LOGINIn the labyrinth of a tumultuous marriage, Hazel Stewart had grown accustomed to the biting edge of Benjamin Lucas's sarcasm, weathered the storm of his recurrent divorce threats, and reluctantly tolerated his secret liaison. For three long years, she believed she could navigate this tempest indefinitely. Then, a twist of fate brought an unexpected life into the equation—Hazel found herself pregnant with a child Benjamin vehemently disowned. In a moment of despair, Hazel inked the divorce agreement, seeking an escape from the toxic bond. Little did she anticipate that leaving would be the beginning of a haunting chase. While she hoped to vanish into the shadows of separation, Benjamin, refusing to accept defeat, became an enigmatic pursuer, leaving Hazel to wonder if her liberation came at the cost of a relentless, ominous pursuit.
View MoreFor Hazel, the ensuing few months were a blur of activity. The childcare manager interview process was unexpectedly nerve-racking, but Hazel was hired because of her strong vision for the facility and Ms. Evans' good reference.Early on, it was a baptism by fire. Remodeled into a community center, the center was alive with the exuberance of small children and the focused work of the construction crew who were wrapping up the finishing touches. Hazel was overburdened with the task of organizing lessons, scheduling meetings with contractors, and juggling Liam's constant demands.In unexpected ways, Christian—who was always the dependable friend in a beat-up truck, rather than the knight in shining armor—stepped up. He volunteered his evenings to assist with the mural painting, transforming the formerly empty space into a vibrant jungle picture. He even proposed to watch Liam on infrequent playdates, providing Hazel with much-needed respites.One evening, Liam curled up on Hazel's lap as
The silence before morning was broken by the first cry, a loud lament that reverberated throughout the little flat. Hazel cradled her baby boy in her arms, a beautiful bundle of exhaustion but ecstasy. He was all she could have ever imagined and more, and his arrival signaled the beginning of a new era.Beside them stood Christian, bleary-eyed but with a Cheshire cat's smile. Hazy, he is so lovely. Many congratulations!"Hazel forced a meek grin, love welling up in her heart. With his button nose and fine dark hair, her son gave off the impression of a calm alien visitor, a marvel cuddled up against her skin.The nights that followed were a whirl of restless ones, constant changing of diapers, and the constant sound of an appetite-stricken infant. Nonetheless, a calm happiness and a feeling of direction gave Hazel newfound strength despite the mayhem.Benjamin, uncertain at first, gradually started to establish himself in this new global structure. He was clumsy yet willing to help an
"What do you want, Benjamin?" Unlike the quiet woman he was accustomed to, Hazel's voice had a harsh edge.Benjamin continued after a long silence during which there seemed to be pregnancy. "I just wanted to… see how you're doing." His tone was tight, almost uncertain.Hazel scoffed, her tone acerbic and sceptical. "All right. since you've consistently expressed concern for my welfare."On the other end, silence stretched. Benjamin finally let out a heavy sigh. "Look, Hazel, I made a mistake. Largely. I am aware that regrets cannot change the past, yet nonetheless."But what?" Hazel was powerless to resist. A small, sensitive part of her longed to hear an expression of regret or acknowledgement of the suffering he had brought about.Benjamin suddenly said, "But I want to see my child," in a remarkably honest voice.Hazel caught her breath. This caught me off guard. She was surprised by a desire for participation, even though she had expected rage and threats."Your child?" she said ag
The sound of the tires shocked Hazel. Worried, Christian drove up in a beat-up pickup vehicle, the passenger door flung open.He started things off right away by saying, "Get in, Hazy! "We need to rush."Hazel entered the room with a tiny tote bag and her handbag, feeling incredibly relieved. Thank you, Christian. I'm not sure what I would have done if it weren't for you."Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" Christian glanced uneasily in the rearview mirror while grinning. "Besides, wouldn't want you to miss your big day."Hazel felt her stomach turn. It was a necessary procedure, the severing of a fatal bond, not a celebration. "I just want this to be over with," she said, her voice almost audible.Christian's smile narrowed. He extended his hand and gave her a fleeting squeeze. "That's going to happen. Hazel, you are strong. More powerful than you realize."The courthouse drive was a blur. Christian talked nonstop, largely about his early years and humorous jokes, even though
After Benjamin left, Hazel had a wry smile on her face. She hit the ground. She thought he would want her to have his child, but he didn't. Because of how Benjamin is, Hazel was scared that if he found out she was pregnant, he would think she was having an affair to make it look like she was pregna
True enough, I left the folder on the desk. "When we left, I was in such a hurry that I forgot to bring it with me," exclaimed Yvonne. "I am aware of your intense dislike for me and your desire for me to screw this up so Benjamin won't be happy with me. However, I didn't think you would exact reven
Hazel's thoughts kept returning to Zen's words. Benjamin really wasn't in love with her. But she was already lost the moment she saw Benjamin for the first time. After being obsessed for three years, how could she possibly let go? Hazel saw Benjamin receiving some sliced fruit from Yvonne when s
Although Yvonne joined the company to assist Benjamin personally, she was not given any real responsibilities. She did nothing but stroll around the company, win her friends over, and, when the time came, have lunch with Benjamin. As Benjamin had instructed, Yvonne only needed to look as lovely as












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