Why Settle For Him?

Hazel walked down the stairs. The evening dress she wore was a vision of elegance and sophistication, crafted from a rich navy blue fabric that shimmered with every step she took. The gown hugged her curves in all the right places before cascading into a graceful train that trailed behind her like a midnight shadow.

Her jewelry sparkled like captured starlight against her skin, drawing the eye with every movement. A delicate diamond necklace adorned her slender neck, its facets catching the light and scattering it in a dazzling display. Matching earrings dangled from her ears, framing her face and adding a touch of glimmer to her every expression.

Hazel’s hair was a work of art in itself, styled into an intricate updo that showcased the graceful curve of her neck. Tendrils of hair framed her face, softening the lines of her features and adding a touch of whimsy to her otherwise polished look. A single jeweled hairpin nestled amidst the dark waves, adding a subtle touch of glamour to her ensemble.

Pearl was amazed by her work, but she knew all she did was light work, as Hazel was already a very beautiful lady, a rare beauty she hadn't seen in years.

Hazel’s gaze moved to the door, where she spotted Coyle, whose gaze was on her; he seemed to be entrapped in his own world by the sight of his wife.

"Perfect!” Pearl exclaimed, bringing them both back to reality.

“You did well,” Coyle said to Pearl, who had a proud look; she wasn't termed the best fashion designer for nothing.

Coyle checked his watch and realized they were running late, so he waited for Hazel at the last step and extended his hand towards her.

Hazel took his hand and smiled at him, but he didn't reciprocate her smile. "Thanks, Miss Pearl.” Hazel appreciated Pearl, who nodded and hugged her before she whispered something that made Hazel chuckle.

“Okay, we need to leave,” Coyle muttered before they both walked to the car, and the driver pulled the door open as they both stepped into the limousine.

While in the car, Coyle was occupied with some work on his phone while Hazel fiddled with the tissue in her hand.

"Umm, how was your day at work?” Hazel asked curiously, and Coyle just nodded. She was trying to strike up a conversation, but he wasn't in the mood. Now she realized she had really offended him by trying to plead for her dad.

“Thanks for sending the designer...”

“You don’t need to thank me,” he cut her off, his gaze still on his phone.

“I don't want you to think I am trying to use or...”

“Stop baby,” he cut her off before she could complete her words. Hazel felt a warm feeling run through her body when he called her 'baby'; her grip on the tissue tightened before Coyle dipped his hand into his suit and took out a jewelry.

Since he was sitting opposite her, he could see her face clearly. How could he even think that this innocent face was trying to use him? He could never; he was just upset her parents were stressing her out by making her do things she wasn't used to doing.

He held her right leg and slowly lifted it up as she stared at him in disbelief when he gently positioned her right leg on his thigh, then raised her gown, exposing her ankle.

Coyle wore the ankle jewelry around her ankle before he stared at her. “If you wish to worry about something in the future, then worry about me,” he said, and she nodded before she quickly brought down her leg.

"Thanks,” she muttered, and he returned to his work. A smile formed on Hazel’s lips before she took out her phone and saw a lot of missed calls from her dad.

“Why is he calling? Did Coyle do something?” Her gaze moved to him, but he didn't display any emotions on his face.

She chose not to call back right now and decided to check her messages; there were a lot of messages.

Tasha: My parents are so upset right now; they plan on getting me married to someone else immediately.

Mia: I met Coyle Anderson at the restaurant, and he said he would see me later; maybe we will get to work with the Anderson Group in the future. Yeah, I know... I am the best boss in the world.

Max: Hey Hazel, I watched the weather forecasting news, and they said the weather won’t be good starting Sunday. You should get some warm clothes, okay?

The last message caused her to snort loudly. Since when did he ever care about her health or even the weather?

Hazel realized Coyle’s gaze was focused on her; she smiled at him and quickly switched off her phone.

The door pulled open, and Coyle walked down before he helped Hazel get down the car and wrapped his hand around her waist before they walked into the venue through the VIP door at the left, which didn't have any journalists.

Coyle didn't love the public, and that’s why he had let his name trend more than his face; he just wanted an exclusive life.

The hall was occupied with a lot of business executives and their spouses dressed in beautiful evening gowns. Hazel was so nervous when a lot of gazes were directed towards her; unintentionally, she had tightened her grip around Coyle’s arm.

“If anyone should be nervous in here, then it’s them." Coyle assured her, and she simply nodded when some men approached Coyle.

“Mr. Anderson, it’s such a pleasure to have you here.”

"Hmm,” Coyle nodded. This ball was always held by his mom, which was used to raise money to fund her orphanage, and since his mom wasn't here, he made it a promise to always show up and continue supporting it.

“We had sent the files you asked; remember the..." They quickly got engaged in business talk, and Hazel stood there idle. She was getting bored from the business talk when her gaze moved to the edge of the room and she spotted Damon, Audrey, and Sommer sharing a drink.

“I was wondering why the atmosphere in here was so tense,” Hazel thought before a server stopped before them with glasses of wine.

The other two business executives each took a glass, and the server turned to Hazel.

“Get lost” Coyle was quick to send him away; his wife was only allowed to drink wine when it meant he wanted to drink as well; if not, then no one was allowed to serve her wine.

“Do you…” Coyle was saying to Hazel when Sam stood beside them.

“Stop boring the lady with your business talks; I will take her while you continue,” Aunt Sam said, and Hazel stared at Coyle, who nodded. He had work and also believed Sam was the best company for her at this moment.

“Come Hazel” Sam held Hazel’s hand as they both walked to the table at the sides and took their seats.

Sam chuckled. “Let me guess. Pearl designed your dress?”

Hazel nodded, a little surprised how Sam knew that.

“Only Pearl can design such a complicated and comfortable dress; I mean, you could sit perfectly well without stress,” Sam explained, and Hazel nodded. That’s right, because the dress was so vast and also clung to her tightly.

“Too bad she doesn't want to design a dress for me." Sam snorted. She had pleaded with Pearl a lot of times to design a gown for her, but Pearl rejected her plead, saying the only dress she would design for her was her wedding dress, but she didn't imagine herself getting married anytime soon.

“Why him?” Sam asked, and Hazel raised a brow. They were suddenly talking about clothes, and her question seems not to be related to clothes.

“You are so pretty, Hazel; I believe you are smart and very kind. Many men will be dying to be with you, so why did you have to settle for Coyle of all men?” Sam asked, and Hazel couldn't believe Sam would say such a thing about her own nephew.

“There are a lot of ladies he could have ended up with, ladies with bigger morals and values than me, but he settled with me. The day I found out why, then I will tell you why I settled for him,” Hazel explained.