Mark's POV

       Hailey's hands were still on me and she pulled me closer for a kiss, I kissed her back. My head was spinning with thoughts and it hurt so much. I let her lead us to my bedroom. She pushed me down on the bed and climbed up my lap to kiss me. Her hands snaked to my chest and she pulled off my shirt in one swift motion. I held her and pulled her closer, she let out a moan and my eyes widened. I pushed her back. What the hell was I doing?

" Hailey stop" I moving backward.

She stopped but I could see the pain in her eyes.

" I am not enough am I?" She whispered

" No Hailey, what are you even saying, your beautiful. I..... I am not in a state to do this " I said turning my back towards her.

She sat beside me.

" I know, it's too much to handle. Who would have thought that Rose would do such a thing? She looked so innocent, strong and perfect for you"

I turned my head away from her.

" Mark, I know you, I know why it's hurting so much, but you don't need to push me away, I'm your friend you can talk to me. " she said holding my arm.

I let out a sigh. " I need to clear my head, I'm going back to the office today. Give me some time alone."

She nodded.

" Thanks...... For telling me who she really is" I said before leaving.

        I changed my clothes and started running. I ran and ran till the scenery changed from the village to nothingness. I ran till my legs ached and I got breathless. The ache in my heart didn't reduce. Exhausted I sat on the huge rock beside me. Our memories together flashed across my eyes. She was standing solemnly watching the sun, the way she scolded me in my car, the way she fought for her friends, the way her lips felt on mine, the way her smile lit up her face and the way she shivered when I touched her. Was all that an act? I had loved her but had she loved me too? She could have told me I would have tried to understand. I sighed, It didn't matter now. She had thrown away what we had and I didn't need an explanation or an excuse. I won't give her a second chance, I didn't want to turn out like Alaric. I had seen him in grief and I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to go through that. I could turn away from her I shouted and  that's the lie I told my brain.

I ran back, then changed again and set out to return. I didn't answer my mother, I didn't want to know her twisted thinking. I switched on the phone, there were still calls from her. I clicked on the top right icon. The 'Block' option popped up. My finger hovered over it. Then I selected yes and threw my phone away.

     I lay on my bed but I couldn't sleep. I was exhausted but images of Rose kept waking me up. It was dawn. I needed to work, I knew how Alaric had gotten over it, he had worked his ass off, I needed to do the same. I changed into a decent suit and headed to the office. There were gasps and giggles from the female workers,I ignored them and went to my office and sat down in the chair. Even as I sat down I remembered how I started working, it was for her. I wanted to be capable for her. The office was newly built due to my recent interest in the company. A knock came on my door and Alaric entered before I could answer.

" Hey brother, I thought you went off with mother "

" I did, but company comes first, I thought I could help you with something," I said flashing him a grin.

"  So something has been bothering you, and what's that "

" Can't I be the responsible brother without something bothering me "

" No, you can't "

I rolled my eyes

" There isn't anything for you to help "

" What do you mean there's nothing"

" Everything has been rescheduled, there's a party tomorrow that we have to attend "

I cocked up an eyebrow, my brother never asked me to accompany him to parties.

" You want me to come with you"

" No, I want our entire family to come, it's important"

" Who's party is it anyway," I said paying with the cup holder.

" Jayson Macally's "

The cup fell down and I looked at him shocked.

" Why do we have to go? " I said bending down to retrieve the cup so that he didn't see my face.

" Because he is investing in my project "

" I can't come, " I said replacing the mug and my expressions.

" You have to, don't be a dick. He has invited all four of us, and it will be rude not to come."

" Sorry brother, I can't," I said and got up to leave.

I turned " Did you know?" I asked referring to Rose.

" Did you know Rose was..?"

" I don't know what you are talking about, but you are coming to that party tomorrow. I'll make sure of it even if that means dragging your half drugged ass there "

" Good luck with that," I said and left.

Why was this happening? Why did Jayson decide to invest right now and why the fuck I didn't know about it. Because you don't give a fuck about the company a little voice shouted and I squashed it down. I went to the bar and ordered vodka. I needed something strong. I kept going till my throat burned with the liquid.

" Why Rose, why would you do that to me,"I  said to the figure in front.

" Sir, should I call someone?"

" Why did you break my trust, we were happy, I was happy "  I said pouring myself another drink.

" Tell me what should I do now, there's no work. I don't want to see you again. You hear that" I yelled and smashed the bottle down.

I didn't remember calling Alaric but someone lifted me, I protested I wanted to drink more. I wanted to forget her.

The headache was killing me the next morning.

" Good afternoon Sir " I heard Alfred say.

" What time is it?"

" Precisely 3.00 pm "

I groaned. I was still in my suit and I reeked of alcohol.

" Who brought me home "

" That would be Master Alaric though he called you a pig headed heavy idiot ," he said.

I laughed. I took the aspirin and stood in front of the mirror. I had literally drunk my way towards unconsciousness. I told Alfred to excuse himself.

" Everyone is waiting for you, in the study," he said.

" What, they get to play family now?"
I yelled and Alfred took a step back.

" I'm sorry," I said and entered the bath. I scrubbed myself clean and shaved. Then I took heavy steps towards our study.

" Finally" I heard David speak and I wanted to break his jaw.

Alaric looked up from his file.

" Dress up baby brother, we are leaving by six," he said sternly stressing baby.

" I told you, I wasn't coming"

" Do you have better things to do?" my mother said folding her hands.

" No, but I still won't come "

" You are being unreasonable, even David is coming,  " Alaric said with disgust.

" Hey, I'm being nice for once, I wasn't the one puking out my guts yesterday"

" Mark, what's wrong, you can tell me dear" she came ahead to touch my hand.

" You don't get to play the caring family ok, any of you. I don't think you care. Youu just want me to come so that it doesn't harm your company"
I yelled.

" That's not true,"  she said stepping back.

" Do you know, that you already have?" I said smiling sarcastically.

" What do you mean," she said with genuine concern.

" You do remember Rose, the Rose that I'm no doubt you are aware was my girlfriend till yesterday, don't you"

" Of course," she said making a sour face.

" Do you know who she is mom?" I said circling her.

" She is Rose Macally, Daughter of Jayson Macally," I said pleased to see her expression of horror.

" Holy shit" David cried out and Alaric looked as if a truck hit him.

" No, it can't be " she whispered

" Look her up in Google, I'm sure she will pop up right away, by the way, mom, you also remember that you insulted her don't you and that we are no longer together because of you  ". She looked terrified and I laughed.

" Do you still want me to come?" I said enjoying their faces.

" Yes, you should, " Alaric said firmly.

I looked at him, sending daggers.

" They are powerful people, and I'm sure Rose will consider mom's apology when you are near, you have to come "

" He is right" mom whispered.

" No, I won't "

" I have already told Hailey to be your date, she will be ready, you just have to come along. You don't have to say or do anything"

" Seriously?"

" Or you can sit and cry about it like a crybaby," Alaric said

" I know what you are trying to do, it won't work"

" I'm not trying anything, look at her she is already throwing parties and what are you doing except drowning in alcohol. I'll be interested to see who occupies your place " he said returning to his file.

I stiffened. As much as I hated to admit I did want to see her. And I wanted to hurt her.

" Ok," I said and mom breathed a sigh of relief.

I dressed up, wearing a black tux and a black pant. I combed my hair and wore my grandfather's watch. I left early to pick up Hailey. She was looking beautiful. Her hair was swept to a side in waves. She wore a green dress that accentuated her figure. She had emerald earrings and a matching necklace. She took my hand and we sat in the limo.

    The venue like all venues of rich parties was extravagant. The entire villa was lit up. Expensive drinks and appetizers were served and huge chandeliers hung from ceiling down. Tasteful music played in the background. Everyone was dressed in expensive clothes flaunting their bank accounts. I could see many eyes turn towards Hailey as she smiled and greeted everyone. We were standing by the bar talking to old family friends. I heard loud claps and my eyes turned towards the figure that gained so much attention.

    I stopped in my tracks when I saw her. She looked breathtaking. Her hair was let down. She was wearing a red dress that showed off her curves. The dress fit her like a second skin.A dangerously high slit run on one side of her dress. A pretty neckpiece was around her neck which brought attention to her neckline. I had never seen her dressed like this. All eyes were drawn to her.i could see every pair of male eyes checking her out. She seemed oblivious to them as she continued to charm the crowd. Besides her, Jayson Macally was wearing a brown tux and pants. He looked handsome even when he was in his fifties.

       As she walked everyone greeted her. Her red lips parted into a smile to greet the person in front. I couldn't take my eyes off her as she fluttered through the crowd. Her eyes met mine and she looked startled. She took purposeful steps towards me.

" It's so nice to finally meet you Miss Rose," my brother said holding out a hand and winking.

A blush crept up her beautiful face.

"Pleasure is all mine," she said without taking her eyes off me. She looked beside me her eyes landing on the junction between Hailey's hand and mine.

" Let me introduce myself," I said and her face changed at my formal tone.

" Mark," she said with longing.

I ignored her.

" I am Mark Mason, pleased to meet you and this here is my girlfriend Hailey Adailton"