Revelations over Breakfast

LAUREN

A knock on the door stirred me from my sleep.

Blinking against the morning light, I remembered I wasn’t in my own apartment. The knock echoed again, and I mumbled a drowsy, “Come in.”

I glanced at the clock, puzzled. Why hadn’t Mason left for work? Was he feeling unwell? I sat up quickly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

A woman of average height with dark hair streaked with gray bustled in, a tray in her hands.

“Good morning, Mrs. Campbell. I’m Billie, Mason’s housekeeper. I’ve brought you breakfast.”

I brushed my hair out of my face as Billie set the tray on my lap.

“You didn’t need to bring it all the way up here, Billie, but thank you. And please, call me Lauren. I’m not quite used to being called Mrs. Campbell.”

It was a title that wouldn’t stick, and it was best I didn’t get used to it.

Billie’s smile was warm and genuine. “Of course, Lauren.”

Once Billie had left, I quickly finished the last sandwich before heading to the shower. After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, where I could hear her moving around.

“Hey,” I greeted.

She paused in washing the dishes and turned to smile at me.

“Hi, Lauren. Can I get you anything?”

I moved further into the kitchen and perched on a stool. “No, I just hope you don’t mind me being here.”

“Not at all, dear.” She turned back to the sink and resumed her work.

I sat in comfortable silence, watching her work. Curiosity piqued, I asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been working for Mason?”

“I’ve known him since he was a little boy,” she replied, her voice a blend of fondness and frustration as she turned to look at me.

“Since he was ten, to be exact. I worked for his family before he moved here and asked me to come with him. He gave me a home and I’ve been here ever since.”

I couldn’t hide my surprise.

“That’s really kind of him.”

“He’s a wonderful man. You’re lucky to have him, dear.”

“I’m not sure ‘wonderful’ and ‘Mason’ belong in the same sentence,” I replied, laughing lightly.

And I’m definitely not lucky to have such a rigid husband. But from Billie’s hearty laughter, it seemed she didn’t quite agree with me.

“Mason can be a handful sometimes,” she admitted, chuckling as she glanced over her shoulder at me.

She shook her head, making a sweeping gesture with her hand. “But who isn’t? You have to forgive him sometimes. He wasn’t always like this, you know?”

I found myself intrigued, despite my reservations. “Please, tell me more.” I rested my chin on my palm, looking at her with eager anticipation.

I can’t deny the thrill I feel every time I learn something new about Mason. I was more interested in him than in my own life, and I knew it wasn’t healthy.

But I’ve never been one to heed warnings, whether from a doctor or myself.

And Billie was more than happy to indulge me.

“When I first started working for his family, he was a bright child. Always laughing, always trying to make everyone happy. And he was incredibly smart for his age.”

I nearly lost my grip on the counter. She meant every word, I realized, and the revelation left me reeling.

Mason, bright?

Always trying to please everyone?

It sounded like a fairy tale.

The more I learned about him, the more I wondered if the Mason Campbell they knew had been replaced by an alien. I couldn’t picture him as the boy she was describing.

I pressed on. “And his family?” I had a feeling there was a lot about his family I didn’t know. “I heard his brother was in an accident and lost his mental balance.”

It was a sensitive topic I had never dared to broach with Mason, sensing it would only lead to trouble.

“Oh, yes. Such a tragedy what happened to Tom.” Billie shook her head, her face falling.

“He was the kindest man, always full of love for everyone. And he was so generous.” Her voice was filled with affection, a sad smile on her face.

“Mason really looked up to Tom. When Mason had his heart broken, it was his brother who helped him pick up the pieces. That girl and his cousin really did a number on him, you know?”

“Yes, I know.” I held my breath, hoping she would continue.

While I knew there was more to his anger and bitterness than just a broken heart, perhaps I could gain some insight into this enigmatic man who was now my husband.

“So, the accident must have really hurt him.”

Billie shot me a look that held me captive.

“Hurt him? Oh, dear, it did more than just hurt him,” she confessed in a hushed whisper, her lips pursed.

“Mason blames himself for his brother’s accident. They had a fight that night before Tom stormed off and drove his car off a bridge. It’s a miracle he’s still alive today.”

A shadow passed over her face.

“Barely,” I murmured to myself, my heart aching for Mason.

He’d never told me this. He’d only mentioned in passing that his brother had been in an accident.

“He’s been carrying that guilt and pain for years.” She put the last plate away and turned to smile at me.

“When he told me he was getting married, I was overjoyed. Finally, something good was happening to him. He’s had enough pain in his life. I know you’ll make him happy, unlike his family.”

“His family?”

Billie’s hands swiped at her apron, her face a clear picture of her frustration. “I don’t think I ever mentioned that I was the one who looked after him when he was just a kid. Tom was his only friend.

“His mom was always too wrapped up in her own world. His sisters were away at boarding school and his dad put way too much on his shoulders for such a young age. It’s no surprise the kid changed.”

Our chat was interrupted by the doorbell.

“I’ll get it.” I hopped off the stool and left the kitchen to answer the door. As soon as I opened it, a furry blur shot past me, nearly knocking me over.

A chuckle sounded from the doorway. “Sorry about that. He seems happy to be home.”

I looked up at the source of the voice, a smile spreading across my face. “Hi, Gale.”

He gave me a casual wave.

“Come on in.” I stepped aside to let him into the house.

He followed me in.

“I was wondering where Prince had gotten to,” I said.

Mason’s annoying dog was finally back. Just what I needed.

“Yeah, I was dog-sitting for Mason for a few days.”

“Can I get you anything?”

He smiled and shook his head as we both sat down. “No, thanks. How are you, Lauren? You’re looking good, by the way.” His gaze lingered on me, taking me in from head to toe.

I blushed and fiddled with my fingers. “I’m good.”

When he didn’t respond, I looked up to find him grinning widely.

“How’s living with Mason?”

I frowned at his question. “Um…”

“You don’t have to hide anything from me, Lauren.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

I wanted to know what he thought he knew. Judging by the look on his face, it was something big.

“I know you two don’t exactly see eye to eye, and I also know your marriage is just a business arrangement.”

I managed to hide my surprise before cracking a small smile.

So, Mason could blab, but I couldn’t?

Not that I would ever do that, but I remembered him getting mad when I told him Beth knew about our deal.

“I was actually the one who suggested he get married as soon as possible,” Gale added, interrupting my thoughts.

“I didn’t think he was going to marry the woman I had my eye on.”

I opened and closed my mouth, at a loss for words.

“But I can wait.” He smiled.

There was nothing wrong with Gale, but I just couldn’t see myself with him. Sure, he had everything a woman could want, but he wasn’t the one for me.

“I don’t know when Mason will be back,” I finally said, hoping he would take the hint and leave. Luckily, he was smart enough to get up.

“I think I’ll head out. I’ve got a lot to do, but it was nice seeing you again, Lauren.”

I smiled back at him. “You too.”

“I’ll be sure to drop by again when I have time.”

I nodded and walked him to the door, watching him leave before closing it and leaning against it. That’s when I heard a growl.

I opened my eyes and gasped, jumping back as Prince snarled at me.

“Damn you, Prince!” I cursed.

I spent hours trying to get on Prince’s good side. The dog was as impossible as his owner, and I was pretty sure he understood everything I said.

After Gale dropped him off, he started following me around. Every time I tried to move, he would growl at me, like he didn’t want me touching anything.

That reminded me of his owner. Prince was just like him. One Mason was hard enough to live with, but now there were two?

The moment I heard his car pull up and the front door open, I rushed to greet him, not hiding my excitement.

“You’re back!”

Mason turned to me, his eyebrows raised at my beaming face.

“You look happy,” he said, loosening his tie.

“I was getting bored of staring at my phone,” I replied.

“That’s why I asked Gale to bring Prince back.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You know he hates me, right?”

“I know,” he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “That’s exactly why I wanted him back. To make your life hell when I’m not here to do it.”

I shook my head, laughing lightly. “You’re terrible.”

He paused, then smirked, watching me through half-closed eyes. “Thank you. Anything else? If not, I need to freshen up and get to work.”

I gaped at him. “You just got back from the office, and you want to work again? Do you ever give your brain a break?”

“I’m the CEO of Campbell Industry. I don’t get to rest.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that, and with a hint of amusement, I said, “Is that why you’re always so uptight?”

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lauren.” He moved away from the door to head upstairs.