After a one-hour recess, the doors of the courtroom swung open, and a solemn silence fell over the room. Mark Wilson, adorned in a disheveled suit, returned to his seat next to his defense attorney as he disgustingly glared at Gerald. The tension in the air was palpable as all eyes turned towards him. The judge, a stern figure draped in black robes, resumed his position on the elevated bench. He surveyed the room with an air of authority, his gaze landing on Mark Wilson. "Mr. Wilson, it is time for your final defense to present any evidence supporting your innocence," he declared, his voice resonating through the room. Mark Wilson's attorney, a middle-aged man with graying hair, rose from his seat, his expression anxious. He glanced towards Mark, his eyes filled with unease, and then nervously addressed the judge. "Your Honor, unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and lack of conclusive evidence, we have no additional exhibits or witnesses to present. However,
Gerald gently laid Hazel on the bed, taking in the sight of her beauty. The glow on her face, the innocence of her eyes, and the scent of her perfume made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly, before deepening the kiss and letting his hands roam her body. Hazel moaned softly into his mouth as he pulled her closer. Her sweet fragrance drove him wild. He traced her jawline with his finger, trailing down to her lips. She giggled naughtily, taking his hand and kissing it, making his heart race. "Are you okay?" Hazel asked him, noticing the excitement in his eyes. "I'm more than okay, darling," he replied, lowering his face to hers, placing his lips on hers, and kissing her passionately. The kiss deepened and turned into the one that he would always remember. It was their first as newlyweds, and it meant everything to him. They shared a hot kiss, their bodies pressed together, feeling each other's heat. His hand found her
"You are nothing but a thief." I could remember how he whispered to my ears seductively. His voice made my heart flutter with pleasure but I was more nervous at the moment to concentrate on how I felt. I snapped out of the stupefaction I had been into, to look into his bright blue eyes as I quietly took my bag from him. "I am sorry," I had to apologize and I did and that too, in a shameful way. I had again ridiculed myself and I knew that if Clara had seen us then, that would be the end of our friendship. He chuckled amusedly when he handed over my bag to me and about faced to move away from the garden. I thought that was all, until he suddenly turned back around and grabbed my arms again. This time, he was holding it very tightly that I could feel the blood not flowing in my veins. "What are you doing to me Gerald. You have found you watch now, let go of me. I promise to never see your face again. Just let go of me." I said, struggling to release my arm from his hard grip,
Guess what Hazel? I have a better job for you. I woke up and smiled at the voice of the lady that shouted that statement. The last fifteen months of my life had been between France and Turkey, learning how to make the best jewelry designs in the highest level of it. Now my training was over and I was ready to put all of my practised skill to the test to impress the C.E.O of the best jewelry company in my city. I was told that the company could be very competitive because they always needed the best, highly skilled and qualified designers but whoever is recruited will forever earn from the company even after resignation or any other curt exit except for termination or disqualification. Father threw me out of the house to get myself a better life and to stop my habitual theft... that was what my goals were after being thrown out. I wanted dad to be happy to see me again. I knew I had caused them so many pain and I wanted to put an end to it. I had originally been planning
Was I really expecting this to happen? I didn't even have a clue that the person who had been interviewing me nicely was the person who had sworn to take me to the prison if he we ever crossed path. I looked into the sea blue eyes that were slowly turning grey for no reason, not knowing what to do. Would this be the end of me and my ambitions? I have always dreamt of working with the biggest jewelry company in my country. The train of my thoughts was put to halt when he thumped the table and came out of his dimension. I wasn't sure he recognized me that well but I couldn't tell him that it wasn't me. Sooner or later, he would find out and that would only escalate the issue. I could see him running his fingers through his hair and running it out again. He would try to say something by starting to gesticulate but he would end up dropping his hand and I stood there, watching him do whatever he wanted to do; termination? I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I would have to accept my fa
I was up before the sun. You know why? It was first day at my new job. It would be one of the most memorable day of my life. I couldn't wait to get started as a jewelry designer at one of the most prestigious companies in the city. Fraser's Gemonds Jewelry Inc., happened to be the best and I had spent months preparing for this very moment, and now it was finally here. I did not care about any other things apart from my job and I did not allow anything to bother me - Gerald, precisely. I actually thought about him but I knew I would never get him. He did not want to have anything to do with me any longer and I guess I also wasn't interested in a toxic relationship. That's the most he could offer. There was one thing I noticed. Whenever I thought about Gerald, I lost interest in the company. That was a red flag... I would not want to lose interest in a company where I could show my skills to the whole world. This was a chance for me to promote myself. Nothing would ruin it. Gerald
“Hazel! Where are you?" I heard someone saying from outside. I tried to peek to see who it was and where she was heading. It wasn't someone I recognized. "Have you seen Ms. Willoughby anywhere? We have been looking for her." I heard another person say. He was referring to the guards at the exit of the store. They both shook their heads as a negative response and the guy left from there. As the hours ticked by, I began to panic. I knew I couldn't stay in the store much longer, but I didn't know how to get past the guards. They were very vigilant. I thought about calling for help, but I didn't want to risk being caught. This would only give Gerald the gut to treat me the way he wanted. It was getting so late and the time to conclude the work of the day was approaching. Wouldn't they have filed a police complaint? Oh my God. What mess had I put myself into? My phone wasn't even with me. I sat down exhausted, leaning against the wall as I tried to figure out a way to get out of
I still couldn't believe how quickly things have spiraled out of control. Whenever I remembered everything that had been happening, I would feel like throwing myself against the wall. It had only been a week since I started working here, and yet I feel as though I've been sucked into a vortex of deceit and betrayal. It was all caused by me. It was my fault, so I could imagine. I'd always been a bit of a kleptomaniac, but I never imagined I'd get caught. I thought I was slick, I thought I was careful, but I was wrong. Gerald actually caught me red-handed, stealing from the store. I never thought about the CCTV cameras and that was why I was in this mess. I thought for sure I was going to be fired and arrested, but instead, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. "Do whatever I ask, whenever I ask it, and I won't turn you in," he said, his voice low and threatening. "And if you say no, I'll make sure you rot in jail for a long time." He repeated that severally when I was in his o
After a one-hour recess, the doors of the courtroom swung open, and a solemn silence fell over the room. Mark Wilson, adorned in a disheveled suit, returned to his seat next to his defense attorney as he disgustingly glared at Gerald. The tension in the air was palpable as all eyes turned towards him. The judge, a stern figure draped in black robes, resumed his position on the elevated bench. He surveyed the room with an air of authority, his gaze landing on Mark Wilson. "Mr. Wilson, it is time for your final defense to present any evidence supporting your innocence," he declared, his voice resonating through the room. Mark Wilson's attorney, a middle-aged man with graying hair, rose from his seat, his expression anxious. He glanced towards Mark, his eyes filled with unease, and then nervously addressed the judge. "Your Honor, unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and lack of conclusive evidence, we have no additional exhibits or witnesses to present. However,
Gerald closed the door behind him and leaned against it, feeling exhausted and drained. He had just spent hours at the police station with his lawyer, Mr. James, trying to prove that Mark was the one who had been blackmailing Hazel, his fiancee, for months. Gerald rubbed his eyes and sighed. He looked at his watch and saw that it was past midnight. He wondered if Hazel was still awake, waiting for him. He pushed himself away from the door and walked towards their bedroom, hoping to find her asleep in their bed. He reached the bedroom door and opened it quietly, not wanting to wake her up if she was sleeping. He stepped inside and saw her sitting on the bed, wearing a white nightgown that contrasted with her dark hair. She looked up at him with wide eyes that reflected the moonlight coming through the window. She smiled faintly and said in a soft voice: “Gerald… you’re back.” He smiled back at her and walked towards the bed, dropping his briefcase on the flo
The dimly lit police station was filled with an air of tension as Gerald stood beside his lawyer, Mr. James. They both shared a look of determination, while Mark looked nervously around. The room was cold, with gray walls and a flickering fluorescent light overhead, casting an eerie glow on the worn-out furniture. Officer Jacobs, a middle-aged man with a stern expression, entered the room. He had a no-nonsense demeanor that intimidated even the most composed individuals. He approached Mark, handcuffs in his hand. "Mark Wilson, if I get that right, you're under arrest for the alleged blackmail of Mr. Gerald Carrington Fraser's fiancée," Officer Jacobs declared, his voice firm. Mark's eyes widened with what seemed like disbelief. "What? No, Officer, you've got it all wrong. I would never do such a thing! I was in my room when these two men barged in. Firstly, I could have charged them for invasion of privacy, but I didn't. Now, they are accusing me of what? This is what we
Hazel looked at Gerald, her heart pounding as she wondered where to start the whole narration from. Obviously, she wasn't at fault because she didn't do anything but would Gerald believe that? He knew that she was obsessive, so if something like that happened, no one would want to doubt it. And here she was again, the fact that she hid it from everyone will make it seem as though she was trying to cover up for herself. "Why are you silent? Speak up! You need to say something." Gerald said, almost yelling. "I don't want to care what happened. Just tell me in details. Who is Mark and why is he blackmailing you? It is had simple as that." Hazel took a deep breath, and sat up for the sake of comfort. "Promise me you won't hurt me." "Does it matter? Just tell me what happened." "I really didn't do anything, I swear. I was being blackmailed falsely because I know the consequences of it getting out." Hazel said, her gaze apologetic as she spoke. "If you didn't do an
Hazel's eyes fluttered open blinking away the remnants of sleep. Her body felt heavy and tender each movement, a reminder of the accident that had landed her in the hospital. As she tried to adjust to the warm sunlight that streamed through the bedroom window the scent of something delicious wafted into her nostrils. Hazel turned her head and saw Gerald standing in the doorway a soft smile on his face. "Good morning my love. How are you feeling today?" Gerald asked his voice filled with genuine concern. Hazel mustered a weak smile and replied "I'm getting there slowly but surely. Thank you for taking care of me Gerald." Gerald crossed the room, his footsteps gentle on the hardwood floor. Pulling a chair beside the bed he sat down and took Hazel's hand in his own. "You don't need to thank me Hazel. Taking care of you is the least I can do after what happened l," he said his voice filled with determination. Hazel gazed into his eyes filled with gratitude and love.
The sun shone brightly through the hospital window, casting a warm glow on Hazel's face as she watched the door waiting eagerly for Gerald to arrive. It had been a difficult journey days spent in pain and uncertainty, but his visits were like beams of light in her darkest moments. He brought laughter love and a sense of normalcy to her life in the sterile hospital room. Gerald walked through the gleaming white corridors of the hospital his heart pounding with anticipation. He couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement every time he came to visit Hazel. Her vibrant smile and infectious joy had always been a light in his life and he couldn't wait to see her again. As the door creaked open Hazel's heart skipped a beat. There stood Gerald tall and handsome a bouquet of colorful flowers in his hand. His hazel eyes sparkled with joy as he caught sight of her and a wide smile spread across his face. As he approached her, he took a deep breath to steady his nerves. Opening the
Finally Hazel's eyes opened and a weak smile graced her lips. "Gerald," she whispered her voice fragile but filled with love. Gerald felt a rush of emotion relief flooding his being. He leaned closer to her tears streaming down his face. "Hazel you're awake. Thank God you're okay." Hazel's smile widened her voice barely a whisper. "I love you Gerald. I'm sorry for scaring you." Gerald placed a gentle kiss on her forehead their love reaffirmed in that sacred moment. "I love you too Hazel. Nothing else matters as long as you're here with me." In that beautiful instant all the fear worry and anxiety melted away. Gerald held onto Hazel's hand cherishing their love and grateful for each slow-paced beat of their journey ahead. Gerald's heart pounded in his chest as he paced back and forth his mind racing with worry and fear. How could this have happened? Hazel was always so careful so cautious. He searched for answers trying to make sense of the accident that had turned his world u
Gerald's heart pounded in his chest as he paced back and forth his mind racing with worry and fear. How could this have happened? Hazel was always so careful so cautious. He searched for answers trying to make sense of the accident that had turned his world upside down. As he continued to pace, his mind kept replaying the words the nurse had spoken just moments ago "I'm sorry but Hazel is still in the theatre and we have no news about her condition." Those words seemed to echo endlessly in his mind. The unknown was tormenting him; he was desperate for answers for any sign of hope. He didn't know who to call and discuss this issue with. He was so stressed out. Just as he was about to lose all hope his phone began to ring, startling him from his thoughts. He fumbled to grab it his hands trembling. Looking at the caller ID he saw it was his sister Annie. His relief was short-lived though as he realized that Annie somehow already knew about Hazel's accident. There could be no other r
Gerald's eyes fluttered open as the dim morning light streamed through the curtains casting a soft glow in the living room. Confusion instantly washed over him as he realized he was sprawled on the couch instead of his usual spot in the bedroom. He sat up abruptly, his heart pounding in his chest and called out Hazel's name. Silence enveloped the room amplifying his growing anxiety. "Hazel, where are you? Why couldn't you wake me up when you came in?" He said. Darting his eyes around the living room, Gerald searched for any sign of his fiancée. To his dismay there was no trace of Hazel, no shoes by the front door, no handbag on the kitchen counter. Panic seeped into his veins as he hastily made his way to the bedroom hoping to find her there. But the room was empty, her side of the bed untouched. She didn't come back home last night? Gerald asked himself, totally confused and furious. Wide-eyed and growing increasingly alarmed Gerald reached for his phone and dialed Ha