EVERSTON INC
Hazel stepped into the elevator, forcing a smile onto her face as she greeted the other employees.
Her heart skipped a beat as she heard a ding and elevator doors opened on Liam's floor. She took a deep breath and walked towards his office, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
She knocked softly on the door, and her heart skipped another beat as she heard Liam's voice, low and smooth, telling her to come in.
She pushed open the door and walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Liam.
He was sitting behind his desk, a deep frown etched on his face as he stared at the papers in front of him.
He looked up as she approached, his eyes locking onto hers and she felt more nervous.
Hazel placed his cup of coffee on the desk. "Good morning, sir."She greeted softly.
Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over her face before he stood up and within a second,he was in front of her.
"Hazel...you look pale and sick. Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled concern.
Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as he reached out to touch her cheek, his fingers tracing the curve of her face gently.
She tried to pull away, but Liam's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Hazel's eyes widened as she felt his warm breath on her skin, his chest pressed against hers.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, Hazel forgot to breathe. Liam's eyes were filled with concern, but there was something else there.
"Did you get enough sleep last night?" Liam asked, his voice soft and gentle. "Have you eaten? Did you visit the hospital?"
Hazel's eyes dropped, and she tried to step back, but Liam refused to let her go.
"I'm fine, sir," she said,in her usual tone.
Liam's eyes narrowed, his eyes searchng her face.
"You're not fine, Hazel," he said, his voice very gentle. "You look like you're about to collapse. What's going on?"
Hazel felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to push away the memories of the previous night. She didn't want to think about it, didn't want to remember the pain and the fear.
"Maybe you need to go back home and rest"
"No!"Hazel almost shouted in protest, She didn't want to go back to her husband. She liked being there at the office, Seeing Liam everyday and serving him coffee.
She liked running errands for him and liked it when he was impressed with her work and when he smiled at her and touches her nose like he always does.
"I'm fine, sir," she repeated, trying to sound convincing. "Really, I am."
Liam's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing as he searched for the truth.
He knew she wasn't alright but he let her go and she took a step back immediately.
"Do you need anything sir?"She asked,her voice switching to professional mode.
Liam cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, I need you to help me order a tuxedo."
Hazel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A tuxedo, sir?"
Liam nodded. "Rapheal is getting married tomorrow, and I'm the best man."
Hazel's eyes widened in shock. "Rapheal is getting married?" she mumbled.
She couldn't believe it. The playboy, Rapheal, was getting married? She recalled his words when he said the Age of 50 was the best time for marriage and that he felt like marriage was a trap, and a chuckle escaped her lips.
Liam grinned widely, noticing her surprise. "Surprising, right?"
Hazel nodded.
Liam's expression turned serious. "Will you come to the wedding?"
Hazel bit her Lips. "I...I don't think so," she responded softly.
Liam's brow furrowed in concern. "Why not?"
Hazel's eyes dropped.
"My husband wouldn't allow it."She blurted out without thinking.
Liam's frown deepened. "What do you mean by that?"
"I..I meant,My husband and I are going out"
Liam was still frowning,He hated hearing the word husband over and over again.
"But would you like to come?"
Hazel's eyes met Liam's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "I...I don't know," she stammered.
Liam's face broke into a charming smile.
"Rapheal wants you to be there, and I want you to be there too. I'll be bored without you. Please?"
Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Liam's eyes.
She felt a flutter in her chest, and her mind went blank. She couldn't think of a reason to say no, not when Liam was looking at her like that.
"I...I'll think about it,"
Liam's smile faltered for a moment, but then he nodded.
"Okay, I'll take that as a maybe. I'll send you the details of the wedding, and you can let me know if you can make it."
Hazel nodded, She knew she couldn't go to the wedding, not without her Dawson's permission.
But a part of her wanted to go so bad.
"I really hope you can make it to the wedding. I'd love to see you there."Liam Smiled softly.
Hazel's face felt hot, and she knew she was blushing. She nodded quickly and lowered her eyes.
"I'll send you the photos of tuxedos I find, so you can choose," she said, her face still warm.
Liam nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Anyone you pick is fine," he said. "I'll buy the one you choose."
Her eyes looked at him surprise, she wasn't expecting him to say that.
"Okay, I'll get to that right away"She said and immediately walked out of the office,her heart pounding hard against her chest.
His presence always affected her always making her feel hot and fluttery inside her. Was that normal?
• LEXINGTON INSTITUTE •
Triston's eyes widened in shock as he stared at his phone. "What the fuck...!" he cursed.
"Elsa's getting marrid to that jerk Rapheal?" He continued to stare at his phone, his Expression filled with surprise.
Triston's gaze shifted from his phone to the entrance of the school, where he saw walking in. A wide smile spread across his face as he quickly rushed to her direction..
"Hey..." he stopped at his words when he noticed her the look on her face. She looked dull,sad and unhappy.
"Darlina...are you okay?" Triston asked softly, his brow furrowed with concern.
"I'm fine," Darlina responded coldly.
"I'm heading to class. We'll talk later," she added, turning to walk away. But Triston quickly reached out and gently grasped her arm.
"You don't look..." he started to say but she interrupted him.
"I said I'M FINE. JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" she shouted, her voice booming through the hallway.
Some students turned to look at them.
Triston's face fell, and he immediately released her arm. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, his eyes filled with hurt.
"Bye," he added, turning and walking away without sparing her a glance.
Darlina sighed heavily as she watched Triston walk away. She regretted snapping at him when he was clearly concerned about her.
With a deep breath, She turned and walked away too.
• AT A CAR •
Elsa glanced at Rapheal who was lighting a cigarette.
He hadn't said a word ever since they both entered the car, didn't even glance at her.
They were currently heading to the mall to get what they wanted for the wedding with the wedding planner waiting for them there already.
He looked angry but he didn't utter a word. Was he mad at her? Did she do something wrong? Or didn't she look pretty enough?
She sighed and looked away from him. Rapheal puffed out smoke, his lips pursed as he exhaled a stream of smoke that curled out of the window, his eyes fixed outside the window.
Elsa coughed as she inhaled the smoke.
Rapheal's eyes flickered towards her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he turned back to staring out the window.
He didn't say a word, didn't apologise or was even concerned.
"We're here sir"The driver announced as the car stopped.
Raheal immediately snubbed out his cigarette and pushed open the door, stepping out of the car without glancing at Elsa's direction.
He didn't offer to help her out or wait for her to follow, He just left like she irritated him or disgusted him.
Elsa's eyes were filled with surprise, and she felt hurt when he suddenly left her in the car like that.
She stepped out and rushed to him.
"Rapheal!"She called out but he continued walking ahead without turning around.
Elsa rushed towards him and then reached out to touch his arm but he jerked his arm away from touch and glared at her.
"Don't you fucking dare touch me ever again"He warned coldly and then headed inside the mall.
Elsa stood outside,Her eyes already glossy with tears as she watched him leave.