Chapter 144 - A Lane Of Memories (2)

Ch-143

…. Continuation

Mason has to say that he was ashamed but he couldn't deny the fact that he needed them to protect him because he heard from his brother that he was trying to befriend these people, but he was always getting rejected by them. And for a fact, he knew that befriending them would gain his father's attention and he would have to face less venomous situations at home and in school. 

At that second, he hated himself for being weak both physically and economically. He vowed to become strong both physically and economically at least to protect Nathaira. 

Nathaira used to come to him to check on him and his wounds. Suddenly, Mason became famous in his class. And his brother's little minions who were two grades above him, don't dare to beat him up. 

The eleven-year-old Mason was too grateful for the top 5 people's gratitude. He has to say that despite their names they were of big hearts. Those top 5 people were always ahead of grades and their age. Mason got to know that… Cedric doesn't study in his school, but that day he came to pick up his friends to play. He has to say he got lucky to meet them. 

Mason was building his physical fitness and learning things by hanging with them. His body was getting stronger. And among all of that… he was almost having lunch with Nathaira every day. His father, who learned that his stepson was close to the top 5 children and even shared a meal, changed his lunch to a healthier one. He even arranged a car for him to drop him and pick from school to home and home to school. Mr. Boris realized that his stepson was obedient and wouldn't waste time outside spending money than his original son. 

Mr. Boris's treatment of him grew from better to pure love. And his mom got a good standing. The real wife of the Boris family was caught gambling the company profits and shares, which led Mr. Boris kick her out. It gave Mason a strong standing. But despite all these, he always wanted Jacob to be his official heir for the Boris group. But despite all those things, Mason never flinched or looked at the money. If he wants the money he could make it as his. But he knew if it meant to belong to him, it would come to him. So, he didn't give a damn and started his own business when he turned eighteen taking some tips and guidance from the top five people. Mr. Boris felt relieved that his third son was starting a business instead of fighting for the company. Seeing his third son's business flourishing, he felt his eldest son was good for nothing. His directors complained about Jacob, saying he wasn't doing a single profitable thing but investing money in the losing companies, drying the investments. 

Despite how successful he became, in the eyes of his brother he was trash. But only these five people were there to support him. They showed him that he wasn't  a waste but someone with value, respect and worth. 

Nathaira…. Her care and attention made him fall in love with her. She was with him all over his schooling and university time. He has to agree that Cedric was too awesome. If he was a woman maybe even he would fall for him. But the love he has for the woman he loved made him do things that no one would do to their friends. He helped her with the deeds she did against Cedric, which drove Cedric to death. He was ashamed of himself for doing that. By the time he realized, it was too late. He thought he lost everyone. Drowning himself in misery accompanied with alcohol, he ended up with alcohol poisoning. 

Mason knew he became all alone again. But to his shock everyone returned to his side. He cried with happy tears. That was then he decided not to pursue Nathaira anymore. He decided not to love her. Friendship was important to him more than anything. 

End of Flashback….

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Mason kept the watch aside. He remembered that the watch was given by Nathaira as his birthday gift. Since he decided to put an end to his love then he should get rid of everything he has given her. He threw away the wrist watch somewhere before downing the alcohol bottle. 

Mason was completely wasted with all his drinking. He crouched on the floor before turning into a ball as he hugged himself. Tears streamed out of his eyes. He tried days and nights, trying to forget her and not to love her. But… it wasn't happening. Despite what she turned into right now, she was a girl who cared about him and gave her attention to him when something was wrong at his side. 

And today when he saw her, all the things she did haunted his memory. He remembered her laugh, smile and cute words. She used to follow him calling Mason. But what changed, maybe from the start she liked Cedric. But it didn't affect their relationship. 

And after so many years, the day she returned she was expressing her undying love to Cedric and trying to break his sister-in-law and brother. And he has few doubts on past events which never made sense. But with her presence few are made now. But he needed confirmation. 

Suddenly, Nathaira in his memory turned into a devil and looked at him giving him a creepy smile. His stomach churned and he vomited everything he drank. When he vomited everything he passed out on the ground. His eyelids were turning heavy, and at that time, his phone rang. He wanted to check the caller and pick it up but couldn't. Giving up to his body urges, he closed his eyes. 

His phone rang constantly with a buzz, but he was asleep he couldn't pick it up. 

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During the Dinner, 

Edward constantly was observing Mason. But when he saw Mason ignored Nathaira he felt glad and paid anymore attention to him. 

After dinner, everyone left. But something felt wrong to him. Because he knew more than anyone what Mason was. Even after reaching something didn't settle well in his chest. He tried calling Mason but he didn't pick the call. The anxiousness in his chest increased. He called Boris mansion. 

"Hello, Edward Callan here," he said. 

"What are you doing, boy?" Mr. Boris voice could be heard from the other side. Mr. Boris was truly surprised. Because no one ever called for the mansion's phone. 

"Did Mason reach home?" Edward asked. 

"Nope, not yet." he said. 

"Thanks, Mr. Boris," Edward said and hung the call. 

Mr. Boris felt something was off. But… he thought he might be acting too paranoid, so he didn't think further. 

Edward was sure something really happened. Picking his keys he shortlisted the places where Mason could be there. He called his other friends and informed about Mason's situation. He asked others to search for him. 

Edward first drove to the Mason's villa. He ran inside thinking he might do something to himself. And he was right. The moment he entered, he looked in the kitchen and bedroom. And then it occurred to him, bar. Mason have a habit of having a mini bar in his house. Swiftly he ran there. And he was right. He found him there, lying on the ground like a mess. He carried him in his hands to the car. And straight he drove to the hospital. He informed others about Mason. Cedric asked Edward to take Mason to Emerson's hospital. 

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There was silence between Cedric and Eleanor. She couldn't believe that Cedric got engaged but he never said that to her. She wouldn't say she wasn't hurt because she was. But she could see Cedric being troubled more than her. She decided to silent. 

Eleanor and Cedric were called to Zora's mansion food some reason by their parents. The whole ride to the Zora mansion went silent. But the moment they entered the mansion and was about to change into slippers, Cedric's phone rang. 

"What?! That idiot! I will check in other places, someone go to his villa," Cedric said over the call. With that he hung the call. 

"Dad, I am sorry. I will come back later," he said and was about to run. 

"What happened?" Regan asked. 

"Nathaira returned and tried to drive a wedge. And Mason, we don't where he is. We are afraid he would do something to himself," he said and was about to turn around. 

"Cedric," Eleanor called. 

"I will return soon," he said as he patted her head. 

"I will come with you," she said. And she didn't wait for his reply. She walked forward and settled herself in the car. Cedric smiled and walked ahead. 

They went to Mason's favorite bar but he was nowhere to be seen. They got updates from others from different locations. But he was nowhere to be found. 

Finally, they received an update from Edward saying that he was found in his villa only then did they heave a sigh. 

"How about we go to the hospital?" Eleanor said.