Aubrey, recovering quickly, was the first to speak. "Oh, Mason, you’re already back." She couldn’t hold back her excitement. "I thought you were going to be in Dubai for a bit longer."
Ellen rolled her eyes, unable to stop herself. Of course, Aubrey would know that information. She probably got it from snooping around Mason’s office or perhaps from Gerald, who always seemed really eager to share all the little details about Mason. Aubrey always had her ways of knowing things she shouldn’t.
Ellen plastered a big smile on her face, the kind that didn’t reach her eyes, and took a step forward. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms tightly around Mason, pulling him into a hug. "I’m so happy you came back early." She clung to him, feeling his warmth against her, and couldn’t resist glancing over at Aubrey. There was a silent message in her look—a challenge, a reminder that this was something Aubrey could never have.
Aubrey didn’t show any emotion, but Ellen caught the way Aubrey’s jaw tightened and her eyes narrowed a bit. It was enough to make Ellen’s smile widen, even if just for a moment.
Mason, however, didn’t seem as enthusiastic. He gave Ellen a light pat on her shoulder, his hand lingering for only a second before he gently but firmly stepped back, breaking the embrace.
Mason turned his attention to Aubrey, his brow furrowing slightly. "What are you doing here, Aubrey?" he asked. He glanced at Ellen, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
Aubrey smiled, the kind of smile that looked genuine but made Ellen’s skin crawl. "Oh, nothing much," she replied. "I just came by to see how Ellen was doing. You know, since she’s been alone with you away on a business trip. I thought she might need some company."
Ellen’s eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. Lies. Again. Aubrey always had a way of twisting things, making herself look so considerate and caring, especially in front of Mason. It infuriated Ellen, the way Aubrey could play this role so well, the way she always tried to look like the good one. She prayed that Mason wouldn’t be foolish enough to believe her.
Mason nodded slowly, his gaze shifting from Aubrey to Ellen, his eyes searching, as if trying to make sense of what he’d walked into. He looked back at Aubrey.
Ellen took a step forward, her eyes locking onto Aubrey. "But Aubrey was just leaving," she said. "Weren’t you, Aubrey?"
Mason nodded again, his eyes moving back to Aubrey, waiting for her response. Aubrey hesitated, her smile faltering for just a second before she quickly recovered. She looked at Mason, her eyes wide, almost pleading, but Mason’s face stayed the same, waiting. Realizing she had no choice, Aubrey let out a soft sigh, her shoulders dropping slightly. "Right," she answered. "I was just about to go."
But she didn’t move. Instead, she stood there, her eyes fixed on Mason, as if hoping for something—maybe for him to ask her to stay, to offer her some kind of reassurance. Ellen watched with her hands clenching at her sides.
Mason looked at Aubrey for a long moment, then tilted his head slightly. "Do you still need anything, Aubrey?"
Aubrey blinked, her lips parting as if she was about to say something, but then she closed her mouth, her eyes flickering to Ellen, who was watching her with a challenging gaze. Aubrey let out a small sigh, her smile returning, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "No," she said finally. "Nothing. I guess I’ll just... go now."
She turned towards the door, her footsteps slow, as if she was reluctant to leave. "Bye, Mason," she said over her shoulder, her voice carrying a hint of something—regret, maybe, or disappointment. She didn’t glance at Ellen as she walked out, not saying a word, like she wasn’t even there, but Ellen couldn’t care less.
The door closed behind Aubrey with a soft click, and Ellen let out a sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. She turned back to Mason, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Mason looked at her, his eyes narrowing slightly, studying her expression. He tilted his head just a bit, his lips curving into a slight smile. "You don’t look too happy to see me home early."
Ellen blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She opened her mouth, then closed it, feeling her cheeks flush. "No, of course, I’m happy," she said quickly, her voice a little breathless. "It’s just... you surprised me, that’s all." She forced a smile, hoping it looked more convincing than it felt.
Mason’s gaze softened, and he gave her a small, knowing smile, as if he understood more than she was saying. He didn’t mention Aubrey, didn’t even glance toward the door where she had just exited, and for a moment, it was as if she had never been there.
"Well then," Mason said. "What are you waiting for?"
Ellen stared at him, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "What?" she asked, her head tilting slightly to one side.
Mason raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Where’s my welcome home kiss?"
For a moment, Ellen just stood there, stunned. Then a smile spread across her face, her eyes shining with both amusement and joy. She took a step forward, her hands reaching up to grab the collar of his shirt. "Oh, right," she murmured. She pulled him down towards her, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly, and pressed her lips against his.
The kiss was gentle and lasted a while, making Ellen’s heart race and warmth spread through her chest. She could feel the roughness of his collar under her fingers, the gentle pressure of his lips against hers, and for that moment, everything else faded away. It was just her and Mason, the rest of the world slipping into the background.
As they kissed, a thought flitted through Ellen’s mind, one that made her want to laugh out loud.
Oh my god, Aubrey should have stayed a little longer to see this.