Hazel scoffed as she looked at her mother, she didn’t expect to be this hurt by the words her mother just said to her, she thought she had gotten over it.“I was abandoned just because I was a barrier,” she said scoffing before she nodded her head and cleaned her tears then she walked towards the door.“Hazel, honey I was stupid and young ……“Don’t ever call me honey, don’t ever call me that. Let me warn you now just so when I act you don’t say I didn’t warn you. If I ever have a child, stay away from them,” she said for Gloria to hold her hand.“Don’t let the past ruin the future…“You aren’t in my future, not in the dreams I had growing up so don’t tell me anything about the future. Letting you into my future now will be a barrier I hope you understand that. You have no place in my dreams” she said for Gloria to sadly bow her head while she walked away.Hazel entered Alex's room crying as she didn’t expect her mother's words to hurt her. She pulled off her clothes and sat In the bat
Alex walked towards Hazel who refused to believe her ears.“Baby, she won’t…“ no Alex, I said no. My dad is here, that woman threatens to kill him if she ever sets eyes on us. I can’t…“ she won’t do anything. Are you scared of her now mmmm?” He asked for Hazel to sigh.“ Alex please, we can stay upstairs while you…“ No, it’s the full family.” He said and walked towards the shower while Hazel stood there in anger.Hearing she will meet Martha this soon killed the mood that was just lightened up.She dressed in a simple blue dress as she left her hair falling on her shoulder.“Babe” Alex hugged her from behind as he sniffed her sweet almond perfume.“We can’t fight our enemies by hiding. I want her to know you both are here now and to touch you she has to deal with me. Don’t act like you are scared of her it hurts me” he said turning her to face him.“ my father Alex, he’s all I…“ I promise Hazel, just trust me,” he said raising her face to his.“ I’m sorry you will have to paint th
Alex and Hazel walked down the stairs towards the sitting area where the old man sat on the cushion looking around.He knows the man who came to marry his daughter was wealthy but he didn’t know he was this wealthy for his grandson to have such a luxury home.“Can I say Mr Gidson or Grandpa?” Alex's voice sounded for the old man to turn towards them standing up.“ And can I say Mr McCollum or grandson?” He also asked Alex to smile, he walked towards the old man and hugged him.“Grandpa” Alex hugged the old man tight while he hugged him back. Hazel stood aside as she watched them hug each other.After they released the hug, Alex turned towards Hazel.“Meet my wife Hazel Smith McCollum” he introduced Hazel who was smiling and the old man smiled back at her.“Babe, meet my mother father, well Grandfather. I met…“Western county” Hazel completed his sentence as she hugged the old man.“You look beautiful and don’t mind me, very familiar,” he said for Hazel to smile.“I’m sure you will kno
It was already evening, Hazel stood beside the building up fire in the environment of the wooden apartment, and Alex was barbecuing in an outdoor barbecued grill. She loved it here, the silence and the sounds of the birds, the wooden apartments make it look all-natural. She imagined if she ever had children, she would want to train them to a natural life in a natural environment like this one. She didn’t expect to see such a good-looking elegant wooden apartment inside the woods, she rubbed her hands together to get warm, and when Alex wasn’t looking she walked towards Sam and another guy who was standing on the lookout.“ I didn’t expect to see you back at work. How are you feeling?” She asked for Sam to bow his head smiling.“It’s my job to make sure you are safe ma’am,” he said for Hazel to sigh.“ and Stefan?” She asks Sam to bow his head.“ still receiving treatment,” he said when a black Bentley drove towards them. Both men watch Gerald who steps out of the car for the other bod
It’s been two weeks, Hazel smiled at her father who was in his hospital, he left Alex's mansion to where he would be taken care of and also prepare for his surgery. He would have stayed but since his ex-wife was still there he didn’t want to.Alex made sure the security to his room was tight because of his stepmother's unpredictable plans.“I’m fine Daddy,” Hazel said standing up as she was ready to leave because she had been there all through the day.“ I miss you, please come visit tomorrow,” he said for Hazel to nod wearing her hand gloves as it was already snowing.“Every day Daddy, just stay safe for me,” she said and hugged him before she left and Sam who was waiting at the door followed her from behind.At the highest level of the McCollum headquarters, commanding panoramic views of the city skyline or scenic surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows. The entrance to the office is marked by sleek, double doors crafted from rich, dark wood or polished metal, adorned with the
Hazel bowed her head after she couldn’t define the expression on Alex's face. She now believes the doubt she had which was making her keep the news away after she confirmed it. She knows he doesn’t want kids yet.Hazel walks away from the bathroom to the balcony standing in the cold freezing snowy weather without a coat on. Alex immediately came back to his senses as he carried their big duvet and rushed towards her, covering her body then he carried her in a bridal style to their bed. After he gently dropped her on the bed, he closed the balcony door and walked back to her.“ why did you do that?” He asked for Hazel to keep looking at him. He wanted to come closer to her but he knows how much he irritated her now.“Was it the pregnancy that made you get irritated by me?” He asked but still she didn’t respond. Alex sighed after understanding the reason why she had changed totally in just two weeks.“ Do you want kids?” She asks Alex to frown.“ of course I do, maybe not now but I do
It was morning, Hazel woke up to the sounds of birds singing, she groaned standing up as she walked out of her father's room. Looking at how bright the weather is she knows she has woken up late. She hated the morning sickness more than anything, her head was spinning and her body was weak. As she walked towards their bedroom, the scent coming from the room freshener used in the living room turned her stomach and she ran to their bedroom straight into the toilet and threw up.“ Goodness,” she tiredly whispers.“ Alex” she called but no answer, she wondered if he had gone to work. She washed her mouth and took her bath, while carrying her bathing gel she saw a different man's bathing gel from Alex's previous ones. She chuckled looking at the other item like shampoo and she chuckled.“ He does change them.” She said as she had her bath.She walked out of the bathroom tying her towel as she walked to their dressing table and all of Alex's body products, to hair products, were changed. Th
Inside the presidential suite of the De’ Cabello hospital, One of New York's biggest hospitals, Smith smiles at his daughter after she told him the news she has been keeping away from him.“ I will be a grandfather Hazel” Smith said for Hazel to nod smiling. Alex who stood away from the man couldn’t help but smile seeing the joy in his toe.“ thank you Mr McCollum for this beautiful gift,” Smith said to Alex who chuckled.“We should be thanking her for transforming my seeds into a productive fruit,” he said for Hazel to cover her face.“ shameless man” she whispered but both men heard her and they both laughed when Alex's phone began to ring.“Excuse me,” he said leaving the father and daughter alone.In the corridor of the presidential suite, Alex picked up his call.“Boss, the board members. Egypt insists you attend, I think your father's wife has given them an offer and they are asking you to change…“I’m leaving today. Don’t receive any message from them.” He said and hung up.Ale
Hazel looked at Dr. Frank with her eyes wide open as he kept rubbing her stomach until he officially confirmed he could hear two heartbeats.“Congratulations once again, Mrs. McCollum,” he said, helping Hazel up.“So, what is it, Frank? Is the baby healthy? You said two heartbeats—am I having twins?” she asked anxiously.Dr. Frank nodded, and Hazel teared up, covering her mouth with her hands.“Twins? Is it a boy and a girl, two girls, or two boys?” she asked, her excitement evident.Dr. Frank chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Well, it’s a boy and a girl.”Hazel gasped and covered her mouth again in excitement. “Please don’t say anything to Alex. I want to surprise him with it,” she said.Dr. Frank nodded. “Of course, ma’am. Congratulations once again.”He helped Hazel walk back to his office, where Grace and the guards were waiting.At the General’s villa, Gloria sat, looking around. The luxurious, old-money-style villa made her wonder who had invited her over.“Please come with me, ma’am
The sunshine streamed brightly through the curtains in the spacious bedroom, casting its warm rays on Hazel as she slept. Her elegant facial features twitched slightly under the light before her long lashes fluttered. Finally, she opened her eyes. Her luscious lips parted as she slowly came back to reality.Hazel yawned deeply, then sat up.“Good morning, madam,” a familiar voice greeted her, prompting Hazel to frown as she turned toward the figure.“Grace?” she exclaimed in surprise.Grace stood in her maid’s uniform, bowing her head respectfully.“Give me a hug, Grace. I’ve missed you so much,” Hazel said, her eyes welling up with tears. Without hesitation, Grace stepped forward and embraced her.“Please don’t cry, madam,” Grace said gently, rubbing Hazel’s back. “I wouldn’t know what to say to the boss if he walked in and saw you like this,” she added anxiously.“Don’t mind me; this pregnancy makes me so emotional,” Hazel said, wiping her tears. “It’s been months, Grace. How are yo
The doors to the dining room opened, and three men in black suits entered silently, their imposing presence casting a shadow over the room. Alex smirked, his tone ice-cold. “I mean, Mr. Lark, that your time has run out.” The assistant paled, his hands trembling as the men in black closed in. *Outside the Villa* A convoy of cars pulled up near the entrance to the McCollum estate. The general, sitting stiffly in the backseat of his car, glanced at his assistant. “I don’t think it’s wise to approach the villa uninvited,” the general said, his voice calm but firm. “Shall I write to Mrs. McCollum, then? Ask about her health and that of your great-grandchild?” the assistant offered. The general nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. “Yes, do that. And… one more thing. Have you found her mother?” “Yes, sir,” the assistant replied. “She’s currently in the city.” “Invite her to the villa,” the general said, his expression unreadable. The assistant hesitated. “Are you sure, sir?
Simon immediately followed Alex’s instructions. As expected, Alex approved of the arrangements. The drive back to the villa was dead silent. Hazel held Alex’s hand tightly, watching him carefully for any unusual signs that might necessitate returning to the hospital. “When are the workers in the mansion coming back?” she asked, breaking the silence and earning a small smile from Alex. “They’re already back. I just want us to stay at the villa until you give birth,” Alex replied, his tone calm. Hazel sighed. “It’s lonely in the villa. At least in the mansion, the maids keep me company when you’re away.” Alex nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t trust them with you. They might accept money to hurt you. Let’s stay here until our child is born,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and planting a gentle kiss. “And the scan?” Alex asked, watching Hazel closely. “You remember?” Hazel responded with a smile. “Of course. I dare not forget anything about you,” he said, making Hazel blush. “I
Hazel sat in the cold weather as Alex slept soundly, unaware of Simon being out on tasks. The gentle snow falling outside caught her attention so deeply that she didn’t notice someone enter the room. “Erhem,” a familiar voice said, causing Hazel to turn abruptly. Supporting her stomach, she stood up swiftly. “How dare you step your filthy feet in here?” she demanded, her voice full of rage, as Harden raised his hands in mock surrender. “Guards!” she called out, but Harden sighed in response. “Chill. I wouldn’t be here if the guards were active. I just came to visit,” he said, watching Hazel reach for her phone. She knew the sedative Alex was under wouldn’t allow him to wake up. “Haze, chill—” “Don’t call me that!” Hazel snapped, furiously dialing Simon’s number. “I came for a business deal,” Harden continued, undeterred. “I just wanted to check on him after hearing he was in an—” “Or you came to see if he survived the accident you planned!” Hazel cut him off furiously. “Get ou
Alex’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze unfocused but alive. Hazel sobbed with relief, pressing a kiss to his hand. “You’re here… you’re still with us,” she whispered. Alex’s voice was hoarse, barely audible. “Hazel… what happened?” “You were in an accident,” she said softly. “But you’re going to be okay.” His brow furrowed, memories flickering through his mind. “It wasn’t… an accident,” he rasped. Hazel nodded, her voice trembling. “We know. And we’ll find out who did this. Together.” Simon stepped forward, his expression grim. “Sir, we think it was Harden McCall.” Alex’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “Harden… he won’t get away with this.” Hazel squeezed his hand, her resolve matching his. “No, he won’t. We’ll make sure of it.”the soft knock on the hospital door pulled Hazel’s attention away from Alex. A middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in, carrying a clipboard.“Mrs. McCollum, I’m Dr. Harris, I will be taking over from Doctor Gabriel, he has a family emergency,” he s
Tears streamed down the driver’s face as he shook his head. “I didn’t mean to… I swear I didn’t…”The driver’s sobs grew louder, and he buried his face in his hands. “I… I needed the money… but I didn’t think… It wasn’t supposed to…” He broke off, shaking his head in despair. Grant ignored him, stepping out of the room to make a call. “Officer Grant,” a voice answered on the other end. “I’ve got a lead,” Grant said. “Trace the account that sent this transfer. We’re dealing with something bigger than a random accident.”… “Understood,” the voice replied. Grant hung up, his mind racing. He had a gut feeling this wasn’t just a case of reckless driving—it was a targeted attack. And someone wanted Alex McCollum dead. Back at the hospital, Hazel stirred awake, her face still pale and tear-streaked. She glanced around and found Simon seated by the window, speaking quietly on the phone. Alex lay on the hospital bed beside her, his breathing steady but labored. “Simon,” Hazel called
The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his face shadowed with sympathy as he looked into Hazel’s striking blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears. She stood there, shaking, the weight of his silence suffocating her. “We tried our best, but…” His voice wavered, trailing off. “What?!” Hazel screamed, her body jolting forward in shock. Simon, her steadfast support, quickly caught her before she fell. His own face was a mask of anguish, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “We did everything we could, ma’am,” the doctor said softly, lowering his gaze. “But I’m sorry. The blow to his head was… too severe. He didn’t make it.” “No! No, no, no!” Hazel cried, her voice piercing and raw. She wrestled free from Simon’s arms, shaking her head violently. “Don’t say that to me! Where’s my husband?” Her frantic eyes searched the room for any sign of Alex, her desperation palpable. Simon stood frozen, helplessly watching her crumble. “Ma’am, please,” the doctor interjected, his tone gentle but fi
Inside the McCall office, Harden anxiously drummed his fingers on the polished oak desk, his sharp eyes darting between the wall clock and his expensive wristwatch. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock. He exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his posture. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the stillness.“You agreed that if I do this, I’ll get twenty percent of the shares in McCall Corporation?” the voice on the other end asked sharply. Harden let out a slow sigh, gripping the phone tighter.“It’s a signed deal, Mr. Lark. Just do this for me,” Harden said curtly, his voice laced with impatience.“Alright,” Lark replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t associate me with this if it doesn’t turn out as you wanted.”Harden’s lips curled into a sly smile. “And if it doesn’t turn out as I wanted, you won’t be getting twenty percent. You’ll get ten percent at most,” he countered, his voice cold and calcula