Chapter 21 – Second Guesses
Emelia’s POV
At first, I couldn’t find the words to respond to the man before me. To say he was incredibly handsome would be an understatement.
Short, black hair was slicked back, as sharp features encased flawless skin. High cheekbones rested just under a beautiful pair of vibrant green eyes.
The deep blue suit he was wearing was immaculate and free of any wrinkles. It looked expensive; very similar in style to what Victor would wear.
I had to pick my jaw off the floor so I could greet him properly. “I am, but have we met? I’m sorry, I’m having a hard time recognizing you.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to come off as a creep.” Even his chuckle was smooth. “My name is Mason Leone; we attended the same Gala Dinner a few days ago.”
I met his politeness with a very strained smile. I’d wanted nothing more than to forget about that awful night and the effects it had on me emotionally and physically.
Mason seemed to notice my hesitation and spoke for me. That woman, Lily, she left quite the impression on me. Your husband didn’t react how I thought he would to her outburst.”
“He didn’t react how I thought he would either.” I took a deep breath. “It was rather embarrassing, to be honest. I’d hoped I would’ve forgotten about it by now.”
Mason smiled warmly at me. “I understand your frustrations. Just know that as an outsider looking in on that situation, none of what happened was your fault. You handled that with a lot more grace than most people would have.”
My eyes widened slightly. His reassuring words took me off guard, and caused my cheeks to blush slightly. Seeing as how he was a complete stranger, it was very kind and considerate of him to validate my experience and feelings.
To be honest, I thought that maybe he had approached me to ask about getting into contact with Victor. Most people tried to do so when they found out who I was.
It made me wonder what more there was to Mason and his reasoning for wanting to speak with me…
“You know,” Mason continued. “I find it funny how your husband was easily fooled by such shallow words and trickery. Here I thought he was much smarter than that.”
I nodded my head in agreement. “I thought so, too. It seemed you and I were the only ones who saw right through Lily’s game.”
The more this conversation went on, the more Mason surprised me. I was intrigued by his thoughts after hearing nothing but endless excuses made by Victor for Lily. Hearing an outsider have a completely different way of thinking only enticed me to continue the conversation.
I wanted to know more.
But just as I thought to open my mouth, my phone rang. Thinking it was Victor, I simply ignored it.
Then it rang a second time.
“Don’t keep them waiting now. It’s considered rude, you know.” Mason’s smile was playful.
“If I’m being honest, I’d much rather talk to you than whoever happens to be on the other line.” I said as I
der 21 – Secondo
21-1
assumed it was Victor again.
“We’ll have more opportunities in the future. I can assure you that, Mrs. Russo, Until next time. Have a good night.
My eyebrow perked up as I walked Mason leave. His words felt like there was a hidden meaning behind them, and it burned my curiosity even brighter.
His mysterious and charming demeanor was undoubtedly intoxicating. Regardless of his considerate personality and his clear smarts, he was a stranger–1 should’ve been guarded towards him.
But I wasn’t.
When I took out my phone, I was surprised to see that it was Alexis. I took a seat at a nearby bench and picked up her call.
“Is everything okay, Alexis? What’s wrong?”
“I should be asking you that question!” Alexis huffed. “Victor’s been blowing up my phone because he sa couldn’t get a hold of you, so I got worried!”
“I’m s
surprised he cares.” I sighed. “I’m sorry for worrying you though, I promise, I’m fine.”
he
“What’s going on between you two now? I thought everything was okay and he was taking you on a trip to make up for everything”
“I wish everything was okay…”
“Ugh, don’t tell me…!”
Alexis seemed to already know what my main issue already was. I’d vented to her so much about it, and she’d seen so much for herself. It was like she was experiencing it all with me, too.
“It gets worse.”
“How??”
“I was waiting for Victor at a café and saw a damn photo of them kissing! And he tried to lie his way out of it saying it was all in the past.”
“KISSING?” Alexis hissed. “I told you–if men have one thing it’s the audacity! How could he possibly try and rationalize what you saw?”
“Would you hate me if I told you that it gets worse than that?”
“STOP. No it doesn’t!”
“Lily called Victor to complain about being sick or in pain–whichever one was more convenient. And in the middle of this damn trip, in a city I know nothing about, he left me to go be with her. “To take care of her because no one else can” as he put it.”
A few seconds of tense silence overcame our conversation afterwards. It started to worry me. I even looked at my phone to make sure our call hadn’t dropped.
“Emmy…” Alexis’s voice was weirdly calm. “I think you need to consider divorcing him.”
