Chapter 39: Defying The Odds

Nadia POV

 

The new week buzzed with the energy of impending excitement—the party I’d been organizing was finally here. The buildup to this evening felt like climbing a relentless series of peaks, each one more challenging but thrilling than the last. Despite our peers' murmurs and sideways glances, Mason had been right there with me, handling the not-so-glamorous setup tasks. His presence turned tedious jobs into shared moments, laughing over tangled streamers and debating the best layout for maximum fun.

 

Amid our preparations, he handed me a piece of paper, a shy grin playing on his lips. Unfolding it, I found a sketch he’d done—a rather good one—of my face. My heart did a little flip. “Mason, this is amazing... thank you,” I said, my words laced with genuine surprise and delight.

 

He shrugged, a bashful tilt to his smile. “It’s just a doodle. Thought you’d like it.”