The Billionaire's Mask (Book #1) - Unedited Version

Chapter 37

ALAYNA

"Good morning, Alayna. Breakfast in bed?" Cassius placed a tray toast and a glass of milk on the bedside table. I chuckled.

"Sure. Thanks, Cass."

"You're welcome." He grinned. "Oh, your complexion is back. I think you'll be fine in a few days."

"I can't thank you for this treatment," I paused, "and I'm sorry. I've been a mess these past few months."

"You'll be fine. You need just need to clear your mind and," he picked up a piece of the toast and handed it to me, "start fresh, you know? I suggest you eat your breakfast. I'm taking you out later."

I took a bite of the buttery bread.

"I thought I'm not allowed to go out?"

He laughed softly. "I didn't say you're not allowed to go out. Casey wants to see you. She called me this morning when she found out you're with me."

"Oh." I nodded. "I just realized one thing. I don't want to meet anyone right now. It's kind of exhausting."

"Then, would you rather stay here?"

"Yes, and actually I have one favor to ask you. I know that you won't allow me, but I think I kind of need this to move forward... to move on."

"Hmm..." he hummed. "What is it?"

"First of all, I need to thank you for not leaving me last night. I feel safe, and I plan to stay here until I'm ready to go out. But, I really, really need to ask you to take me back to the mansion when I feel better."

He paused a little before he spoke.

"To be honest, you're not safe in the mansion. You might be thinking about your job, but I think you should go on vacation. I believe your contract does say that you're entitled to sick leave. I'm not saying you are sick, but you should rest more, Alayna."

"I thought of that, but I want to talk to Brandon. Only then, can I finally move on."

"No, listen." He touched my shoulder. "You have to understand that you two need space."

"I had enough space, Cassius!" I said firmly. "I was away from him for a long time."

"I know, Alayna, but I really think you should not see Brandon, at least for now. You should go to your hometown and see your family. That's the best suggestion I can give." I heaved a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Cassius. I understand that I've had this anger issue for a while now. Let me talk to him. I need to know if he still cares for me, or not. I need your help to do that because I really feel like he didn't want to talk to me."

"Unfortunately, Brandon is being difficult right now. Not just with you, but with everyone else-"

"Then, are you suggesting that I should break up with him?" I was getting furious again.

"No, I didn't say that. I talked to him and gave him the chance to make it right, but instead, he didn't want to. Look, Alayna... I understand you." He ran his finger through his hair. "But you have to calm down and eat your breakfast first. We will talk about this again."

"No." I stepped out of the bed. "If you don't want to take me to him, just let me leave."

He sighed in frustration. "This is the reason why I can't let you see him. You need to get better first. I will help you afterward."

"If you want to help me, then you will let me see him. That's the help I need," I insisted. He didn't understand. I needed to move on. I needed to talk to Brandon, and I'm tired of being in the dark.

"Or are you doing this because he hates you? You... you are using me to get back at him?" I accused.

He stepped back. His face confused and defeated. "Alayna, where is this coming from? Can't you hear yourself right now?"

I caught my mouth, realizing that I was on it again. "Oh my God, Cassius!" I gasped. "I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry I said that."

"I really think you should go back to your hometown and find yourself again. This is not you. Excuse me. I have to go." Cassius took off his white gown and exited out of the room.