Friend?" Lily almost choked on the word. "Since when are we friends?"
"Since you decided you didn't want to be my girlfriend," he said with a straight face.
"What the hell is going on?" Lily muttered, looking around as if someone might explain. "Did I hit my head yesterday?"
"Lily," Gabriel stepped closer, his voice softening. "Stop stressing yourself out. It's not good for you."
"You're stressing me out!" she snapped, throwing her hands up.
Gabriel's eyes widened in mock offense. "How? I'm just trying to go on a walk with you!"
Lily groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. "What new games are you playing now?"
Gabriel paused, his playful grin fading, and for a moment, he looked almost serious. He stepped closer, his gaze steady as he looked her in the eyes.
"I'm not playing any games, Lily," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "I just... I wanted to do something nice for you. You've had a shitty couple of days. Believe it or not, I'm not as terrible as you think I am."
Lily froze, the weight of his words hanging in the air between them. She opened her mouth to argue, but the look on Gabriel's face stopped her. For once, he wasn't teasing. He wasn't playing his usual games. He was serious.
"I don't like this," she muttered, shaking her head. "I have a boyfriend, Gabriel. I can't justâ"
Gabriel's eyes softened. "I'm not asking for anything from you. Just... going on a walk. That's it."
Lily hesitated. "It's not just that. Alexa is going to be pissed if she finds out we're hanging out, and you know she will."
He shrugged, his expression almost too casual. "It can be our secret. No one has to know."
Lily frowned, her mind racing as she thought about how complicated everything already felt. "You're asking me to keep a secret?"
Gabriel nodded, not even flinching at the suggestion. "I'm not asking you to do anything you're not comfortable with. But I'm trying to do something nice for you. I don't want you to be alone right now."
She swallowed hard, torn between her need for boundaries and the fact that Gabriel wasn't trying to push anything on her. He wasn't asking for something in return, wasn't pressuring her. He was just... trying to be there.
"I don't know about this," she whispered. "I don't want to mess things up with anyone."
Gabriel's voice softened further, his gaze locking with hers. "You're not messing anything up. Just come with me. It's just a walk, angel. No expectations, no pressure."
Lily sighed deeply, her heart a mix of confusion and exhaustion. She shook her head again but, this time, there was a trace of something softer in her eyes.
"Fine," she said quietly. "But don't expect me to be good company."
Gabriel's lips twitched upward, a soft smile breaking through the tension. "I don't expect anything. Let's just go for the walk. For you."
Lily glanced up at him, feeling something shift in the air between them. Maybe it was the sincerity in his voice, or maybe it was the quiet understanding that passed between them, but she knew one thing: this wasn't like the usual game he played.
And maybe, for once, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to be around him.
_______________________
Wendy and Mason
Mason's Jeep bounced and bumped along the rugged dirt road, the tires kicking up clouds of dust as he navigated the uneven terrain. The road twisted and turned, narrowing in places, forcing Mason to drive slowly and carefully. The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the occasional rattle of the vehicle and the distant chirping of birds.
Wendy sat in the passenger seat, her brow furrowed as she glanced anxiously at her phone, which had no signal. She then sighed and picked up the paper map once again, unfolding it with frustration, her fingers tracing the winding lines of the route.
Mason, sensing her irritation, glanced over at her and smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"You know," he said, trying to sound upbeat, "This will all be worth it when we meet Jade and Tony. I'm telling you, when we get there, you'll forget all about this rocky road."
Wendy's eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced at him, skeptical. "Yeah, right. If they don't end up being a couple of weirdos in the middle of nowhere, then sure, maybe it'll be worth it."
Mason chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. "Come on, it'll be an adventure. You love this stuff."
"No, the fuck I don't," Wendy said. "Mason, for all we know, we could be driving to a cult. I mean who chooses to live here? In the middle of nowhere!"
"People in love," Mason grinned.
Wendy groaned, pressing her hand to her forehead. "For fuck's sake," she muttered. "I'm going to die. Oh my god, I'm going to die." She glanced at him, her voice laced with disbelief. "This is how I goâlost in the woods with you, trying to find a couple who probably think they're in a rom-com."
Mason laughed, but the sound was more out of a need to push back against the growing tension. "If we end up in a cult, at least you'll die knowing I was right about the adventure part."
Wendy let out an exasperated sigh and shook her head. "Mason, seriously. We're gonna end up on a missing persons report, and it'll be all your fault."
Mason's grin widened, and he pushed on, the road ahead still winding endlessly. "You'll thank me when you hear their story," he teased, keeping his eyes on the road but unable to resist a quick glance at her.
Wendy only gave him a half-hearted glare before returning her attention to the map, muttering to herself about the number of things that could go wrong. "God help us."
After a few more minutes, the car slowly emerged from the dense forest, the rugged dirt road giving way to something smoother, a semi-paved stretch that felt almost luxurious in comparison. The bumps and jolts of the earlier drive faded as the tires hummed along the more even surface. The Jeep's suspension seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and for a moment, everything felt calm.
As the trees thinned out, Wendy's eyes widened. The landscape unfolded before them in a burst of vibrant green hills, dotted with patches of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. The colors were a painter's dream: golden yellows, lavender purples, and soft pinks blending together like a natural canvas. The sun bathed the scene in a warm, golden light, casting long, soft shadows on the earth and highlighting the beauty that surrounded them. The sky stretched out above in a clear, serene blue, dotted with the occasional wispy cloud.
Wendy was left speechless, her mouth slightly agape as she took in the transformation. The chaotic, almost claustrophobic forest they'd driven through seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by rolling hills and the peaceful stillness of the countryside. She blinked a few times, her gaze darting between the scenery outside and Mason, who had a look of quiet satisfaction on his face, clearly enjoying her reaction.
"This...this is..." Wendy stuttered, still trying to process the sudden change of scenery. She let out a breath, her hand dropping to her lap. "I... I wasn't expecting this." Her voice trailed off, caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. "It's... so beautiful."
Mason just smiled, his hands loosely gripping the steering wheel. "Yeah... holy shit. We're not dead, right?"
Wendy shook her head, still unable to fully comprehend the transformation. "I didn't think so. I thought we were still in the middle of nowhere."
"It's a different kind of nowhere," Mason said, his tone soft, the hum of the tires on the smooth road blending with the gentle rustling of the wildflowers around them. "But yeah, I get what you mean."
Wendy couldn't stop staring, her mind finally at peace for the first time since they'd started the journey. The scene before her felt surreal as if they'd crossed some invisible threshold from one world into another.
"Look," Mason pointed to one of the hills in the distance. "That must be the place."
Wendy followed his gaze to the little house at the top of the hill. She sat forward in her seat with anticipation as they drove up the winding road towards it.
As they crested the hill, the house came into full view, nestled on a slight rise surrounded by sprawling green fields. A charming, rustic farmhouse with whitewashed wood, its porch adorned with hanging plants and a few old rocking chairs, looked peaceful against the backdrop of the endless blue sky. The land stretched out around it, dotted with the occasional tree and more wildflowers swaying in the breeze. Wendy could hardly believe this was the same place she had imaginedâisolated and remote yet brimming with warmth.
Mason slowed the Jeep as they made their way up the long, winding drive, the gravel crunching beneath the tires. At the top, they were greeted by Jade and Tony, a couple in their fifties who had an air of contentedness about them, with faces lined by years of laughter and smiles. Jade, with her short silver hair and a sun-kissed, gentle face, waved them in with a welcoming gesture. Tony, his graying beard neatly trimmed, stood beside her with an easygoing expression that immediately put Wendy at ease.
"Welcome! You must be Mason," Jade said, her voice warm and friendly. "We've been expecting you!"
Mason nodded with a tight smile, still taking in the beauty of the house. He stepped out of the Jeep, feeling the sun warm his skin, and offered a handshake to Jade. "Thank you for having us," he said, still in awe of the peaceful surroundings.
"We're so glad you could come," Tony added, his voice just as welcoming. "Our granddaughter, Mayaâshe's the one who told us she saw the ad about couples in a magazine and thought it might be fun to reach out to Verve."
Jade chuckled softly. "She's always full of ideas. I swear, she knows more about the world than we do." She smiled fondly at her husband before looking back at Wendy and Mason. "But it's been an exciting adventure for us too, and we're happy to share it with you."
Wendy, still somewhat taken aback by how serene and grounded everything felt, managed a smile. "I can see that. It's... beautiful here." She glanced around, almost unable to tear her eyes away from the idyllic scene. "I didn't expect this at all."
Jade's eyes sparkled with mischief. "A little surprise, isn't it?"
As they made their way inside the house, the warmth of the place wrapped around them like a blanket, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the soft, earthy aroma of the wildflowers outside. Jade led them into a cozy living room, complete with a large stone fireplace and windows that framed the stunning views of the hills beyond. The couple settled into easy conversation, eager to share stories about their long years together and how they had made this place their own.
Wendy, though still feeling the aftershocks of the bumpy drive and her own inner skepticism, settled down next to Mason with her notebook and pencil. She watched as Jade returned to the kitchen and soon reappeared with a tray of freshly baked cookies and a pitcher of lemonade.
She placed the tray on the low coffee table in front of them with a smile, her eyes gleaming with quiet pride. "I made these myself," she said, her voice light and welcoming. "Fresh lemonade too. I thought you might enjoy a little something after your long drive."
Wendy glanced at the cookies, their golden brown edges tempting, but her skepticism bubbled up. She hesitated, her fingers hovering just above the glass of lemonade, unsure. She glanced up at Mason, still trying to keep up the façade of indifference, but something in the back of her mind screamed to stay cautious.
What if there's something off about them? she thought, her instincts making her wary.
Mason, on the other hand, didn't think twice. With a grin, he eagerly grabbed a cookie and took a bite, savoring it with a pleased hum. "These are amazing," he said.
Jade laughed, clearly pleased with the compliment. "Thank you, dear. I used to bake for the kids all the time when they were little. Now it's just a nice way to keep busy."
Wendy remained silent, still unsure. Her fingers nervously tapped against the edge of her notebook, and she found herself glancing back at Mason, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the treats.
Should I just relax? Maybe she's not an evil granny.
But then, her thoughts returned to her skepticism.
What if it's too perfect?
She couldn't shake the feeling that something was just a little off, even as the peaceful surroundings wrapped around her like a soft blanket.
"How did you two meet?" Wendy asked, trying to distract herself from the internal battle. It was a simple question, but her curiosity about their love story was starting to edge out the doubt. She could still feel the subtle tension in her chest, though, a quiet hum of unease she couldn't quite ignore.
Jade and Tony exchanged a knowing look, their smiles softening as they reminisced.
"Oh, it was a long time ago," Tony began, his voice low and fond. "We were both young and foolish, and it was nothing but trouble in the beginning." He chuckled, glancing at Jade with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Mason leaned forward, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he listened intently. His eyes began to gleam as he soaked in every detail of Jade and Tony's story.
"You wouldn't believe it, but it was a bit of a whirlwind romance," Jade continued, her hands clasped gently in her lap. "We met at a diner. I was just a waitress at the time, and he came in for coffee one morning, looked me right in the eye, and said he had a feeling he was going to marry me one day."
Wendy arched her brow, as her eyes filled with concern. "Seriously?"
Mason let out a soft laugh, clearly charmed. "That sounds straight out of a movie. But you had to be a little skeptical, right?" He nudged Tony playfully, a twinkle in his eyes.
Wendy's gaze flicked back to Mason, who was practically glowing with interest, hanging on every word. Wendy was certain that if she could see him from Jade's and Tony's angle, his eyes would be wide with admiration, as if he were witnessing some fairy tale. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in this conversation, her skepticism making it difficult to warm up to the couple's love story.
Tony chuckled, nodding. "Oh, I was. I mean, what kind of fool says that to someone they just met?" His eyes shifted to Jade, a loving, almost wistful gaze. "But something about her, I don't know... I couldn't stop thinking about her. And well, here we are, all these years later."
Jade and Tony shared another smile. Wendy stared at them, her eyebrows knit together as she tried to keep her thoughts to herself. But she couldn't help the cynical edge creeping into her mind.
Seriously? A whirlwind romance at a diner? He just knew he was going to marry her? She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers tapping anxiously on her notebook.
Glancing at her face, Mason nudged her with his knee.
"Well," Jade began, a faraway look in her eyes as she settled into the memory, "when we first got together, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Tony was a bit of a wanderer back thenâalways chasing something, never really staying put. I'd never met anyone quite like him. He had that wild streak, you know?"
Tony let out a soft laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as he nodded. "I was a bit of a fool back then," he admitted with a grin. "But you know, when I first saw Jade, I realized I didn't want to be that guy anymore. She had a way of grounding me, of making everything feel like it had a purpose. Like there was something more than just the next adventure."
Mason's smile widened, clearly fascinated by their story. "Sounds like you had a pretty big shift in perspective."
Tony chuckled. "It was a wake-up call. I didn't even know how much I needed her until I saw her, really saw her, for the first time. We were inseparable after that. Every day felt like a new chapter."
Jade's eyes softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "And I was just as stubborn as he was. Took me a while to admit I was falling for him. I'd never met anyone like Tony eitherâsomeone who made my heart race and my stomach twist. But I wasn't about to let him think I was just going to fall into his arms without a fight. I gave him a hard time, I'll tell you that."
"I followed her around for three years before I got a date," Tony said.
"He stalked you for three years?" Wendy looked at Jade, her voice curious but cautious.
"Oh, no. No," Jade shook her head. "It wasn't like that. He would just come in for coffee or come to church and sit behind me. Sometimes he would help my mother carry the groceries and I would see him looking around the house for me."
"That's...." Wendy looked at Mason and he nudged her again.
"I was a changed man," Tony said, smiling at his wife. "I began to go to church for her. Found God."
"Did god tell you to stalk her?" Wendy asked.
Jade's eyes widened, and Tony let out a surprised laugh. Wendy's question hung there, her voice sharp with skepticism. Mason's face went a little pale, caught between amusement and concern. He quickly nudged Wendy again, his eyes pleading for her to ease up.
Jade didn't seem to flinch at the question. She smiled, a soft, understanding smile, as if she'd heard every variation of that comment before.
"No, it wasn't like that. Tony wasn't stalking me," she said. "He just didn't know how to take 'no' for an answer." Her tone was light, but there was a hint of affection in the way she spoke about it. "He was determined. And stubborn, just like me."
Tony chuckled at that, nodding. "She was a tough one to crack, but I respected her for it. I'd come in for coffee and just sit, hoping she'd notice me. I thought I had a chance when she started talking to me, but, man, she didn't make it easy." His grin softened. "But that's what I loved about her."
Wendy leaned back slightly in her chair, still unsure. She crossed her arms, eyeing them both. There's no way I'm buying this as some grand romantic gesture, she thought. Stubbornness isn't a good reason to make someone uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I get it," Wendy replied, her voice skeptical. "But you were persistentâin a way that could be kind of... creepy. And you, Jade, you let him do that? Three years?" She raised an eyebrow, pressing further, the uncomfortable knot in her chest growing.
Mason shifted in his seat, a little embarrassed. "Wendy..." he muttered quietly, but she didn't notice.
Jade didn't seem offended, though. Instead, she looked thoughtful, as if reflecting on the years Tony had spent around her life. "I didn't let him do anything, really. I was just... careful. And, yes, he was persistent, but he also proved he could be patient. He respected my boundaries."
Tony nodded, his face sincere. "I knew it wasn't going to be easy. But I also knew that she was worth it. And I wasn't going to give up. Not after I saw what I could have with her." He turned his gaze back to Jade, his eyes softening. "Sometimes, that's what it takesâpersistence, patience, and knowing when to wait for the right moment."
Wendy, though still holding onto a sliver of doubt, couldn't help but soften slightly at the look between them. She glanced at Mason, whose gaze was fixed on Jade and Tony, clearly moved by their story. He was looking at them like they were some kind of ideal couple, and it only made Wendy's unease grow. She felt a pang of frustration.
Why does he have to believe in all of this?
Before she could voice her thoughts, Jade suddenly straightened, an urgent spark in her eyes. "Oh, Tony! We need to bring the sheep in from the fields!"
"I almost forgot!" Tony exclaimed, quickly rising to his feet. "They distracted me."
Jade rushed after him, throwing a look over her shoulder. "We'll be right back, you two. Sit tight!"
Mason grinned, clearly amused by the sudden turn of events. "They have sheep," he said, glancing at Wendy with a playful look in his eyes. "Can you believe it?"
"Do you really believe in all of this?" Wendy couldn't help but ask him quietly.
"Why would they lie about sheeps, Wendy?"
"No, you idiot," Wendy clicked her tongue. "I'm talking about their story."
Mason turned to her, his expression gentle, but there was a glint of quiet amusement in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... this whole story?" Wendy gestured vaguely. "Does it seem perfect to you? A little too perfect?"
Mason's smile faded slightly, as if trying to read her tone. "I think... I think sometimes things are perfect, sweet girl. Not everything needs to be analyzed."
Wendy pursed her lips, her skepticism running deep.
"It's too perfect," she muttered, almost to herself. "It's too tidy. It's like something out of a storybook, and people aren't like this, Mason."
Mason didn't respond immediately. He shifted in his seat, stretching his legs out in front of him as he leaned back, making himself comfortable. But there was something in his demeanor that shiftedâhe wasn't laughing anymore, no trace of amusement in his expression. Instead, his eyes focused as he regarded her carefully.
"Tony's heart stopped the day of their wedding," he said quietly, his tone turning serious.
Wendy's brows knitted in confusion. "What?"
Mason sighed, the weight of his next words hanging heavy in the air. He stretched his legs again, then rested his hands behind his head, his posture relaxed but his voice laced with something far deeper than casual conversation.
"Yeah," he began, pausing as if letting the gravity of the statement sink in. "After years of convincing Jade to say yes, she finally did. They were on their way to the wedding when Tony suffered a cardiac arrest. His heart stoppedâfour timesâon the way to the hospital. And to make matters worse, as they were following behind the ambulance, his best friend Phil and Jade got into a crash. Phil was an organ donor. And now? Tony has his best friend's heart inside of him."
Wendy's mouth went dry as the words hit her like a punch to the gut. She was silent for a long beat, her mind trying to process the weight of what Mason had just told her.
"Jesus," she whispered, finally breaking the silence. Her eyes flickered to Mason's face, where there was a strange softness that hadn't been there before.
Mason shrugged, but his eyes were no longer distant. "There's more to every story than what you see on the surface, Wendy. Maybe you just need to look deeper."
The next few chapter will have a lot more of Lily, Mason, and Wendy <3