Hazel.Everything just seems to irritate me right now, and I'm pointing the finger at Andrey Leonardo for putting me in this foul mood. I'm ticked off, and though I know the reasons behind it, I'm choosing to sidestep the truth because facing it means admitting too much to myself. I'm just not ready for that kind of confrontation with my conscience.But darn it, I can't stop replaying how Andrey almost treated me like his mistress or whatever he wanted when he knew he was about to tie the knot. It's crystal clear now – he wanted me for sex. I should've seen it coming, the way he was so patient with me; to him, the wait probably seemed worth it. "Asshole," I mutter under my breath."Who?" my mother chimes in, oblivious to my internal mayhem. I roll my eyes as she bustles around the room, packing for a sudden trip she's decided to take. I try not to read too much into it, but there's this nagging feeling that she's trying to escape something."Mom?" I call out, and she shoots me a look,
Andrey. "Why her?" Jayden asked, his voice cutting through the silence of the car."Why anyone else when she exists?" I retorted, answering his unnecessary question. He gave me a quizzical look, then shook his head, focusing back on driving. "This girl has really gotten to you," he remarked.I chuckled softly, shoulders shrugging. "She doesn't know this, but she has a lot of power over me. And that scares me a lot. I've never felt this way for anyone," I admitted, sighing."Not even Madison," Jayden scoffed. I looked at him with a shocked expression. Madison was his sister, and I never expected him to bring her name into this. A strange discomfort curled in my chest. I glanced at Jayden and shook my head. "Don’t start," I pleaded. I didn't want to delve into that painful memory, the blame unfairly pinned on me for her death after she had an abortion, claiming the child was mine.I never took Madison's life as she took mine until her tragic end, and everyone accused me of causing it.
Hazel. The party was a blur of laughter, music, and swirling lights. But amidst the chaos, there was a moment frozen in time, etched into the deepest recesses of my memory—the rooftop. Chris and I, cocooned in our own world, away from the pulsating energy below. He leaned against the railing, a cigarette dangling from his lips, the soft glow illuminating his features. I remember how his eyes sparkled with dreams of the future as he spoke, his words weaving promises of forever."I can see it, Hazel," he murmured, exhaling a plume of smoke into the night air. "Us, together, conquering the world."And in that moment, I believed him. I believed in us. My heart swelled with love and hope, the weight of his words anchoring me to a future I yearned to embrace.But time has a cruel way of unraveling even the strongest of bonds. Life happened—dreams shattered, promises broken, and love faded like a fleeting whisper carried away by the wind.And now, here I am, lying in a sterile hospital room
Andrey. Every fiber of my being is devoted to protecting Hazel, but every day presents new challenges. It's not that I'm incapable of facing them, but it's startling how those who claim to love me can inflict the deepest wounds. The very ones who purport to shield me often become my enemies. Trust has become a luxury I can't afford; not even in my own judgment around Hazel. Despite my desire to be with her always, there are times I force myself to keep a distance. It pains me, but I can't shake the fear that I might unwittingly bring harm to her. Like today, she injured her head and blacked out. My mind instantly accuses Amanda of foul play, yet I grapple with the possibility of it being just an accident. Still, the suspicious circumstances linger. Amanda's warnings echo in my mind, her words a haunting reminder of the danger Hazel faces by being with me. The sight of Hazel, more broken than ever after Amanda's wrath, is unbearable. As Amanda cruelly terminated her employme
Hazel. My entire being quivered with fear, each pulse of my heart reverberating through my ears like a relentless drumbeat. Waves of dizziness and nausea assaulted me, leaving me reeling in their wake. I clutched my knees tightly to my chest, seeking relief in their embrace, yet finding none. Attempting to steady myself, I rocked back and forth, a futile effort in the face of such overwhelming situation. "Hazel," a distant voice pierced through the haze, its echo hauntingly indistinct. My surroundings blurred into a disorienting swirl, distorting even the sound of my own name. Only the sensation of a hand upon my shoulder managed to anchor me to reality, eliciting a startled gasp as I jerked upright to meet the gaze of its owner."He's on his way," she assured me, but comprehension eluded my grasp like grains of sand slipping through desperate fingers. "We're safe, Hazel, don't be afraid," she continued, though her words failed to quell the rising tide of unease within me. How could
Andrey. Hazel is so stubborn , a trait that both frustrates and intrigues me to no end. Despite her stubbornness, I am compelled to maintain patience in her presence. There's an allure in her fierce independence, a quality I admire even as I recognize the vulnerability she conceals beneath her facade. She guards her emotions closely, yet to me, she's an open book, transparent as glass."Where is she heading to now?" I inquire, the urgency evident in my voice. "It seems she's headed towards her mother's apartment," the guard replies dutifully. "Keep a watchful eye on her and ensure her safety. Inform me of the address upon her arrival." With that directive given, I conclude the call, setting the phone down upon the desk with a heavy sigh. My hand instinctively finds its way through my hair, a gesture born of frustration and concern.The disdainful sound of Jayden's scoff reaches my ears, a predictable reaction to my ongoing vigilance over Hazel. I've grown accustomed to his disappro
Hazel"Are you implying I'm being held against my will? Because if so, I won't hesitate to raise the alarm and summon the authorities," I asserted, my tone laced with a mixture of defiance and anger. Yet, his stoic demeanor remained unbothered, stoking the flames of my rage."You're not going anywhere, Hazel. There's nowhere for you to flee," he countered, his words landing like a heavy weight upon my shoulders. I despised the truth in his assertion. This sprawling estate was indeed my sole refuge, a fact that filled me with a sense of entrapment."This is your main house, not merely a guest house as you led me to believe," I accused, my voice tinged with resentment. The discrepancy between his portrayal and the reality of the situation gnawed at my sense of trust.Andreylet out a weary sigh, his hand instinctively reaching to massage the furrowed lines of his brow. Though my tantrums threatened to wear down his patience, his gaze softened with genuine concern as he met my eyes. He re
Andrey "What if, we chance upon Amanda or, heaven forbid, mother thinks we are together?" Her words lingered in the air, casting a pall over the atmosphere. I stole a fleeting glance at her, a pang of disappointment coursing through me, though I masked it adeptly. Bringing the car to a halt by the roadside, I turned to face her, her countenance betraying a hint of worry."Why... you stopped... why did we stopped," she queried, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Calmly, I probed her gaze, noting the fleeting glimmer of sorrow before she blinked, her eyes now veiled in sadness. "You don't wish to meet my mamma?" I inquired, maintaining an air of composure. Silence met my inquiry, save for the somber exchange of glances.Placing a tender hand against her cheek, she exhaled softly, her eyelids fluttering shut. "I did not mean it that way," she murmured softly. "You should've told me earlier, I would've bought her something," she continued. A gentle chuckle escaped me, resonating with wa
HazelJayden's hatred for Andrey runs deep, deeper than I could have ever imagined. It's not just me he despises; it's everything Andrey represents. He resents Andrey's wealth, his power, his seemingly charmed life. While Andrey considered him a brother, Jayden nursed a bitter grudge, praying for his downfall at every turn.And why? Because of a tragedy that tore his family apart, a tragedy I knew little about until now. It seems Andrey's actions, or lack thereof, led to the loss of Jayden's sister, Madison. She had been carrying Andrey's child, a fact he denied, and the subsequent abortion cost her life. It's a cruel twist of fate, one that has left Jayden consumed by vengeance.But as he stands before me now, spewing venomous words, I can't help but see him in a different light. He's no longer the friend I once knew; he's become a monster, driven by hatred and a thirst for revenge.I sit on the cold, dirty floor, my eyes locked on him with a mixture of awe and fear, as he contin
Andrey."You should eat something before you blackout," Jayden suggested, his tone surprisingly gentle considering the circumstances. I shot him a glare, unable to fathom how he could even think about food when Hazel's life was hanging in the balance. The very idea of eating made my stomach churn with guilt and anxiety."How can I eat when I know my girlfriend is out there in serious danger?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over. Despite not knowing the full extent of the peril she faced, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at my insides."Look, are you sure this girl didn't just run away and leave town?" Jayden pressed, his skepticism evident in his tone. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out at him. Enough was enough."If you're not going to help, then I suggest you get the fuck out of here," I retorted, my voice laced with bitterness. He shrugged indifferently, as if my distress meant nothing to him."You said the kidnappers didn't demand money or
Hazel.My stomach was churning like a stormy sea, and I couldn't tell if it was from anxiety or if I was coming down with something. The air was thick with a foul odor that made me want to retch. I took a slow, deep breath, trying to calm myself, and wrapped my arms tightly around my knees. Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably. I was utterly terrified, not knowing what fate awaited me in this grim place.Hours had dragged by, and I hadn't seen a soul pass through the heavy metal door. Voices echoed from beyond, but no one entered. Were they deliberately ignoring me? Were they plotting something sinister? Maybe they intended to abandon me here, alone and helpless. I blame myself for leaving Andrey's house out of anger. Maybe I should have listened to his constant warnings. Maybe I should have asked Sam to drop me at a hotel instead of storming out alone into the unknown streets, vulnerable like prey. Now, I was trapped in this grimy, blood-and-sweat-scented dungeon.The
Hazel."I'll take a look at it first thing tomorrow morning, Lucia. Right now, I've got to get home," I declare, gathering my belongings as I prepare to depart. "Sure thing, I'll send you an email tomorrow," Lucia replies, and with that, I bid her farewell and show her out of my office. Grabbing my handbag, I make my way out of the Palm Angels building. Exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders, but the thought of a relaxing shower followed by one of Andrey's heavenly massages brings a smile to my face. Exiting the building, I'm met by the sight of the two bodyguards Andrey has assigned to me. I let out a sigh as I climb into my car. It's a constant reminder of the measures he takes to ensure my safety, though sometimes it feels like I'm being smothered. I pull out of the parking lot, the two guards follow closely behind in their vehicle. It's comforting in a way, knowing they're there, but at the same time, it's a reminder of how much my life has changed since Andrey entered
Andrey. "He could take down any of us," Ezio mused, his voice tinged with apprehension."Or bomb our car," Brando added, his brow furrowed in concern."Or hijack one of us, he's unpredictable," Luca chimed in, his expression grave."Or frame us," Jayden concluded, his tone heavy with worry.While they fretted over worst-case scenarios, I remained seated in my office chair, scrolling through my phone with practiced calmness. "He could take us down, but he can't take down Andrey," Brando declared, catching my attention.I lifted my gaze, fixing it on him. He must have sensed my annoyance because his expression faltered. I hated it when they insinuated that I was somehow superior to them. We were equals, in every sense of the word. When one of us stumbled, we all stumbled. When one of us faced trouble, we were all plunged into the depths."You're not saying anything, like this isn't something to give two shits about," Jayden remarked, his gaze shifting to me.I turned my attenti
Hazel. It's crazy to think we're already two months into this relationship. I've never been happier, even with our little spats now and then. But Andrey, he just keeps making me smile, finding new ways to show his love. I never thought true love was real after Chris, but being with Andrey proves me wrong. Sure, his job as a mafia boss is scary, but he's so good at making me forget about that side of him. Sometimes, I even forget he's not just the CEO of Sandro House, but also a mafia boss with secrets darker than night. Everywhere I go, people treat me with more respect. It's flattering, but sometimes I wonder if it's because I deserve it or just because I'm with someone most people are scared of."Where should I put this?" he asks, planting a sweet kiss on my forehead, causing a fit of giggles to bubble up from within me. "Just leave it on the kitchen counter; I'll sort it out later tonight," I reply, exhaling deeply. Despite the excitement, I can't shake off the nerves after
Andrey."I thought you hated these fancy shindigs," she says, sprawled out on the bed. I let out a sigh, adjusting my tie in the mirror. "I do," I confess. "But there's someone I need to find, and I'm pretty sure they'll be there," I explain. Glancing at my reflection, I see myself in my usual black suit, crisp white shirt, and a sleek black tie. Hazel did a surprisingly great job styling my hair, and I can't help but feel amused at how good she did it.Snatching my wristwatch off the dresser, I slip it on. Just then, Hazel joins me in front of the mirror, wrapping her arms around me from behind. Her warmth brings a smile to my face. "Why can't I tag along?" she complains, poking her head around my side. I turn to face her, taking in her adorable pout.She hugs me again, resting her chin on my chest as she gazes up at me. With her doe-like eyes pleading, it's hard to resist.I wrapped my arms around Hazel as she stood there, pouting in the cutest way imaginable. "The event is only
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
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