Benjamin pulled Hazel Stewart from the Civil Affairs Bureau. Hazel Stewart's heart raced when she looked down and noticed that Benjamin didn't appear to be about to let go of her anytime soon. She knew that the call he received was from his grandmother. Benjamin was furious. A surge of wrath shot through his chest. "Hazel Stewart Stewart, did you already guess that my grandmother would protect you because it's her birthday next week?" he said with a threatening tone. Is it the reason you deliberately chose this moment to file for divorce? "No, I ..." Hazel Stewart realized that Benjamin had misinterpreted her. She didn't have any reason to think that this would be her last divorce. All for the child she carried within her. Sooner or later, her marriage to Benjamin would have to end. It was the ideal time to do it, now that she was expecting. "No?" Benjamin laughed hysterically. He was obviously not at all trusting what Hazel Stewart had to say. "Grandmother called me just now
The day of Madam Lucas's birthday was drawing near. Hazel Stewart created Benjamin's grandmother a birthday present while she was painting. She was now very low on cash, having borrowed the majority of her expenses from Zen. The Lucas family was also extraordinarily well-off. "Madam Lucas has probably seen many things in her life," Hazel Stewart surmised. It's possible that she doesn't always enjoy expensive items. Because it was a handcrafted gift that she had spent the entire day working on, the present she had prepared wasn't very pricey. Dinner on Madam Lucas's birthday was scheduled for six o'clock. Still, she pushed Hazel Stewart to come over earlier when she called her in the morning. Before she handed Benjamin her gift, Hazel Stewart wrapped it up nicely. It took him a while to respond. "Today is your grandmother's birthday, Benjamin. As Hazel Stewart put it, "I have no ulterior motives behind this call; I just wanted to let you know. I plan to go over earlier so I can
When Yvonne learned that her card was overdrawn, she was taken aback. "Not enough money?" she inquired. "That can't be done, try again." The card with the highest balance belonged to her. The card has an enormous amount of money on it. Yvonne pondered the possible expense of this jade band. Standing next her, Hazel couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "What are you laughing at?" "Benjamin gave me all the money on this card," Yvonne scowled and stated. Three years later, I bet he hasn't handed you a single penny, correct? Benjamin had, in fact, never handed her any money. But today, he did give her a black card. It was quite evident to Hazel that this card was unique to Benjamin. It was a limited edition black card from throughout the world. She had received it from Benjamin with the intention of purchasing Mrs. Lucas's gift. But just now, it would be great to enrage Yvonne with it. After attempting to swipe the card once more, the sales assistant said, "I'm sorry, there are insuf
Hazel exhaled deeply in relief. Thankfully, Benjamin refrained from inappropriately shielding Yvonne this time. Maybe during the past few years Hazel had become used to being the victim. Hazel was ecstatic, even if all Benjamin had said was the truth. She was not getting ahead of herself, of course. She was aware that Benjamin remained the same and continued to despise her. After saying, "I have other things to deal with, let's talk later," Benjamin abruptly disconnected up. Yvonne had to be patient with Benjamin no matter how offended she felt. Hazel was the only person she could vent to. She extended her arm to give Hazel a shove. Yvonne grabbed at nothing again as Hazel abruptly turned her body away as soon as she saw her moving. A rare genuine smile lit up Hazel's face as she cast a scornful glance down at Yvonne, who had collapsed to the ground once more. "Miss Taylor, you've already called Benjamin to make sure he really gave me the black card," she remarked. I'm going to
Hazel headed straight home after leaving MC Enterprise. Given the wealth and influence of the Lucas family, Mrs. Lucas's birthday celebration ought to have been an extravagant affair. But only family members were allowed to attend Mrs. Lucas's birthday supper since she disliked waste and extravagance. Hazel was disliked by everyone in the Lucas family except her grandmother. Benjamin's parents were among those who believed Hazel was a self-centered gold digger who was only using Benjamin as a stepping stone to higher social status. Their attitude toward their daughter-in-law had always been callous. Hazel questioned whether she would have been able to become a member of their family if Mrs. Lucas had not coerced Benjamin into marrying her three years prior. However, upon further reflection, there was absolutely nothing favorable about being married to Mr. Lucas. On the one hand, neither her position nor Benjamin's family ever made an official announcement or acceptance. However, B
In contrast, Mrs. Lucas expressed her happiness upon receiving the treats. She let everyone see her open the box. A few delicious pastries were arranged within the exquisite box. "You made me lotus cakes," Mrs. Lucas remarked. Her gloomy eyes brightened the instant she saw lotus cakes, which were her absolute favorite. "As anticipated, Hazel is the one who knows me the best. She is aware of my desire for these lotus pastries." "I'm happy that my grandmother enjoys the food I've made," Hazel said. Since she didn't have any extra cash to give Mrs. Lucas a birthday present, she decided to bake her a lotus cake instead. She knew Mrs. Lucas enjoyed lotus cakes. Hazel was unsure, though, if Madam Lucas's response was genuine or perhaps motivated by her desire to assist her in getting out of this difficult situation. You are overly frugal. Someone said, "You shouldn't make something so cheap for Grandmother's birthday, even if she likes flower cakes." "To prepare our gifts for Grandmoth
Hazel sat quietly to the side, feeling that she had no right to speak at this point. In contrast, Benjamin was furious. However, since his grandmother was also there, he was unable to provoke a confrontation with Christian. They have to settle any disagreements amicably. They would be embarrassed to act in such a way in front of so many people. Christian must have assumed Benjamin would make this choice, which is why he decided to make a concert today of all days. Mrs. Lucas no longer had a smile on her face. Her head came up to meet Christian's. Finally, with a sigh, she extended her hand to accept his gift. She was never fond of Anthony's undocumented family. She recognized only one daughter-in-law, Winnie. She could not, however, refuse Christian's status as her grandchild, even if she had no desire to recognize Christian as her mother. He was, after all, a product of the Lucas family lineage. The more cynical cousins chuckled under their breath at Mrs. Lucas's reply. Anthony
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
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