Chapter 22 - Charity Ball

Kelsey was quiet the entire ride to the hotel where the ball was being held. She was staring out of the window trying to avoid any eye contact or any contact at all with Mason at all. It seemed that he was ignoring her as well since he was on his phone the entire time.

When the limo came to a stop, Kelsey glanced at the other window on Mason's side where reporters were crowded around with microphones and cameras in hand. It was a good thing that the windows were tainted that nobody could see through the inside.

Kelsey felt a tighten in her chest causing her to instinctively place a hand over her chest where her necklace usually was. She took a deep breath before she hyperventilate and completely lose it. "You can do this." She whispered to herself in between breaths.

Mason shut his phone off and glanced at Kelsey. She was breathing in and out with her eyes closed. It was so hard for him to sit still and not grab her by the nape of her neck and kiss her senselessly. It took every fiber in his bones to stop himself and he was slowly getting weak by the second, sitting beside her. He let her relax for a moment before clearing his throat earning her attention.

Kelsey was snapped out of her trance of thoughts and glanced at Mason in anxiousness. Mason tried his best to prevent himself from pulling her close in his arms and say that everything will be alright. He turned his attention away and took the box out of his tuxedo's pocket. Kelsey watched him opened the box and a gasp escaped her mouth.

Mason had been meaning to give her the ring for a while now but with him getting sick and getting into an argument with her, he just couldn't seem to find a good opportunity. He studied Kelsey's face and could see a glint of joy in her eyes. He wondered what was running in that pretty head of hers.

Kelsey couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if this was in another situation and she was in fact in love with Mason. She was thinking about how wonderful the ring would be and how beautiful it was to symbolize their love for one another. She kept seeing the two of them walking down the beach, hands intertwined together, grins on their faces, as they watched their children, a boy and a girl, swimming in the ocean and splashing water at each other.

Mason warily took her left hand causing Kelsey to snap out of her thoughts. She watched as Mason inserted the silver ring in her ring finger and it shined as the diamonds got hit by the rays of the sun. She glanced at it in delight and it made her heart skipped a beat. It was simple yet beautiful.

"Let's go." Mason nonchalantly said as the door opened. Kelsey then felt like she was splashed by a bucket of cold water by his sudden response. He stepped out of the car and the reporters were practically shoving microphones and cameras on his face. The guards rapidly surrounded the door to protect Mason and Kelsey from the loud and curious mob. Mason looked inside the car and offered his hand to Kelsey. She hesitantly grabbed his hand and took a last deep breath before stepping out. The reporters were like bees buzzing here and there. They were asking so many questions all at the same time and Kelsey couldn't miss some of them.

'Who is she?''Is she really your fiancée?'

'Did she also come from a wealthy family?'

'What happened to the playboy Mason?'

All these questions buzzed inside Kelsey's head making her feel dizzy and she felt like her head was spinning. The blinding flashes of the cameras were not helping her situation either.

She suddenly felt Mason's arm wrapped around her waist making her feel safe. He was smiling at the reporters and stopped in front of the door towards the hotel where the ball was being held.

"Tonight, I am going to announce and answer all your questions. But we really have to go. Thanks for coming, everyone." He said as he spun the both of them around as the doors were opened by the guards.

Mason glanced at Kelsey and saw the state she was in. She was closed to hyperventilating breathing in and out deeply. She had her hand placed on her chest and her eyes slightly closed.

"You okay?" He asked her stopping them from walking. He faced her and she managed to open her eyes and looked into his.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need some time to process all of this." She told him in all honesty.

Mason waited for her as he stood there facing her. Kelsey could feel him burning holes on her head with his deadly stare. She cleared her throat and gulped audibly before sighing. "Let's go." She said breathlessly. Mason took her hand and looped it around his arm before he dragged him towards the venue.

Once they were inside, Kelsey glanced around the room. It looked amazing. The chandeliers by the ceiling illuminated causing a romantic effect and the decorations were extravagant. "The place looks amazing." She commented in awed. Mason watched her looked around and couldn't help but admire her beautiful, flawless face. He then noticed that the guests were already settling down to their seats and the MC was already taking the stand on the stage.

"The program's about to start, let's go take our seats, shall we?" He whispered to her ear since the loud music was still playing in the background. Kelsey's breath hitched in her throat as Mason's lips grazed her ear as he talked. She couldn't utter a word so she just nodded her head in response and let Mason drag her to their seats.

He pulled her towards the table in the front and she noticed Ella, Lance, and Ricky sitting around the table. There were other men and women sitting with them which Kelsey assumed were Mason's other friends. There were three spots left and Mason shoved her to the seat beside Ella and he sat beside her. Ella simply smiled at her as she took her seat. There was a seat in between Ricky and Mason, she was trying to figure out who the seat was for until she noticed a stunning lady around their age, wearing a glittery navy blue gown with her brunette hair in a bun, taking the spot.

Kelsey wondered who she was. She became more curious when the woman leaned close towards Mason and whispered to his ear. Kelsey couldn't help but feel something weird inside her. Her blood was furiously coursing through her veins and all she could see was red. It was the first time she was feeling such a reaction and she didn't like it.

Mason genuinely smiled at the woman which ticked Kelsey off. Ella glanced at Kelsey and could sense jealousy. She could practically see smoke escaping through her ears and she contained herself from laughing. Who would believe that an innocent, quiet, and timid girl like Kelsey would react in such a way? Ella thought, once again, she was right. Kelsey did like her brother and was starting to feel something for him.

The MC in white tux and black pants with his hair neatly combed back welcomed the guests and introduced the man behind the works of the charity. "Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, Mr. Mason King!" He announced and the booming sound of clapping echoed through the room.

Mason gently stood up and smiled. He made his way to the podium and took the stand from the MC. "Thank you, Mr. Brin." He told the man. He then turned his attention to the crowd waiting for his announcement.

Kelsey gulped loudly and placed a hand on her chest as she felt it tightened. The rushed of anxiousness seemed to engulfed her once again. Ella noticed how uncomfortable Kelsey was getting. She placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Everything's going to be alright." She reassured her as Kelsey nodded and shot her a smile.

"Good evening, everyone." Mason started speaking at the microphone. "First of all, I want to thank each and everyone of you who came and joined me tonight as we celebrate the success of our fundraising for this charity. We have successfully raised $2,050,800 and all proceeds will go to the Homeless Kids Charity. I wanna thank every single one of you who made this event possible. I couldn't have possibly done it all by myself. I, especially, want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Polter for their support to build these homeless children a shelter and a home, where they'll feel loved and accepted." He said as the crowd released a round of applause.

"Tonight is a night of celebration. Not only because of our successful works, but also because of a very important announcement I would like to make." He paused as the crowd was dead silent patiently waiting for the big news. All that could be heard were the sounds of cameras clicking. "As you may have heard, seen, or read on the news, I am currently engaged and soon-to-be a husband. I am confirming this news and I am excited to tell you that it is indeed true, I am going to get married soon." He announced as the crowd clapped excitedly and there were even whooping and a shout of encouragement.

"Many of you would not believe that the Mason King would one day get married. I don't believe it either." He said in amusement as the guests chuckled in response. "But what can you do? The moment I saw her and stared into her eyes, I just knew...she is the one." He claimed and the women in the room awed at how romantic he was being. Even Ella couldn't help but feel excited hearing such words from her little brother's mouth.

Kelsey stared at him in a dazed wishing he was saying all these words to her in another circumstance. Wishing he was uttering these words to her with real love and affection. She couldn't help but feel the butterflies swarm around her stomach and feel these tingling sensation all over her body.

"I hope that you welcome her warmly and love her just as much as I do. She literally took my breath and heart away. I am pleased to present to you, my fiancee, Kelsey Parker." Mason gestured towards Kelsey and everyone clapped in excitement. Kelsey's body stiffened for a moment and she didn't know what to do. Ella nudged her and nodded at her in assurance. Kelsey slowly and gently stood up and warmly smiled at everyone. She waved and bowed at them in respect as the clapping continued.

She made her way up the stage and took Mason's hand that was extended towards her. He pulled her close to his side and wrapped his shoulder around her causing her to furiously blushed. "Please, join me and celebrate with me tonight. Enjoy yourselves, everyone!" He finally said and kissed the top of Kelsey's head and guided her down the stage.

The guests rushed towards them and congratulated them. Kelsey couldn't help but feel welcomed. And moments ago, she thought that everyone would hate her and judge her. Then to her surprised, the woman she was jealous of came and beamed at them. "Congratulations, you two!" She said kissing them on both cheeks. "I still can't believe it, but I'm glad someone can tame this playboy's heart." She commented and Kelsey suddenly felt guilty for judging her earlier. She seemed really nice and friendly. "You are one lucky guy, Mason King. I can tell she's a keeper."

"I know I am." Mason confidently claimed as he kissed Kelsey on the cheek.

Once she left, Kelsey couldn't stopped herself but asked, "Who is she?"

"That's Monique. She's a childhood friend of ours. Let's just say that she's one of the guys."

"You mean she's..."

"Oh god no, she's not a lesbian. It would've been better if she was. She's the only girl in our group of friends and we're very protective of her. When we found out that she was getting married, we almost beat the guy to pulped." He laughed remembering the memory. Kelsey couldn't help but smile as she watched Mason laughed wholeheartedly. It was a precious moment that she might not be able to see again.

"It must have been hard for her then." She commented.

"Yeah, but she didn't really have any other choice. She didn't like hanging out with girls, because according to her, and I quote, 'Women are so dramatic.' I mean, I would know, my grandmother is the biggest drama queen of them all." He kidded earning a giggle from Kelsey.

"Who knew my boy would ever settle down?" A familiar voice commented behind them and Kelsey did a double take once she saw whom the person was.

'No way...' She thought.

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