After four months in prison, Hazel finally walked out, feeling the weight of her wrongful accusation for theft. Father Benjamin Benedict had been her beacon of hope, guiding her through the ordeal and now standing by her side as she took her first steps towards home.
As she passed the mansion, once bustling with life, she noticed its emptiness. Everyone had left after the wedding, and the sight brought tears to her eyes. "Why?" she whispered to herself, struggling to comprehend the changes.
Upon reaching her home, Hazel was greeted by chaos. The place was a mess, a reflection of her turbulent life. Determined to regain some semblance of order, she set to work, cleaning and arranging everything meticulously.
"I'll never forgive you, Christopher," she murmured, wiping away her tears, her heart heavy with unresolved pain.
**************
As Hazel entered the college, a boy approached her. "I heard you were in prison for theft, isn't it?"
"No..." she shook her head, denying the accusation.
"Don't lie. My father works at the station." He sneered, pulling away from her and running towards his class. Hazel spotted her best friends, Serin and Jain, and hurried over to them.
"Stop right there, Hazel," Jain said coldly. "Please stay away from us." Both of them turned their backs on her, leaving her standing alone.
As Hazel walked to her class, she overheard students whispering about her, their murmurs a constant reminder of her ordeal. She found a seat in the corner, trying to disappear from their accusing glances. The teacher entered the classroom.
"Ms. Hazel, the principal wants to see you," the teacher announced. Hazel nodded and walked to the office, feeling a growing sense of dread.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Hazel," the principal said, handing her a letter. "This is your termination notice."
"I didn't do anything, sir. I was framed. Please, don't terminate me," Hazel pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears.
"I'm sorry, Hazel, but the parents of other students... Please leave." His tone was firm and final.
Hazel wiped her eyes as she walked out, her heart heavy with despair. As she made her way down the corridor, a student called out, "Hey, look, it's the thief!"
Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Hazel rushed to her classroom, grabbed her bag, and fled the college.
*************
"I will talk to the college principal," Father Benjamin said, looking at Hazel with concern.
"No, maybe he would admit me if you requested, but my best friends didn't even believe me." Hazel wiped her eyes. "You've helped me a lot already. Thank you, but I don't want to cause you more trouble. I'm going home. Thank you again, Father."
"Hazel," Father Benjamin called softly as she turned to leave.
"Don't worry, I won't commit suicide. I'll find a job and take care of myself. I have nothing left to lose." She gave him a small smile and walked out.
"You have to hold on, child, because your father and mother were fighters," Father Benjamin sighed, watching her go. "Give her strength, Lord," he prayed silently.
Hazel packed her things and walked out, closing the door behind her. She headed towards the bus station, having secured a job in the city as a full-time worker in a café that offered food and accommodation. Leaning her head against the glass of the bus, she whispered, "Please, God, never let me see that man and his family again." She looked up at the sky, seeking solace.
"Welcome to Heavenly Brews," a lady greeted Hazel with a warm smile.
"Thank you," Hazel replied, returning the smile.
"My name is Becky Bellson. I'm the owner of this café," the woman introduced herself.
"Hazel," she said softly.
"So, Ms. Hazel, we're open from 9 AM to 10 PM. You'll need to work the entire shift. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes, ma'am," Hazel nodded.
"Don't worry, it's not too demanding. Do you see that office building?" Becky pointed to a tall building across the street. "We get most of our orders from there, and you'll be responsible for delivering them. Okay?"
"Okay," Hazel agreed.
"Great. Come with me, I'll show you your room." Becky led her upstairs and opened a door. "This is yours. Make yourself at home. Today is a day off for you, so you can settle in. Okay?"
"Thanks, ma'am," Hazel said with a simple smile. Becky walked downstairs, leaving Hazel to explore her new space. It was a small, cozy room with a bed, chair, and table, plus an attached washroom. Hazel arranged her clothes in the cupboard, then opened the window to watch the busy road and speeding vehicles below. She lay down on the bed and took a deep sigh, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty.
*******"**
It was a beautiful morning for Hazel. She woke up at 7 AM, and after her morning routine, she put on her uniform: an off-white shirt and pants with a light pink overcoat. She neatly arranged her hair and put on the light rose cap. Then she walked downstairs. "Good morning, Ms. Bellson," she greeted her employer with a warm smile.
"Very good morning, Hazel. Come, have breakfast first, then we'll start work." Becky led her to a place where some employees were eating. "Guys, this is our new employee, Ms. Hazel," she introduced. The others looked up and smiled. There were just four of them: three cooks and one cleaner. "Andrew and Rebecca are your head chefs, Kevin is their assistant, and Rachel is the cleaner." Hazel quickly befriended them.
"Hazel, here's your first order: 15th floor, 4th room. A coffee and sandwich. Good luck," Kevin said, handing her the order.
"Thank you," Hazel replied with a smile and headed towards the office building. She showed her ID to the security guards, who let her in. Taking a deep breath, she was struck by the elegance and expense of the building. She pressed the lift button and, once she reached the 15th floor, found the 4th room. As Kevin had instructed, she placed the order on the table and turned to leave. Opening the door, she collided with someone.
"Who are you?" the man asked.
"Sorry... I'm... delivering," she stammered.
"Oh... new here?" he asked.
"Yes... Hazel," she smiled.
"I'm Rayan. Hello, Hazel. I'm the CEO's PA."
"Hello, Mr. Rayan. Nice to meet you."
"Same here," he smiled. Hazel walked towards the lift and waited. "Hey, Hazel, did you join today?" Rayan asked from behind.
"Yes," she answered, looking back. As she turned, she collided with someone else, this time into a hard chest. She was about to fall, but someone caught her by the waist. Hazel slowly looked up at the person. "Christopher Alexander..." she whispered, her lips trembling.
Christopher stared at her. "Hazel?" he called softly.