CHAPTER TWO — ALL THAT MATTERS
The evening sun had gone down, everywhere seemed cool, Inside the Pierce mansion, the mood was light, romantic even playful.
In the master bedroom, Raven stood in front of a full length mirror, adjusting the silver straps of her gown. The silky blue fabric hugged her body perfectly, showing off her curves in all the right ways. Her long hair flowed down her back in soft waves, and her makeup was just enough to highlight her beauty without hiding it.
Mason leaned on the doorframe, watching her with a proud smile on his face. He was dressed in a fitted black tux, no tie yet, just a few buttons undone on his shirt. His eyes didn't leave her.
"You're staring," Raven said with a soft smile as she turned slightly, admiring her own reflection.
"I know," Mason replied. "Can you blame me? You look like royalty."
She giggled, twirling in front of the mirror. "Ouu… seriously?"
"Dead serious." He walked closer and slipped his arms around her waist from behind. "That dress is fire, Rae. But honestly… it's not the dress. It's the woman wearing it."
She looked at him through the mirror, their eyes locking. "You're smooth, Mr. Pierce."
"Only for you," he whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her shoulder. "Mehn… that body is hot. And the best part? It's all mine."
She laughed again, resting her hands over his. "You're too much."
•
"I'm just speaking the truth," he said with a grin. "And soon, I'll be putting a ring on that finger for the whole world to see."
Raven leaned back into him, letting his warmth calm the storm she felt rising inside her. For a moment, they just stood there in silence, swaying gently, wrapped in each other.
Then, quietly, she asked, "Do you think… they love me?"
Mason blinked, slowly pulling away so he could face her properly. He knew what he knew what she meant
"Of course they do, baby." He reached for her hand and held it tightly. "I'm sure they love you."
She looked down at their joined hands. "But they loved her first."
Mason's smile faded a little. He knew what she meant. He gently lifted her chin so her eyes met his again.
"Come on, Raven. It's been three years. What the world thinks… doesn't matter. What matters is what I think. What we feel. I love you. And we're going to get married soon. Okay?"
She nodded, but something in her still hesitated.
"I don't know if I can do this," she whispered. "I don't think I can face all those people… the looks, the whispers… Baby, I just… I can't."
Mason frowned. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. "I think… you should go alone. I just want to stay here."
He looked at her for a long moment, his jaw tight, but then he sighed and stepped back.
"You know what?" he said gently. "Let's just stay."
Raven blinked. "What?"
"Yeah." He shrugged off his tux jacket and tossed it on the chair. "Let's just stay home and enjoy ourselves. Who needs a fancy event when I've got the most beautiful woman right here?"
"But, baby"
"No buts," Mason said, walking back to her. "Besides… you look way too beautiful for anyone else to see. This dress? This body?" He ran his fingers playfully down her side. "It's all for me tonight."
She giggled again, shaking her head as she twirled one more time. "You're unbelievable."
"I'm in love. It makes me crazy," he said with a grin. "Crazy about you."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You really don't mind staying?"
"With you? In this dress? With no crowd, no flashing cameras, no judgment? Babe, I prefer it."
Raven smiled, her heart lighter. "Okay then. Let's stay."
He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. "Best decision ever."
And just like that, the world outside faded. There was no function. No noise. No judgment. Just two people wrapped in love, in a quiet mansion filled with soft lights, soft music, and softer moments.
But outside that bubble of warmth and safety… something else was moving.
Far away, in the shadows beyond, a name was about to rise again.
A name they had buried.
A name that would change everything.