Olivia Garden, one of the finest actresses in the country, had become Hazel's new friend. Hazel, an orphan, felt a mix of confusion and gratitude as she didn't understand why someone like Olivia would show her so much sympathy and care.
"What are you thinking about, Hazel?" Olivia asked gently as she sat down beside her. "You know, Alex Uncle asked you to stay here until your house is rebuilt. Happy?"
Hazel managed a small smile. "But... him?" Her eyes reflected a deep-seated fear.
"Who? Christopher?" Olivia's tone was reassuring. "Don't worry about him. He can be harsh, but it's okay. I'll speak with him. Trust me, he listens to me."
"Are you getting married?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, in two weeks," Olivia replied, her smile radiating warmth and joy.
"Are you okay with him?" Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't fathom how someone as angelic as Olivia could marry someone as ruthless as Christopher.
Olivia laughed softly at Hazel's wide-eyed concern. "Christopher judges people by their family status. If you're rich, you're perfect; otherwise, you're nothing in his eyes."
Hazel's heart sank. "Being poor isn't a crime," she murmured, looking down.
"Come on, silly," Olivia said with a kind smile. "He's like that, but not everyone is. Let's focus on us now. Come, I'll give you your medicine. My mom and dad are coming this evening, and we should prepare something for them." She took Hazel's hand, her touch gentle and reassuring.
***********
In the evening, the mansion was prepared to perfection. Flashing lights illuminated the exterior, casting a magical glow. Inside, beautiful flowers adorned every corner, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Elegant curtains draped the tall windows, and a royal dining table was set with the finest china and crystal. Every detail exuded luxury and sophistication. Alexander Jonathan had transformed his home into a palace-like wonder for his best friend, Mr. Arnold Garden, and his wife, Lisette Garden. The grandeur of the mansion was unparalleled, with lavish decorations, opulent furnishings, and an ambiance of regal splendor.
Hazel was amazed by everything she saw. To top it off, she had received a new dress from Olivia, which made her exceptionally happy. Alexander also treated her like a family member, making her feel at home. Just then, a Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of the mansion, and Mr. and Mrs. Garden stepped out, both wearing big smiles.
Alexander welcomed them warmly with a hug. "Welcome home," he said, inviting his best friend into the family.
"Thank you, Alexander," Arnold replied with a broad smile as they walked inside.
"Mom, Dad!" Olivia exclaimed, hugging both of them. They all settled around the opulent dining table. "Where is Christi?" Mrs. Garden asked.
"He hasn't arrived yet," Olivia replied. "He's busy with new projects. Wait, I want to introduce someone to you... Where is she?" She looked around. "Hazel!" she called out.
Hazel, hiding behind a pillar, hesitated.
"Here, come on," Olivia said, holding her hand and leading her towards her parents. "Mom, Dad, after all these years, I finally have a friend. This is Hazel. Hazel, these are my parents."
"Hazel?" Mrs. Garden looked at her curiously. "Hazel what?" she asked.
"Just Hazel, Mom. That's all," Olivia responded.
"Hello, sir. Hello, ma'am," Hazel greeted them politely. "I'll be in my room." With that, she turned and walked towards her room.
"Who is she, Olivia?" Mrs. Garden asked, looking concerned.
"My friend, Mom," Olivia replied.
"Friend? How did you become friends with such a girl?" Her mother's voice was tinged with anger.
"What do you mean by that? You don't know anything about her," Olivia defended Hazel.
"Oh, just shut up, Olivia. Don't get close to strangers. How do you know that people like her don't just want money?" Mrs. Garden retorted.
"Enough," Alexander interjected firmly. "Hazel is not like that. Father Benjamin Benedict arranged for her to stay here, so please stop this kind of talk."
***********
Sleep eluded Hazel as she stared out the window, her thoughts weighed down by Mrs. Garden's harsh words. The mention of "father," "mother," and "family" struck a chord, reminding her of what she lacked and how it affected her perceived worth. Tears welled up in her eyes as she wiped them away and slowly left her room. The mansion was silent; everyone else had gone to bed.
Quietly, she made her way outside and walked towards her home—a dilapidated shack that barely provided shelter. Her heart ached as she gazed upon the run-down structure, its walls battered and roof barely intact. Sitting on the cold floor, she hugged herself tightly, seeking comfort in the solitude.
"Why is my life like this?" she sobbed, releasing the pent-up emotions that had been gnawing at her. She cried until she had no tears left, her body exhausted from the release. After two or three hours, feeling slightly lighter, she stood up and made her way back to the mansion.
She slowly enters the hall...
"Still here?" a deep voice startled her. Hazel turned to see Christopher standing in the hall, a glass of whisky in his hand. "Didn't I tell you something this morning?" he said, eyeing her coldly.
Hazel glanced around desperately for help, but everyone was asleep.
He approached her slowly, backing her into a corner. "You know what? Slum dogs are like this—give them a little space and they'll take everything... just like you."
Trembling, she pleaded, "Please... I... I don't have any place to go."
"Really? Then go and die, bitch. Why are you staying in my home? I don't like people like you here." He shouted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Hazel's eyes filled with tears. "You're right, it's better if I die." She looked at him for a moment before dashing out of the house.
"What the—" Christopher was taken aback.
Hazel ran towards the cliff, her thoughts a whirlwind of despair. Standing at the edge, she whispered, "Grandma, I'm coming..." and was about to jump when a strong hand pulled her back.
"Are you mad?" Christopher shouted.
"Leave me! You started all this... I'll end it myself... Leave me!" Hazel screamed, struggling against him.
"Really?" Christopher caught her hand, pulling her back and slapped her hard. Fueled by desperation, Hazel pushed him with all her strength. "How dare you, you fucking bitch?" She roared, trying to push him off.
"Stop it! Hazel, stop!" Christopher called out, trying to restrain her.
"Leave me! I hate you! Leave me! I will end everything today... I'm not a slum dog, I'm not a bitch, I don't want anyone's money... Leave me!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face.
"Hey, stop it!" Christopher hugged her tightly, trying to calm her down. "Stop your madness, Hazel. Just stop."
Suddenly, headlights swept over them, and a group of people rushed towards them from out of nowhere.
"Hazel! Christopher! What's going on?" It was Alexander, followed by Olivia and Mr. and Mrs. Garden, all looking shocked and concerned.
Alexander, his face stern, turned to Christopher. "What did you do?"
Christopher, still in shock, stammered, "I didn't mean to... I just..."
Mr. Garden stepped forward. "Let's get inside and talk about this calmly."
Olivia reached out, taking Hazel into her arms. "Are you okay? She asked concern."
But the exhausted girl suddenly fainted and collapsed to the ground.
"Hazel!" Olivia shouted, rushing to her side. Kneeling down, she tried to lift her friend, but struggled under Hazel's weight.
Before she could do more, two strong arms reached down and gently lifted Hazel from the ground. Christopher, with a look of deep concern on his face, carried Hazel in his arms, cradling her as if she were a fragile doll. He walked swiftly towards the mansion, his grip secure and protective.
Olivia followed closely, her eyes never leaving Hazel's pale face. As they entered the grand hall, Alexander quickly directed them to a nearby couch. "Lay her here," he instructed.
Christopher carefully placed Hazel down, her head resting gently on a plush pillow. Olivia knelt beside her, holding her hand and checking for any signs of consciousness.
Mrs. Garden, her initial disdain forgotten, hurried to fetch a cold compress, while Mr. Garden stood by, his face etched with worry.
"Someone call a doctor," Alexander ordered, his voice steady but urgent.
As the household sprang into action, Christopher remained by Hazel's side, his earlier harshness replaced by an undeniable protectiveness. He watched over her, silently willing her to wake up, regretting every harsh word he had spoken.