The Billionaire's Mask, page 21
“I don’t want to talk about this now, Cassius.” I stand up, raising my hand in surrender.
“I told you back in Athens, Brandon, and I’m serious. I’m giving you a chance. One last chance, Brandon.”
My chest tightens. He is serious. I know he likes Alayna. I always knew, but I could do nothing about it now. “What right do you have to give me a chance? I told you I’ll talk to her tomorrow—”
Cassius’s jaw and fist clenched in unison. “She’s not here...”
Wait. What?
“Where is she, Cassius?”
No, no, no. She can’t be outside alone. She’s not supposed to leave the house.
“I took her to my clinic. She lost consciousness.”
I clench my fist. “Then what the fuck are you doing here?”
“Good. I guess you still worry about her, but it’s fine. She’s not alone,” his tone calms down.
At that moment, I realize there are only a few people in the world I can trust, and besides Oliver, Cassius is one of them. We had a misunderstanding in the past, but he is an ally. And I need him now for Alayna. He will keep her safe, so all these conversations are pointless. At the end of the day, Alayna will still be on Cassius's side.
Because that’s all that matters. Her safety.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ALAYNA
“NO, NO! PLEASE, NO!”
“Please come back.”
“Don’t leave me again.”
“Please come back to me.”
“I’m okay with it. Just come back to me.”
“No. No. I’m not a burden.”
“You said you would come back.”
“Don’t leave!”
“Brandon, don’t leave.”
“No!”
“Alayna? I’m here. I’m here.”
“No. You are not.”
“Please don’t be like this, Alayna.”
“Brandon, just tell me you won’t leave!”
“Ahh!”
“Alayna, wake up!”
I open my eyes, and it isn’t Brandon, but Cassius’s face in front of me. His hands are cupping my cheeks, and his expression is one of concern.
“Cassius? Why what happened?”
“You had a nightmare... I guess.” He brushes my tears with his thumb. “So, this is what Oliver’s talking about. Alayna, how long has this been happening?”
“He doesn’t want me anymore,” I answer differently, and I don’t know why I’m not getting tired of it. But it’s just too painful.
“That’s not true. He’s just in bad shape right now. Here, drink this.” Cassius helps me sit, then hands me a glass of water and a capsule. Quickly, I take the medication. I look around the place. I’m not in the mansion.
“Where am I, Cassius?”
“You’re in my clinic. You fainted. Oliver and Casey know you’re here, so you only just need to rest. Try to hydrate yourself more.” He puts the glass back on the side table. “And you’ll be staying here for a few days. You need some time away from the mansion.”
I feel my chest cramping again. “But I’ve been away from him for a long time.”
“You need to rest, Alayna,” he insists. “This is not good for you anymore. Let him rest too. Both of you are just tired.”
“Please take me to the mansion!” I beg. “I... I need to know what he has to say. I can’t stay here like this. He must be home by now so—”
He hugs me abruptly, and his body feels so warm that it briefly calms my senses. “Stop, Alayna... Please.”
I clutch the fabric of his shirt. “I can’t take this anymore, Cassius.”
“This is why we are here. Oliver, Casey, and I... I am here for you, so please calm down, Alayna.”
“I’ve been dreaming the same dream every night,” I begin to open up. “It started when he returned from Athens. I went all the way there to see him, but he was with another woman. Tell me, Cassius, did he find someone else? Is that the case?” I ask. I can’t think of any more reason but that.
“He didn’t find someone else, I can assure you.”
“The woman at the party... Who is she to him?”
“It’s Pauline.”
“So that’s her. Oliver wouldn’t tell me.” I chuckle bitterly. I pull away from Cassius. “I know her. Brandon told me.”
“Yes, she’s Brandon’s childhood friend.”
“Don’t cover up for him. I know she’s his ex. She’s his first love. Did he forget all about me because he reunited with her?”
“I told you, that’s not it. They were best friends, Alayna. Brandon feels he has some sort of responsibility for her. It’s never something more.”
“But you are his best friend, Cassius,” I point out.
“Don’t make such conclusions for now. Brandon misses you, even if he doesn’t say it. But if you are right, I will be the one to confront him. I promise.” Cassius tucks the strands of my hair behind my ears. “Now, why don’t you go back to bed? It’s only past three. I’ll have the nurse look after you.”
I pull the fabric of his shirt. “Are you going to leave?”
“No, I’ll be right outside, Alayna.” He chuckles.
“Stay here. I don’t want to sleep alone.”
He brushes his thumb across my cheek. “Are you okay with that?”
I nod. “Yes. As long as I know someone’s with me.”
“Okay. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
I smile a little. I lay back on the bed and roll to my side so I can see Cassius. He brushes off the invisible dirt on the couch and rests his back.
“I always knew you were a good person,” I say.
He laughs, looking at the ceiling. “People tend to judge me by appearance.”
“Are you admitting that you look like a bad guy?” I joke.
“Yes, a good-looking bad guy.” He glances at me and flashes out a grin.
I giggle. “Thank you for staying with me.”
“You’re welcome. Now, sleep. I’ll be here until you wake up.”
“GOOD MORNING, ALAYNA. Breakfast in bed?” Cassius places a tray of toast and a glass of milk on the bedside table.
“Sure. Thanks, Cass.”
“You’re welcome.” He grins. “Oh, your complexion is back. I think you’ll be fine tomorrow.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this treatment, and I’m sorry. I’ve been a mess.”
“You’ll be fine. You just need to clear your mind and,” he picks up a piece of the toast and hands it to me, “start fresh, you know? I suggest you eat your breakfast. I’m taking you out later.”
I take a small bite of the toast. “I thought I’m not allowed to go out?”
“I didn’t say you’re not allowed to go out,” he corrects, smiling. “Casey wants to see you. She called me this morning.”
“Oh.” I nod. “I just realized one thing. I don’t want to meet anyone right now. It’s kind of exhausting.”
“Then, would you rather stay here?”
“Yes, and actually, I have one favor to ask you. I know that you won’t allow me, but I need this to move forward.”
He sits on the edge of the bed. “What is it?”
“First of all, thank you for not leaving me last night, and you’re right. I’m just tired, and maybe I need more time to clear my mind. I know Brandon just arrived, and I still have a few more months in my contract, but I’m thinking of going on a vacation.”
“Hmm. I believe your contract does say you’re entitled to vacation leave. That’s a good decision, Alayna. Where are you planning to go?”
“Home. In Lawrence.” I shrug. “But I still want to talk to Brandon and clear things with him. Only then can I move on.”
“Are you sure about that? I’m not going to stop you, but I won’t advise it either. I worry more about the aftermath, but of course, it’s still your decision,” he states, understandingly.
“I need to know if he still cares for me or not, and I need your help to do that because I really feel like he doesn’t want to talk to me.”
“Unfortunately, Brandon is being difficult right now. Not just with you, but with everyone else,” he says honestly. “I’m not trying to be negative here, but what will you do if he answers you differently?”
“If he wants to really break up, you say?”
He nods slightly.
I look down at my lap. “Then I’ll let him go. It’s all I want. His clear answer.”
Cassius doesn’t answer right away, thinking maybe, but then he speaks again. “Okay. I’ll help you talk to him. I’ll call Oliver.”
I smile at him, grateful for how understanding he is.
BRANDON
Athens, Greece
MY GRANDFATHER TOSSED the glass of wine. Deep inside, I was grieving. I promised him that I would protect the family because he knew I could be trusted. But right now, I might’ve failed him. What I was doing isn’t enough.
“How?” he howled as if someone died again. “How could you not tell me such information? Since when have you known about it?”
I wouldn’t want to believe it myself.
“I was wrong for not telling you,” I clenched my fist, “but I thought we agreed that you would let me do these things my way. You got into my private files, grandfather. Did you think I’m doing nothing?”
I know that it will hurt him, finding out a family was killed by his own flesh and blood.
“Helen lost her life because her son murdered her. He made her transfer everything under his name, then killed her. I didn’t mean to get into your files. I trust you, my boy, but you should’ve told me about this. Oh, Helen, my sister,” he whimpered. “What did they do to you? Oh! Why did you not tell me about this sooner?”
I swallowed. “Even before, they already had half of your properties. When your brother Euricius died of a disease, he had already transferred everything to Helen. What are they going to do next? And what is this that I found out? There was a reason why you want me to have the rest of your fortune. You want to invest it in my company so you can secure it. Then what? So, you could have it back at the right time?”
“You know that I decided to give my fortune to you since you were just a child. Don’t say that, Brandon!” he bellowed.
“I want to trust you, but how could you do this to us? At the end of the day, this is all about fucking money!”
“Watch your language, Brandon! That’s a long time ago! I regret all of it now, and I need your help. I already told you this, my boy.”
I shook my head.
“I’m going to present myself publicly at the party this weekend. Now that your properties are under my name, please don’t think that I’m doing this because of you. I’m doing this for my mother and Elga.”
He nodded; his eyes filled with guilt.
“After all these years, what this family is fighting for... worth nothing.” He looked at me with sincerity. “I do not wish for us to fight. You are all I have. I’m so sorry, Brandon.”
“I don’t wish for us to fight, too,” I mumbled, surrendering. “But all I want from you is your trust.”
“Of course, I trust you.” He forced a smile. “What is your plan now?”
“To start with the root of all. I can’t get rid of the root because it’s a foundation. But if I get rid of the stems, I might have a chance.”
“Your father’s mistress,” my grandfather said. ”Annette. Your Uncle Alfio’s half-sister.”
CHAPTER NINTEEN
BRANDON
IT’S THE SECOND DAY Alayna didn’t come home.
Things have changed. The house. The people. And me. I could go outside, yes. I can finally face people, but the constant pain in my chest is still there. It didn’t go away, and I would probably have it until I die. I guess one year just isn’t enough.
A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. “Come in.”
“Master Brandon?” It’s Lennie. She pushes the trolley inside. It’s unusual. Normally, she would only leave the food at the door. Seeing her smile at me like this makes me realize that my decision might have been a good one after all.
“Lennie.” I walk towards her and embrace her small frame. This is the first in many years I’ve held her like this. Lennie is a mother to me, so being able to embrace her this way is pure joy.
“Look at how you grew up, my Master,” she says kindly, holding my arm as she studies me.
“It’s Brandon to you, Lennie. I’ve missed you.”
“I always believed this day would come.” She touches my face fondly and smiles. “I never lost hope that you’d finally walk out to the world, and look at you now. But what happened?” Her expression turns concerned. “I heard Alayna collapsed. Did you get to meet her?”
I groan inwardly. “We didn’t have a chance. She was already away when I came home. It’s my fault.”
“My dear boy. You might have your reasons, but I saw how Alayna suffered,” she states furiously. “Why wouldn’t you speak to her?” she scolds.
I can’t look at her eyes because of it. I was ashamed, but everything I did in the past year, I did for everyone’s well-being. “I didn’t know what else to do, Lennie.”
“And whatever that’s bothering you, you can’t tell her?”
“Not at this time.”
She nods and smiles faintly at me. “Well, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Brandon?” Oliver abruptly appears at the slightly opened door.
“Yes, Oliver?”
“Is this a bad time?” he asks, looking back and forth at me and Lennie.
“We’re fine here, Oliver,” Lennie says. “I just brought our Master his dinner.”
“Oh, thank you, Lennie.” He continues inside. “I’ve been looking for you, man.”
“It’s a pleasure to have you back, Master Brandon. I’ll come back to fetch the plates later.” Lennie excuses herself and exits the room. Oliver closes the door after.
“Why? What’s going on?” I ask, walking behind my desk and sit.
“Same old. You’ve been drinking?” Oliver picks up the empty can of beer on my desk.
“Leave it,” I instruct. “That’s from last night.”
“What are you doing here?” he asks. “Alayna’s with Cassius, Brandon.”
I perch on the chair in front of me. “I’m aware.”
“Then why are you still here? You’re not going to see her, are you?” he questions.
“We’ll talk when she gets better.”
“And if she doesn’t?” Ollie demands. “She’s been waiting for you for a whole damn year. You didn’t speak to her even once, Brandon. I’m tired of covering up for your baseless excuses. I thought when you returned, everything would go back to what you two had. Can you tell me the truth? Do you still want her or not?”
I hurl a sigh. I can’t believe I have to answer to everyone for this. “She can’t be with me.”
“Why not?” he demands.
“I have my reasons,” I say. “I will tell you everything, but please, Ollie, give me some time to fix this.”
“By pushing Alayna away?” He rushes his fingers through his hair. “Is this how you fix things?
“I said I have my reasons, Ollie!” I snap.
“Whatever goddamned reason you have, Alayna still carries all the weight. Anyway, I’m going to see Cassius,” he says. “If you still have bones left in your body, just see her once and tell the fucking truth about why you can’t be with her.”
ALAYNA
THREE DAYS LATER, I ask Cassius if I can go outside. He allowed me, but he told me he has to bring me back to the clinic. He’s also being extra careful, so he came with me.
Honestly, I’m getting used to his company. Cassius is very accommodating and extensively patient with me. After we shop for a few things at the mall, we stop at Starbucks.
“Oliver’s on his way,” he says, then takes a sip of his Frappuccino.
“I’ve been thinking.” I looked at him. “I just thought of this last night.”
“What is it?”
“I want to leave tomorrow. I want to see my family.”
“We already talked about this, and of course, you can, Alayna.” He grins widely. “It will help you unwind.”
“But there’s still something else I want.”
He puts the cup on the table. “Hmm. Go ahead.”
“I still need to tell Brandon about this. I want to tell him formally because he’s still my boss, and if you can take me there...”
“What?”
“You don’t need to stay with me,” I continue. “I just want someone to be there with me while I travel. It’s too much I know, and Kansas is very far away and—”
He chuckles. “Of course, I can take you there. I have time, but I have patients waiting for me, so I can’t stay long.”
“I just don’t want to be alone,” I add. Honestly, I don’t know what’s gotten into me asking him for a favor like that. I’m having these mixed emotions because of him.
The lump in my lungs lightens, and the rapid beat of my heart slows down. Brandon doesn’t want me anymore, so I guess it’s time for me to clear my mind away from him. He’s hurt me enough. It’s like I died inside. I’m done with this stupidity.
But I know my life must go on. I have a family to support. I have to grab anything that will bring me peace.
“Did you tell Oliver that I need to speak to Brandon?”
He checks his wristwatch. “Yes, and they should be here by now.”
My eyes widen. “What? Now?”
He nods. “Yes. I asked Oliver if he could convince Brandon to see you. But are you sure you can tell him—”
“Tell me what?” Someone suddenly utters behind me, and I jerk as I recognize the voice. It’s the voice I’ve been dying to hear for what feels like a million years. I look over my shoulder and see Brandon standing next to me. The tension inside me starts to grow, and my heartbeat accelerates.
The reality is all clear to me now. Brandon can walk outside his comfort zone—without his mask. I’ve already seen him once without it, but this is my first time seeing his face up close.
