Chapter 7
Things have taken a seriously weird turn, but honestly? I’m kind of enjoying the show.[]
I cross my arms and watch Riley pour her heart out, screaming about her feelings–from teenage crushes to years of secret love.
If I were just some bystander, I’d probably be moved by her dramatic confession too.
Mason’s completely blindsided by this sudden declaration. He blinks a couple times and takes several steps back
Then he starts shaking his head and waving his hands frantically
“No, no, no–Riley, you’re freaking me out here!”
“What did I do to give y you the wrong idea? I only see you as a friend–never anything romantic.“]
“I’ve only ever loved one person, and that’s my wife. I want to marry her, build a life with her.”
“I’m sorry about your feelings, but I can’t give you anything. I’ve already given all my love to my wife.“||
For once, Mason’s being brutally direct. No beating around the bush, no soft letdown
With every word he says, Riley looks more devastated. By the end, tears are streaming down her face
“You love her that much?”
Mason nods firmly. “Yes, Lily’s the only one I love.”
Riley looks like she’s about to collapse. Ethan rushes to steady her, but Mason doesn’t move a muscle.
“So no matter what I do, you’ll never love me back?“]
Mason nods again. “In my mind, friends are friends and lovers are lovers. Those lines don’t get blurred.“[]
“Riley, you’ve gotta drop it. This obsession of yours is going nowhere.“]
In that moment, I see complete despair in Riley’s eyes. She pushes Ethan away and stumbles out of the hotel room.]
Ethan chases after her. The other two guys take the hint and leave too.
Mason stares after Riley for a moment, looking dazed, then snaps back to reality and turns to me.]]
“Lily, I told Riley no. From now on, it’s just you for me.”
“So.. please forgive me this time.”
He’s looking at me with those bright, hopeful eyes.[]
Suddenly I’m reminded of when we first met–that hiking group trip. I was the only woman there.[]
From the moment we hit the trail, he was so attentive to me. When it started raining, he gave me his only rain jacket.
“Lily, believe it or not, it was love at first sight. I have this feeling we’re going to get married someday.”
I thought he was completely nuts at the time.
But he kept pursuing me for a whole year. Every time he looked at me, his eyes would light up just like they are now.
Like he really, truly loved me.]
Even now, I don’t doubt that he loves me.
But his love is too weak. Too hesitant.
He’s good to me, but when I’m being humiliated, he just stands there doing nothing.
He loves me, but he won’t shut down Riley’s advances–he enjoys the attention while keeping things “unclear.”
Today’s wedding was one disappointment after another.]
When you collect enough disappointments, they turn into despair.
Labsolutely cannot be with someone like this. If I actually married him, who knows how much more bullshit I’d
My mom raised me to know my worth. I don’t tolerate being treated badly.
So I’m done with this love.
I pull my hand away and shake my head firmly.[]
“I will never forgive you. Ever.“[]
“Some mistakes can be fixed. Others can’t.“]]
“So let’s get divorced. Clean break.”
I watch Mason’s face change from shock to complete despair.]
“Is there really… really no chance at all?“]
1 nod. “None.”
have to endure.
