My ex-husband’s nightmare (Lydia and Mason) novel Chapter 185

**TITLE: Worst Fear 185**

**Chapter 185**

**Lydia**

“What’s on your mind?” Mason inquired gently, his fingers weaving through my hair with a tenderness that sent shivers down my spine. I had my eyes shut, savoring the comforting sensation of his touch, allowing my thoughts to drift away momentarily.

“Nothing,” I replied, attempting to sound casual, but the quiver in my voice betrayed me.

He playfully poked my cheeks, a teasing smile dancing on his lips. “Oh really? You’re not hiding any secrets from me, are you?” The warm, familiar scent of his cologne enveloped me, grounding me in the moment.

With a slow flutter of my eyelids, I opened my eyes, and Mason’s face came into focus, his deep gaze piercing right through me. He tucked a few stray strands of hair behind my ear, a gesture that felt both intimate and reassuring.

He had an uncanny ability to read my thoughts, to sense when my mind was spiraling into a whirlwind of worries. “It’s just… a lot,” I confessed, taking a deep breath and resting one hand atop the other on my stomach, feeling the tension coil within.

“Julia. What if she never wakes up? Would things have turned out differently if I had listened to her when she came to my office? Why did I leave her alone in that room? Why didn’t I trust her?” The flood of questions erupted from my lips, each one a tormenting echo of my guilt.

Mason’s expression softened, his concern palpable. “That’s a heavy burden you’re carrying,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm. “But let me be honest with you.” I knew Mason would never intentionally hurt my feelings, yet I found myself holding my breath, bracing for what he might say next.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. Anyone in your position would have reacted the same way. Remember, this is the same woman who publicly undermined you, who tried to destroy your work and your family. She aimed to tear us apart,” he paused, his gaze unwavering.

“She went to great lengths to bring you down. Setting boundaries with someone like her is not only justified; it’s necessary. She has never shown herself to be deserving of our compassion or even our pity,” he concluded, the last words dripping with a righteous anger that resonated within me.

I pressed my lips together, feeling the truth of his words settle in my heart. He was right, and yet the weight of my emotions still lingered. But Mason wasn’t finished yet.

“You are not at fault for how you responded to her. It was precisely what she deserved. You didn’t make the choices she did,” a lump formed in my throat as I repeated his words in my mind, slowly straightening my posture.

He placed his large hand over mine, a gesture of solidarity. “I don’t care about Julia, and it frustrates me that you do. But I understand we are different; I can’t forgive once I’ve been wronged, while you have that capacity.”

“I haven’t forgiven her,” I interjected hurriedly, pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen across my face. “I just don’t wish for her to die,” I said, inhaling sharply, my chest constricting at the thought. I could never bring myself to wish death upon anyone.

“You don’t have to forgive her, and that’s completely okay,” he reassured me, his grip on my hand firm. “You can hope for her recovery without extending forgiveness. That’s entirely acceptable.”

Mason cupped my shoulders, leaning in closer. “Okay?” he asked softly, and I nodded, feeling like a child being gently admonished by a loving parent. “Come here,” he said, pulling me into a warm embrace.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly, feeling the world outside melt away. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, whispering sweet nothings about how much he loved me, and in that moment, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me.

***

The knife struck the chopping board, the rhythmic chop-chop sound filling the kitchen as I stood before a tray laden with finely diced vegetables.

After my heartfelt conversation with Mason, I felt inexplicably lighter. There was nothing I could do to hasten Julia’s recovery; all I could do was pray fervently and hope for her survival.

“Hey, Hun,” my mother’s voice chimed from behind me, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned quickly to see her approaching, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I thought you had already left,” I remarked, tilting my head to the side so she could plant a kiss on my cheek.

“I came back,” she replied softly, reaching behind me to snatch a piece of carrot from the tray and popping it into her mouth.

She chewed thoughtfully, savoring the flavor. “Dinner was quick,” she commented.

“No, I mean, I haven’t had dinner yet. I just came to grab something; I’m about to head out,” I explained, my lips forming an ‘o’ of realization. “Alright.”

“I need to talk to you about something important. Can we grab a drink when I get back?” she asked, her tone shifting to one of seriousness.

“Of course,” I said, my eyes appraising her. I hadn’t seen her when she left earlier, but now, standing before me, Mom looked absolutely radiant; she could easily be mistaken for my sister.

The red dress she wore hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that could leave any man speechless.

I tilted my head, a teasing smile creeping onto my lips. “Is it a date?” I asked, leaning against the counter, wanting to drink in her beauty one last time.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify