The silence before morning was broken by the first cry, a loud lament that reverberated throughout the little flat. Hazel cradled her baby boy in her arms, a beautiful bundle of exhaustion but ecstasy. He was all she could have ever imagined and more, and his arrival signaled the beginning of a new era.Beside them stood Christian, bleary-eyed but with a Cheshire cat's smile. Hazy, he is so lovely. Many congratulations!"Hazel forced a meek grin, love welling up in her heart. With his button nose and fine dark hair, her son gave off the impression of a calm alien visitor, a marvel cuddled up against her skin.The nights that followed were a whirl of restless ones, constant changing of diapers, and the constant sound of an appetite-stricken infant. Nonetheless, a calm happiness and a feeling of direction gave Hazel newfound strength despite the mayhem.Benjamin, uncertain at first, gradually started to establish himself in this new global structure. He was clumsy yet willing to help an
For Hazel, the ensuing few months were a blur of activity. The childcare manager interview process was unexpectedly nerve-racking, but Hazel was hired because of her strong vision for the facility and Ms. Evans' good reference.Early on, it was a baptism by fire. Remodeled into a community center, the center was alive with the exuberance of small children and the focused work of the construction crew who were wrapping up the finishing touches. Hazel was overburdened with the task of organizing lessons, scheduling meetings with contractors, and juggling Liam's constant demands.In unexpected ways, Christian—who was always the dependable friend in a beat-up truck, rather than the knight in shining armor—stepped up. He volunteered his evenings to assist with the mural painting, transforming the formerly empty space into a vibrant jungle picture. He even proposed to watch Liam on infrequent playdates, providing Hazel with much-needed respites.One evening, Liam curled up on Hazel's lap as
"Hazel Stewart, let's get a divorce!" Hazel Stewart understood the meaning of these words. Those words had wounded her heart deeply even though she had heard them a lot. She stood up without thinking and went to assist the inebriated man. Before she could get close to Benjamin Lucas, he shoved her hard aside. "Don't touch me!" Benjamin's tone was icy and replete with impolite rejection. Hazel stumbled back. Her motion stopped when she struck the edge of the table. Benjamin approached her. He extended his arm and wrapped his hand around Hazel's neck. He asked, "Do you agree to this divorce?" wearing a dark smile. It was difficult for Hazel to speak when she was being choked. She was able to stutter, "I... do not." "You do not?" Benjamin tightened his hold around her neck, his smile growing even more icy. After that, he violently shoved Hazel onto the table and said, "In that case, you have to fulfill your obligation to me as my wife..." Hazel could only tolerate everything th
Although Yvonne joined the company to assist Benjamin personally, she was not given any real responsibilities. She did nothing but stroll around the company, win her friends over, and, when the time came, have lunch with Benjamin. As Benjamin had instructed, Yvonne only needed to look as lovely as a flower. Naturally, Yvonne had other plans to get Hazel into trouble as well. Hazel had no choice but to put up with it. Ben came into their office in person in the afternoon. "Benjamin." Yvonne gave Benjamin a quick smile as soon as she saw him. "Are you done with your meeting?" "I am, indeed. Benjamin replied with a smile, "I'm here to have lunch with you. His arm slid easily around Yvonne's waist. He led Yvonne past Hazel, completely oblivious to her, and out of the room. With her eyes fixed on their clasped hands, Hazel followed her gaze. No one knew the depth of her inner misery whenever Benjamin and Yvonne displayed such a public display of affection in her presence. Hazel's
Hazel's thoughts kept returning to Zen's words. Benjamin really wasn't in love with her. But she was already lost the moment she saw Benjamin for the first time. After being obsessed for three years, how could she possibly let go? Hazel saw Benjamin receiving some sliced fruit from Yvonne when she got back to the office. Her eyes burned from the smiles on their faces. They had the option to behave more closely in the president's office, but they purposefully stayed in the assistant's office. Beneath Hazel's arms, more blood seeped down her hands. Yvonne grinned and said, "Miss Stewart, it's still lunchtime," as soon as she saw Hazel enter. "Instead of resting on the couch with Benjamin, how about spending some time in the lounge?" "This is my office," Hazel declared, remaining motionless in her spot. Yvonne continued to behave as if she owned the space, even though it was obvious that she was a guest in this office. With a dejected expression, Yvonne took Benjamin's hand and
True enough, I left the folder on the desk. "When we left, I was in such a hurry that I forgot to bring it with me," exclaimed Yvonne. "I am aware of your intense dislike for me and your desire for me to screw this up so Benjamin won't be happy with me. However, I didn't think you would exact revenge on the business. Do you realize how important your job is today, Miss Stewart? Do you believe that what you did was equitable to Benjamin and the other employees of the company? At the sound of the disturbance, Mr. Collins also came out of the private room. Confused by the circumstances, he enquired, "What's going on?" After giving Hazel a fierce look, Benjamin turned to face Mr. Collins and apologized profusely, saying, "My helper brought the wrong business plan by mistake. How about we reschedule the meeting for tomorrow? Since we are the ones who made this error, MC Enterprise will pay appropriately." Mr. Collins left after expressing his anger on his face and realizing there was no
After Benjamin left, Hazel had a wry smile on her face. She hit the ground. She thought he would want her to have his child, but he didn't. Because of how Benjamin is, Hazel was scared that if he found out she was pregnant, he would think she was having an affair to make it look like she was pregnant. In that case, Hazel and the future child would both be in danger. To protect the growing child inside her, Hazel had to carefully think about her choices. Hazel didn't show up to work at the office for a few days after that. It was clear that that made Yvonne happy. She thought her plan to put Hazel in jail had worked. Benjamin did nothing to Yvonne, despite his fears that she was the real criminal. Conversely, Hazel was the one who lost her job. Benjamin only did not expect Hazel being so submissive this time. He had frequently told Hazel that she was fired in the past, but she would always show up for work the next day as if nothing had happened. Benjamin couldn't help but ponder Hazel
Hazel was desperate to catch up to Benjamin and prevent him from seeing Yvonne. Her feet, however, felt as though they were nailed to the ground. She could not, in the slightest, lift them. She was aware that pursuing him would only make her feel inferior. Hazel gave a sorrowful smile. She touched her round belly and bowed her head. Hazel called Benjamin again the day after. She still desired to speak with him in a formal manner. Maybe if he agreed to speak with her this time, things would work out better. Yvonne answered the phone this time. Yvonne snorted as she saw the number on the screen. "Benjamin, you're so mean. How can you answer the phone at a time like that... Ah... Oh... How to mean of you, Benjamin, treating me like this," she said carefully and coquettishly after taking the call. Hazel's mind was filled with a loud bang. Immediately after, her phone dropped to the ground and she felt as though the sky was falling. Because of their relationship, she understood th
For Hazel, the ensuing few months were a blur of activity. The childcare manager interview process was unexpectedly nerve-racking, but Hazel was hired because of her strong vision for the facility and Ms. Evans' good reference.Early on, it was a baptism by fire. Remodeled into a community center, the center was alive with the exuberance of small children and the focused work of the construction crew who were wrapping up the finishing touches. Hazel was overburdened with the task of organizing lessons, scheduling meetings with contractors, and juggling Liam's constant demands.In unexpected ways, Christian—who was always the dependable friend in a beat-up truck, rather than the knight in shining armor—stepped up. He volunteered his evenings to assist with the mural painting, transforming the formerly empty space into a vibrant jungle picture. He even proposed to watch Liam on infrequent playdates, providing Hazel with much-needed respites.One evening, Liam curled up on Hazel's lap as
The silence before morning was broken by the first cry, a loud lament that reverberated throughout the little flat. Hazel cradled her baby boy in her arms, a beautiful bundle of exhaustion but ecstasy. He was all she could have ever imagined and more, and his arrival signaled the beginning of a new era.Beside them stood Christian, bleary-eyed but with a Cheshire cat's smile. Hazy, he is so lovely. Many congratulations!"Hazel forced a meek grin, love welling up in her heart. With his button nose and fine dark hair, her son gave off the impression of a calm alien visitor, a marvel cuddled up against her skin.The nights that followed were a whirl of restless ones, constant changing of diapers, and the constant sound of an appetite-stricken infant. Nonetheless, a calm happiness and a feeling of direction gave Hazel newfound strength despite the mayhem.Benjamin, uncertain at first, gradually started to establish himself in this new global structure. He was clumsy yet willing to help an
"What do you want, Benjamin?" Unlike the quiet woman he was accustomed to, Hazel's voice had a harsh edge.Benjamin continued after a long silence during which there seemed to be pregnancy. "I just wanted to… see how you're doing." His tone was tight, almost uncertain.Hazel scoffed, her tone acerbic and sceptical. "All right. since you've consistently expressed concern for my welfare."On the other end, silence stretched. Benjamin finally let out a heavy sigh. "Look, Hazel, I made a mistake. Largely. I am aware that regrets cannot change the past, yet nonetheless."But what?" Hazel was powerless to resist. A small, sensitive part of her longed to hear an expression of regret or acknowledgement of the suffering he had brought about.Benjamin suddenly said, "But I want to see my child," in a remarkably honest voice.Hazel caught her breath. This caught me off guard. She was surprised by a desire for participation, even though she had expected rage and threats."Your child?" she said ag
The sound of the tires shocked Hazel. Worried, Christian drove up in a beat-up pickup vehicle, the passenger door flung open.He started things off right away by saying, "Get in, Hazy! "We need to rush."Hazel entered the room with a tiny tote bag and her handbag, feeling incredibly relieved. Thank you, Christian. I'm not sure what I would have done if it weren't for you."Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" Christian glanced uneasily in the rearview mirror while grinning. "Besides, wouldn't want you to miss your big day."Hazel felt her stomach turn. It was a necessary procedure, the severing of a fatal bond, not a celebration. "I just want this to be over with," she said, her voice almost audible.Christian's smile narrowed. He extended his hand and gave her a fleeting squeeze. "That's going to happen. Hazel, you are strong. More powerful than you realize."The courthouse drive was a blur. Christian talked nonstop, largely about his early years and humorous jokes, even though
"How did it seem impossible?" Ms Evan asked, taking a sip of her coffee and urging her to do the same. She obliged her and followed suit, letting the liquid warm her throat. "After I got married, I guess I just let my dreams take the back seat as I tried to get my husband to love me." Hazel didn't miss the look of pity that crossed the woman's face. It sounded pitiful, even to her. "If life gave you another chance, will you take it?" Ms Evans asked. Hazel looked up, her orbs still moist from crying a while ago. "Of course, I will. A second chance at life is what I need the most, especially at this moment when my life doesn't seem to have any direction." Ms Evans smiled at her statement. "It's getting quite late now and I have somewhere else to be. Here's my card, call me when you finalize your divorce." With trembling hands, she accepted the card from Ms Evans' outstretched hand. "Thank you, ma'am. You saved me back there and I don't know how to repay you."
Like a stone dumped into a deep well, Hazel's heart plummeted into her gut. It was difficult for her to breathe since it seemed like the air around her was becoming thicker and thinner. Her mind was racing, searching frantically for some justification or explanation. It is unlikely that this will occur. Not on this day, any day.The vibrant flowers she was holding in her hands were a stark contrast to the scarlet river of guilt that was on her face. With a raspy murmur, "I... I must have forgotten my other wallet," she explained. Her mouth felt metallic from the untruth she could taste on her tongue.A glimmer of doubt crossed Christian's eyes like a shadow moving across the light, weakening his grin. Maybe you just misjudged the price, Hazel? Are you sure?Hazel wanted the earth to burst apart and engulf her. She was aware that the truth would be much worse than uncertainty. Her funds had already been strained by Benjamin's incessant demands and lack of interes
Benjamin and Hazel each departed the house on their own.It was Saturday, and the following day was when their divorce was meant to be finalized.The phone rang for Benjamin. He became a little irritated the instant he saw Yvonne's name.He hesitated for an instant before answering her phone. However, he took a moment before answering the phone. "Is there something wrong?" he asked in a somewhat sarcastic tone.When Yvonne heard his tone, she was somewhat astonished. This was not usually how Benjamin spoke to her."Yvonne, it's me, Benjamin," Yvonne said. After giving it some thought, she concluded that it's possible Benjamin didn't see her name on his screen.Benjamin reached out to comfort himself, pressing the space between his eyes."Where are you now?" he inquired.Yvonne grinned as soon as she heard his response. It was clear from Benjamin's statements that he desired to see her."I'm in my house. "I prepared your preferred dishes and am eager for you to return home so we can sh
If this was like before, Hazel would have called Benjamin right after seeing the news to ask him what he was trying to achieve with this. No, however, she held onto her phone but did not call him. In the past three years, Hazel had not told a single outsider about her relationship with Benjamin. Even though Benjamin and Yvonne went around together, the entertainment media would not dare expose his relationship with her in the tabloid news without his permission. Even though the employees at his company knew about his relationship with Yvonne, Benjamin had not taken the liberty of announcing it to the public. The existence of these news reports, therefore, meant that Benjamin had chosen to publicly acknowledge his relationship with Yvonne. Hazel bowed her head, chuckling softly to mock herself for being so pathetic. She had not gotten in touch with Benjamin over the past few days. The truth was that she was still afraid that the divorce between them would be mentioned once they go
In the end, Hazel did not fall as she had feared. Rather, Christian took hold of her waist and supported her weight. Hazel was absolutely horrified by the pressure that was applied around her waist. She opened her mouth to thank Christian, but before she could speak, her voice was cut off. "His anger has always been like that," he stated. He is impartial toward all. With a smile, Christian replied, "Please don't take it personally. If you ever become tired of him, you can come to me. I won't get physical with anyone, and my attitude has greatly improved. I would never hit the woman I love, at least not ever." It was Christian's intention to offend. Yes, Benjamin fell for the ruse. He gave the couple a gloomy look, and his eyes become bloodshot once more. He said, "Hazel, please return here immediately! Or have you considered remarrying a Christian instead?" Hazel regained her balance and moved forward, taking two steps to separate herself from Christian. In actuality, she was a