Hazel. I'm really pissed with myself because I keep checking my phone over and over again, hoping for a call or a text, but nothing ever shows up. It's already past three in the afternoon, and there's still no sign of any contact. I let out a heavy sigh, setting the phone down on the table and covering my face with my hands. I can't shake the feeling that my own harshness might have driven him away. And he was probably telling the truth. I want to believe that he is, yet I've been stubborn, refusing to listen to his pleas."He'll probably come back eventually, they always do," Ann tries to reassure me, gently rubbing my back. I glance at her, trying to appear calm even though my heart feels like it's in chaos."What do you mean? Are you saying I'm worried about Andrey not showing up today?" I ask, even though it's exactly what's been bothering me. She raises an eyebrow, indicating that she knows I'm fretting because of him. I scoff and quickly look away before she can see the mayhem
Andrey. It took me a whole week to persuade her to go out with me. I didn't mind how many days it took. I'm just happy she agreed to meet me. Jayden kept calling me names like coward and fool, but I brushed it off. Anything related to Hazel never bothers me. I'm usually not a patient person, but when it involves her, everything seems calm and serene.Being with her brings a kind of calmness I never imagined experiencing. Sure, she can be stubborn at times, but I see the incredible person she is, and I often make things challenging for her. Even as she keeps her distance, she remains patient with me. I can feel her care for me, and it means the world. I admire how she's uninterested in my wealth, even though I want to shower her with everything I have. I'm willing to sacrifice it all for Hazel. She's a precious gift I refuse to let slip away, so I'll go to any lengths to win her love.As I stand in the dimly lit dining room of S Pastries, I can't help but feel a surge of nervous excit
Hazel. My nerves were on edge, my palms sweaty, and my heart racing a mile a minute. "I'm not going," I declared, sinking back onto the edge of the bed, arms folded tightly. Ann shot me a puzzled look, her head tilted in curiosity. "Not going where?" she asked, approaching me with concern evident in her eyes. She was already dressed for work, still assisting Amanda as her trusty assistant. Sitting beside me, she wrapped an arm around my shoulders, offering comfort. Leaning into her embrace, I rested my head on her shoulder. "I just don't feel...right," I confessed, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. "It's like...this isn't what I want. Like it's not enough...""Not enough? Seriously? You're the creative director of Palm Angels! That's incredible!" Ann interjected, her voice filled with disbelief. I chuckled softly, acknowledging her point. "You're right," I conceded with a sigh. "But then what is it?" Ann prodded, her gaze searching mine."Andrey," I murmured, his name heavy on my t
Andrey As we pulled into the garage of my penthouse, I couldn't help but steal glances at Hazel beside me. Her presence filled the car, and I couldn't shake the feeling of nervous anticipation coursing through me. My men greeted us with nods as we stepped out of the car, but all my attention was on Hazel as I guided her towards the elevator.Inside the elevator, I finally found the courage to break the silence. "How was your first day at work?" I asked, my voice betraying more eagerness than I intended. Hazel held the bouquet I got her close to her chest, and for a moment, she seemed distant. But then, she smiled, a flicker of warmth that eased the tension in the confined space."My first day at work was really busy," Hazel began, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "But Francesco and his team were so nice to me. They made me feel like I belonged there. So, I think I'll be okay," she added, her smile lighting up the confined space of the elevator. Then, she glanced away from me
Hazel. As consciousness slowly seeps back into my foggy mind, I'm greeted by a relentless throbbing in my head, each pulse like a hammer against my skull.With a groan, I peel my heavy eyelids open, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling swirling in a haze of exhaustion. Where am I? How did I end up here? Was I kidnapped? The room around me is bathed in the gentle glow of morning light filtering through sheer curtains, casting dancing shadows across the plush bedding that cradles my aching body. With a wince, I gingerly press my fingers against my temples, trying to quell the pounding rhythm echoing through my head.Memories of last night trickle back in disjointed fragments, like pieces of a shattered mirror slowly piecing themselves together.I suddenly jolted upright, feeling a sharp ache pulsating through me, making me flinch. Blinking, I realized I was in Andrey's house, snug in his room, nestled in his bed. Questions flooded my mind: Why was I here? Why didn't he take me home? Did
Andrey. Sometimes, I enjoy being with my family, but there are times when I could go ages without giving them much thought. Privacy is a treasure, especially considering the risky life I lead. You never know who's with you or against you. It's all about playing your cards right and being clever. My father is the eldest in his family, always arranging gatherings to bring us together. I despise these events, loathe the crowds, yet I still show up. Since his passing, those gatherings died down, until tonight. Mamma organized a dinner to unite both sides of the family, avoiding any awkwardness. Initially, I had no plans to attend, but Hazel persuaded me. She's my plus one tonight, and suddenly, I'm looking forward to it. Just having her by my side changes everything. Despite not knowing where we stand, her actions speak volumes. She's constantly around—visiting me at work, crashing at my place, even cooking for me. But she keeps up the game of playing hard to get, and it's driving me
Hazel. Some days, I wake up feeling like I can handle all the risks that come with being with Andrey. But then there are days when I'm drowning in the chaos, feeling like I can't deal with any of it. My heart is racing, my hands are sweaty, and I feel dizzy. All I want is to escape, to run away from it all, especially from him. Yet here I am, sitting in the car beside him, watching him juggle calls as we head back to his penthouse, clueless about what's happening."Who's gonna buy their messed-up excuses, damn it!" He shouts into the phone, frustration evident in his voice. "Keep it out of the news! Do whatever it takes..." He pauses, anger flashing in his eyes once more. "Too late? She won't do it... She won't go public just to prove anything... Fix it! You've got forty-eight hours. Questo è inaccetabile," he finishes the call, muttering curses under his breath."Just tell me what's going on already!" I demand, my patience wearing thin. He sighs, pinching the bridge of nose before s
Hazel. As I wake up from my deep sleep, I yawn and try to open my eyes, but the room is too bright. The sun is shining directly in, making it hard for me to see. Last night, the room looked lovely with its soft curtains, but now, it's just too much. Slowly, I manage to open my eyes. I reach out to the other side of the bed, but it's empty. Andrey isn't there. Normally, he stays until I wake up, but today is different. I feel a pang of loneliness and shiver a bit. Sitting up, I notice I'm wearing his tank top because I don't have anything here. I wrap my arms around myself, feeling a bit lost. Yesterday, Andrey asked me for a promise I couldn't make. He seemed hurt when I said no, but he still smiled. It makes me feel like I'm using him, and that's the last thing I want. I can't deny I care for him, but his dangerous life and crazy wealthy family make me unsure. It feels overwhelming. Andrey does his best to make me comfortable, but it still feels like something's missing. Am I ju