Ambrose’s Find
His fingers tightened around the lighter, the dents and scratches a mocking reminder. He tugged at his hair in frustration, the weight of reality pressing down.
Running Away from Management Lies
He’d never imagined a day when Hazel would truly leave him. For years, she had been his steadfast rock, obedient, understanding, always even-tempered and compliant. He knew she loved him, and, over time, he’d taken that love for granted. Now, without her, the world felt impossibly empty. How could he face a life without her? How could he bear the thought of that cold, desolate house, devoid of her warmth? Ten years of love. Twenty years of knowing each other. Such a deep bond, so ingrained in his heart—how could he accept that they owed each other nothing, that they could simply part ways? He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. Ambrose needed to find what he had lost.
As he stared at the unfamiliar streets, his voice was firm, laced with a seriousness that cut through the air. “Hazel, I don’t believe you can just walk away from ten years like that. Ten years ago, I made you fall in love with me. Ten years later, I will do it again. I will show you my love, and when that time comes, nothing and no one will tear us apart.”
When the call ended, Hazel was ready to go home, but then she saw her mother waving from a sleek sports car. “You’ve grown up with your own thoughts and burdens, yet you never tell me a thing,” her mother teased.
Hazel smiled softly. “Mom, it’s over.” She had said her piece to Ambrose. She knew someone like him, so proud and unyielding, would never humble himself to come after her.
Her mother grinned. “Alright then, let’s celebrate your fresh start. Time to have some fun!” The car made a sharp U-turn, heading for the central mall. Her mother bought anything Hazel showed an interest in, without hesitation or regret. Because of Ambrose’s favoritism toward Scarlett, Gianna always showered Hazel with gifts in her own way.
After a day of shopping, her mother’s grin became mischievous. “I’m taking you somewhere fun.” Hazel had no idea what her mother meant, but when they arrived, she froze. Her mother had brought her to the city’s most extravagant nightclub and, with a wave of her hand, ordered the most expensive VIP package. A group of male models appeared, each more stunning than the last. Hazel’s mother poured her a strong drink, her eyes twinkling. “Now, this,” she said, raising her glass, “is life.” In a world filled with so many men, what was one Ambrose?
Gianna had never been afraid of loving the wrong person or walking the wrong path. As long as you had the courage to start over, it was never too late.
At first, Hazel hesitated, shy and unsure, her discomfort a stark contrast to the loud, electrifying atmosphere. But as the alcohol took effect, her hesitations melted away, and she danced with abandon. The music was a thrilling, intoxicating rush, washing away the hurt, and with each beat, she felt more alive, more free.
As the night wore on, Gianna felt exhaustion, but Hazel was still brimming with energy. Not wanting to spoil the fun, Gianna left her in the care of two trustworthy bodyguards, giving them final instructions before heading home.
Hazel continued to party into the early hours. By the time the music faded, the bodyguards were helping her stagger out, her steps unsteady. The moon hung high, its light soft and hazy, while the stars twinkled brightly.
Sitting on a bench, Hazel caught her breath, her ears buzzing. The cool evening breeze kissed her cheeks, and a bodyguard draped a jacket over her shoulders. “Let’s go home…”
She tried to stand but wavered, nearly falling. Luckily, the bodyguard reacted quickly, catching her. Hazel looked up to thank him, but before the words left her lips, a familiar pine scent washed over her. Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to make out the figure in front of her. But before she could, the bodyguards closed in, their expressions tense and watchful. “Hazel, come home with me.”