The Truths Behind the Life of Maeve Sun Lively

78

IT'S JUST RUMORS, IT'LL GO away after a while." Mason says casually over the newspaper he was reading. He was seeming to turn older and older, now getting the habit of reading newspapers? Those are so old-fashioned I didn't know they still sent them.

Breakfast is being served by Klarise today. Things have changed over the last five years, that's for sure. Mason's company is worldwide now, just a couple years ago it was nominated as one of the most diverse companies. Jackson has already graduated from college, and he's currently working in Mason's company while working on this small business he has founded with a few friends of his. He did major in business I mean, taking after Mason's footsteps.

These days, sometimes Cameron and Mason just come and sleep over at the penthouse whenever Mason is work-free, which wasn't a lot. But now I'm finding the comfort that we are able to enjoy breakfast together more and more often. Today though, things aren't off to a good start.

"Rumors are all it takes," Cameron says. He usually speaks over his chewing because he feels like it. But he's more stricken today. We all are. The only one who is normal as usual is Mason, calm and composed. "My parents called me yesterday."

"They did?" Klarise has put her fork down. Without saying, I already know Cameron's parents are almost exactly like Klarise's own. Who are now, luckily, unable to interfere with her life. But still, many things do interfere.

Cameron doesn't look at any of us, but down at his food. "I think they are hearing the rumors."

It's been some time since all of us had any scandals. Only good things happened these five years, and I savored them. I enjoyed them. Me and Klarise led a good life with Cameron and Mason. Everything was going so well. Why is this tiny thing freaking us out? Maybe because it's not really so tiny at all.

"This can be overlooked," Mason finally puts down his newspapers. He has reading glasses now. He takes those off too. He looks at me out of all places. "Are we so worried about just a few gossips?"

I look away and out at the window behind him. I try to think of anything. And what came is the random thought that we needed to get all the windows in this house renovated. When this penthouse was first finished, the people didn't change the old glass to newer and stronger ones. So they're very fragile, despite looking nice. Now I'm thankful for this random thought to ease things away.

"Mase," Cameron starts, and my mind comes back. Mason looks in his direction right away. "What they're saying is true. Someone is watching us."

"I can't help but agree with Cam." Now Mason looks back at me. I don't look at him. "If someone is really stalking us, next time it will be photos they have. Not just words. They'll have evidence."

Mason sighs. Klarise, under the table, squeezes my hand.

People were starting to think something was wrong with me and Cameron's relationship. There were murmurs about how we lived in separate homes. It's scary because what they're saying isn't wrong. Who knows what they will say next? Will they see me with Klarise? Cameron with Mason? After all, Mason isn't so not known now. He is the CEO of Sun Lively, collaborators and people all over want to sign with him. If it is revealed that he lives with who is my boyfriend, and I am living with my longtime rival, what will happen? This whole thing will jeopardize our careers.

The table is silent for a bit. No one eats. We just sit there. I hold Klarise's hand, and all I want to do is ask her what she thinks.

"My parents asked me when I'm going to marry Maeve."

We all look at Cameron at once. Especially me. What is he saying?

"What are you saying?" Mason says for me. He's frowning.