Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 536

The moment I glanced up, I saw Mason striding out of the apartment complex. Thankfully engrossed in his phone, he did not notice me slipping out from the narrow space between the buildings.

My reflexes kicked in. I spun around and retraced my steps, slipping back into the alley that led to the market's back entrance.

But it was too late to escape the way I had come. He was only a few strides away. If he spotted me, he would definitely recognize me.

Back in high school, he had a crush on me that bordered on obsession, always cornering me whenever he could. It only stopped after my dad gave him a verbal lashing and got the Wood family involved. But Mason was the type to hold a grudge.

If it hadn't been for my dad's old camaraderie with Old Mr. Wood, Mason wouldn't have let things lie.

If he recognized me now, the fallout would be... interesting, to say the least. Considering he had somehow mixed Jesper into this, I needed to figure out what their game was.

With no other choice, I ducked back into the market hall and hid behind a couple picking out fish, stealing glances behind me. Mason, bag in hand, was heading out, but he seemed to sense something and made for the market hall.

My heart hammered as I pretended to inspect the fish, keeping him in my peripheral vision.

He paused at the entrance of the hall, scanning the interior with a cold gaze. I quickly turned away, feigning interest in the shellfish behind me.

My heart was pounding in my chest.

Before long, a woman who had pulled me aside earlier sidled up to me, smirking mischievously. "He's gone!"

Instinctively, I glanced back at the entrance. Without a doubt, Mason was nowhere in sight.

The woman teased in a snide tone, "Your man?"

Internally, I rolled my eyes. Was she kidding? Him, my man? But it wasn't worth explaining; I didn’t want to stir up trouble.

I offered an awkward smile and walked away quickly.

Sure enough, Mason was almost out of the alley.

I hesitated, the woman behind me rattling on, "These days, society's gone to the dogs, making women turn into detectives! Why even bother with marriage? Marriage is a bloody grave!"

Someone egged her on, "You’ve got a point. Once bitten, twice shy!"

I was at a loss for words.

As Mason turned the corner out of the alley, I started to follow.

But I was on edge, dreading the possibility of him doubling back. If he did, I'd be caught for sure.

As I deliberated my next move, a car screeched to a halt beside me. To my surprise, it was Hannah shouting, "Get in!"

I yanked the door open and jumped inside.

"What happened just now?" I buckled up and asked.

"Mason was waiting at the alley's mouth like a spider in its web. You would've walked right into his trap," Hannah explained, accelerating away from the street.

"He's onto us," I mused, "very vigilant."

"You know him?" Hannah glanced at me.

"He's the grandson of the Wood Manor."

"What's his name?" she pressed.

"Mason Wood!"

Hannah shook her head, "That doesn't make sense."