Hazel stood before the Jones home, this place that had made her believe she didn't deserve happiness if her sister said so; she was her sister’s shadow but still loved them.Her mind drifted to her graduation from college; her parents had made her believe they would be there, but they never showed up. When she asked, she was told Nady had a menstrual cramp and they couldn't leave her alone.That had hurt her deeply, as she was one to feel worst during her period, but her parents never thought of canceling any event to stay with her or even putting thoughts into it.“It’s in the past,” she pushed the thoughts behind her brain and walked in. Hazel was slightly shocked to find Nady and Max on the couch.She had no idea Max would be here as well; her frown deepened as she both ignored them and headed to her father on the couch.“Hello father”Mr. Jones had an excited look once he saw her; he hurriedly stood up and hugged her tightly. “How are you doing, Hazel?” he asked, and Hazel had nev
Hazel was all quiet in the car, not paying attention to what Coyle was saying. She kissed her teeth angrily; she was annoyed and felt like a fool right now.“Hazel?” Coyle called, and she stared at him. He has been asking her questions, but she was all quiet.“Did something happen to your parents?” He asked, and she shook her head and leaned back, closed her eyes, and feigned to be asleep.What was going on in her life? She had no idea. Why was Coyle not mad at her? Why was he giving her the signals that he loved her instead?“I am not the bride he wanted, so why all this?” Does she even deserve the chain and all the kindness he keeps showing her? Now Hazel had doubts about herself and life; maybe all this was a dream, and she wasn't married; she was probably in the Jones mansion, upstairs in her bedroom in deep sleep, having a perfect dream.Soon, the car arrived at the Anderson mansion, and Coyle had to carry her upstairs as she had fallen asleep for real. He placed her on the soft
“Hey…” Hazel hurried to her bag, but the food had poured to the ground.“I said leave; this isn't a brothel but a working space,” the receptionist scolded, and a tear rolled down Hazel’s cheeks. She wasn't hurt by the receptionist's words but just hurt because Coyle wouldn’t get to eat the breakfast she made.“Mrs. Anderson,” Jude rushed towards her. Coyle was in a meeting and his phone was with him, so he had picked up her call, but he didn't hear her speak even when he kept talking.He was about to hang up when he heard Hazel saying she came to see Coyle and also the receptionist scolding her, so he hurried downstairs immediately but never expected to meet her in tears.“Are you okay, Mrs. Anderson?” he asked, and the receptionists went all pale. Did Jude just call that lady Mrs. Anderson? She thought.Hazel stood up and cleaned her tears. “I am fine; I just wanted to see Coyle. It’s my fault I didn't book an appointment.”“An appointment? You don't need one to see your husband. In
The little voice was so loud that she couldn't push it away, so Hazel hurried back into the office as they both stared at her with confused gazes.“I didn't leave with any cash and the driver; maybe you could drop me off at work.” She didn't know where she got such guts to ask such a request, but she had to try; she couldn't go and leave her husband with this woman who had made it clear that she was going to get Coyle no matter what.Coyle walked to the table and picked up his car key when Sommer hurried to him, “Are you going to drop her off? You could send your driver right; besides, I am here to see you. It’s been long,” she had a pleading look before Coyle’s gaze moved to Hazel, who stood by the door.“Next time, book an appointment,” Coyle said to Sommer before he walked towards Hazel and wrapped his hand around her waist.“Let’s go; you could recharge me on the way. So it’s a win-win,” he teased, and she chuckled before they both left his office and got to the presidential eleva
Hazel stood there in deep thought, trying to understand what was going on. Did Coyle meet up with Sommer in the club, or was it just a coincidence?"Hazel,” a girl stumbled towards Hazel, who was quick to catch her; it was Tasha, and she hugged Hazel tightly.“I missed you a lot, my friend.”Hazel could tell she was a little drunk, and what shocked Hazel the most was Tasha’s tummy, which was still so flat; she couldn't possibly have given birth already, Hazel thought."Come,” Hazel dragged her out of the club and into her car before she helped with the seat belt.“What is going on, Tasha?” Hazel asked worriedly when Tasha’s eyes became sore and she stared out of the window. She was trying to get drunk to forget her pain, but no matter what amount she drank, the pain was still fresh in her memory.“I am sleepy; please drop me at my hotel,” Tasha stated, and this caused Hazel to frown.“We are not strangers; why can’t you tell me?” “I got a miscarriage and also a divorce; that’s it, so
Hazel was finally calmed and was busy making breakfast when she felt someone was behind her. She turned to find Coyle, who stood by the door with a bottle of wine and a glass.Her brows furrowed. “Why do you have that?” Wasn't he allergic to wine?Coyle walked closer to her and placed the wine and glass on the kitchen slab. “I want to drink,” he answered.“But you are allergic,” she reminded him. Didn't he take his health seriously? It’s okay to be allergic to something; eighty percent of citizens were, so why did he want to harm himself?"Yeah, I am allergic to wine, but not when I drink from your lips,” Coyle answered, and Hazel stared at him in disbelief. Next thing she knew, she was lifted up and made to sit on the kitchen slab with him standing between her thighs."What...what are you doing?” Hazel knew he had devious plans for her and at least wanted to know what it was.Coyle filled a glass of wine and handed it to her. "Drink,” he ordered, and Hazel nodded before she took a si
It was after an hour when Tasha parked her car in front of the Anderson mansion and walked down. She had called Hazel several times to confirm if the location she had sent her was the right one, because how could she be in here?Luckily for Tasha, she knew where the Anderson mansion was located, as she had come here once or twice in the past with her husband.“Tasha” Hazel approached her with a smile, about to hug her when Tasha extended her hand, signaling that she stops.“I don't understand. Why are you here?” She asked, and Hazel clung to her arm.“Let’s go in first, then I will explain everything to you.”Tasha snorted as they hurried inside, and the place still had the same touch as before; she remembered the house was designed this same way a year ago.“What are you doing in Coyle Anderson’s mansion?” Tasha went straight to the point; she just divorced her husband, who was Coyle’s best friend, so she didn't want to be anywhere close to Coyle as well.“My wedding with Max was can
Hazel walked back to the kitchen when Tasha asked, “Was it Coyle?”"Hmm," was Hazel’s brief reply before she served the coffee in two coffee cups.“And why do you look sad? Having a couple fight?” Tasha asked and was quick to stop Hazel from answering.“I don't want to hear anything about couples.”Hazel burst out in laughter before she decided to rub it in Tasha’s face. “Do you know how romantic business people are?” Hazel asked, and Tasha rolled her eyes.“I have to go see my parents or else they will cause a scene. Go tell your romance story to someone else.” Tasha hurriedly picked up her purse and car keys before she hurried to her car."Tasha,” Hazel called, but her crazy friend had already driven out.Meanwhile, at the St. Elusive restaurant, which was known for its tranquility and also privacy, Jude sat in one of the private ends as he sipped his wine and read the technology article, trying to make sure Coyle was on the right track about extending a partnership offer to Tradtec
Hazel stopped on her path and thought about what she promised herself: never to leave her home for another woman.So she walked to the dining table with her gaze locked with Selene's.“I will make sure to wipe that smirk off your face,” Hazel promised herself.“Hazel dear, I am glad you are here.” Muna said with a wide smile, and she stood up and pulled a chair out for Hazel.“She has hands, Grandma,” Audrey scoffed, and Hazel ignored her before she pushed the seat back in.“Thanks, Muna, but I didn’t come here to have breakfast with your little family. I am here to see..." Hazel was saying when Dora chimed in.“Why are you speaking this way, dear? You are part of our family.”Hazel just nodded, though she didn’t feel that way at all.“My dear sister-in-law,” Damon’s voice echoed from upstairs; he hurried towards her with a wide smile.Who would have thought his call would bring her here?He couldn’t meet with her since she no longer worked at her old company and was always at home.“
Hazel walked downstairs to make breakfast and was surprised to find Sven on the couch, busy on his iPad.She frowned her brow and scanned the place but couldn’t find Selene, so she approached the kid.“Umm, hello,” Hazel called, and Sven’s gaze moved to her; he completely ignored her and continued playing his video games.“What’s your name?” Hazel questioned. After all, her problem was with Selene and not the kid; he didn’t wish to have a mother like Selene.“It’s none of your concern, maid.” Sven spouted, and Hazel’s brows furrowed.“Maid?” she asked in disbelief. How could this kid refer to her as a maid? Did she look like one?“Yes, aren't you the maid of this house? So tell me why you are talking to me instead of making me breakfast." Asked the little kid, and Hazel chuckled.“Fine, I will make you breakfast. What do you want to eat?” “Whatever my daddy eats, just go and also get me a glass of water.” Sven waved his hand at Hazel, who nodded and left for the kitchen.Hazel couldn
Muna felt bad and took a step closer to Hazel; she cupped Hazel’s cheeks with her palms and said, “Coyle has wanted to tell you this for weeks now, but he was scared.”Hazel shook her head in denial; she knew Coyle so well, and he was anything but scared.“How come even the people who hate him couldn't tell me that?” She asked in disbelief; Audrey, Sommer, or Damon could have blurted that to her, but they didn't.They kept mute and watched her make a fool out of herself. “I always thought you considered me as a granddaughter, Muna, but the fact that you could keep such a thing from me really breaks me.” Hazel muttered and walked out of the house no matter how many times they kept calling her.Now all she wanted was to be alone, Hazel sat at the park close to the mansion for more than three hours just contemplating and trying to understand everything happening.“I don’t hate the fact that he has a kid; I hate the fact that he lied to me and broke the trust I have for him,” Hazel though
Mr. Jones was busy going through some business documents. He had become very serious these days ever since Coyle told him he was still going to invest in his company if he worked with a man abroad and made him come to the country.“Here.” Mrs. Jones filled his empty cup of coffee, and both their gazes moved to the door when they heard footsteps approach.It was Hazel.She stomped in and walked past them. “Hazel,” her mum called, but Hazel didn’t stop; she headed upstairs to her old bedroom and closed the door, and her parents exchanged confused looks.“Do you think she argued with her husband?” Mrs. Jones asked, and this got Mr. Jones worried: Did his daughter anger Coyle or what?“She is your daughter; go verify,” he said, and Mrs. Jones nodded before she hurried upstairs and knocked at the door.“Hazel,” she called, but there was no response.“What happened? Did you get into an argument with Coyle?” Mrs. Jones kept asking, but there was no response.While Hazel leant against the doo
The lady next to Hazel had a wide smile on her face; she was blonde with brown eyes.The lady was no other than Selene; she walked past Hazel and stood before Coyle.“Hello Coyle, our son missed you a lot. That’s why I showed up,” she explained at once, because she didn’t want him to get upset.Coyle shoved the little boy to the side and walked to Hazel, who looked all pale, like she had just seen a ghost.“You... you are injured; let’s go home,” he said, and Hazel couldn’t believe that was what he was bothered about.This child just called him daddy; won’t he explain what’s happening?Hazel raised her hand and pointed at the kid. “Is that your son?” she questioned, and he bowed his head and clinched her hands.“Baby, let’s talk at home, please.” Coyle muttered, and Selene walked towards them.She found out yesterday that Coyle was married and immediately took the next flight to the country, but she still had her doubts.Now she realised the lady she had just scolded was Coyle’s wife.
It was around 6 pm when Coyle returned from work and found Hazel on a video call with Tasha in the sitting room.They were busy discussing their new restaurant, and Hazel had no idea that Coyle was by the door watching her.“Let’s check it out tomorrow, then.”Then a frown formed on her face. “How many times will I tell you that I don't want him investing or helping me? We could always get other investors, but just not Coyle.” Hazel scolded Tasha, who kept insisting they go the easier way.“Why?” Coyle asked, and Hazel flinched; she never expected he would be back this early.“Umm, you are back.” She smiled at him and ended the call. Coyle strode and stood before her.“Why are you in the sitting room and not on the bed?” he asked, and she chuckled and sighed in relief; for a moment she thought he heard her conversation with Tasha.“I waited for long, but you didn’t show up.” Hazel answered, and he scanned the place before holding her hand and pulled her up.“Now I am back, so?”His li
Coyle carried Hazel and slowly dropped her on the bed with their gazes locked together.He trailed his finger on her thighs, and she gripped the sheets and closed her eyes as she felt his fingers move up her thighs.“I... I am hungry.” Hazel rushed down the bed to leave when he held her hand and pulled her back towards him.Coyle stood behind her and pulled off her zipper as her dress fell off her body; Hazel’s chest heaved as she felt his lips on her bare back.He gathered her hair and shoved it to the side while placing soft kisses on her neck.“I love you so much, baby,” Coyle whispered before he unhooked her bra and pulled it off her body; his hand cupped her breast and struck it when a soft moan escaped her lips.“Do you wish to tell me something?” Coyle whispered, and Hazel nodded; she bit her lower lip and felt her legs go all numb.“I... I know why you married me,” she spouted, and Coyle chuckled before he spun her to face him and kissed her. That wasn't what he wanted to hear
Coyle parked the car in front of the mansion, and some workers hurried to them with umbrellas as it was already pouring.In the sitting room, Sharon offered them two cups of coffee.“I have some work in the study,” Coyle said and hurried upstairs while Hazel sipped her coffee while in deep thought. Didn't he think of going to change his clothes first? Or maybe put on something warmer.She dropped the coffee and walked to her bedroom, took out a T-shirt and a pullover before she approached Coyle’s study and knocked.“You know you don't have to knock.” Coyle's voice came from inside. Hazel pushed the door and walked towards him; he just stood by the window checking out some documents.“Maybe you could change into this,” Hazel suggested, and Coyle’s gaze lingered on the clothes she held.“You could help me with it.” A teasing smile formed on his lip; he dropped the documents on the table and stood before Hazel, whose gaze was on the ground.“You are a grown-up, so how do I help you put o
Tasha parked her car before the cemetery and walked down with Hazel when they spotted Arthur and Damon.“Hello, uncle.” Hazel greeted and Arthur smiled at her when Damon extended his hand towards her.“How are you doing, dear sister-in-law?”Hazel stared at his hand for a while before she ignored it, and the awkward moment was interrupted when Muna’s car arrived and they walked down to the car.“Hazel, did Coyle tell you at what time he will be here?” Dora asked, and Hazel smiled awkwardly. He said he would show up, but he wasn't here yet.Did he get too busy at work and forget about his parents death anniversary?“He must be on his way.” Tasha chimed in and responded, and she noticed Nady roll her eyes, but Tasha had a mocking look. If not for attention, then why will Nady ever show up here? It’s not like she valued her sister that much.“Are we going in or not? Some of us need to hurry back to work after this," Damon snorted, and a car drove in; Hazel’s eyes lit up but were quickly