Filed to story: The Billionaire Trying Hard to Win Her Heart Novel (Sophie & Tristan) >>
As Willow wrapped her arms around his neck, Mason brought her downstairs.
“Mason, don’t leave me. I’m afraid when I’m alone.”
Mason didn’t answer, as he could never give her what she truly desired.When the students saw the dashing Mason carry Willow away, they gossiped amongst themselves.
“Oh my God! He’s really handsome!”
“Don’t you know? He used to be a legend in Jipsdale Premier High. I heard that he and Willow are a couple!”
“Mmm-hmm. I was told of it too. I even heard that Sophie also fancies Mason.”
“Sophie must be dreaming. He’s out of her league!”
“Precisely. Mason and Willow are a match made in heaven!”
“I’m so envious of her bridal carry! I wish I was the one in his arms.”
“Say, why would Willow get hurt? Could it be that Sophie hurt her? Sophie has been jealous of her, hasn’t she?”
“I think Sophie must be the one who hurt her. Just a while ago, you missed how terrified Willow looked.”
“Sophie is really wicked. Who does she think she is?”
“All of you should shut up. I’ll smack whoever that makes another sound.”
Ysabelle could no longer tolerate the harsh comments.Who the f*ck is Mason? There’s no way Soph is interested in him. Uncle Tristan is way better than him!“Ysabelle, you had better stay away from her. Look, she even dares to strike her own sister.”
“Shut your trap.”
Ysabelle was incompetent at verbal insults. Hence, that was the best she could manage out of her limited vocabulary.Meanwhile, Sophie came over and swept a calm gaze across the girls.
“Mason? Not my cup of tea.”
With that, she held Ysabelle’s arm and left.
“Soph, don’t mind their words.”
Ysabelle was worried that the snide remarks would hurt her.Even though Sophie had nerves of steel, Ysabelle still sympathized with her upon hearing the comments.
“Mmm-hmm. I’m not bothered by them. Besides, they were not wrong. I was the one who roughed up Willow,” she bravely admitted.
“It was because of me, wasn’t it?” Ysabelle, too, felt that Willow had it coming.
“I just can’t bear the sight of her. Anyway, let’s get back to class.”
After Sophie helped Ysabelle back to the classroom, the fourth period began.Upon hearing the news of Willow being hurt, Yale and Charmaine rushed over.Both of them heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of Mason.Ever since Mason returned, his attitude toward Willow was colder than before, causing them to worry that their relationship had taken a turn for the worse.But now that he was by Willow’s side, it was a sign that he still cared for her.
“Thank you, Mason.”
Mason merely nodded before making way for them.
“Willa, what happened? How did you get hurt?”
“Mom, it’s Soph. I have no idea why she did this to me.”
“What? Sophie? That’s audacious of her!” Yale bellowed. “What in the world is she trying to do?”
“Dad, I’m as clueless as you are!”Willow put on an innocent look as she sneaked a glance in Mason’s direction, hoping to learn his thoughts about the matter.However, all she could see was a frown on his face.
“Willow, I’m sure there must be a misunderstanding. I know Sophie isn’t capable of such a thing.”
“Mason, why don’t you believe me? Are you saying that I’m making false accusations against her?” Willow was on the brink of tears. How can he not trust me?“I just think that she’s not a bad person.”
“In that case, are you saying that I’m the one that’s bad?”Willow summoned her tears at will to cement her pitiable look.
“All right. I’ll get to the bottom of the matter. You should rest at home for the next few days instead of going to school.”
Feeling annoyed, Mason was in no mood to continue the topic.
“Mason…”Willow felt indignant. Even though I have ended up in the hospital, he still refuses to stay by my side.
“Willa, Mason has just returned to the country and probably has a lot on his plate. So, you shouldn’t get in his way.”
Just as Yale spoke, he stood up to walk Mason out, leaving Charmaine and Willow in the ward.
“Willa, was it really Soph?”Willow gave her mother a pained look. “Mom, what’s that supposed to mean? Do you also think that I’m framing Sophie?”
“That’s not what I meant. I just don’t want both of you to ruin your relationship over a man.”
“I’m not!” Willow was infuriated. Even my own mother doesn’t believe me.
“Fine. Let’s just forget it. Going forward, don’t step on Sophie’s toes. Instead, focus your efforts on staying by Mason’s side.”
Speechless, Willow was further outraged by her mother’s words. Still, she wouldn’t dare get on Sophie’s nerves anymore.Recalling the fearless look on Sophie’s face, Willow believed that the former would really carry out her threats to kill her.By the time Mason returned to his office, he had lost the mood to work.He then drove aimlessly around Jipsdale until it was five. Eventually, he still failed to keep control of himself and headed toward Jipsdale Premier High.He waited inside the car, feeling the need to have a proper talk with Sophie, as they didn’t have the opportunity to do so the last time.Finally, after three complex experiments, Aaron dismissed Bailey and Sophie from class.When both of them came out for dinner, Mason’s car was right in front of them.
“What’s wrong?” Bailey couldn’t help but ask when Sophie stopped in her tracks.
At the sight of her, Mason quickly alighted and approached her.
“Sophie, let’s have dinner together.”
There were certain words that he needed to say to her in person.Bailey scrutinized the man in front of him. Isn’t he Willow’s boyfriend? Why is he here to see Sophie at a time like this?“You must be here to question me about hitting Willow, right? There’s no need to do it over a meal, as I can give you an answer straight away. I wanted to teach her a lesson just because I don’t like her face. How about that? Are you happy with the answer? If you are, you can get out of my way now.”
All this while, my words never matter to him, so why even bother? Since he didn’t believe me five years ago, it’s meaningless for him to say anything now.
“Sophie, I really have something to tell you. Can you listen to me for once? Are things between us so bad that we can’t even have a meal together?”
“I’m sorry, but the sight of you makes me lose my appetite.”
Mason was at a loss for words as he felt a squeeze in his heart.Has our relationship deteriorated to such an extent?“I know you’re not able to get over what happened five years ago. But don’t you worry. I’ll make sure you get the justice you deserve.”
“Mason, I don’t need you to interfere in my affairs. And what’s this talk about seeking justice for me? Do you think you’re some kind of superhero?”
“Sophie, let’s go. We still have to attend a self-study session at night,” Bailey reminded, as they had yet to have their dinner.Sophie nodded before leaving with him.After being spurned by Sophie, Mason leaned against the car door. Regardless of what he said, she refused to listen to him.Meanwhile, Willow’s friends sent her a message when they coincidentally spotted Mason meeting with Sophie.After that, they walked up to him.
“Mr. Laird, you’re back. You must stand up for Willa. Sophie is just too much. She always acts as if she owns the place.”
“That’s right! All she does is bully Willa. I bet she’s jealous of both of you being together.”
“Mmm-hmm, Mr. Laird, Sophie is a terrible person.”
When he heard how they disparaged Sophie, an excruciating pain surged in his heart.All these years, she has suffered a tremendous amount of insults alone. And yet, I chose to leave her behind after that incident and let her carry the burden by herself.
“Going forward, don’t ever let me hear you badmouth Sophie. Also, Willow and I are not in a relationship.”
“Mr. Laird…”The girls couldn’t believe their ears.
“What do you mean? Are you dumping Willa?”
“Yea! How can you do that? Willa waited for you for five years. Now that you’re finally back, how can you just abandon her?”Willow’s friends felt bad for her.Having no intention to waste time arguing with a bunch of girls, Mason turned around in exasperation and returned to his car.Upon receiving the message, Willow flung her phone at the wall, causing its screen to shatter when it dropped to the floor.
“Sophie!” Willow clenched her teeth. Why does she always mess up my life? Why didn’t she just die in Horington?Willow’s pretty face contorted in anger, as the urge to tear Sophie to pieces swelled within her.The next day in school, Ysabelle pulled Sophie aside, causing the latter to cock her brows.What is she up to?“Soph, accompany me to Lombard Group this afternoon.”
“Why?” Sophie was puzzled.
“I’m bringing Uncle Tristan and the others lunch.”
Felix had ignored her for two days. Realizing the folly of her actions, she planned to tell him that she was sorry.
“The others? Do you mean Felix?”Sophie knew what Ysabelle was up to. I bet she wants to apologize to him.
“Mmm-hmm.”
“All right then.”
During the noon break, Sophie and Ysabelle picked up the food from Pegasus Pavilion before hailing a taxi to Lombard Group.As it was Ysabelle’s first time there, both of them were stopped by the receptionist because she didn’t recognize them.
“I’m Ysabelle Lombard. Tristan is my uncle, so let me in.”
Ysabelle felt helpless. It was understandable that the receptionist didn’t know her, but no matter how much time she spent explaining, the former just refused to believe her.Sophie watched them argue for a while before finally giving Tristan a call.When Tristan picked up, he and Felix were already having lunch outside.Nonetheless, he was not only surprised to receive her call but also delighted by it.
“Mr. Tristan, where are you? Ysabelle and I are in the lobby of Lombard Group. Are you here?”
“What?”