Upon hearing my statement, Mason's face darkened immediately, he said, “You don't get to talk about her like that. You have no right. Don't forget, I'm the one supporting you and your family…”
I wanted to retort. I was the one who lent him money for his business and when his business bloomed, he helped my family. Instead of helping my family with the money I had, I had given it to this ungrateful jerk to start up his own business. Had he forgotten about that?
Before I could speak, Jess gently held Mason's hand and said, “Mason, I'm fine. Don't be angry at Liana because of me. I'm sure she didn't mean to call me that.”
“Enough, Liana. Stop embarrassing yourself. You're making this a big deal.” Mason sighed.
“Let me remind you that I was the one who lent your broke ass money to start up your business. Well, I don't blame you but I blame myself for being a fool. Goodbye Mason.” As I said, and turned to leave, Jess held my hand and I jerked my hand from her. I staggered back and fell to the floor.
“Liana!” Mason reached out to grab me.
But when Jess cried, he immediately turned to hold her hand from falling, leaving me to fall to the floor. I felt a sharp searing pain in my elbow. The sound of my body hitting the hardwood echoes through the room. Mason's voice, once full of concern, now seemed distant, focused on Jess's tears. 'Liana!' he called out, but his actions betrayed his words. He didn't move to help me, leaving me to struggle up, alone and humiliated.
He glanced at me, a flicker of guilt flashing in his eyes when he said, "Liana, are you okay? You shouldn't have done that. Now, look at what you've done to yourself. Should I take you to the hospital?”
“Mason, I think I twisted my ankle…” Jess cried out.
Mason's gaze shifted between the two of us.
“I will take her to the hospital…” Brad, a college friend of ours, came out to say. It's been years since I've last seen him and he has changed. He has changed in a good way.
I noticed the frown on Mason's face when Brad said that.
I quickly agreed and Brad helped me up, his hand on the small of my back.
We left the house and he helped me into his car.
He had a look on his face that I couldn't quite understand.
“What a show, right?” I said, trying to start up a conversation.
“You shouldn't let a man like Mason treat you like that. You deserve better…” Brad replied and just continued driving.
When we got to the hospital, he helped me out of the car. He was so gentle.
“It's been years. So what are you up to?” I asked, trying to ease the tension that seemed I was the only one feeling.
“I'm a medical doctor and I own this hospital.”
“Wow, a doctor,” I said, trying to hide my surprise as I leaned on Brad’s arm for support. The awkwardness melted slightly, replaced by a strange warmth I hadn’t expected to feel.
Brad smiled, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes as he held the hospital door open. “Things changed a lot after college,” he said, guiding me to a small examination room. “And it looks like things have changed for you too.” His voice softened as he helped me settle onto the exam bed, but his expression told me he’d seen enough back at the party to know everything hadn’t been ideal.
I forced a small laugh. “Changed is one way to put it. More like crashed and burned.”
He met my gaze, his voice firm but gentle. “No one deserves to be treated the way he treated you, Liana.”
Before I could respond, a nurse entered to tend to my arm. Brad excused himself, letting her wrap my elbow in ice and elevate it. As I lay back, eyes closed, I felt the weight of everything, the years with Mason, my family’s expectations, Jess’s betrayal—bearing down on me.
The door creaked open, and Brad stepped back in, holding a cup of water. “I figured you could use this,” he said, handing it to me.
“Thanks, Brad,” I murmured, taking a sip. My voice was low, almost cracking under the weight of it all.
He pulled up a chair and sat down, giving me a moment of silence. Finally, he broke it. “I’m here if you need someone to talk to. Even if it’s just venting.” His tone was genuine, with no judgment, just kindness that I hadn’t felt from anyone in a long time.
I took a deep breath. “You know, I spent four years with him. Four years building a life, thinking I was with someone who cared about me.” I shook my head. “Turns out he was just using me, using my support, my loyalty. And I just… I let him.”
Brad nodded slowly, his gaze steady. “You gave what you thought was love to someone who didn’t deserve it. But it doesn’t define you, Liana. It just means you have more strength than you realize.”
Those words struck me, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. It had been a long time since anyone reminded me of my own strength. “Thank you,” I whispered, meeting his gaze.
The nurse returned, wrapping up my ankle and saying I’d be good to go soon. Brad walked me out of the room, his hand steady on my back as we made our way down the hall.
As we reached the exit, he looked at me seriously. “Listen, if you ever need anything, a friend or a doctor or anything, I’m here. No strings, no judgment.”
“Thanks.” I replied.
Brad drove me home and when I go the house me and Mason shared. I began packing my luggages. I can't stay here anymore.
I remembered those days I'd see expensive bags, designer shoes on Jess and I'd ask her where she had gotten all of those. She had said it was her secret lover and I had laughed over it not knowing it was my man gifting her all of those.
The times Mason would ‘like’ every post Jess made on social media, I had ignored that. And when I'd smell the same perfume Jess wore on Mason several times. I had ignored all those signs.
“I guess it's time to leave…
