Cade angrily squeezed the money and trashed it along with the note, not bothering to check what was written before dashing into the bathroom. After several minutes inside his white marble shower with the cold jets pulsing water onto his chiseled muscles from every angle, he still couldn’t get his mind off Hazel’s insult of a tip. As he stood in front of the bathroom mirror drying himself up with a towel, he couldn’t help but compliment himself. ‘Sister-in-law confirmed I look better than Cruz and I have a more perfect body, so there is no way on earth I will perform less than him in bed.’ Gabriel knocked on the door to remind him of their meeting, cutting his train of thinking. Even as he sat amid the executive members of the board, discussing a new product launch in the company, Cade found himself connecting every conversation to Hazel.“Synthetic chunky-soled sneakers have become trendy amongst bodybuilders as they resonate with their body type and are also good for working out…”
“Just a bill?” Cade asked curiously. “ Well let me tell you what that bill has done to me in five years. It made me overly conscious of my body. That stupid bill you left in my room five years ago messed with my self-esteem which took me years of effort to get back. That ‘just a bill’ made me visit a psychiatrist for years, worsening my fear of women and intimacy.” By the time Cade finished talking, veins were throbbing around his neck. His anger was justified because Hazel’s habit of leaving a $100 bill after sex did a number on Cade’s mental health, especially since it was his first time being intimate in his whole life.Hazel let out a sinister laugh which confused and infuriated Cade even more. “Is this funny to you?” He asked curiously. Hazel laughed harder until she could see the confusion and fear in Cade’s gaze. Slowly the laughter turned into a monstrous frown, “I see you led a great life after that night. You even had time to work out and keep your health in check. What am
Two days passed and Hazel didn’t find the peace she thought would come with Cade’s distancing. Aside from the fact that she was jobless, Ivy’s constant cry for ‘Daddy’ frustrated her. And the fact that it was a weekend made things worse as she had to listen to Ivy's whining from dusk till dawn. Hazel couldn’t deny not longing for him from time to time. Anytime she heard the honking of cars in her apartment building, she felt her heart skipping a beat and found her legs subconsciously moving to the window to check who it was. ‘You’re just worried he'd barge in and take your child away.’ She often persuaded herself with the belief. While they were watching TV in the living room over some fruits and snacks in the evening, Ivy, who wasn’t allowed to eat whatever she wanted, started to whine.“I miss Daddy. He gave me so much ice cream and a huge bucket of fried chicken. When am I going to see him again?” She asked curiously, fidgeting with her plate of fruits. Hazel intentionally igno
A FEW HOURS EARLIER…“Mr. Westham, I came to remind you of the meeting with the…” Gabriel’s voice trailed off as he pushed open the door to Cade’s room and saw him fully dressed, spraying his cologne. “Gather the files now and make sure none is missing,” Cade ordered, readjusting his necktie once more in front of the mirror. A broad grin crossed Gabriel’s face finally seeing his boss back to being himself. For the past two days, Cade and alcohol were inseparable and he found him most times wallowing in self-pity and neglecting his duty at the office. “Okay, sir.” He responded before going back to the living room.As the car drove off, Cade, who was looking through a business magazine, briefly dropped the book and asked, “How much longer is it going to take us to get there?”“In 40 minutes. Luxe Lounge is close by.” Gabriel replied, his grin still intact. Cade sighed, stomping his fist on the chair, “I hate people like Mr. Garcia. Always mixing business with pleasure.” he mumbled
Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as panic gripped her. The room seemed to spin around her, the walls closing in, suffocating her with their relentless pressure. “Cade! Cade! Please wake up!” Hazel panicked, hitting his chest furiously. “You can't die on me, okay?” She cried, “I warned you! I f*cking warned you to stay away from me but you won't listen.” she cried harder. Charles gestured to Ava to call the ambulance before trying to comfort crying Hazel. He noticed that even though he was unconscious, Cade’s grip never loosened on the file he was holding and that gave him a little hope. “Hazel, the ambulance will be here soon. I promise he will be fine.” He reassured her but mere words were not enough to console Hazel as she continued to cry. “What am I going to tell Ivy? That I caused your death? Once she grows older she’d never forgive me after trying so hard to separate you from her.” She went on, her face inches away from his face as her tears dripped on his c
Hazel felt her breath cut in her throat upon hearing the voice and the question. She quickly took the phone from Cade and hastily spoke onto it, “Hale, that’s you right? Isn’t my baby supposed to be home?” “Hello…” The call abruptly ended without giving Hazel a response. As Cade finally took back the phone, the Trucaller eventually popped up the name of the screen. “Hale Ricci Sinclair? He was your brother?” Cade asked, surprised. “But what does he mean by that?” He asked again.Hazel quickly pulled out her phone, dialing Hale’s number in haste. It rang for a while but wasn’t answered so she called and called again but she kept getting redirected to voicemail. She knew Hale was intentionally not answering her call so she decided to use the voicemail to send him a warning. “Hale, I swear if you don’t answer this phone I will kill you!” She threatened her voice so raw with anger that Cade was even frightened.“Hazel, what’s going…” His voice trailed off following the ring of Hazel’
Hazel's cheeks turned a deep shade of red embarrassed by her own statement which made the atmosphere in the bathroom feel incredibly awkward. Cade's eyes widened in disbelief, his own cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Uh…I…I have…," Cade stammered, trying to regain his composure as he reached for his fallen towel. Hazel shook her head, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to make sense of the situation. "I-I didn't mean that... I just... I'll just go now," she muttered as she hastily tried to extricate herself from the situation, her breaths coming in short gasps. Cade winced in pain as he hit his head once more, his hand instinctively reaching back to touch the tender spot. "Ow, damn it," he muttered under his breath, his face contorted in discomfort, ruining the moment. Hazel, filled with concern, reached out to check his wound, but Cade pushed her away gently. "I-I'll be fine, Hazel," he insisted, his voice strained with pain. "Just...just give me a moment."His words h
Hazel sniffed, wiping the tears on her face before attempting to step off the car but Cade locked it from his side to stop her.“Hazel, why are you being so childish? I’m being serious here but you just want to walk out?” Cade asked, trying to reason with her.“Open the door!” Hazel snapped, not ready to be reasoned with. Cade was furious by her reaction. He understood her being emotional when talking about the past but her always being haughty and rude was one thing he couldn’t fathom.“Open the f@cking door!” She snapped one more time and Cade eventually pressed the unlock button. As Hazel opened the door to leave, Cade started to talk, “Just so you know, I have Ivy’s toothbrush and also a picture of Ivy using that brush this morning.” Hazel stopped just right before shutting the door close, “What kind of psycho are you to…” “I will do another test. Just pray the result coincides with what you’re saying, or I will take you to court and take Ivy-Lynn away from you forever.” He th
“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