Page 68 of Choosing the right Man

“It’s not over between us, Mason,” she says, her red lips tilting up before parting. Her tongue traces her bottom lip before she smiles again. She attempts to raise her hand to my face, and I push her away again. Anger rises within me.

“You’ve gone too far this time, Bella. Our working relationship is officially over. If you come near me again, I’ll destroy your business along with your life. Am I making myself clear?”

Her smile falters, but she quickly tries to cover it up. I see the panic in her eyes, though. She can see that I’m not bluffing. This looks bad, though, with her in here with me. If anyone walks into the room, it could be a disaster.

“Don’t do this, Mason. We have something special together. Why don’t you and I get out of here? It’s not too late,” she pleads.

“I’ll say this one more time, then I’m calling security and my lawyer. We’re done, Bella. Turn around without saying another word and leave.” I mean every single word.

She gazes at me a moment as she assesses my words. She wises up and realizes I really am speaking the truth. Tears appear in her eyes, but she finally turns and walks away, less confidence in her steps. I don’t take in a full breath until the door closes behind her. I’m pissed that she’s put even the smallest damper on this magical day.

Today is about Chloe and me. I won’t let Bella ruin it. I shake off her visit and push all thoughts of her from my mind. It’s odd that I was ever attracted to a woman like her. It had to be because I was searching for Chloe all along, and all of the other women were simply filling a shallow need until I found her.

I turn and move to the mirror. My eyes are blazing; I force myself to take in deep breaths. I gain control over myself and calm. My door opens once more, and my entire body tenses. I seriously will destroy her if she attempts to come in here again.

“Was that Bella I saw coming out of here?”

I let out a breath of relief as Rex walks toward me. He’s been in my employ for a long time, and I trust him more than most people. He’s one of the few people who knows most of my dirty little secrets.

“Yeah, it was,” I say with a sigh.

Rex’s eyes are wide as he looks from me to the closed door as if my ex is going to walk back through it at any minute.

“Damn. Do you need to talk?” he asks. The tension begins to leave my body.

“No. I want to get married,” I tell him, giving him a smile.

Rex grins back before thumping me on the back. “I sure as hell like Chloe. You’ve chosen well,” he says.

Now, my smile’s real. “Yes, I have.” I know I’m doing the right thing. It’s time to meet my bride at the front of the aisle. I have no doubt she’ll take my breath away just as she does every time I see her.

She’s perfection in a way that women like Bella can’t compete with. She doesn’t even have to try.

“I’m ready, let’s go,” I tell Rex. We leave my room, and I look around, seeking out Chloe, though I know they have her behind closed doors. It’s okay. I’ll be with her soon, and then I’ll never let her go.

Chapter Forty-Five

Chloe

My wedding day is beautiful. I was never one to dream of a perfect wedding, but if I did, this would be it. Mason’s mother was a dream and helped me plan it all. I would’ve never gotten it done without her. I wonder what it would’ve been like to grow up with a mother and father. My dad more than made up for the fact I didn’t have a mom, though.

My dress is a dream and makes me feel like a princess, the flowers are simple and beautiful, and the colors are silver and teal, elegant and classy. Best of all, my dad and Audrey are both here. Though my dad’s been fidgeting uncomfortably all morning in his rented tux. At least the two of us get a few minutes alone before the ceremony. He has tears in his eyes as he gazes at me now that the final touches have been applied. He stands and moves toward me, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

It’s only the second time in my life I’ve seen him with tears. A few of my own fall. I truly love him more than any other person in this world. Of course, Mason’s a close second, along with Audrey. But I’m a daddy’s girl, through and through.

“You’re so beautiful, baby girl,” he says in a hushed tone.

“Thanks, Dad. This is all so unreal,” I say as I stand before him in my beautiful gown. I shift on my feet, my legs shaky.

He picks up the tiara with an attached veil, and gently places it on my head, something I asked my hair people to allow him to do. It has to be my dad finishing off my look. It’s been him and me for my entire life. For such a large man with giant fingers, he’s incredibly gentle. He fits the piece on perfectly. When I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself.

I have ringlets hanging down around my face. My dark hair is mostly up with pearls strategically placed throughout it. It fits perfectly with the veil. I really do feel beautiful.

“I love that you’re finally getting your Cinderella moment. You’ve always been my princess, but because I like Mason so much, I’m confident he’ll treat you the way you deserve to be treated,” he says with a gentle smile.

“Did you know it was meant to be with my mom?” I ask. I grab a tissue and gently blot my eyes. It’s a good thing the makeup artist used waterproof colors, or I’d already be a mess.

My dad tenderly cups my cheek and smiles. He’s such a gentle giant. I feel guilty about all the bad thoughts I ever had about him, all of the ways I defied him, even if it’s been a long time since I wanted to be a brat. It’s easy being his daughter when I know how important I am to him. I’ll always be his little girl, no matter where I am in life.

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