Chapter 38: Chapter 38

JAMIE

I woke up on the first morning of my engagement feeling a lot different than I’d imagined. I thought I’d be over the moon, daydreaming about wedding details, just like I had before I fell asleep last night.

But instead, I was haunted by an uneasy feeling that had been lingering since three in the morning. I hadn’t slept since then, and the dark circles under my eyes were a stark contrast to the radiant glow I’d hoped to have as a newly engaged woman.

The only thing keeping me grounded was the warmth of my coffee cup. I stood by the kitchen window of our beach house, my gaze lost in the vastness of the ocean.

I’d been standing there for a good twenty minutes, lost in thought. My phone buzzed on the counter, jolting me out of my reverie. I picked it up and saw Carmen’s name on the screen.

I opened her message.

Carmen

Going to be a little late for the party. My asshole ex-husband is coming around for his things after I finish work later. I promise I’ll be there by ten, hon. X

Brent was coming around, which meant he and Carmen were finally done. I was relieved—I didn’t want to see him again.

But as I thought about the incident last night, a chill ran down my spine. Could Brent have been the one lurking around the house?

He had threatened to make me pay for ruining his marriage. What did he have in mind?

Suddenly, Mason’s arms wrapped around me from behind, his warm breath tickling my neck.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he murmured. “I didn’t hear you get up.”

I turned to face him, setting my coffee mug on the counter. “I couldn’t sleep after what happened,” I admitted.

Mason sighed and moved around me, leaning against the countertop. “You don’t need to worry about that,” he said, trying to sound reassuring. “I’m sure it was just someone looking for a place to crash for the night.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, a knot of fear tightening in my stomach. “But what if it wasn’t?” I asked. “Someone was lurking around the house late last night. It’s creepy.”

Mason pulled me into a comforting hug. “Relax, we’re fine,” he said, his voice firm. “We’re only here for one more night, and we have security out front. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I looked up at him, searching his eyes for reassurance. “Promise?” I whispered.

“I promise,” Mason said, his lips curving into a reassuring smile. “Why don’t you go upstairs and try to get some sleep before the party later? I’ll make breakfast and bring it up in a bit.”

I let out a sigh. “Okay,” I agreed, pressing a kiss to his lips.

As I climbed the stairs, I felt a sense of calm returning. The bright sunlight streaming through the window made me feel less uneasy about going to sleep.

The conversation with Mason had also eased my mind a bit. Maybe the person snooping around outside was just looking for a place to stay.

I woke up hours later, feeling better than I had this morning. The wrap-around porch was buzzing with activity. A catering company had arrived and was setting up for the party.

Tables were being arranged, linens draped over them, and platters of colorful appetizers were being displayed. Inside, a bar was being set up.

A long, polished counter was being positioned against the wall, stocked with various wines and spirits. A bartender was busy preparing the area, arranging glasses and garnishes.

Mason had taken care of the decorations throughout the house. With my guidance, he’d arranged candles and flowers in a way that was both festive and inviting.

The living room was adorned with black and white balloons and banners. Everything looked perfect.

The party’s theme was to wear black, which was exactly what Eoin wanted. Everyone else was relieved, escaping the hassle of finding and putting together elaborate outfits.

I took my black dress off its hanger and slipped it on. The dress was a classic little black dress, with a crew neckline and long mesh sleeves that added a touch of elegance.

The structured bodice and flared skirt accentuated my figure. I decided to add a little dazzle to my outfit with a pair of dainty earrings and a bracelet to match.

They were the perfect accessories, enhancing my dress without stealing the show. I then slipped into my comfy black flats, not quite ready to brave the world in heels just yet.

I was just adding the final touches to my makeup when Mason walked in. He looked dashing in a sharp three-piece suit.

The pants were a sleek black, the shirt a crisp white, and the waistcoat added an air of sophistication. His hair was styled to perfection, and his eyes twinkled with a playful glint.

“You look stunning,” he said, his voice a smooth, low murmur. He came over and took my hand, sending a shiver down my spine.

“You clean up pretty well yourself,” I whispered into his ear, before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

It was a brief, sweet kiss. I pulled back and gave him a smile. “I’ll be ready in a jiffy,” I told him.

Mason nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. He walked over to the foot of the bed, sat down, and pulled out his phone.

I watched him with a smile. Mason was a creature of habit, and I knew exactly what he was up to. Whenever he had a spare moment, Mason would inevitably check his work emails on his phone.

His mind was always on his job, and I couldn’t fault him for it. It was a big part of who he was.

I glanced at my ring, the large diamond sparkling on my finger. I’d been wearing it all day and didn’t want to take it off.

But I felt a twinge of anxiety about wearing it to Eoin’s birthday party. I lowered my voice. “Do you think I should leave my ring here?” I asked Mason.

Mason’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “No. Why would you want to do that?” he asked.

I shrugged. “It’s just, it’s Eoin’s birthday party tonight. I don’t want to steal his thunder by announcing our engagement.”

“Eoin won’t mind,” Mason assured me. “He’ll be happy for us, just like everyone else.”

I wasn’t so sure. I didn’t want to upstage Eoin on his big day, but Mason knew his cousin better than I did.

“Okay,” I agreed, smiling at him. “I’ll wear it.”

The party was in full swing. The air was filled with lively chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the thumping beat of the music. As I looked around, I realized I didn’t recognize most of the people.

There were a few familiar faces among Eoin’s family, but most of the guests were strangers to me. There were also a few people from the office that Mason introduced me to. Some of them remembered me from before the accident, when I used to work for Mason, but I had no memory of them.

I spotted Eoin’s girlfriend Emily mingling with the guests. She’s Mason’s new assistant, and she seemed really nice. That was the impression I got when I greeted her at the door.

The music was playing, and guests were enjoying a wide selection of drinks. Gourmet food was being served on the wraparound porch, giving guests a chance to enjoy delicious dishes while taking in the stunning ocean view.

I was standing on the wraparound porch, staring out at the ocean, the waves crashing against the shore. I was so lost in the moment, I didn’t hear Eoin come up behind me.

“This is unbelievable,” he said in awe.

I turned to face him, and our eyes met. A warm smile spread across my face when I saw the genuine joy in his eyes.

“This is amazing, Jamie,” he continued. “I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

I smiled, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. “You’re welcome,” I replied. “You asked, and I delivered.”

Eoin laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement and gratitude. “You certainly did,” he said. “This makes up for all those years I didn’t have a birthday party growing up.”

He paused for a moment. “I wasn’t exactly a privileged kid,” he joked, but I could hear the underlying sadness in his tone.

I felt a pang of sympathy for him. “You never had birthday parties?” I asked.

Eoin gave a rueful shake of his head, a hint of a bitter smile starting on his lips. “Not one,” he answered. “Life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for me, like it was for my cousin. My family had its fair share of struggles, both financially and emotionally.”

His words stirred a pang of sympathy within me. I had no idea about the hardships he had faced, and Mason never brought it up. I found myself wondering if Mason even knew about Eoin’s struggles.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I had no idea.”

Eoin nodded, lifting his beer bottle for a sip. “It’s okay,” he replied, resting his arms on the wooden railings. “I had to work hard to get where I am,” he continued. “I’ve been helping to support my parents since I was old enough to get a job. That’s what family does.”

Eoin turned to look at me, his gaze steady. “Some people have everything handed to them,” he said, his voice low and measured. “While others have to work their fingers to the bone, just to get what they deserve.”

I understood his point, but I was taken aback that he was sharing it with me. “Well, you know you can always come to me if you ever need anything,” I offered.

Eoin flashed a smile. “Likewise,” he said, winking at me. “I should check on Emily. She’s been shooting daggers at me from across the room.” He chuckled. “I’m probably in the doghouse.”

I laughed along with him. “Go, have fun,” I told him. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

I remained on the porch, my gaze fixed on the winding driveway leading up to the house. I was still waiting for Carmen to arrive, given she was already late. It was past ten, and I couldn’t help but worry.

I pulled out my phone, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I started to type a message to her. Just as I was about to hit send, Mason appeared in the doorway.

“Jamie…,” he called out.

I turned to face him, a small smile playing on my lips. “I’m coming,” I replied, casting one last look toward the driveway before heading inside.

Mason took my hand and we walked into the room, just as Harry was calling out, trying to get everyone’s attention. Heads turned to look at him. I exchanged a glance with Mason, who shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Harry announced, his voice carrying over the noise. The room began to quiet down, all eyes on Harry.

A sense of anticipation washed over me. Was Harry about to say a few words for Eoin’s birthday? Or was he about to announce our engagement?

“Thank you everyone for coming tonight to celebrate Eoin’s birthday,” he began. His eyes scanned the room for Eoin, finally landing on him. “I hope you’re having a great night, Eoin. Happy birthday.”

A smile spread across Eoin’s face as he responded, “Thank you, Uncle Harry.”

“And in other news,” Harry continued, his voice brimming with excitement. “I have a little announcement to make.” My heart pounded in my chest as I looked at Mason, who stood beside me, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“My son Mason proposed to the lovely Jamie here last night…and she said yes!” Harry announced.

The room erupted into cheers and applause, even from people I didn’t know. The guests clapped and shouted their congratulations. The excitement was palpable. I turned to Mason, my eyes shining with joy.

He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. “I fucking love you,” he whispered. I was the only one who could hear him over the noise.

I laughed softly. “You too,” I replied.

I turned my head and saw Eoin making his way through the crowd toward us.

“I can’t believe it,” Eoin said. “I’m so happy for you both.”

Eoin pulled me into a warm hug, his congratulations genuine and heartfelt.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Knight,” he joked, and I laughed, feeling a wave of happiness wash over me.

“Thank you,” I replied, my heart brimming with gratitude.

My phone buzzed in my purse, and I pulled it out. It was Carmen…finally.

“I have to take this,” I said to Eoin and Mason. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

I stepped out onto the wrap-around porch, the cool night air wrapping around me. The porch was empty now, but I could see some guests had wandered down to the beach below.

I pressed my phone against my ear, my heart thumping wildly.

“Where are you?” I asked, trying to inject a bit of lightness into my tone. “You’re late.”

Carmen’s voice came through the line, shaky and devoid of any humor. “Jamie…,” she began. I knew instantly that something was off.

“Are you okay?” I asked. “What’s happening?”

Her response sent a shiver down my spine. “I don’t think he’s breathing…”

Carmen’s voice cracked, and I could hear her crying on the other end of the line. She was struggling to breathe between sobs. “He’s not breathing… He’s not breathing, Jamie,” she repeated.

My heart plummeted. A wave of panic surged over me, completely wiping out the joy I’d felt just moments ago.

“Brent?”

Carmen’s sobs echoed through the phone. “He’s dead,” she managed to say, her voice heavy with guilt and despair. “I think I killed him.”