It was always like this.
Eileen always took Marcus's side without question.
But the strange thing was—I genuinely felt nothing.
I couldn't even remember why I'd fought so bitterly with my brother over her in the first place.
"Miss Mason, I haven't said a single word yet."
Eileen blinked.
In the past, I would've already been shouting, accusing Marcus of his passive-aggressive games.
"Bro, you're upset."
Marcus stepped forward. "Don't be mad. I'll go grab you a chair."
He moved to get one, but Eileen caught his arm and pulled him back.
She looked at me, her voice ice-cold.
"This is the Mason house, not a place for you to throw your weight around.
"If you don't want to get the chair yourself, then don't bother staying for dinner."
A few of the housekeepers couldn't hold back their laughter.
I caught someone whispering, "Watch—he'll go fetch it himself like a puppy."
"Please. When has he ever not swallowed his pride just to sit a little closer to Miss Mason?"
"That won't be necessary."
I smiled faintly.
"I only came to drop off gifts from my parents. I wasn't planning to stay for dinner.
"Besides, I have somewhere to be. Enjoy your evening."
Eileen stared at me. Something unfamiliar flickered across her face.
I didn't acknowledge it. I turned and walked out, my stride unhurried.
Behind me, Marcus's voice carried a note of wounded confusion.
"What's so urgent that you have to rush off, bro?"
"Was he actually upset with me? Is that why he didn't stay?"
Eileen watched as I got into the car and drove away.
A slight frown creased her brow.
"Don't worry about it."
Marcus let out a cold laugh. "A few years abroad, and his little jealousy games have gotten more sophisticated, I'll give him that. Playing hard to get now. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if one day you might actually..."
Eileen pressed a finger to his lips.
"I told you. You're the only one I want."
The truth was, I really did have things to do.
I'd started an internet company with a college friend. Business was picking up fast, and I had a dinner meeting with a client that night.
My partner sent me a message:
Heard you're back in the country. Got a BIG surprise for you!
I fired off a quick reply and didn't think twice about it.
If I'd known what that surprise was, I would have told her to cancel it immediately.
I hadn't planned on crossing paths with Eileen again.