The lady looked behind and around her to be sure the question was directed at her. “Right after our call, you sent me the address yourself. Why are you asking me that and who on Earth is Hazel?” She asked, equally startled. “I sent you this address? It must have been a mistake, where is my phone?” Cade wondered as he rummaged through the pocket of suit and trousers for his phone. “Hazel is the real owner of this apartment.” He added, giving up when he couldn’t find his phone. “My suitcase!” Ivy exclaimed as she jumped from the couch and ran towards the suitcases scattered on the floor. Cade ran towards her and inspected it, realizing Hazel was already there. “Where is the owner of these suitcases?” he asked curiously. “Oh, that? Why is it still here?” She wondered, “It must belong to that creepy fan who barged into my apartment earlier.” She replied. “That must be Hazel. Where is she now?” He asked curiously. “Hazel? She has been arrested by the estate security guards. She m
Hazel’s hand clenched tightly in her thigh as she stared at Cade. The words he’d spoken echoed in her mind, cutting through her heart like a knife. ‘What was I thinking? That I am some Cinderella that just found her lost shoe?’ she thought to herself. Surprisingly, his confession stung like she never thought it would. “That’s what I thought! How she wishes to have a father like you!” Elise giggled delightedly as she pointed at Ivy, relieved by the news. Ivy started to cry, not because she understood what was going on, but because Elise was laughing and pointing at her.Hazel quickly squatted to her height and consoled her, “Ivy, don’t mind her, and tell me how your day went.” She suggested as she swept her from the floor and took her to sit on the couch, leaving them to continue their conversation. “Elise, she’s just a kid! Don’t go around talking to her like that!” She heard Cade snap at her. Ivy was thrilled to indulge in the new conversation her mom had suggested as she began
Cade was confused by her question, “Where is that coming from?” He asked clueless. “Why are you giving me a car? Because I look so desperate walking around your estate on foot?” She asked angrily.“No! Hazel, what are you saying?” He wondered, surprised by Hazel’s reasoning, “Because it’s written on the contract, remember?” he reminded her. Hazel smiled, realizing how stupid she was. She freed her hand from Cade’s grip and smiled, ‘How are you already catching feelings for this clueless guy?’ She mocked herself.Cade became even more confused by her sudden mood swings, “What's wrong?” He asked.Hazel found herself laughing harder for the next minute until she could eventually control herself. “Nothing, actually.” She replied, her laughter finally settling. “It’s just that I never learned to drive a car, I don’t even have a license. Remember I was disowned at 18 and Dad didn’t let me touch cars before then.” She reminded him. Cade felt a tinge of guilt but he quickly masked it with
Without opening the first page, Hazel closed the file and placed it in front of Cade, stating, "It's good—I guess." She continued, "Gabriel already said so," "Plus, I'm not qualified to judge them," she remarked, turning to go to her desk.Sensing something was off, Cade casually skimmed over the front page again."What say you? Do I need to put them on the list of potential clients? Gabriel enquired with curiosity. “Sure, I guess. You’re the expert here.” Cade gave his permission before dismissing Gabriel.When they were alone, Cade turned to face Hazel and saw the rage in her eyes. Her clenched fists and stiff stance betrayed the wrath she had been holding inside. Her eyes were blazing with passion. "Those were some familiar names." He struck up a discussion. However, Hazel continued to stare at her desk, pretending to be ignorant and unwilling to show her fury, which already screamed volumes. "Oh really?" “The one that caused my fall, his name was Alexander Frost, right? You
Hazel let out a sigh of relief, “Thanks, Cade but I will decline. I already booked a cab!” When she finally succeeded in jamming the door, she relaxed her back on it and let out another sigh, “That was close.”“Mommy, who is there? Is it Daddy?” Ivy asked as she walked up to her mother. “No, sweetheart, it’s the security. They just came to inform me my cab has arrived.”Hazel lied again. “Give mommy a goodbye kiss.” she urged and Ivy hastily jumped into her mom’s arms and kissed her.*****Hazel swallowed hard as her cab pulled up in front of Savor Voyage, the five-star restaurant Charles had invited her to. She wasn’t easily intimidated but somehow, she felt inferior seeing how everyone seemed to be achieving their dreams aside from her.“Hazel,” Charles called out to her, waving at her as he stood in front of the restaurant door.Hazel smiled and waved back while slowly walking towards him. “I’m glad you could make it,” Charles said as she slowly pulled her in for a hug. Hazel sm
“H–how are you here?” Hazel’s voice trembled as she tried to speak. Cade slammed his other hand on the wall, startling Hazel even more, “Just answer me, damn it!” he scolded even more harshly. Hazel shut her eyes tightly, memories of her father scolding her came flooding back. Cade could see her tremble as his words washed over her like ice-cold water. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her heart racing as she struggled to keep her composure. Cade was confused by her reaction and his tone softened, a hint of concern coloring his words. “Hazel, what’s wrong? Are you alright?” He gently grabbed her fist and tried to soothe it but Hazel angrily shoved him off with full force, forcing him to stagger backwards. “You ask why I am not letting you see her right?” Hazel asked curiously, “It’s because you called my precious baby desperate. All she wanted was her father but you couldn’t even be that yet you threatened to sue you.” She scolded angrily. “Even when Dad asked me to ab
Cade was appalled by the news, “What? How is she?” “I’m just getting to the hospital, I can't ascertain her condition just yet,” Gabriel replied. “What hospital are you?” he asked curiously, “I will join you there.” He replied after Gabriel responded and afterwards, ended the call. Confused, Hazel asked curiously, “What happened? Is something wrong?” “Elise was caught in a fire while costume fitting. I have to go now.” He said, hastily running out of her apartment. Hazel turned her TV on and could see the news of the fire all over the media.“I hope she’s alright. I hope everyone is alright.” She mumbled before retiring to her room. *****By the time Cade met with the Doctor in charge of taking care of Elise, she was said to have sustained no burns since she was on her way out of the building wh. “However, she sprained her arm and she needs a lot of rest and care for the time being.” The doctor concluded. Cade let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that even though he had sever
Gabriel quickly stepped out of the car and ran towards him, “Your brother ordered it. I tried to reach you but you weren’t picking up.” He explained.“Has it been ascertained that the attack was directed at the company?” Cade asked thoughtfully. “Yes, sir.” Gabriel replied, “Some comments were left on the company website which suggested that it was targeting the company.” Gabriel explained. Cade moved his gaze from Ivy to Hazel before replying, “Fine then, let them do their job,” he ordered. Hazel quickly pulled Cade away and whispered, “Cade, what are you saying? You need to hurry and make them leave. Everyone is already staring.” “I can’t because I have to protect you two and knowing someone is targeting the company means we could also be targeted. I don’t want anything happening to you two because of me.” He explained. “But this is too…”“No buts, please.” He pleaded, finally shutting her up. The crowd slowly averted their attention when they realized nothing out of the ord
“Is this a two wedding?” Another guest whispered. “Well, this couple stole the show! Wow!” Can another comment. With a huge smirk in her face, Hazel and Cade pushed their way among the stunned family and bridesmaids, landing themselves a perfect beside the bride. Serafina’s eyes flashed with fury, seeing Hazel practically stealing the spotlight at her wedding with both the perfect dress, makeup, and face card. The worst part was Serafina actually wanted that dress, but it was not in season yet.“Are you out of your mind? What do you think you’re doing right now?” She asked, completely pissed. Hazel smiled warily as she whispered a reply, “Taking pictures, what else?” “Photographer, please go ahead.” Cade instructed.The photographer was hesitant, but seeing that he had already wasted enough time, he quickly started taking the pictures. With a flower also in Hazel, one could easily assume that two weddings were taking place in a hall and since Hazel already wiped the happiness i
FEW MINUTES EARLIERWhen Hazel entered the dressing room, she met Serafina and Alexander’s mothers chatting and laughing with the bride.As soon as Serafina saw her, a sinister smile flashed across her cheeks as she said, “Oh, Hazel Ricci Sinclair, it didn’t think you’d make it. Thanks for honoring me with your presence.” She knew the parents might not easily recognize her which was why she had to mention her full name to draw their attention indirectly. “Oh! You mean this is Hazel? The town’s rebel?” Serafina’s mother, Julia asked curiously as she turned her attention to her. Hazel rolled her eyes in disgust but she faked a smile and greeted, “Yeah, Congratulations on your wedding.” “Thank you.” Serafina proudly replied. Amanda, Alexander’s mother after staring at Hazel in disdain for several seconds asked, “I remember you were disowned because you were pregnant, how is the baby now? And the father, did you manage to find him?” Hazel knew it wasn’t out of concern but just a wa
About an hour after the call, Hazel, Ivy and Cade were chilling at the back of Cade’s Mercedes, laughing at the silly jokes he was making to make Ivy smile. Once the laughter died down, Hazel who was still curious of Cade’s decision decided to bring it up. “Cade, where are we going?” She asked curiously.Cade acted surprised, “Are you asking me?” Hazel looked confused, remembering him clearly calling her and asking her and Ivy out, “Umm…I…you called earlier, right? You mentioned something more thrilling…I thought you were taking us out to have fun…”“I could take you now if you want, but…what about the wedding?” He asked curiously. “Umm…kids are not allowed and Ivy is coming with us.” Hazel explained.Cade smiled, “That’s exactly the thrilling thing I’m talking about. I spoke with Mr. Frost and he agreed I would come with my kid.” “Woah, that’s weird because he wouldn’t let me come with mine.” She complained. “Do you think she knows we are talking about the same kid?” She asked c
“You mean like a clap back?” Cade asked curiously.“Umm…something like that.” Hazel mumbled. Cade smiled knowingly, “I definitely want to! You know I always have your back when it comes to those bullies.” Cade reassured her. Hazel grinned from ear to ear as she said, the words, “Thanks.” Cade reached out to the box he’d just received from Hunter earlier. He removed the necklace and walked behind Hazel, putting it around her neck, “You should wear this on that day. It looks pretty on you.” He whispered into her ear. Hazel felt tingles all over her body, her face reddening to the point of explosion. She couldn’t bring herself to face Cade, so she just whispered, “Thanks,” Cade felt the urge to just turn her around and kiss those soft, plump lips but struggled to control himself, eventually just tapping her shoulder and saying, “Get back to work. I have to join Gabriel now.” Hazel didn’t say a word or even move her body as Cade walked away. As he held the doorknob, he briefly halte
While paying attention to the bidding, Cade noticed a partner in which the bidders were bidding enormous amounts of money on things valuing way less.Before long, he was able to deduce they were laundering money through the so-called auction. “Dirty money? Is that what you call large numbers over there?” Hunter asked, relaxing his back on the chair. Cade smirked, “Large? How large? Large enough to buy a single branch of Westham Corporations?” He asked daringly. “You don't think all of Westham Corporations is larger than the LA government, right?” Hunter asked, adjusting himself on his seat. “Of course not!” Cade replied. “It’s also not larger than Eldoria, but you never know how large it really is until you get involved.” Hunter suggested. Cade sneered as Hunter finally made his move. He always knew there was a reason he started showing up in his face, and now, he has finally made it clear. The first time he met him was during a board meeting with the government stakeholders du
Hazel wasn't sure how to respond, especially since she wasn't sure of her relationship with Cade and also since they are keeping the paternity of Ivy on the low for now. “Well, you can say he is the daddy I want for my baby.” She stylishly responded, glaring back at Cade who seemed to have concluded his conversation with Alex and was now walking towards them. “My ear keeps twitching. What have you too been talking about me?” Cade asked, his tone laced with jealousy as he joined. Hazel quickly grabbed his hand and started to pull him away. “Nothing much. Let's go.” She said, not wanting Hunter to bring back the topic. “Not so fast!” Hunter said, stopping them.They were surprised by Hunter's actions which he quickly went on to explain, “You will have to write down your address where you want to have your item delivered after payments are cleared.” “Just drop it at Westham Corporation.” Cade said, releasing himself from Hazel's grip and then holding instead as he pulled her out of
Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Hunter and Alexander shaking hands and talking. “Don’t mind my manners, Hazel meet my nephew, Alexander. Alexander, Hazel and her partner, Cade Westham” Hunter quickly introduced the trio. Alexander was equally surprised as he stretched out his hand to receive Hazel's handshake. “Hey, Nephew!” Hazel teased, almost giggling.Alex tried his best to hide his anger, as he also greeted. He tried to shake Cade but he politely refused, waving instead and only igniting Alex’s anger which he succeeded in hiding. Just then, Serafina, who was delayed by some of her friends as soon as they entered the hall, finally joined them. “Good evening, Uncle…” her voice trailed off as her gaze fell on Hazel. “What are you doing he…” her voice trailed off again as she noticed Cade standing beside her. She was quickly reminded of Cade's reasons for not going forward with the contract with them.“Good evening, Mr. Westham.” She greeted, equally masking her a
Hazel swallowed hard, because she didn't expect Cade to pay heed to what Alexander had said the other day. “At first…yeah.” She replied with much hesitation. She quickly turned to face him and continued, "But it was consensual. He knew I had no feelings for him. I had asked me out in front of everyone in the field after they won a baseball match, and I had rejected him, but when I went home after, I found out Dad was matchmaking me with that jerk, Nathan. I just couldn't accept it so I organized a party that night and accepted his proposal, after which I told him my reason for accepting him.” She explained. After all she’d said, she couldn't get a reaction from Cade, as he just stared blankly at her. Hazel became anxious, worried Cade might have the wrong impression of her, so she continued to explain. “He had more to gain from the relationship. Even though he was the most popular boy in school, he was slowly losing his position with the news of his corrupt Mayor Dad spreading aro
Confused, Cade tried to touch her while asking, “Hazel, are you alright? Why are you getting…” but Hazel jabbed his chest hard, pushing him back. “I can’t do it! I won’t do it, why can’t you understand that? Why are you pushing me like this?” Her voice cracked with emotion, tears streaming down her face.“Hazel, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were this triggered by…”“You’re sorry? Who the hell are you? Who the f@ck do you think you are to try and change my life? Did I ever tell you I didn’t like how my life was? Or is it because I said you could take responsibility for Ivy?” She challenged, her eyes burning red, her temper uncontrollable. Hazel’s panic turned into full-blown anger, as she lashed out at him, “I am Ivy! I am not your child! Maybe I should never have met you…that night on the trip and that day at the hotel!” her words cutting like a knife. Cade was pained by her statement but he could tell Hazel was traumatized by cars like he once was. Ivy who was watching a new side