The next day, Mason was working at home as usual, keeping a close eye on Ellen while trying to focus on the tasks piling up from the office. He had grown used to hearing the sound of the doorbell ring, with deliveries and security personnel checking in constantly. But when the doorbell chimed this time, something felt different. Mason stood up, glancing at Ellen, who was sitting on the couch with her legs tucked beneath her, reading a book.
"I’ll get it."
He opened the door, and there stood Gerald. The last person Mason had expected to see after their recent fight. Yes, he made the call, but that was it.
Mason blinked in surprise, but his expression quickly shifted into his usual neutral look, though there was some tension between them. The memory of Gerald punching him the other day was still fresh, but Mason wasn’t the type to dwell on things like that for too long.
Gerald stood awkwardly at the door, hands shoved into his pockets. "Hey," he greeted Mason with a stiff nod.
"Gerald," Mason said calmly, then stepped aside. "Come in."
Ellen, sitting on the couch, glanced up from her book just in time to see the two men walking into the living room together. She was surprised, but not too much.. After all, Gerald and Mason had been best friends for years. But still, considering what had happened recently—the punch Gerald had thrown—Ellen couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at how normal Mason was acting. He was behaving like nothing had ever happened, which baffled her.
Mason sat down beside Ellen on the couch while Gerald took a seat in the armchair opposite them. Ellen kept a close eye on them, glancing back and forth between the two guys, trying to to their moods.
After a beat of silence, Gerald cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly. "So... how’s everything going?" he asked. His eyes briefly flicked to Ellen, then back to Mason.
Mason let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s been... stressful. We’re okay, and we’ve added more security around the house. But things have been intense, to say the least."
Ellen stayed silent, watching the exchange. Mason gave a brief rundown of what had happened, explaining how they were dealing with the police, the security measures in place, and the constant worry hanging over them. Gerald nodded along, listening intently.
Once Mason finished, Gerald fidgeted in his seat, rubbing his hands together as if he was gathering the courage to speak. Ellen tilted her head slightly, catching the change in his mood. Then, finally, Gerald broke the silence.
"I... uh... I wanted to apologize," Gerald began, his voice a little stiff. His eyes flicked to Ellen, and he looked uncomfortable. "To you, Ellen. I know I’ve been... pretty awful toward you, and I’m really sorry for my behavior."
Ellen blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected that. Gerald? Apologizing? She looked at him for a moment, wondering if she had heard him right. "You’re apologizing?" she asked, a bit surprised. "I never thought I’d hear you say that."
Gerald scratched the back of his neck, looking a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, well... I guess even I can realize when I’ve been a jerk."
Ellen stared at him for a moment longer, trying to wrap her head around Gerald’s change in attitude. She had known for a while that Gerald didn’t exactly like her, but she never thought he’d come around and actually apologize for it. It was so unlike him.
Mason, who had been watching the exchange quietly, narrowed his eyes and turned to Ellen. "What did he do?" he asked. His protective side was showing, and he didn’t like the idea of anyone mistreating Ellen, especially not his best friend.
Ellen waved a hand dismissively, trying to downplay it. "It’s nothing, really. He just... didn’t like me much at first."
Mason’s glare shifted back to Gerald, who squirmed under the intensity of his stare. "You didn’t like her?" Mason repeated. It was clear he hadn’t known the full extent of Gerald’s feelings before.
Gerald shrugged, holding up his hands defensively. "Look, I’m apologizing now, aren’t I?" He shot a look at Ellen, who gave him a small, amused smile. "So, you’ve never said anything to him?"
Ellen shook her head, crossing her arms. "I didn’t think it was worth mentioning. I don’t like to whine about things like that."
Mason’s eyes softened slightly as he looked at her, but then they sharpened again when they returned to Gerald. But before Mason could say anything more, Gerald spoke up again, this time with a grin.
"Oh, and I’m also sorry for punching you, by the way," Gerald said with a big grin. "Not my best moment."
got up fast, his face giving nothing away as he looked down at Gerald. "I’ll forgive you," he said slowly, "but after this, if you ever want to punch me again—"
Gerald groaned loudly, slouching in his chair. "Oh no. Here we go."
"—you’ll have to take one from me first," Mason finished, a dark look flashing in his eyes as he cracked his knuckles.
Ellen gasped, quickly grabbing Mason’s arm and pulling him back down to the couch. "What the hell, Mason?" she exclaimed, staring at him in disbelief. "You’re not seriously going to hit him, are you?"
Mason shrugged, his lips twitching into a small, amused smile. "I was thinking about it."
Ellen glared at him, then glanced at Gerald, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. She sighed heavily, shaking her head. "You’re ridiculous. What if you hurt your hand? Next time, just ask one of the bodyguards to handle it for you."
Gerald’s eyes widened in mock horror as he straightened up in his seat. "See? This is why I didn’t like her! She’s too heartless! So cruel!"
Ellen rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. Mason, meanwhile, chuckled under his breath, leaning back on the couch as if he were completely at ease. "I wouldn’t be satisfied if someone else did it. It has to be me."
Gerald threw his hands up dramatically, groaning in frustration. "What a match made in heaven. You’re both equally cruel. It’s terrifying."
Ellen smiled sweetly at him. "Aw, Gerald. Thank you."
Gerald’s eyes widened again as he shook his head. "That’s not a compliment!"
Well, after all the drama, Ellen can at least feel a bit more at ease about Gerald and Aubrey. No more attempts to end their marriage.