HAZEL -Throughout breakfast, Rachael equips me with details of the schedule and things I'd need to take care of Charlie while she's away at work."I'll return home briefly in the afternoon to drop off Arielle from school." She explains as her chauffeur, David holds open the limo door for her. "Nora the chef will arrive in the afternoon to prepare lunch, so no need to tire yourself in the kitchen dear, just relax and keep a watch on Charlie.""Sure no problem" I assure her while rocking Charlie in my arms."Oh and before I leave..." Rachael trails off as a reminder dawns on her expression. She reaches into her purse, fishes out an iPhone, and holds it to me. "Here take this, your own phone. My Number and all the immediate family contact numbers are fixed into it, that's yours to keep."I stare at her in alarm, shaking my head in denial. "No...I can't accept such an expensive gift. I could use the home phone?""Please, don't argue with me over this." She persists, her tone shifting ster
HAZEL -My gaze flits nervously toward the vacant security desk.Where was Harry?Outside?In cautious haste, I descend the remaining steps. I take cover behind the corner of the wall near the security desk. What the heck am I doing? I shake my head, berating myself inwardly. Just go check it out!I might as well find out why he's not stationed at his desk and if everything's alright.Yet faint bickering of voices nearing from beyond the open door serves to desist me. I peer over the corner with the slightest movement, catching a glimpse of Harry entering.He tugs the door wide open for someone else's arrival. Their shadow looms over the floor. Sounds of high-heeled footfalls slice the air.Immediately I duck behind the corner.The clacking of heels arrives to an abrupt halt. "Well?" A shrill and sassy female voice ricochets throughout the foyer."Madam, I would only answer to you if you hand me the deposit now," Harry replies in a curt voice.I press my palms flat against the wall, sta
"P-please d-don't kill us," I sob. My mind-numbing from the onslaught of fear."Kill? I wouldn't have missed shooting you on the stairs deliberately." He gives a derisive snort. "Hand me the boy or I'll definitely shoot.""P-please don't kill us!" I beg persistently, my body incapable of registering his orders. Torrent of sudden heavy sobs racking through me."Are you fūcking deaf?" He barks in rage. He stomps over to me and latches his hand onto my locked arms around Charlie. "Hand 'em over or I'll fūcking shoot you!"This was it, this was how my life is going to end.The rustling of another movement draws Harry's attention away from me to the open doorway. Abruptly another figure emerges from the entrance into the room.A man garbed in all black with his face obscured by a clown mask and his gloved hands gripping a gun low against his side. Harry loosens his own grip from my arms and steps in the man's direction."Didn't expect you to show up this quick!" Harry addresses him with a
HAZEL -"F-Five years!" Quavering sobs escape Rachael's mouth as she disrupts the bleak quietude. "Five years, h-he gained my trust!" She slumps forward dejectedly, concealing her anguished face with her palms. "only for his betrayal!"1lMy mind replays continual flashbacks of the macabre scene from 3 hours ago. My grip slackens over the 3rd moist towelette I was given by Serge to scrub my face free of Harry's blood stains. Albeit this towelette was cleaner than the first two discarded ones, I refused glancing down at the slight tinge of blood.My gaze adjusted through the limo window at the places whizzing past. Eyes long depleted of any more tears."Betrayal!!" She resumes. "Betrayal of the worst kind!!""Why is mummy crying?" Arielle vocalizes timidly. "Mummy? Why are you crying?""Come on Ray.." I hear Serge plead. "Just try to forget-""Forget?!" Rachael snaps through his sentence. "It's a meaningless fracas to you?"Her furious voice underlining disbelief only compels me to face
The first question to prick my befuddled mind as the limo enters through the gates. The drive continues down a gravel road lined with rows of flowery tropical trees.It could have been within a span of twenty minutes passing when the limo swerves a corner. The trail of trees gives way to an even more beautiful and picturesque scene.I'm beyond amazed at the sight of the vibrant Mediterranean Gardens embellished with rows and rows of fountains spraying water out through the mouths of winged cherub statues.Ahead of the gardens, is a magnificent manor I've never had the pleasure of seeing in my entire life.The very grand and homely yet modern and classy mixture of a Mediterranean-style residence. Brightly illuminated, airy verandas and balconies lined the exterior. A lovely aquamarine pool snaked around before it.I strive to keep my mouth closed from gawking in awe, I strive to keep my mouth closed from gawking in awe. The limo pulls near the further right side of the manor, revealing
Out of service!?"What?!" This jarring news only serves to increase my anxiety as I sputter a refusal. "B-But I can't! I-""I'm sorry, I will not allow you to return, it's for your own good and safety." She extends her hand and reaches up to palm my face gently. "Don't worry, no harm will come to you here."Then directing her gaze in Vladimir's direction, her voice falls to a firm notch. "Hazel will be remaining here for the time being and NO ONE will object to it any further..NO ONE at all."My eyes flicker nervously over Vladimir, noticing the way his shapely jaw tightens in complete ire. Without meeting Rachael's gaze, he aimlessly stares into the distance.Then a split second later-with brisk indignant strides, he moves past us in the direction of the manor's entrance. The intoxicating scent of his cologne trailed behind."Excuse me, ladies," Huxley states with a bitter face before strolling rapidly after him.Taking ahold of both Arielle and Charlie's hands, Serge offers us a shee
"Vladimir was right all along!" Katie sniffles as she finally pulls apart and peers directly into her older sister's eyes. "You shouldn't have left the manor.."Rachael inhales deeply with apparent irritation before retorting."I'm here aren't I?!"This response in haste serves to quieten Katie. She withdraws completely in embarrassment while eyes downcast before aiming them at me. Then a wistful smile graces her pink lips.But before she has the chance to address me, Bev beats her to it. "Hazel! I hope you're fine! I'm so sorry for what you must have gone through!"She engulfs me in a tight embrace and I catch a whiff of strawberry scent as her peculiarly dangling earring nearly hits me in the eye. "Oh God, I'm so sorry for you having to go through another tough situation!""I-I'm..I-I don't know.." I manage to croak out in a daze as Bev releases me, allowing Katie to give me a brief embrace of her own.Seriously, how could I say I was fine?After all that I had gone through."You're
HAZEL -I blink at her in puzzlement.Told her so much about me? What more did they know about me except that I rescued Arielle?Shaking her hand, I utter a broken response. "I um... Well, it was nothing. All thanks to God really."Anya nods happily until her eyes shift down behind me. Instantly, her brows crease in vexation as she huffs. "I had just mopped the floors an hour ago!"The three of us glance over at the puddle of melted Popsicles until someone's phone starts vibrating.Katie reaches into her dress pocket, fishing out her iPhone. She studies the screen. With a deep inhale as her cheeks flush red, she states. "Excuse me, I must take this call...Anya, please escort Hazel to any of the guest bedrooms."With that, She starts gliding swiftly away in a graceful manner.Anya complies and pivots on her heel. "Follow me miss Kashani."With my mind muddled by unanswered questions, ruefully I stare at Katie's retreating back as she exits through the main entrance doors.Heaving a de
Six Years LaterHazel POV:In a vast Santorini sky, the sun's rays beam down upon a joyful occasion. The balmy breeze was laden with the scent of wildflowers. A gentle melody of an orchestra intermingles with sophisticated murmurs of the stylishly garbed guests, seated at tables adorned by sumptuous feasts.It is the wedding day of Serge and Katie.On a raised platform, the well-dressed groom eagerly awaits his bride to walk down the aisle. Next to him stood Bilal and the ever-reserved appearing Grigori and Huxley.As bridesmaids, Rachael, Rebecca, Bev, Arielle, and I, stood on the right of the altar's platform. The five of us, assembled in similarly lavish magenta-hued bridesmaid gowns. Except for the hijab on my head."I had always thought Aunt Katie and uncle Serge would make a great couple." Arielle's remark's fond to the rest of us. "Finally today they are getting married!""It took them long enough!" Bev snorts next to me, shaking her head. "Katie really shįt tested Serge every s
Sheer dread grips my heart in a strangling hold. Gradually, I raise my head from Vladimir's chest. His garments were soaked with my tears.My eyes meet with none other than Ivan Molotov's.He merely emits a sinister cackle, halting his applause. Eyes full of undiluted malice, regard me from across the room.In his gloved hands, he holds a closed syringe. Ever so slowly, he approaches ne arer. From his other hand, he drops a pile of slashed cords that were attached to Vladimir's body. My eyes trace them back toward the hospital machinery, now nonfunctional."Wh-What are you doing?!" Immediately, I vault from my seat. I nearly stumble, my footsteps retreating backward. My voice lets out in fearful disbelief. "Wh-What do you mean?"He sighs, shaking his head in seemingly mock guilt. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to also end you along Vladimir.""What?!" My eyes widen in terror as I look from his face to the syringe gripped in his palm. "Why?! What are you talking about?!""Shhh." He
My heartbeat thundered within my ears while my eyes brimmed with scathing moisture. The air around me continuously grew thin as my lungs burned with each breath I took. My legs refused to falter, I ran through the winding corridors of the hospital along with Rachael and Katie. The hijab on my head nearly slipped off. Yet my mind was only preoccupied with him."Doctor!!!" Rachael cries out as she grabs ahold of a man in a lab coat, strolling out of the Intensive Care Unit. "Please! We can't wait anymore, we demand to see Vladimir!!""Ma'am, neither you nor your sister's blood test is a correct match for your brother. We can not allow you to see him as of yet." The doctor's expression embittered as he shuffles through the papers on his clipboard. "We've discovered he's a rare blood type.""He's lost a great amount of blood!" One other doctor rushes out in front of us. "Whoever else is related to him, must get tested for the transfusion! RHnull type blood is rare and we don't have it in
After such a forbidden deed, would events always unravel in contrition like this? Can guilt be any more bitter than before? Will I ever learn from past mistakes?No, since when did you develop into such a weak mess?My head had been bowed under the clouds of shame drifting around the atmosphere of the jeep ride back. Five minutes had passed since Dimitri Molotov's intrusive phone call, disrupting the forbidden tryst I was involved with Vladimir in the back seat.Awkwardness never felt so constricting before to me as it did now. Yet Vladimir appears unaffected by it as if there is nothing awkward in regard to the physical exchange between us.Instead, his visage indicates a serenity that I don't remember witnessing ever before. As if he's repleted of a satisfied contentment that he lacked previously. It was increasingly evident, that he is very pleased with no regrets.His eyes had intensely remained locked on my face while he helped me get dressed in the back seat. Suffusing my blush
His brows crease in apparent concern as they caught the glimmer of tears swimming within my stare. I wasn't resilient enough to suppress the heartache of the past seven days. It took over me tenfold in his presence.He inches forward. "Hazel, wh-"Suddenly all of the lights switch on, impeding him mid-sentence. The entirety of the kitchen and connected lounge is illuminated."What's going on here?" I recognize none other than Rachael's miffed voice.She stands in her sleeping robes on the stairwell of the kitchen lounge. Confounded, her eyes flit between Vladimir and me.But she's not the only other presence besides the two of us here. My alarmed eyes catch sight of Katie and Bev. The lights had exposed them hiding behind one of the couches in the lounge. Guilt-ridden, they were smiling sheepishly at me.Within those awkward seconds, it dawns on me that this setup was construed by the two of them. With Rachael and I being unaware, they knew all along when Vladimir would be returning h
Dear Hazel Asalaam Alaikum, I hope you are safe and well. I'm writing to inform you that I'm admitted to a private cancer treatment hospital. I've discovered from one of my lawyers, that the wealth I've allocated to you has still not been touched. I had expected you'd find it beneficial once you had turned 19, but you haven't utilized any amount of it. Please no need to remain humble regarding the sustenance that Allah has rendered halal for you.The doctors say I've got an additional month left to live. I find it amusing, that these doctors can utter such words with firm conviction. After all, life and death are in Allah's hands.However, my condition is deteriorating. I'd like to see you and Rachael before I depart this world.Enclosed within this envelope are details and directions to the hospital center. I'm expecting you both soon, and if you choose not to visit me then it's alright, I would understand.Once I've completed reading, my eyes lock with Rachaels. Hers are just as gl
"What is it?!" I shriek in repleted panic. Besides me, Bilal is just as frightened. The overpowering stench of smoke engulfs us quickly as the helicopter malfunctions."There is good news and bad news," Vladimir responds jaw clenched in apparent ire. He pours all of his strength and effort into veering the helicopter off-course away from the villa. "Which do you want to hear first?""This isn't time for such games!" I shriek again as the helicopter continues impairing."Are we crashing?!" Bilal questions with eyes wide as saucers."Not we. The helicopter will crash, that's the bad news. We've been targeted by an enemy RPG." Vladimir replies eyes narrowed in focus as he ascends the helicopter to higher heights. "It seems someone within our circles has tipped the enemy off in regard to our whereabouts.""RPG?!" Bilal gapes horrified. "Enemy?!""What the hell is RPG?!" I snap in ensuing terror."Military weapon!" Bilal promptly answers before desperately asking Vladimir. "What's the good
I awake from a slight jostling, it's dark and I hear the soft continuous humming of some sort of engine. Then I instantly remember that I was on a plane.I groggily shift my body but freeze when I realize someone else lay beside me. The weight of their arm is firmly yet gently draped over my waist and I feel their minty breath shallowly caressing my neck. It seemed like they were asleep.I turn my face in their direction and lift my hand to touch their face in the dark. My fingers splay over chiseled angular features, and my heart hammers in recognition.But before I can shove at him, he murmurs in his sleep. "Hazel... hmm...so pure..."My eyes widen in alarm and I attempt to lift his heavy arm away from my waist, yet this proves as a failure. He draws me closer to his hard chest while murmuring again in his sleep."Hazel... I need you..."My face flushes with heat as my mind processes his sleep talk. I wondered what kind of dream he had about me.I try pulling away from him, yet tha
As soon as the vehicle approaches Bilal's private boarding school, my eyes distend in alarm. "You-How did you know?! Only Rachael knew about Bilal's school!""Don't worry about details, princess. Wait here, remember I've locked the doors and windows, so stay put." He provides lightly and exits the jeep without further word.The vehicle was parked a few blocks away from the school, in a vacant lot. No one would be able to catch a glimpse of me reclining in it since the windows were tainted dark from the exterior. I wait with my hands fiddling the hem of my sleeves as I continue glancing around nervously.Several minutes later, I spot the demon approaching along with my little brother, who is happily licking an ice cream cone. In one hand he's dragging along a small suitcase. My heart swells with so much emotion as I eagerly await Bilal's arrival.As soon as the demon tugs open my door, I fling my arms around Bilal, crushing his boyish frame against me. "Billy!! Oh my God!""Hazel!" Bil