C08
Hazel saw no point in arguing with Scarlett. With calm resolve, she deleted the message, blocked Scarlett's number, and opened her chat with Ambrose.
12:23 PM Running Away from Marriage, Leaving Deception Behind
Their last conversation was over a week old. As she scrolled through the thread, a painful pattern emerged. Message after message, each one poured from her heart, detailing everything from her aspirations to the minutiae of her day. Ambrose's responses were few and far between, and when they did arrive, they invariably concerned Scarlett.
Hazel lost the desire to reply. If her words were destined to be ignored, why bother?
She was putting her phone away when Ambrose's name illuminated the screen. He was calling. "Where are you? Why aren't you home? It's late. Why haven't you come back?" His voice was urgent, tinged with reproach.
He'd turned down Scarlett's invitation—a rarity—and returned home early, intending to spend time with Hazel. But she was gone. She hadn't answered his calls or texts, and his worry had escalated to the point he almost called the police.
Hazel glanced at the clock, a knot tightening in her chest. It was 8 PM.
Ambrose often stayed out late, sometimes not returning until dawn, or even disappearing for the night. Every time, Hazel had waited patiently, leaving a light on. If he'd been drinking, she'd stay up, making him soup.
But what had Ambrose ever done for her? She couldn't recall a single thing. Her patience snapped. "Can't I have a life of my own?" she retorted, a first for her.
There was a pause. Then his voice softened. "Hazel, I've missed you these past few days. Tomorrow's our wedding day. I was just worried. Don't be upset. Wait for me; I'm coming to get you now."
Within minutes, Ambrose arrived, unexpectedly carrying a bouquet of flowers. Hazel didn't take them. Instead, she entered the back seat, noticing a faint, unmistakable scent. A wave of nausea hit her; she wiped her hands with a tissue.
Ambrose, absorbed in his phone, remained oblivious to her distress. "Why'd you go to the amusement park? Finished with the wedding preparations?" he asked casually.
"Pretty much," she replied. Tomorrow, she would leave this place behind.
Ambrose chuckled. "I remember you always wanted to ride the Ferris wheel. When I get a chance, I'll take you. I didn't mean to interrupt your fun today, but my mother wants to see you."
"It's fine. We'll have plenty of time for that later."
12:23 PM Running Away from Marriage, Leaving Deception Behind
Hazel had a lifetime of wishes, and there would always be time to fulfill them—after she left the country, one by one, none involving Ambrose.
Once he finished texting, Ambrose started the car, playing one of Scarlett's favorite songs. Hazel gazed at the city she'd grown up in—a beautiful place, neon lights blurring with the stars. But the longer she looked, the more her eyes stung.
When they arrived at the old family house, the dining table was laden with leftovers. The housekeeper cleared dishes while both families chatted merrily. Ambrose and Scarlett shared a laugh, their easy camaraderie filling the room. Hazel felt like an outsider.
Her silhouette caught Ambrose's eye. He saw her loneliness, and his heart skipped a beat. A forgotten promise resurfaced: he'd vowed never to let this little girl feel sorrow again.