CHAPTER TWO

SCARLET'S POV:

After completing the designs, I gathered the files and went downstairs to show them to Mason. Adjusting my dress, I headed towards his room, my heart pounding with nerves. I had decided to take a chance and confess my feelings for him. I knocked on his door, and upon hearing his invitation to come in, I entered.

"Sir, the designs are ready," I said, placing the file in front of him. He took it, opened it, and nodded as he looked through the pages. "Sir, there's something else I need to tell you," I mustered the courage to speak, hopeful for a positive response. However, before I could continue, the door swung open, revealing two young boys running into the room and towards Mason. "Dad, we got let out early today. We need to go to the park now," one of them exclaimed. My mouth hung open in shock. Did they just call him dad?

I stood there, staring at them in disbelief, when Mason noticed my presence. "Scarlet, if this isn't important, you can leave," he said, unaware of the impact his words had on me. Feeling the weight of disappointment and hurt, I turned to leave. But as I walked away, one of the boys made a mocking comment, "She looks like a nerd," prompting laughter from both of them. Mason quieted them down, but the damage was done. I walked out of the room and found solace near the reception, completely lost in my thoughts.

Suddenly, a hand rested on my shoulder, and I looked up to see Laila sitting next to me. Concerned, she asked, "What happened, Scarlet?" I gestured towards Mason's door, trying to find my voice, but my throat felt dry. She grabbed a glass of water from the table and kindly made me drink. "Now take a deep breath, sweetie, and tell me what happened," she encouraged. Pointing towards his door once again, I managed to ask, "He has kids?" Laila sighed and nodded. "Yes, honey, he was married before, but his wife passed away due to an illness. Those two boys are his sons. I wanted you to find out for yourself," she explained.

Resting my head on her shoulder, I murmured, "He will never see my love for him. He has a family." Laila patted my hand and comfortingly kissed my forehead. "Not just a family, Scarlet, he has kids. But his partner spot is empty. You just need to try your hardest to make him see that you exist and that you care for him. I believe he will come to like you too."

While she soothingly rubbed my back, we heard Mason's voice. "Is everything alright here?" he asked, as he walked towards us with his kids in tow. His sons, cute as they were, regarded me with curious gazes. Laila stood up and assured him, "Oh yes, we're fine. Scarlet's blood pressure was dropping, so I sat with her to comfort her." Mason placed his hand on mine and noted, "Your hands are cold. You should rest. I'll be leaving with my kids. You can take the day off if you want, Scarlet." I shook my head and stood up, determined. "No, sir, I'll continue working," I replied. However, Laila discreetly pinched my arm and chimed in, "No, Mason, Scarlet isn't feeling well. I think I should accompany her. We'll both take the day off." Mason nodded and smiled, taking the hands of his two sons. "Alright then, both of you can leave today. I'll see you both tomorrow," he said, as he left.

I turned to Laila, confusion written on my face. "Why did you ask for us to take a day off? You know I'll go crazy overthinking about his children," I asked. She wrapped her arm around mine and explained, "I won't leave you alone, so you won't have the time to dwell on anything." Together, we walked out of the office and into her car, headed towards her place.