Billionaire's Unlikely Bride

Chapter 11

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Mason's POV

I arrived home earlier than usual, with some special plans for tonight. I wanted to take Raven out for dinner,  more like a date. Don't get me wrong, I don't have feelings for her. That's the last thing I want after my experience with Candice. My only priority was my company, and to do that, I had to find a way into her heart; that's the only way she'd agree to have my child. But when I walked into the apartment, Raven wasn't home.

I frowned, glancing at my watch. She usually came back around this time after her classes. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. She didn't pick up, and I tried 3 more times. It rang for a while before she finally picked up.

"Hello?" Her voice was soft and it trembled slightly.

"Where are you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, a hint of concern crept in. "I've been trying to reach you, are you okay?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and when she finally spoke, her voice sounded a bit off. "I'm on my way home. I'll be there soon."

"Are you okay?" I asked, my concern deepening.

She hung up before I could press further. I stared at the phone, unease gnawing at me. Something wasn't right. I knew Raven well enough to know she was upset.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I needed to find out what was going on with her. I called one of my guards, someone I trusted to handle delicate situations discreetly.

"Sir?" He answered after a single ring.

"I need you to find out where Raven was earlier today," I instructed. "And do it quietly. I don't want her to know."

"Understood, sir. I'll get back to you soon."

I ended the call and leaned back on the couch, my thoughts racing. Whatever had happened, I'm sure it had to do with her family. I've been doing my research on Raven and I discovered she doesn't get along with them. She was always kept in the shadows, and I'm yet to find out why.

To keep myself occupied while I waited for Raven to come home, I instructed the maids to prepare dinner in the garden. I know she wouldn't want to go out in such a bad mood, so we'll just have dinner at home. I wanted everything to be perfect, a beautiful table setting and her favorite food. I asked Julie earlier what her favourite food was and she told me it was lobster bisque and extra creamy noodles. I wasn't sure why I was going through so much trouble for her; I guess it was because I was trying to win her over.

By the time the maids were finished setting up, I heard the front door open and close quietly. I walked out of the kitchen to find Raven standing in the hallway, her back facing me.

"Raven," I  called softly.

She turned to face me, and my heart sank. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face pale. She looked like she had been crying for hours. Seeing her like this stirred something deep within me: anger, protectiveness, and an overwhelming urge to pull her into my arms and hold her till she felt better.

"What happened?" I asked, stepping closer to her. "You've been crying."

"I'm fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked away, avoiding my gaze. "I just need to freshen up."

"Raven, I know I'm a stranger to you but no matter what we agreed on, it doesn't change the fact that you're my wife. So please, talk to me." I pressed, gently taking her hand in mine.

She shook her head, still avoiding my eyes. "I'm really tired, Mason. I just want to take a shower and lie down for a bit."

I could see she wasn't going to open up right now, no matter how much I pushed. I let out a frustrated breath, squeezing her hand lightly before letting go. "Fine. But freshen up quickly so we can have dinner."