7. The Husband's Command

After the call ended, Hazel stared at her phone for a long time, as if hoping for another answer to appear, something that could free her from this situation. But there was nothing. Only a tightening sensation that increasingly squeezed her chest.

Guilt crept over her. Guilty for leaving her mother, guilty for having to play a role that felt foreign to her, and guilty for being trapped in a relationship she did not want.

Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for the jacket hanging on the back of the chair. But before leaving, she approached the bed again, knelt beside her mother, and gently held the woman's hand.

"Mom... Hazel has some business to attend to. I promise I won't be long," she whispered, her voice sounding faint. She carefully stroked the back of her mother's hand, trying to convey the warmth she could give.

Maria slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was still tired, but she offered a small smile.

"Be careful, dear..." she said softly, full of affection.

Hazel bit her lip, holding back the emotions surging in her chest. She smiled slightly, though in her heart she wanted to cry.

She leaned in, kissing her mother's forehead gently. The touch was so brief but full of the feelings she tried to hide.

After that, Hazel stood up and left the room with a heart that still felt heavy.

However, just a few steps out of the hospital, her phone vibrated again.

Theo was calling again.

Hazel stopped walking for a moment, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Annoyance crept over her.

Reluctantly, she answered the call.

"Yes, what is it now?" she said, this time her tone sounded more tired and slightly sharp.

"Why so long? I've been waiting for you. Are you doing this on purpose, or what?" Theo's voice sounded impatient, even slightly demanding.

Hazel held her breath, then exhaled harshly. Her eyes looked at the increasingly dark sky, as if hoping to find a bit of calm there.

"I just left the hospital, Theo," she said, her tone deeper and firm. "Please give me time to get there. It's impossible for me to arrive at your office in an instant!"

There was a pause between them.

Theo didn't immediately respond, but Hazel could feel the tension between them.

Meanwhile, Hazel felt her heart growing more weary. Not only because she had to face that man, but also because of the reality that continued to press her from all directions.

Theo finally took a long breath on the other end of the line. His voice sounded flatter when he said, "Alright, hurry up."

Without waiting for a reply, the call ended just like that.

Hazel stared at her phone screen in frustration. Of course, that man was always like this—cold, authoritarian, and as if the world had to revolve according to his wishes.

Her hand gripped her phone tightly before she finally took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Like it or not, she had to hurry.

She walked to the main road, waiting for a taxi with feelings that were increasingly tumultuous. The night air began to feel colder, the wind blew gently, but not enough to ease the emotions still enveloping her.

When she finally got into a taxi, her mind kept drifting to her mother. She wanted to return immediately, to make sure her mother was okay. But on the other hand, she also couldn't ignore Theo.

The journey to the office felt so long, even though in reality it only took about twenty minutes. Hazel couldn't stop thinking about what would happen after this.

Why did Theo suddenly ask her to come? What was that man planning?

Once she arrived in front of Theo's company building, Hazel quickly paid the taxi fare, then got out with determined steps.

The building was still bright, even though the night was quite late. Some employees were seen passing by, but the atmosphere was not as busy as during the day. Hazel took a deep breath before stepping inside.

When she reached the floor where Theo's office was located, the glass door in front of her opened automatically, revealing a magnificent and modern interior.

Theo's personal assistant immediately approached her. "Miss Hazel, Mr. Theo is waiting inside," she said politely but stiffly.

Hazel just nodded without saying anything. Her hands clenched at her sides before she finally pushed open Theo's office door and entered.

Inside the room, Theo stood near the large window, his back to her. The sparkling city view at night became a backdrop that created a mysterious aura around the man.

Hazel stood still at the doorway, watching Theo with a wary expression. "I'm here. So, what's this about?" she asked flatly.

Theo slowly turned around, his sharp eyes locking onto Hazel's gaze. His face was as usual—calm, cold, and hard to read.

He didn't immediately answer, instead walking towards his desk with relaxed steps. Then, he took a document and placed it on the table with a meaningful gesture.

"This," he said, his voice low but firm. "Starting tomorrow, you will work at my company."

Hazel was silent. Her forehead furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice slightly rising.

Theo looked at her sharply, as if challenging. "I've told you before, haven't I? We're married not just for status on paper. You have to play your role perfectly. That means you'll work here as part of our plan."

Hazel's heart beat faster. She didn't expect Theo to make such a decision without informing her first.

"Why suddenly?" Hazel tried to suppress her emotions. "I already have my own life, Theo."

Theo raised his eyebrows. "And as my wife, your life is also connected to mine," he said casually, but there was firmness in it.

Hazel clenched her fists. "You can't just control my life like this."

Theo gave a small smile—a smile that wasn't entirely friendly. "I'm not controlling, Hazel. I'm just ensuring you play your part according to our agreement. Besides, this isn't something you can refuse."

Hazel looked at him sharply. She wanted to resist, to refuse, but deep down, she knew Theo wouldn't let her go just like that.

She took a long breath, trying to calm her mind. "Fine," she finally said, though there was a reluctant tone in her voice. "I'll work here. But don't think I'll just follow all your orders."

Theo just gave a thin smile. "We'll see."

Hazel watched him for a moment before finally taking the document on the table, then turning and walking out with determined steps.

As the door closed behind her, Hazel felt her heart beating faster. "Why is it so heavy? Even though it's just for grandma. Is he doing this on purpose?" she thought.