Mr. Jonathan, you have a visitor," the butler informed Alexander politely.
"Who?" Alexander asked.
"Father Benjamin Benedict," the butler replied.
"I am coming." Alexander stood up from his chair and walked towards the hall. Upon reaching the hall, he saw Father Benjamin Benedict sitting on the couch and a girl standing nearby with her head down.
"Good evening, Father," Alexander greeted him.
"Not a good evening, Alexander," Father Benedict replied in a harsh tone.
"Is there a problem?" Alexander frowned.
"Do you see this girl? Her name is Hazel, an orphan who lives near your house. Her home has been destroyed by your son," Father Benedict explained.
"Christopher, but why?" Alexander asked, looking at the girl. She wore an old dress, had a lean body, disheveled hair, and puffy eyes. She was shivering slightly.
"Hazel, tell him what happened," Father Benedict urged.
Hazel looked down and recounted everything that had happened with Christopher.
"What the hell?" Alexander gritted his teeth. "Alfred!" he shouted loudly. Alfred appeared from nowhere. "What is all this, Alfred?" He glared at the man who looked down. "Where is Christopher?"
"He went to the city," Alfred replied.
"Forgive me, Ms. Hazel. I apologize for my son's actions," Alexander said.
"No, sir, please don't. I have nothing and no one. I don't know what to do..." Her words were cut off by her sobs.
A helpless eighteen-year-old girl. Alexander felt a pang in his heart. "Don't worry, Hazel. I will give you shelter. Father, let her stay here until her house is rebuilt."
Benjamin looked at Hazel. "Are you okay with that, kid?"
She nodded her head, having no other option.
Alexander called a maid and asked her to give Hazel a room. The maid looked at Hazel and smiled. "Come with me," she said politely. Hazel looked at Benjamin, who nodded in approval. She followed the maid.
"Christopher! He is out of your control, Alexander," Benjamin said.
"I know, Father. I think after his marriage, he..." Alexander started.
"You're mistaken, Alex. Nothing will get better after marriage if it wasn't better before. Be careful. Don't ruin a girl's life. And Hazel is a poor girl. Give her a job if you can. She needs that. And don't think you are doing charity. Alexander Jonathan is responsible for taking care of Hazel."
"What do you mean by that, Father?" Alexander asked in confusion.
"Nothing. Just take care of her," Benjamin said as he stood up and walked out of the room.
************
Hazel looked around her room thoroughly. It was spacious, much bigger than her entire home. The high ceiling, elegant drapes, and intricate furnishings all felt overwhelming. She walked over to the bed and sat down, feeling the soft mattress sink slightly under her weight.
"I don't know anything about my future," she whispered to herself, clasping her hands tightly. "God, please be with me." The uncertainty gnawed at her. The room, though luxurious, felt like a gilded cage.
She was too scared to venture outside. The grandness of the house intimidated her, and she didn't want to encounter anyone who might judge her or look at her with pity. So, she remained on the bed, her mind racing with thoughts and fears.
The silence of the room was punctuated only by the distant sounds of the household - faint voices, the clinking of dishes, and the occasional footsteps in the hallway. Hazel hugged her knees to her chest, trying to find some comfort in the unfamiliar surroundings.
She thought about her destroyed home and everything she had lost. The future seemed so uncertain and daunting. But despite the fear, there was a small glimmer of hope. Alexander's promise of shelter and the possibility of starting anew gave her a fragile sense of reassurance.
**********
Night fell quickly as Christopher parked his car and walked inside the silent house. "Alfred," he called out, and the man hurried to his side. "I have a meeting tomorrow. Remind me. Did Olivia come by? She's not answering my calls."
"No, sir. And..." Alfred hesitated, scratching his head.
"What?" Christopher snapped, turning to face him.
"That girl... Hazel..."
"Did she die?" Christopher asked with a smirk.
"No, sir. Your father allowed her to stay here," Alfred replied.
"What?" Christopher's eyes widened in disbelief.
"She's staying here," Alfred repeated.
"How dare she!" Christopher seethed. "Which room?" he demanded, his voice rising to a shout.
Meanwhile, Hazel sat in her room, lost in thought about her uncertain future. "If only I had my parents..." she murmured, wiping her eyes. Suddenly, a loud bang on the door jolted her from her thoughts. She jumped out of bed, her heart pounding. Another loud sound echoed from outside, and she felt a surge of fear.
"Open the door, you damn bitch!" Christopher shouted, his voice booming through the corridor.
"Christopher Alexander," Hazel whispered, gulping in fear.
She hesitated, her hands trembling as she approached the door. She could hear Christopher's heavy breathing and the anger in his voice. She was terrified of what might happen next but knew she had to face him. With a deep breath, she unlocked the door and slowly opened it, revealing Christopher standing there, his face twisted in rage.