Hazel"I really do love working with your team, it's like a dream come true," I express as we stroll out of the meeting hall. Despite the lingering guilt for leaving Palm Angels behind, Francesco's understanding nature eases my conscience. He's so accommodating and easy to get along with, yet simultaneously resolute and dedicated. I deeply admire his work ethic and unwavering commitment."Ah, don't be so hard on yourself. You needed that vacation after what you went through. Right now, I've got some clients waiting for me in my office. We'll catch up later," he reassures me, waving away my concerns with a dismissive gesture. With a nod, I watch him disappear down the hallway before making my way to my office.Today marks my first day back at work, despite originally planning to extend my time off. I couldn't bear the thought of idling away at home for another two weeks, aimlessly pacing the halls of Andrey's guest house and making rearranges of nothing that does not need rearrangin
Andrey."Maa, you're really going overboard," I grumble into the phone, but my mamma can be relentless once she's set her mind on something. "You won't tell me what's wrong. I'm certain Hazel will, so I'm heading to her workplace," she insists firmly. I let out a heavy sigh, rubbing my temples. My mum called me yesterday, and from the moment I picked up the phone, she jumped to the conclusion that something was amiss with me, particularly concerning Hazel. While it's true that a big part of my stress stems from what's going on between Hazel and me, I also have a heap of work-related issues on my plate."You'll only make things worse, mamma. Just let me handle it," I plead, but she huffs and abruptly ends the call. I slump back in my chair, frustrated, and drop the phone onto my desk with a sigh."Seriously, man, you gotta ditch this girl. There are tons of high class ladies practically throwing themselves at you, ready to settle down," Jayden's voice comes through loud and clear.
Hazel. I quickened my pace, every step weighing heavier with the burden of anger and sorrow. Anxiousness gripped me tightly; I had no inkling of what awaited me, no clue as to the sight that would greet my eyes upon arrival. Uncertainty gnawed at my insides, twisting and turning with each passing moment. Drawing in a deep breath, I braced myself before pushing open the glass door, crossing the threshold into the police station.My last visit to this place flashed through my mind – a late-night ordeal involving Chris, involved in a fight at some obscure club. A call in the dead of night, beckoning me to his aid. Now, fate had led me back to these familiar yet unwelcome surroundings, this time to confront a crisis involving my mother."Um, excuse me. I am here for Carol Scott," I ventured tentatively, addressing the nearest officer, who nodded in acknowledgment before gesturing towards the chief's office. Following his guidance, I stepped into the room, finding my mother seated on
Andrey. "Hey, did she say who she made the deal with?" I asked, feeling my heart thumping fast, but I tried to keep my face cool. How did I overlook this detail about Hazel's mom? I never thought she'd stoop so low as to harm her own child. And Hazel, she just shrugged and scooped up more yogurt like it was no big deal. "Didn't feel like showing I cared about her threats," she said, all nonchalant. I gave a nod, pretending to get it. "I'll check up on this. I promise, nothing's gonna touch you," I told her, planting a kiss on her forehead. She smiled back, and I felt a swell of pride. Stepping out onto the rooftop, I knew I couldn't waste a second. Somebody out there was plotting against Hazel, waiting for their chance. The thought sent shivers down my spine and lit a fire in my gut. I fished my phone out of my suit pocket and dialed Brando. He was supposed to dig deep into Hazel's mom's background, but it seemed he'd missed the most crucial part. The part that could mean life o
Hazel. I gaze at my reflection in the mirror as Andrey zips up the red silky dress he chose for me. It hugs my curves just right, with a slit on the side adding a touch of allure. The sweetheart neckline adds a touch of elegance, and the red lipstick I'm wearing adds to the overall effect. There's no denying I look stunning in this dress."I can't resist you," Andrey comments, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. He presses a soft kiss to my neck, resting his chin there as we gaze at each other through the mirror. He notices the flicker of displeasure in my eyes, even though I try to hide it."She hates me... real bad," I begin, but he just chuckles softly."She'll have to learn to accept us. Our love isn't something that started to end," he says gently, his words sending a wave of excitement through me. I turn to face him fully."Do you think we'll be together forever?" I ask, feeling foolish even as the question slips from my lips."I believe we're destined to be to
Hazel. She wraps her arms around him, her eyes locking onto mine with a mischievous glint. That smile she gives me tells me she's fully aware of the effect she has on me. Planting a kiss on his cheek, she steps back, leaving me to roll my eyes and look away. I know her antics all too well, and I refuse to let them get to me."I've been looking all over for you," Tammy laments, gripping his hand tightly. He chuckles and gently disentangles his hand, replacing it with a comforting one on my back. His touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I can't help but smile up at him. His eyes meet mine briefly before flicking to Tammy."We arrived not too long ago," he responds casually. I can see the anger bubbling beneath Tammy's surface. She swallows hard, exhaling some of her frustration."There are some people I'd like you to meet. Come on," she says abruptly, pulling him away from me. He shoots me an apologetic glance, but I just smile, brushing it off.I let out a heavy sigh, feeling
Andrey.There are moments in my life where I could care less about the twists and turns, as if they're mere blips on my radar. But betrayal? That's a different story altogether. Betrayal gets under my skin, it crawls into my bones and ignites a fire in my veins. It's a line you don't cross, a boundary you dare not breach. Ezio Mauro, well, he's crossed that line. He's strayed far from where he belongs, starting a brawl he's sure to regret. A brawl he might not walk away from.I just discovered he signed that contract right after learning about Hazel and me. He knew exactly what he was doing, the snake. And Hazel's mother, what was she thinking? Sacrificing her own daughter like that, like she's nothing more than a pawn in some twisted game. How could she be so blind, so selfish? What if something happens to Hazel? Who will be next in line for her twisted schemes? Betrayal cuts deep, and I won't let this one slide. Not without consequences.As much as I hate to admit it, Hazel's mot
Hazel. "He really shouldn't have pulled that stunt," I chuckled, shaking my head at Drake's amusing story. "Jumping into a pool just to impress a girl? That's a whole new level of craziness."Drake nodded in agreement, his laughter mingling with mine. "Exactly! It's like he forgot he couldn't swim in the heat of the moment. Talk about a reckless move."As our laughter died down, I found myself intrigued by the idea of meeting Drake's twin. "I'd be curious to see if you two really do look alike," I admitted, leaning back on the desk.Drake shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip of his drink. "Physically, maybe. But personality-wise, we're polar opposites. Trust me, I've got better taste in women than he does," he added with a playful smirk, his gaze roaming over me appreciatively.I couldn't help but smile at his comment, feeling a hint of flattery despite myself. Leaning in slightly, I couldn't resist asking, "And what type of women are you attracted to, exactly?"Drake met my gaz