Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn - Chapter 28

[adminnovelsaudio]

Listen Audiobook Version:



Married Before Midnight


Chapter 28: A Hero in the Morning Light


The morning sun spilled through the large windows of Sweet Beginnings, casting a golden glow over the bustling pastry restaurant. Olivia Carter adjusted the sleeves of her crisp white blouse as she surveyed the dining area, her sharp eyes catching every detail—the perfectly arranged tables, the steaming cups of coffee, the satisfied smiles of their regular customers. Among them, one man stood out, not just for his punctuality but for the quiet intensity with which he observed the room—and her. Mason Lee. Every morning at exactly eight o’clock, he walked in, impeccably dressed in tailored suits that spoke of wealth and precision. He always chose the same seat—the corner table by the window, the one that gave him a clear view of the entire restaurant and, more importantly, of Olivia. She had noticed him weeks ago, had even caught his gaze lingering on her more than once.


There was something about him—an air of mystery, a confidence that both intrigued and unsettled her. Today was no different. He sat with his usual poise, sipping his black coffee while scanning the morning paper. Olivia busied herself behind the counter, pretending not to notice him, though her pulse betrayed her. Then the door swung open with a sharp jingle, and three young men sauntered in, their laughter too loud, their postures too aggressive. Olivia recognized trouble instantly.


One of them—the leader, a broad-shouldered man with a smirk—deliberately knocked into their newest waitress, Sarah, sending her tray crashing to the floor. Coffee splattered across his expensive shoes, and his face twisted in exaggerated outrage. "Clumsy little thing, aren’t you?" he sneered, grabbing Sarah’s wrist before she could apologize. "I think your boss owes me a new pair of shoes." Olivia was already moving. She stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Let her go. Accidents happen. We’ll clean this up and compensate you fairly." The man’s smirk widened. "Oh, the little owner finally shows her face." He released Sarah but stepped closer to Olivia, his breath reeking of stale cigarettes. "Fair compensation? I don’t think a free pastry cuts it, sweetheart."


Before Olivia could respond, his hand shot up—whether to grab her or strike her, she didn’t know. But the blow never landed. A strong hand caught the man’s wrist mid-air, fingers tightening just enough to make him wince. Olivia’s breath hitched as she turned to see Mason Lee standing beside her, his expression cold, his grip unyielding. "I believe the lady asked you to leave," Mason said, his voice low but carrying an edge that sent a shiver down Olivia’s spine. The man yanked his arm free, glaring. "This isn’t your business, pretty boy." Mason didn’t flinch. "It is now." For a tense moment, the two men locked eyes. Then, with a muttered curse, the troublemaker signaled to his friends, and they slunk out of the restaurant, the door slamming behind them.


The entire room exhaled. Olivia turned to Mason, her heart pounding. "Thank you," she said softly. "I could have handled it, but… I appreciate the intervention." Mason’s stern expression softened into a faint smile. "I have no doubt you could have. But some men don’t deserve the privilege of your patience." Something warm unfurled in Olivia’s chest. She gestured to his abandoned table. "Let me make it up to you. A fresh coffee, on the house?" He inclined his head. "I’d like that." They sat together, the morning chaos fading into the background as they talked. Olivia learned that Mason was a real estate developer, new to Maplewood but already making waves in the business world. He was charming, witty, and—most surprisingly—genuinely interested in her.


He asked about Sweet Beginnings, about her family, about her dreams for the bakery. By the time he left, Olivia’s cheeks were flushed, her mind buzzing with the thrill of a connection she hadn’t expected.


That evening, the Carter household was alive with chatter as the family gathered for dinner. Olivia couldn’t stop smiling as she recounted the morning’s events, her voice softening whenever she mentioned Mason. "He just… stepped in like it was nothing," she said, twirling her fork absently. "Like he’d been waiting for the chance." Hannah exchanged a knowing glance with Charlotte. "Sounds like someone’s smitten," she teased. Olivia rolled her eyes, but the blush creeping up her neck betrayed her. "I’m just grateful. That’s all." Eleanor smiled softly from the head of the table. "Gratitude is a fine start to many things, darling." Lillian and Emily giggled, whispering to each other, while Lucas—ever the protective older brother—frowned. "I don’t like the idea of strangers playing hero. What do we really know about this guy?" Olivia sighed. "He’s not a stranger. He’s been coming in for weeks. And he’s… different." The table fell silent, all eyes on her. Then Hannah grinned. "Oh, Liv. You’ve got it bad." Olivia didn’t deny it.