Chapter 7
On the winding, high–stakes racetrack, two race cars sped forward neck and neck, neither one giving an inch. ||
Celia stood in the bleachers, her eyes fixed on the giant screen that kept updating their speeds in real time.]
Mason’s eat had been maxing out from the beginning, but no matter how fast he went, he could not shake off Flynn, who stayed close behind with a cool,
calculated pace
ang with him to
him, provoking him on purpose.||
Even someone with zero racing experience could tell that Flynn was just toying
Mason ignored it completely and kept his focus. He slammed the gas pedal all the way down on the final lap. But despite his best efforts, he fell far behind Flynn’s car.
Then, as if mocking him, at every curve, Flynn would swing to the outside, deliberately slowing just enough to let Mason catch up.
in resignation
Seeing this humiliating behavior, everyone felt Mason was doomed to lose and began sighing in
Celia picked up her bag, preparing to leave.
Just at that time, a hysterical scream erupted behind her
She turned back in see–Mason’s black race car, in the final curve, crashing like a madman into Flynn’s car.
car.]]
In an instant, Flynn’s white car swerved violently off track in a split second to avoid a collision and crashed through the safety barrier. [
Mason seized the moment, shot forward, and crossed the finish line.||
However, the price he paid was brutal–he could not slow down in time and slammed straight into the guardrail. His car flipped over and slid across the track. and its front end shattered beyond recognition as flames burst from the engine.
Gasps echoed across the entire stadium. ||
No one had expected Mason to go so far and to risk everything for the win. Even Brooklyn, who had been looking bored until then, screamed and rushed onto the track]
Mason, bloodied and staggering, dimbed out of the wreckage when he saw her. With her by his side, he limped over to Flynn’s wrecked car. He raised his arm high and made the signature victory gesture.
“You lost. From this day on, you’re never allowed to come near Brooklyn again
In the nine years Cella had known Mason, he had always been composed, elegant, and alobr. This was the first time she had seen him this wild and full of pride. It would also be the last.]]
As the crowd exploded with cheers and applause, she quietly turned around and walked out of the arena. This time, there was nothing left in her heart to hold
onto
texted and said that he
e had to leave for a week long business trip!]
By midnight. Mason still had not returned home. Instead, he texted and
Shortly after, Brooklyn sent Celia a photo of Mason at a victory party, surrounded by friends, with his arm around her. “Mason said that winning felt amazing He’s taking me overseas to celebrate. [
Celia replied with just a single word, “Okay.
That week, she packed up
up her things and finalized a detailed travel plan. Once everything was in order, she booked a one–way flight back to her hometown.
When the airline called to confirm her itinerary, she listened carefully and repeated. “Yes, it’s a one way ticket for next work….[]
“Ticket? Where are you going? ||
The familiar voice caught her off guard. Mason was back, and she had not even heard him come in the hung up the phone and answered honestly, avoiding his curious gare[]
Im going home to see my parents. 1
you didn’t want jewelry or designer
Mason nodded and did not ask anything else. Instead, he pulled out a nestly wrapped gift boa. “Celia, 1 remember you said you d
Lags anymore. So this time, I picked out a perfume Let me know if you like it.”
Celis opened it, took a symbolic sniff, then set it down. 1 like it.“]
Her indifferent tone caught Masan af gund. He stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around her, his voice soft with concern. “What’s going you lately? I’ve been gone for days, and you didn’t send me a single message. Are you in a bad mood?–
she hadh 1 expected him to notice och small details when he was with Brooklyn. []
But then the remembered his she used to share everything with him, from funny gossip to a flower she saw on her walk
on with
He had spent three years being annoyed by these messages from someone he did not care about. Naturally, he would notice when they suddenly stopped.]
Any normal person would notice that right
Realizing this, she wasn’t surprised anymore
Seeing her remain silent, Mason leaned down, thinking she needed comfort, and tried to kiss her.
But for ance, Cella did not lean into him. She gently pushed him away and went to the bathroom.
Waching her retreating back, than fell bewildered
Hand? Its been so long. Has it passed yer?]
