Chapter 7 THE SECOND VOICE

As Mason's lips moved away from Wendy's, Emily stood motionless while the flashbulbs danced around her. The hollowness of her heart was broken with a louder bang than any scream. Her breath came in ragged gasps due to the pain in her chest, despite the fact that she was a nun-in-training and should be above romantic turmoil. Like she was trying to stop her heartbeat before it was lost forever, her hand flitted to her lips.

Why was that so painful?

She pondered.

What's causing my rage?

She was to remain hidden. It was planned that she would be invisible. Despite the fact that the mission was to keep her secret and find her mother, she had an unidentified desire for something in that tumultuous moment under those bright lights.

Mason turned away, arm still linked with Wendy's, but his eyes glimmered in her direction for an instant-just enough to shatter her.

On the way home, Jackson and Luke whispered to each other expressing how they were relieved that Mason's staged kiss had officially pushed the flower scandal under the rug. Behind him, Wendy let out a quiet laugh, a well-rehearsed, well-polished laugh. But, between Emily and Mason, was just distance..

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Mason's Pov:

There was silence in the dorm hallway that evening. Too silent. With his fists clenched at his sides and his heart pounding like an inane drum that would not stop, Mason stood in front of Emily's door.

I kissed Wendy.

Why does he feel guilt, it was all a pretense.

For the hundredth time, he asked himself. It was a quick-and bitter-answer.

Since the headlines kept coming due to the media sharks' refusal to let go. Because he was unable to forget the expression of complete panic on Emily's face. The look she gave him after the kiss was all he could think about at this point.

Not panic.

Not pain.

Real pain. Like he'd pulled something loose in her chest she didn't even know was there.

What was I thinking?

He reached for her door.

Stopped.

Let his hand fall.

And started pacing.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

I should say something. I had something I wanted to say. Only a single knock. A brief discussion.

I took a deep breath and moved forward once more. My knuckles were inches from the door. But my pride, my wretched, damned pride, cried out, What if she thinks I'm interested? What if she mocks me?

So instead, I turned away and walked in a tight circle.

"Hey."

The voice startled him.

He looked up to find Luke leaning in the hallway door, arms crossed, a paper cup in hand.

"I was just getting water," Mason said too fast, nodding toward the cooler.

Luke's eyebrows went up, "It must be an extremely intriguing water. You've been circling it for ten minutes."

"I didn't circle."

"You were pacing."

"I didn't pace."

"You were brooding."

"I don't brood."

Luke then took a sip, "You were definitely brooding."

Mason huffed, "I just... I needed air...and I don't have to tell you about everything I do, do I?

"Oh no you don't," Luke said with a small, knowing smile, "But you are making it painfully obvious."

Mason stiffened. "Obvious about what?"

Luke didn't answer. Just looked at him a moment longer before walking away.

"You're not as cold as you pretend to be, Mason."

Mason glared after him, jaw tight.

Then he turned back toward Emily's door.

Still closed.

Still silent.

His hand twitched again. One knock. One word.

But instead... he turned and walked away.

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In Emily's room, She passed out on the edge of her bed. Her heart was still pounding and her cheeks were still damp. She wasn't a girl who cried over kisses, idols, or boys.

On stage, she was posing as a boy. She was keeping Ethan's dream safe. Feelings were not an option for her. However... She encircled herself with her arms while suppressing sobs that she would not let out. I shouldn't be feeling this. Feeling as fragile as spun sugar, she closed her eyes.

There was a knock on the door.

"Emily? It's Edward," She smoothed her clothes and stood up after wiping her cheeks.

"Come in."

Edward walked in with a more serious expression than he had ever seen.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Emily, especially this evening." He cleared his throat, "I have some news to share."

Emily prepared herself.

"The agency needs to repurpose your room," he said, "They need space to store costumes and prop pieces. So... effective tonight, we'd like you to move in with one of the boys."

She swallowed, "With... who?"

Edward hesitated. "It's best to choose someone who already knows our secret."

Only one person fit that criteria.

Her heart thundered, "Mason?"

He nodded once, "Yes, I already suggested it. You two can manage a room. Private, quiet. Away from prying eyes until this storm settles."

Inside, she felt a sting-shame? disappointment? relief?

Maybe a sick mixture of all three.

"Yes," she said softly, "Okay."

With soft eyes, Edward nodded. "I apologise."

He extended his arm and squeezed her hand. "You're doing great." She nibbled on her lip. "Thanks." Quietly, he departed.

She fell back on the bed. She would be sharing a room with Mason tonight.

For some reason, she had the feeling that her heart might suddenly burst.