Erin McAfee

Blackmail.

That's what Mason was doing to me.

He was blackmailing me in agreeing to be his date on Sky and Alyssa's wedding today.

I don't know how much he knew but I know that what he knows between me and Zac were enough for him to use it against me.

Now, I'm rethinking my perception about him --- if what he showed me these past few days was his true self. I mean, he said it himself that he hired someone to follow Zac. Which means he knows how Zac had disregarded and treated me on the latter part of our relationship.

Thinking about this, the days I've spent with Mason, he was nothing but a sweet gentleman and a goof. Never had he became serious and opened up about himself, until the night at the park.

I'm now doubting his real intentions to me. Was he really a good man just like what he had shown me or he has some hidden grudge towards Zac and that he's only using me to get to him?

I mean, if it's the latter, what good can he get from me? Zac had thrown me already, he doesn't want me anymore and had already moving forward with his life ---no remorse and/or guilt.

I shook my head and sighed quietly.

"You know, you can always tell me what you're thinking." I heard Mason spoke beside me.

"I'm fine." I said while still looking outside his car window.

Today, we are on our way to the wedding of Sky and Alyssa. Even if it was against my will, I still agreed to be his date. I can't risk him telling whatever he knows to Olivia, besides, after this day, I planned on staying away from him.

I heard him took a deep breath and spoke again. "Erin, I know you're mad at me for using everything I know on you, for making you agree to be my date, and I'm so sorry for that." He enunciated then whispered "Desperate times calls desperate measures."

I furrowed my brows when I heard it so, I looked at him.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked bluntly.

He looked at me sideways and gave a brief shy smile at me.

"It wasn't meant for you to hear it... Anyway, to answer your question, I want you to be my date as well as to rub it in Zachary's face that you can also move on from him---"

"You have no right to decide nor interfere on what's happening in my life." I interrupted him because what he said angered me. How dare he interfered on my life when I didn't ask him to.

"I know, but seeing you consumed by your emotions as well as your memories with him, it made me take the matter on my own hands, and I'm so sorry for that." He apologised and I could feel the sincerity in it but I swore to myself to not trust him anymore.

"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT, MASON COOPER! NO RIGHT! Just because you knew what happened doesn't mean you can interfere! You know, I kept thinking that you have a hidden grudge on him and that you're using me to get him. Well, I've got news for you, mister, you've reached an impasse and I'm now moot to your future plans." I raised my voice to him.

He looked at me in shock and parked the car on the side of the road. He looked at me in disbelief and shook his head.

"What the hell are you talking about?! Why did you think that I am using you to... unbelievable." He paused and took a deep breath and shook his head. He brushed his hair with his hand like he was frustrated.

When he's still trying to think of something, I used it as my chance to speak.

"You followed him instead of me. I mean, I'm not saying that you should've followed me but if what you told me that you like me was true, then it's only logical that you will have me followed, that you will be curious about what I was doing everytime. But it wasn't. Instead, you have Zac followed.
You see, Mason, when you have someone followed, you want to know everything about them, for what? To hold something over them. Now tell me, isn't that suspicious?" I raised my left brow at him.

He chuckled slightly.

"Ugh. It may look like it but I swear to you, Erin, I don't have any ill-intentions about you. As per Zac, I don't have any bad blood about him except that he hurt you. That's all. Oh, and I didn't want someone to follow you around because I didn't like it." He explained but I swear it feels like there's something more that he's not telling me.

Whilst thinking whether to believe him or not, my phone rang. I took it from my clutch and saw Jowee's name.

"Jowee?"

"Where are you? The wedding's going to start in five minutes!" I could feel the annoyance in her voice.

"We're near."

"You better be. Tell that creepy Mason to put his foot on the pedal and stop driving like an old lady." If I was only in a good mood and in good terms with Mason, I would've laughed my ass off of Jowee's comment, but I wasn't so, I just told Mason to drive and we'll talk later.

As we arrived at the Church, my heart started beating so fast because of the thought that I will be seeing Zac again -- with a woman in his arms. I don't think I'll be able to contain myself if I ever see him getting all mushy mushy with a woman.

Oh please God, spare me from that sight today. It's enough that I'm already feeling light-headed in seeing him today.

As we entered the church, the wedding has already started, I spotted Olivia with Nick and Jowee with her date seated near the altar. We went to them and took our sit beside them.

As soon as Livy saw me, she squealed silently but enough to be heard by the people seated on the pew beside us.

And that's when I saw him. We locked our eyes with each other for like a second. I didn't know if what I saw in his eyes were longing and guilt because it was immediately replaced by anger.

Oh. So now he's mad at me for attending this wedding? He doesn't want to see nor to do anything about me, huh.

What a fucking jerk! He wronged me and now he has the guts to get mad at me? Wasn't it the other way around?

Fucking jerk!

I closed my eyes and counted to 10 to ease what I was feeling. When I opened my eyes, as if seeing Zac wasn't enough, the lady I saw him with the night I had dinner with Mason, was also here, not to mention that she took her seat next to him!!!

Oh help me God. Help me get through today.

I took a long shaky breath, before I exhale it, I felt a hand on my shoulder and felt Mason pulled me to him.

I looked at him in confusion.

"Don't look at them and don't worry, you're not alone, I'm here, I will not leave you by yourself today. Don't let him see you cry, Erin." He whispered to my ear and then proceeded to kiss my temple.

I was so tempted to remove his hand but I was so consumed by the hurt I was feeling so I welcomed his act of consolation.

The whole ceremony, Mason kept asking me if I was alright. I just nodded my head at him and gave him a tight lipped smile. After that, he will kiss my temple and pulled me close to him even more.

I admit, his warm body and concern were enough for me to divert my attention from THEM.

Jowee on the other hand, were stealing glances at me to see if I was still holding up, I guess.

But when I looked at Olivia, she was looking at me like she's telling me that we have to talk later. I could see in her eyes that there were tons of questions lingering in her mind about my relationship with his brother. I didn't acknowledge her and just looked in front of me where Sky and Alyssa were already exchanging rings.

It's funny how I felt sadness in a ceremony where everyone should be happy.

I shouldn't have come here as I was spreading sadness in this wedding, but I can't leave either. I can't let him think that he's still have power over me, that I still have feelings for him and besides, I doubt that Mason will let me leave.

Maybe, I can use Mason today. I mean, he technically offered himself to me. But I won't use him to make Zac jealous, I'll only use him for his companionship and for his consolation. He will be the one I will lean on to today and all of my attention and focus will be directed to him and to the newlyweds.

I will not look at Zac nor that woman he's with.

Only Mason, my friends, and the newlyweds. That's all.

Easier said than done.

Because once we arrived at the reception, Zac sat on our table, instead on the presidential table that was meant for the whole wedding entourage.

He's sitting directly across from me and that I could feel him staring at me. Mason on the other hand, kept on holding me and whisper sweet nothings on my ears, oh not to mention that he showers my temple with kisses.

I looked at my friends and they could sense the tension. Livy was confused as to what was happening, her face was contorted, a sign that she was thinking about the current situation in our table deeply.

Poor Olivia, up until now, she doesn't know anything that has happened between her brother and I, and I don't think I will tell her everything. It's best for her to not know everything.

"So, Niccolo, you're back with Olivia, huh." Mason started to converse with Nick.

Nick smiled at him happily and nodded his head. If there was only a person who's not fazed or doesn't feel the tension lingering on our table, it's Nick. In comparison with Jowee's date, he could sense and feel the tension in the air because of the amount of his throat clearing. Anyway, I guess Niccolo was still on cloud nine about him being with Olivia again or he just doesn't care.

"You really love Olivia, huh. I mean you literally went out of your way just to seek for her forgiveness." Mason commented and Nick chuckled.

"I love this woman with all my life. She's one of a kind, the one that is for me, the one that made me think of the future --- a future with her. That's why when she left and I couldn't find her, my whole world crumbled. There were no days I wouldn't think of her, if she's eating properly, if she's over working herself, and if she's crying by herself. You know, I never wanted her to cry in those months because she never deserved to be hurt by me. If there was someone who should cry, it's me, because I was the one who wronged her, I hurt her."

"That's why when she gave me another chance, I promised to myself that I will never ever hurt her again and give her the love that she deserves." He looked at Olivia lovingly and kissed her on her lips. Livy blushed at his words and actions and hugged him.

I smiled at them both because finally, they've already told one another that they love each other.

I glanced at Jowee and she too was smiling dreamily at the ON couple. Then, I accidentally flickered my eyes to Zac to which he was having a glaring contest with Mason. His fist were in a ball and the knuckles were turning white. I looked at Mason and there was a smug look in his face.

Oh no. Please don't let this lead to a fight.

"Well, I guess it's still not about your effort, Nick. I guess it's still up to the Olivia. I mean, your sincerity and love overshadowed what you did to her. I'm not saying that you concluding worse of her was a light mistake, but some "mistakes" are way more heavier and unforgivable." Mason commented.

My eyes widened and I immediately held his thigh underneath the table to stop him. I know what he's doing, he's mocking Zac.

"You don't know anything, Cooper. So, I suggest to shut your mouth, no one here wants to hear your opinion." Zac spoke angrily to which Olivia and Nick looked at him in shock.

"Oh yeah? Why? I was just telling what I was thinking. I mean, I was there when she needs someone the most. I was there to make her smile, to make her laugh, and most of all, to make her feel good about herself... To Olivia in Dubai, of course." He winked at Zac and the latter was shaking because of the anger.

"You're just there, you know nothing about what really happened! You're know no shit, Cooper!" Zac banged his fist on the table and that made me jumped up from my seat.

"Mase, let's dance!" I took Mason's hand and pulled him to stand up. Thankfully, he stood up, but he snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me closer then smiled at me.

"Of course, babe." I gasped when he said that. Oh shit. He really is mocking Zac.

However, before we leave our table, he spoke again, "I know everything, North." Mason smirked at him and kissed me on my cheek.

As we arrived in the dancefloor, he placed both of my arms on his shoulder and his on my waist then we swayed to the music.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I whispered-yelled at him.

"Dancing with the most beautiful girl." He said smoothly, as if nothing has happened awhile ago.

"Mason! Tonight's not the night for jokes! Stop challenging Zac! The last thing I want is a fight between you two!" I said angrily to him to which he nodded playfully.

Now how the fuck he sees the whole as a joke?

"I told you to not interfere so stop interfering! This is not yours to handle, this is between me and him. You're not my boyfriend to be territorial towards me so stop this pissing contest." He smiled at me and placed his forehead on my shoulder.

"Ugh, Erin. I can't help but be territorial. Just be mine and I promise that I will not do this again." I halted when he said that. I pushed him to look at me, what I saw in his eyes scared me. It was the same eyes Alex showed me when he was about to tell me that he loves.

Oh no.

Not again.

With that, I left him on the dance floor and walked towards the exit.

I went to the garden to take a break from everything and just breath some fresh air. I sat on a bench and cursed inwardly.

Fuck!

Coming here with Mason was a mistake. A complete mistake!

I groaned and placed my face on my palms.

I want to cry.

Why does everything still hurts? Seeing his face, seeing him with a woman, sitting across me. And what did he mean about "you know nothing?"

Also, why does he act jealous?

Oh my God!!! I swear I don't like to add more thoughts pertaining to him. I'm drained.

So fucking drained.

"You can do better than him." I heard him say. I didn't move or looked at him because I'm afraid that if I looked at him, my tears will fall on it accord.

And I don't want that to happen, I promised myself that I will not let him see me cry.

Instead, I scoffed.

"I'm serious, Erin. Stay away from Mason Cooper. He will just hurt you, I know him, I know what kind of man he is. He's a man who will just break you heart and then leave you once---"

"Just like you, huh." I stood up and looked in front of me.

"I--- yes, just like me. So, please look for someone who will not treat you like I did. Please, Erin, please." He begged and it made me furrowed my brows.

"What makes you think that I will heed on to you? Whatever I do, it's none of your business anymore." I was about to walk away when he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him.

He backhugged me and placed his chin on the crook of my neck. I swear my eyes were as big as saucers when he did that.

The familiar vetiver scent and his body heat is all coming back to me. I still fit in his arms, like I was molded for him.

I felt him inhaled my scent and I unconsciously leaned my head on his shoulder, savoring the moment.

Suddenly, it all came back to me, the memories, the laughters, the kisses, the hugs, his sweet words, and that night.

The night I gave myself to him but left me after. The night that made me feel dirty, that made me hate myself and lose the self respect I had.

That fucking night of rejection.

I will never ever forget that.

With that, I forcefully removed his arms around me and did what I was itching on doing him.

I slapped him.

Twice.

Hard.

What irritated me was that he never reacted, it's as if he wad expecting it from me. And so, I slapped him again, punched him and just hit him.

It was already late when I realized that I was crying. He hugged me but I never let him. Memories of that night lingers around me and to be touched by him, triggered my hate for him.

"No!!! Don't touch me! Don't touch me!!! I feel so dirty! Dirty!" I pushed him and he lets me.

"I hate you, Zac! I hate you! You made me feel dirty and low! I hate you so much!!!"

"I'm sor---"

"No! Don't! Just don't!!!!" I hit him again and he was about to hug me but he was thrown at the ground.

Due to the tears in my eyes, I couldn't see clearly. But when I heard the voice, I know who pushed Zac.

"You fucking shit! I told you to stay away from her!!!" Mason held Zac on his collar and gave him a punch.

"And what made you think that I will listen to you, huh?!" Zac replied and threw a punch to Mason.

Next thing I know, they were throwing punches at each other. When I regained my thoughts, I tried to stop them but it was futile. It was as of they were so into punching each other.

I didn't know how to stop them so, I went inside and called Nick for help. Unfortunately, as I was asking for his help, Olivia, Jowee, and Neil heard so, they went outside hurriedly and discreetly to not avoid any unwanted attention from other guests.

As we arrived, Nick and Neil held each man to stop them from fighting. However, both men were adamant to get out of their hold, so, Olivia gave them both a slap on the cheek. To which they stopped.

"What the hell is wrong with you two?" Olivia spoke containing her anger.

"Why don't you ask your good brother?" Mason said and spat out blood. I gasped and was about to go to him when Jowee held me.

Olivia then looked at Zac and the latter just shook his head.

"Still as scared as ever." Mason commented.

"Seriously, can you two stop fighting about Erin? We are in a wedding for God's sake. I know, brother, I know and I've been noticing the pissing contest you two have but I was only ignoring it for the sake of Sky and Alyssa. But look what you two did. This is embarrassing! Let's go, Erin, we will be leaving." Olivia and Jowee took my hands and pulled me towards the parking lot and drove off.

I sighed.

I shouldn't have come to this wedding.

Hello, loves.

Sorry it took me a while to upload this chapter... I changed the POV again to Erin. Originally it's Zac but I again changed my mind. Hihih.

Anyway, comment your thoughts and please vote.

Thank you.

xo,
kimmypatata