Chapter 5

"Dad!" Racheal ran to the man that had just entered the room, and I couldn't help but feel like I had just run into a wall I couldn't escape from.

This man… with dark brown eyes.

I'd seen him before.

Very recently.

Before I went to find my father, I'd bumped into this man. And I still remembered the words he had spoken to me very vividly.

"I'll put a chance in front of you. It's up to you if you can take it."

Shivers ran down my spine as I realized. This could be a part of his plan.

"I heard from the Butler downstairs. He said you've gotten yourself a man." He turned his gaze to me and gestured with his hand, a smile seeping from the corner of his lips. "Is this him?"

I couldn't tear my gaze from his even though I wanted to. There was just something about him that was eerie, and my guts were screaming at me to get away from him and I didn't know the reason.

Then reasons formed in my mind for me to hate him. Such as if he was the one that caused the 'accident' that day.

Before I knew it, the distance between me and him was closed. And the next thing, his hand was in front of my face.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Matthew Newton, the ceo of Standford, and Racheal's father."

I swallowed as I looked into his frugal eyes. Something about it hinted danger. But I took his hand anyway and shook it. I had no proof of my suspicions, and besides, he probably knew that I was Thomas Landon's son and he wasn't treating me like thrash, yet.

"My name is Mason… Mason Landon," I said nervously as I felt his grip on my hand tighten.

He held eye contact for a few seconds before loosening his grip and giving me a grim smile. "You're Thomas Landon's son," he said and I swallowed nervously, not knowing what to expect.

"Yes," I answer.

A few seconds passed before he said, "Thomas was an important personnel in Standford. I feel sorry for his death."

I bowed my head as I remembered the scene of the accident and my father's face as he lost life. 

But still, he had done wrong before his death. That didn't justify the accident or his death but…

"Father, not you too!" Racheal's brother stepped forward and pushed me back.

"Father," he emphasized strongly. "This man is a murderer's son that betrayed the company, there's no way you will let him marry Racheal! I'm sure he's with her only for her money, father you understand that right?"

"Shut up, Dave!" Matthew snapped at his son who in turn looked taken aback. I was also stunned because I didn't expect Matthew to scold his son like that for my sake. And to be honest, it made me quite embarrassed.

"Since Racheal choosed him as her groom then it is settled. Although Thomas Landon strayed and became unreasonable, that doesn't mean Mason is the same."

"But father—"

"—This conversation is over. You must not mention this again." Dave pursed his lips while Racheal crossed her arms and smiled.

Dave looked over, and when he saw that neither his father nor his sister was planning to take his side, he scoffed and headed to the door with his wife shortly sprinting after him.

"Racheal,"

"Yes, Father," 

"Since you've chosen Mason as your groom, you must treat him well."

"Of course!" Racheal said enthusiastically.

"Don't be biased towards him just because of his father's unfortunate actions,"

I swallowed, feeling ashamed, and angry. My father kept talking about honor but he'd brought shame to our family. Even in death. This was something I couldn't clear, even if I died.

"I know, Dad! Now I'll take Mason and give him a tour of the house." Racheal linked her hands with mine and without waiting to hear her father's response, she dragged me out the door and down the hallway.

We halted in front of an old painting of the honorable Dr. Albert Lockhart who co-created a sedate called Canasol. Before I could assess the painting, I felt a slap on my cheek which made me freeze In shock.

I turned to Racheal quickly, stunned by the sudden distraught on her face.

"Rach—"

I saw another slap coming, and I didn't understand why. But I couldn't avoid it either.

As I felt the second hit, I clenched my fists to hold back my pain. "Did I do something wrong, miss?"

"Why the hell did I pick you again? You're so embarrassing to me!"

I bowed my head. I knew where this was going.

Racheal was having a mood swing and she couldn't control her emotions so she'd rather inflict pain on me if it meant she avoid regulating her emotions. I'd seen tons of spoilt brats like her at my school. It was unfortunate that because of the contract I had with her, I couldn't escape easily.

"I'm sorry miss," I simply said.

But of course, that wasn't enough. Racheal continue hitting me and I just stood there, waiting for her temper to reduce.

Three days later, it got no better.

I had sore cheeks and bruises on my chest and arms due to Racheal's wrath but It was nothing compared to the grief and sorrow I was feeling.

I knew damn well I was a reject to Racheal's family even though they were good at putting on appearances.

But what pained me most was my mother. She was all alone.

I remembered watching her through the glass window of her shop and she looked lifeless. She'd put on the 'close' signal after 6 pm and sat alone at the table father used to sit at when he came back from work.

Despite all of Father's sins, she still loved him.

I'd accidentally bumped into a vase outside and it'd shattered, but that noise wasn't enough to get her attention because she was that detached from the world. I felt her heavy sadness but the best I could do… was leave.

I'd headed back to the safety of Racheal's bungalow home. And there she was, sitting in a swing in the garden, swaying forth and back with no care in the world.

She was beautiful.

Her silky hair flowed like the ocean but in a golden shade, like her blonde hair. Her eyes were bright and full of life like the night sky with reflects of star lights. Her dress was red like her lips which made her look like a bride.

If we were both in different situations, I would have loved her.

I was heading to the room situated by the gate when I heard her call me.

"Hey, Mason! Where the hell did you go?" She asked as she caught up to me.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

She snorted in response and crossed her arms over her chest, causing her breasts to perk up through her night robe.

"Whatever, just don't embarrass me. You know the wedding is tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Miss Racheal."

"Good," she scoffed before turning away.