t h r e e

HAZEL

As we reached his house, my jaw literally hangs open. You got to be shitting me. The house is so fucking big and gorgeous.

I rolled down the sleeves of my uniform and waited patiently at the gate when Justin showed his ID to the guards. We were granted permission to enter inside and that's when my eyes flicker in awe. The interior was so classy and rich. I've never seen something so marvellous like this.

Snap out, Hazel.

I shook my head and were led by a man in black suit to the study room. He excused himself and went out of the room once we entered.

We sat on the couch and looked at each other. Atlas Barrette was yet not here.

I took out my phone and started scrolling through it. There was nothing much to see, just random messages in my I*******m DM. I rolled my eyes. I hate creepy flirt texts. Blocking them, I looked at my follower list which was mainly of my high school batchmates and few from college. There's hardly anyone from the work place because I love posting random pictures of skies, food that I cook, pleasant sunsets, mirror selfies in uniform and mostly my pictures with Justin. While on the other hand, Justin can be a damn influencer if he wants. His followers are like in millions but he hardly shares any pictures.

"I'm sorry if I kept you waiting. I had to attend an urgent meeting." A familiar yet different voice echoed in the room.

"It's absolutely okay, sir." I faked a huge smile and stood up to greet him. 

Atlas Barrette looked at me for a brief second, his lips parting to say something but he didn't.

Justin too stood up and gave him a curt nod.

He sat on his leather chair across the wooden table and gestured us to sit.

"I'm sorry, sir. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to sit with you." I smiled, my voice lacing with venom as I stressed the word 'sir'.

He bites his lips looking everywhere but us. "See..."

"Oh, wow. The officers who arrested me last night are now working for my brother. Fun." All of sudden, a voice cut him in middle and there walks Ava Barrette, his sister.

I almost had an urge to roll my eyes.

"Teenagers, these days." Justin snorted under his breath but I'm pretty sure that everyone in the room must've heard it.

"Dude, I'm twenty-one. Seems like detectives aren't as smart as the society assumes." She spats, grabbing a seat on the couch.

I chuckled when I saw Justin's face. She's definitely getting on his nerves.

"I guess I would be smart too, if I do marijuana." He smirked.

She tilted her head and looked at her brother. "Please don't tell me that you were friends with this stupid detective." She laughs. "I remember one time Atlas telling me that he was friend to some freak who destroyed his parents, was that you, Mr. good cop?" She says, coolly.

Shit.

"Leave the fucking room, Ava." Atlas hisses, looking at Justin with guilt in his eyes.

Justin clenched his fists and stared at the floor. "It's okay, Justin. Remember what I told you, alright?" I whispered.

He nodded and rushed out of the room.

Ava looked at his brother and me in confusion. She was about to storm out of the room before I grab her by her wrist. "There's a thin line between being sarcastic and stupid. Hope you'd figure it out."

She clenched her teeth and walked out of the room in embarrassment.

"I apologise on behalf of her. She has no idea about it." Atlas Barrette's voice brought me from my trance that now we both are alone in the room.

"Don't." I stated.

He exhaled his breath and get up only to walk to me.

"Hazel, let me give a chance to explain everything."

I clicked my tongue. "Ten years. Ten fucking years, Atlas."

He rubbed his palm over his face. "I know. I know, okay? But please hear me out."

"Fuck off. I don't want to hear anything from you."

Why not?" He asked, his voice trembling a little.

"Who knows, you might lie again and I'd believe you again." I whispered, tears clouding my eyes.