The Woman He Wanted

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 never been more shocked in her life.

Her dad had a smile, and not only was he smiling, but he was hugging her. Was this one of her childhood dreams? She always dreamt of her dad smiling at her or even hugging her, but it never came to pass, so why now?

“Hazel dear,” her mother walked to her. Hazel’s gaze moved to her dad, who had a smile, her mom, who also had a similar smile, and then to Nady, who stared at her like she had just stolen her favorite clothes, and the fact that Max was also smiling at her made her shiver a little.

“I got wine." Hazel shoved the wine to her dad, who took it with a smile.

“Dinner is served; come, let’s all have a meal." Mrs. Jones clung to Hazel’s arms and guided her to the table.

“I am fine." Hazel didn't want her holding her; it made her feel uncomfortable. Mr. Jones pulled the chair out for Hazel, who hesitated to sit.

“Just sit,” Nady snorted, slowly losing her patience. Nady turned to Max with a warning glare before she whispered.

“Stop staring at her; this is humiliating.”

Max scoffed and whispered back. “Can you stop being annoying?”

Nady gasped in disbelief, not able to believe that he had just called her annoying. She was annoying? Nady was doing her best to get him a respectful job with a good pay and reputation, and he called her annoying. She gritted her teeth and glared at Hazel.

Her gaze focused on the necklace around Hazel’s neck. “That necklace...” she pointed at it, and Hazel’s hand moved to her necklace, a smile formed on her lips.

“What about it?” Hazel asked Nady, who obviously wanted the necklace; she was used to getting whatever it was that Hazel had, and now she wanted that necklace.

“Mommy, won’t the necklace look better on me?” Nady pouted, and her mom frowned at her. Why did she have such a stupid daughter?

“I am sure you have prettier ones,” her dad said, but she shook her head to the negative; she wanted the necklace around Hazel’s neck.

Hazel let out a soft chuckle. Did Nady really think this was one of those times where her mom would snatch what’s hers?

She was never going to give the necklace to Nady, even if her parents asked; if they dared to ask her, then she was simply going to leave.

“Hazel dear” Mrs. Jones called, and Hazel stared at her, waiting for her to ask that she give the necklace to Nady.

“Can you leave the address of where you got the necklace? I am sure Max will want to get one for his wife.”

“Me?” Max asked in disbelief, Did they know he was disowned by his father? Where was he supposed to get money to afford such a necklace, which obviously looked expensive?

“I would love to mother." Hazel replied, a smile on her face before she added, "But I have no idea where it was purchased; it is a gift from my husband.”

Nady hit the table and stood up angrily while pointing a finger at Hazel. “Can you stop the lies? You probably got that yourself and are lying that Coyle Anderson did. Do you think I will believe that he dotes on you? I am the woman he wants,” Nady scolded when Max held her hand.

“Just sit down.”

“Leave me” Nady pulled her hand when Mr. Jones chimed in.

“Let’s just have dinner.”

He didn't want to upset Hazel by taking sides; after all, Hazel was his key to success. He had to coax her.

They had a quiet meal with Max stealing glances from Hazel and Nady constantly hitting him.

Hazel’s gaze moved to the clock, and it was already 9 p.m.; she had promised Coyle not to come back late, and it was already late.

So she stood up and picked her purse. “I appreciate the dinner, but I need to leave now.”

Mrs. Jones nodded. “That’s right, you are still newlywed and are not supposed to be far from your husband. You should go then.”

"Hazel,” her dad called, and she stared at him, waiting for him to tell her the real reason he had wanted her here.

“Did you talk to Mr. Anderson about the investment?” He had a nervous tone; he didn't want to go to jail and also didn't want his company to fall, so all his hope was on Hazel.

“I will talk to him when I get home,” Hazel said, trying to let them let her go early. Her parents were satisfied with her response before they bid her goodbye. Nady stood up and followed Hazel out of the house angrily.

“Hazel, did you also talk to Coyle about my favor?” Nady questioned, and Hazel snorted.

“It’s you he wanted since day one; I am sure it will be easier if you ask him yourself,” Hazel stated. She was tired of Nady rubbing it to her face that Coyle had chosen to marry her instead.

A smile crept on Nady’s lips; she thought that Hazel must be so stupid to say such a thing. If Coyle had chosen to marry her instead of Hazel, then it only meant he loved her and also had a soft spot for her; she could snatch him back if she wished.

“Are you sure you want me to do that?” Nady asked, and Hazel was a little nervous; she couldn't deny the fact that Nady was indeed Coyle’s first choice.

They both looked away when a light flashed towards them. A car drove into the mansion and parked before them.

“Who wants to blind me?” Nady had an annoyed look, which was quickly replaced with a surprised one. The man who walked down the car was known other than Coyle Anderson.

Coyle shut the car door and checked at his phone screen. He had sent countless messages to Hazel, but they still remained unread.

Realizing weird gazes directed towards him, his gaze moved to the entrance, and there stood his wife.

“Did he come to pick me up?” Hazel thought nervously; she was even more worried about the fact that Nady was present and he might feel attracted to her since she was the bride he wanted.

Coyle approached her, his gaze on her phone before he asked, “You have your phone with you, so why didn't you reply to my messages?” He asked, bringing them out of their trance.

“I didn't notice." Hazel answered, and he nodded and wrapped his hand around her waist.

“You said you wouldn't be late, so what time is it now, Mrs. Earlton?” he questioned as they both walked to his car, leaving Nady in a shocked state.

“Did he not see me?” Nady thought in disbelief. Her gaze met with Hazel's, and she felt Hazel was mocking her before she got into the car with Coyle and it drove away.

“What the fuck?”

“He must be angry at me for not marrying him; I guess he is just throwing a tantrum,” Nady thought as a smile found its way to her face. Once she had gained his forgiveness, then he would do as she wants.