Narrating as Mason:
During my outing with Ethan, I pondered his suggestion. My best friend is the only one who knows everything about my marriage and how I feel about Paige. His advice was for me to take some time to travel and get to know each other even more. When he said that, I chuckled and asked him, "Don't you think we've gotten to know each other well enough during this time of being married?"
"I'm not referring to that," he replied. "What I mean is that you should spend time alone with her, and maybe that way you can truly understand what you're feeling for her. Think of it as a good way to enjoy the remaining time together. Plus, when the three years pass, I'm certain Peyton will remind you of your promise to marry her when you can, and I don't see you considering that," Ethan said, thinking about the future.
"The truth is, these past few months without seeing her, I haven't missed her as much as I thought I would. And when I saw her at the dinner, I didn't feel the jealousy I should have felt. I'm just too confused about my feelings," I explained, feeling perplexed.
"Believe me, I understand. You know, before Sarah, I was with this girl who I thought would be the love of my life, only to realize that I had her right beside me all along. It wasn't until the day she introduced us to that jerk that I couldn't stand it anymore and fought for her, even though we were very young. Remember when I told you I wanted to marry her? Do you remember what you said?" he asked, laughing.
"Of course, I remember. I thought you were crazy. Well, both of you, since she accepted, and I couldn't believe it. Honestly, I never imagined you two together, let alone lasting so many years in a happy marriage. I didn't have much faith in it," I explained, laughing out loud.
It was true that I didn't have much faith in their relationship. We were too young when they got married, not to mention that before that, we had those typical teenage relationships. It was a bombshell to me when Ethan told me he was in love with Sarah.
As we said our goodbyes on the way home, I thought about the idea of the trip, and it seemed like a god, one. The truth is, I need to clarify what I'm feeling, and the best way to do that is to distance myself from everything I'm used to, to find out if it's not just the routine but something I'm starting to feel for Paige.
You already know what I told her, as well as her response. I'm excited that she only has three weeks left before she starts learning how to manage the company she'll be taking over. I'm sure she'll do a fantastic job, and she'll be a great leader, achieving a lot.
The next day, when I arrive at the office, I find my secretary looking distressed.
"What's wrong?" I ask when I see her like that.
"Sir, I couldn't stop her from entering your office. I tried, but she didn't listen," she says nervously.
Those few words are enough for me to understand what she's referring to. I raise my hand to stop her excuses.
"Don't worry, I know how she is," I reply, entering my office and letting out a tired sigh.
It's not the first time she has come during these months, although in the previous instances, I haven't seen her because I haven't been at the company. I've been either in meetings or at Paige's or Ethan's companies.
It's not the first time she has come during these months, although in the previous instances, I haven't seen her because I haven't been at the company. I've been either in meetings or at Paige's or Ethan's companies.
When I enter, I see her sitting in my chair, and I shake my head at how comfortable she seems, as if it were her own office.
"What are you doing here? I thought it was clear that we shouldn't see each other for these remaining months," I say frustrated, hanging up my coat.
"Sweetheart, you didn't respond to my messages or calls. I understand you're upset about seeing me at the dinner, but the man I was with is a friend who lives in the same building as me, and we've talked a bit during these months. That's why he asked me to accompany him on that occasion. I couldn't refuse," she explains, but I feel indifferent to her justifications.
"You really don't have to explain anything to me. I'm not upset. I didn't respond because I was busy with work matters with Ethan, and it slipped my mind later," I say, scratching the back of my neck.
"It slipped your mind. Wow, it's clear that I'm not important to you, while I couldn't even sleep without knowing about you," she says with a tearful voice.
"Don't get like this, you know it's not good for you to be here, as we have discussed many times before," I respond, sighing tiredly.
"Okay, I just ask you not to forget about me. I love you more than my own life, and I can't live without you. Remember that all this time I've been waiting for you, hoping that we can be together and be happy," she pleads, looking into my eyes with a pained expression.
I can't bear to see her like this, especially if it's because of me, and she knows it. Sometimes I think it's just manipulation on her part, but then I remember that she loves me as much as I love her, and that thought fades away.
"I know, my love, and I love you too. I appreciate you waiting for me because I know not everyone would. That's why I value your love, your patience, and everything you've done for me," I tell her, pressing my forehead against hers.
I pull away before doing anything else, but she steals a kiss on my lips. She smiles, having achieved her goal, and I shake my head at seeing her happy.
After that kiss, she leaves, waving goodbye. I sigh and sit in my chair to start working, putting everything else aside.
It's worth noting that these encounters confuse me more and more. I mean, I'm sure I love Peyton, but what I'm starting to feel for Paige is driving me crazy. It reminds me of the first time I saw Peyton when she captivated me at first sight. This time, though, I know it's not the same.