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Part Two.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ramos' Manor.

Mason Ramos and Aiden Walker.

Mason stood there, dumbfounded and surprised by what has been unfolded. A huge grin graced his lips, his eyes trained on the door Aiden disappeared behind. He looked back at his parents, his friends, and at Millicent, who had a knowing smirk.

"Come on, boss. Go after him."

He took her advice and followed after Aiden, running up the stairs to his room. His heart thudding with every step he took, ecstatic that he had a chance to mend things with his husband.

Mason felt happy to be alive to witness this. He felt joy in seeing those swollen brown eyes looking back at him lovingly, in feeling Aiden's body in his arms, and for the want that radiated from that simple hug.

Mason was beyond ecstatic that his husband was jealous, too. He was jealous! The man he chased and thought he ruined every chance of getting him back, was jealous over him.

He stumbled across to his bedroom door, pausing to calm his raging heart and trying yet failing to stop himself from smiling. His hand wrapped around the doorknob, and he stopped from opening it when he heard a shuddered sob. Although Mason felt happy that Aiden was sad for the clear jealousy he felt over him, he couldn't help but feel upset to hear him cry.

Mason had promised not to make him cry ever since that day.

The smile fell, replaced by a regretful frown. He softly turned the knob but still hesitated when the sobbing got harder. He sighed, moving his hand away, and was surprised when he was pushed inside the room by someone, locking the door behind him.

"Not going to open the door until you two have a talk and make up."

He heard his mother huff exasperated, locking the door. He sighed, defeated, knowing that she wouldn't let him out, yet terrified that his presence in the room would upset his husband.

He took a deep breath to calm himself and channeled the courage to stay. He needed to fix this relationship now that he had a chance.

Mason looked around the large room and met Aiden's stunned face. The latter swiftly wiped his cheeks and looked away to hide his flustered face. Mason couldn't take his eyes off of him, thinking of how stupid he was to ruin the life with this beautiful and incredible man.

He sighed and awkwardly walked to where Aiden was sitting on the bed. He didn't know how he should start a conversation with him. Mason never felt this nervous and anxious in his entire life. His hands felt clammy, and his breathing quickened. All of a sudden feeling weak, watching with careful eyes his husband's reactions towards his every move.

Yes, Aiden did hug him and cried in his chest, looking relieved that he was fine, but that didn't mean that he'd forgive easily. For sure, he loved him. Mason hoped, thinking that Aiden wouldn't have felt sad if he didn't, after Millicent declared that she was the doña.

"I. . ." He reluctantly started, and his lips formed a thin line, pausing. He cursed himself when his voice wavered, and he couldn't understand why his words would always fail him when it came to Aiden.

His husband glanced at him with a saddened look that had his heart skip a beat.

"Umm, I'm glad you're alright."

Aiden was focusing on his breathing to calm himself. He didn't appreciate what Mabel did, locking Mason with him in the room. He wasn't ready to face him, although he didn't understand his actions when he saw him earlier, but this talk was long overdue.

Aiden knew that he needed to push all his fear and insecurities aside and finally have the inevitable talk with Mason.

He nervously offered a smile, but Mason could tell that he was battling on the inside. The air between them felt heavy, which wasn't a surprise to him, for the thick tension they had between them.

Mason glanced at Aiden, who rubbed his arm, staring awkwardly at him. His eyes brimmed with tears, reddened and glossy, making them irresistible; his cheeks and the tip of his nose flushed, and his lips wet and pink, so tempting to be teased and kissed fondly.

Aiden was beautiful, and Mason had realized how much of a jerk he was to hurt him. He couldn't believe that his stupidity and groundless cruelty to hurt this man.

His husband bit his bottom lip, for sure bothered by the unbearable silence, and this small action had him almost growl. Mason had to swallow hard and gain his composure, not to ruin everything now. Although he wanted to have Aiden in his arms and profess his love to him, he had to control himself.

Mason didn't want to scare him any more than he already did.

He breathed a hefty sigh."Aiden,"

"She's beautiful." Aiden cut in, making him frown, confused, before feeling a beginning of a smile pulled on his face. He had to tuck his lips to stifle a laugh at the thoughts that evidently his husband was having.

Feigning ignorance, he hummed in question.

"The woman . . . I mean Doña. She's a keeper."

Maybe it was due to his insecurities when it came to Aiden's feelings for him, or just the urge he always had since he was a kid to tease him, Mason decided to play along. Not every day, he'd get the chance to see Aiden jealous and flustered.

"That, she is." He sighed dreamily. "She's everything a man can wish for in a woman."

"Lucky you," Aiden commented gruffly, bitterness seeping off of his voice. He couldn't help but glare at Mason, chastising himself for being stupidly in love. He hated the gentle smile Mason had on, probably thinking about his woman.

"Ah-uh." Mason conceded with what he said, chuckling lightly when a bit of rebellion morphed on Aiden's face as he rolled his eyes.

"I'm lucky that I've met her. Without her, I wouldn't be able to survive today."

Aiden pushed the jealously aside, bowing his head down in self-loathe for hating on the woman who saved Mason. She did nothing wrong, and if someone were to blame, it'd be his husband. He grimaced bitterly and hesitantly asked.

"What happened?"

Mason could tell that his husband was concerned and eager to know. He felt happy that Aiden cared about him, and more certain now that he still loved him.

"I only told Mil that I'd be baiting Klaus' men. She, being the badass she is, took it upon herself to assist me . . . I hate to say it, but I was so cocky, thinking that I'd outsmart them. But I ended up being cornered."

He let out a burst of breathy laughter. "I went out intending to kill them, and I ended up the one ambushed and almost killed."

Mason made his way towards him and stopped when Aiden flinched and fidgeted uncomfortably. It pained him, knowing that he was still afraid of him, yet he understood where his husband's fear was coming from.

Aiden wouldn't let his guard down around him in a day and a night. He knew that it wouldn't be easy for his husband to forgive him, and he'd be surprised if he did any time soon. But Mason was adamant about earning his trust once more.

"Mil saved me when I got trapped in my flaming car. . . She skillfully fought off Klaus' men, who cowardly fled the scene, probably thinking that they've accomplished their mission." Mason then added thoughtfully. "They must've been watching me and following my every move. They must've figured out that I was tracking them using their own device, so they've decided to act first."

He looked back at Aiden, aware of the faint heat that coated his cheeks from embarrassment. "I was supposed to track them down and get rid of them. I ended up almost getting killed. If it weren't for Mil's quick resolve and stubbornness, I would've perished in the fire."

Aiden looked flustered, forming a dry smile.

"She's a great Doña then."

Mason heard him mumble under his breath, making him smile lovingly at him. Aiden had to look away from that bright smile and couldn't help but pucker his lips.

"Have you ever fallen in love?" Mason said after a while, catching him off-guard. Aiden could feel his irritation building up inside him, his mind wondering why was this love-stricken man boasting about his happy relationship with that woman. And just by hearing how Mason's voice softened, Aiden's stomach dropped, and his heart ached.

He couldn't help but despise Millicent even more for stealing Mason's heart. He felt insecure, as dark thoughts invaded his mind. Millicent seemed like a strong-willed person, smart, and shrewd. She was stunning, while he was nothing but a weak and a simple person who was still in love with his abuser.

Mason's calculating eyes could tell Aiden was beating himself up and overthinking things. He knew he placed that doubt in him, and he hated himself for it.

"I've fallen hard." He went on, fighting the urge to hold Aiden's hands and assure him. "The moment I saw them, I just couldn't understand why my heart was reacting that way? Why did I feel annoyed when someone other than me was around them? Why were they smiling happily to someone else other than me? Why would the anger rage through me when someone else would touch them?"

"Good for you." The other grumbled, annoyed. He sounded jealous, which probably stopped him from figuring out that he was the person Mason was talking about.

"Yeah," he said with a lovely chuckle. "Then there was the music, how their elegant fingers worked that guitar skillfully. The way their thin, irresistible lips formed a smile, eyes twinkling and dancing with the sweet sounds they produced."

This time, Aiden finally caught on, blushing when Mason settled beside him. Their eyes met, and they couldn't look away, both of them panting for air from the intense emotions they felt.

"I found myself drawn to that beautiful music, that beautiful face and those stunning eyes. I turned possessive and tried so hard to control myself around them."

Aiden shivered when the mafia boss held his hands in his.

"I tried so hard, Aiden. . . I really did. I know that whatever I'd say now won't change what happened in the past. I know that it won't be easy for you to forgive me for what I did. . . But I'm asking. . .No, I'm begging for a second chance."

He got cut off when Aiden slipped his hands away, looking down at his lap. He watched him gnaw on his bottom lip nervously before meeting his eyes. The sight of him all bewildered, defeated, and wearing that teary gaze, had Mason's heart break in half.

"I . . ." Aiden started and gulped loudly, pausing.

Mason's hope diminished, smiling gently.

"I understand." He nodded, disappointed. "Just to let you know, there is nothing between Mil and I. . . When you left, I was afraid that people would hurt you to get to me, knowing I'd do anything for them not to harm you. I faked my relationship with Mil, spreading rumors about her being the Doña to throw them off, and it worked."

Hearing this, Aiden looked up again with an unreadable expression.

"It's your choice now, Aiden. It's up to you if we should stay together or get apart. . . It's not going to be easy for me if you choose the latter, but I'll respect your decision."

He stood up to leave and halted when he heard Aiden sniffle. He looked back to find him crying again, hiding his face in his hands. His heart torn apart at this sight, feeling helpless and unsure how to comfort him. Mason balled his fists, debating if he should pull him to his chest and hug him.

Aiden hated himself for crying again and looking weak in front of Mason, but he couldn't help it. His heart was racing from the emotions his husband stirred up. He felt happy yet sad, relieved but a bit mad, stuck in a roller-coaster of emotions that troubled him.

Until when? Aiden thought. Until when we'd torture and cause pain to each other?

He chuckled bitterly, remembering what Mabel and his parents had said. Aiden did love him, so much more than he thought, that he wanted to disregard what happened and start over again. They both cared for each other, and they should work on their differences. It wouldn't be easy, for sure, but they could at least try. And certainly, Aiden wouldn't make it easy for Mason.

His husband would have to work hard to prove his love for him. They were both broken, and it might take months or probably years of therapy to be able to move on from what happened.

Aiden knew that this decision might be displayed as weakness, but deep inside, he knew he had a strong heart. To be able to forgive those who hurt you was never easy, and he knew if it were someone else in his shoes, they would've left Mason. But when it came to the matters of the heart, he was helpless.

Aiden was helplessly in love.

"I want to stay." He reluctantly said. "I want to stay here," With you.

He just couldn't get himself to say it. He couldn't tell him that he'd give him another chance. A promise that his heart was begging for, but his mind still rejected.

Mason was more than happy to hear this favorable decision. He knew that it'd be difficult for both of them, and mostly for Aiden, but they'd make it work. It'd definitely take time for Aiden's wounds to heal, and Mason would wait patiently for that to happen.

He crouched in front of him, noticing when Aiden flinched a bit. He smiled, holding his uncertain gaze and softly held his hands.

"We can take it a step by step if you want." He added the last part when Aiden frowned. "Umm. . .Did you mean that you want to stay until you come up with a decision?"

He wondered, to make sure that they were on the same page.

Aiden processed the question in his mind. For him, it was easy to concede with this than admit that he was willing to give him another chance. He wanted him back, sure, and have a somewhat normal relationship, where no one was there against their will. But he wanted Mason to learn from his wrongdoings. He wanted him to taste the agony he felt throughout all the past years, and the amount of anguish he felt, knowing that this very man was just using him for his body and feeling nothing for him.

He wanted him to suffer a bit and work hard to convey his feelings. Otherwise, Mason would never be appreciative of the love Aiden had for him.

He nodded and appreciated when his husband didn't press him or say anything. He just gave his hands a soft squeeze, standing up.

"Alright. . . I need to take a bath and change. I'll be out of your hair in no time."

Aiden stood up, too, and held his hand when he wanted to leave. The gentle grip had Mason's heart give out a loud thud. Even his eyes widened a bit, displaying how shocked he was.

"Y-You're leaving again?"

"Do you want me to stay?"

With no hesitation, Aiden nodded. He wouldn't consider the idea of him leaving and risk losing him, for real this time.

A lovely smile brightened Mason's face. His once cold eyes bored fondly and warmly into his own.

"Then it's settled; I'm staying."

Aiden flashed him a small grin and walked back to the bed. Mason got the hint and knocked on the door for his mother to open it. He knew she must've been eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Did you guys make up?" She called from behind the door, and Mason rolled his eyes. He glanced back at Aiden, who fidgeted under his glare, looking so irresistible and innocent, before nodding.

"We did. Now, open the door. I need a shower."

He heard her whispering something to someone before replying.

"Well, since you guys made up, there is no need for you to go to the other room. You can use the bathroom in this one."

"What are you doing? Open the door!" He heard Jay whisper, trying to convince his irrational mother to unlock the door.

Mason pushed back and chuckled when he heard them fighting. He looked back at Aiden, who was beet red, eyes slightly widened.

"Is it alright with you if I shower here?" He asked, suddenly feeling exhausted from the events that happened this afternoon."I know my mother, and she'd keep us here until I prove to her that I did what she asked."

Aiden's eyes carefully studied him, scanning the dirty suit he had on, his shaggy hair and bruised face. He bit his lip and nodded for him to stay in the room, heart exploding when Mason smiled lovingly.

The Mafia boss groaned when he tried to remove his jacket, wincing, and feeling a sharp pain all over his bruised body.

"You need help?" Aiden didn't know what had him say this, but he did.

Mason just looked back at him with a quirked eyebrow, eyes narrowed in mischief, smirking.

"Unless you're offering to give me a bath, then no."

Aiden blushed and rushed to the door when Mason started taking off his pants.

"Mom, open the door!" He heard his mother still arguing with Mabel.

Mason just chuckled and went on with his erotic show, exposing that enticing chest. Aiden glanced back and squeaked when the other caught him staring.

"Mom, open the door now!"

Jay, who finally managed to pin Mabel down and get the key to the room, opened the door for him as he hurriedly ran outside. He glared at his mother-in-law before storming off to calm his heart.

Mason just shook his head, mumbling. "I really am an idiot for hurting him."