The tension in the air was palpable as Christopher and Hazel arrived in London, their hearts heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. The sprawling city was cloaked in a mist that mirrored the uncertainty in Hazel's mind. As they approached Mr. Garden's towering estate, Hazel's anxiety grew. She couldn't shake the dread that something terrible would happen.
Inside the lavish mansion, Mr. Garden greeted them with a cold smile. His eyes flickered with amusement as he assessed Christopher and Hazel. "I never thought you'd be foolish enough to show your face here again, Christopher."
Christopher's expression remained steely, his resolve unshaken. "I'm here to challenge you, Mr. Garden. In three days, everything you stole will be returned. Mark my words."
Mr. Garden's grin widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Three days, you say? You're more deluded than I thought. You think you can take back what was never yours to begin with? Perhaps I should remind you of what happens to those who defy me."
As he spoke, Mr. Garden's hand subtly shifted to a hidden dagger on the table, a clear threat that sent a shiver down Hazel's spine. Fear flashed in her eyes, but Christopher squeezed her hand, silently telling her to stay strong.
Just then, Olivia stormed into the room, her face contorted with rage. Without warning, she slapped Hazel hard across the face. "You little thief! How dare you try to steal my man!"
Before Hazel could even process the shock, Christopher caught Olivia's wrist mid-strike. "Enough, Olivia!" His voice was laced with authority. "Hazel has no interest in me. But if she did, I wouldn't hesitate to make her mine." His words were sharp, and they left Hazel stunned, her mind swirling with confusion. Was he serious, or was this just another ploy?
Christopher turned back to Mr. Garden. "Three days. Prepare yourself." He guided Hazel out of the mansion before any more threats could be thrown their way. As they left, Mr. Garden's sinister laughter echoed behind them.
They drove in silence until Christopher pulled up to a secluded bungalow. The place seemed oddly familiar to Hazel, though she couldn't quite place why. "Where are we?" she asked quietly.
"This is your home, Hazel," Christopher said softly. "It belonged to your parents and grandparents."
Hazel's breath caught in her throat. "My… home?" She stepped inside the bungalow, her eyes scanning the dust-covered furniture and faded wallpaper. Memories she didn't know she had began to stir within her as she wandered through the house. In the living room, she found an old album, the leather cover cracked and worn. As she flipped through the pages, images of her parents and grandparents stared back at her, smiling in happier times. Tears welled up, and Hazel clutched the album to her chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Christopher gently pulled her into his arms, letting her cry against his chest. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all this, Hazel. But we'll make it right. I promise."
Hazel held on to him tightly, her emotions too raw to express in words. For the first time, she allowed herself to lean on him, even if only for a moment.
The door creaked open, and a poised woman in her early thirties stepped in, carrying a briefcase. "I'm Kiya Fernandis," she introduced herself with a professional nod. "I'm your advocate."
Christopher led Hazel to the table as Kiya laid out several documents. "We have enough evidence to take this to court, but we need your signature, Hazel."
Hands trembling, Hazel signed the papers Kiya presented. "Is this really going to work?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
Kiya smiled kindly. "It will. You're stronger than you realize, Hazel. Just trust us."
Later that evening, with Kiya gone, Hazel and Christopher were left alone in the bungalow. The atmosphere was heavy with unresolved questions and lingering tension. As they settled in for the night, Hazel couldn't keep her thoughts to herself any longer.
"What happened with Olivia?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you break up with her?"
Christopher's expression darkened as he sighed heavily. "She only ever cared about money, Hazel. When she found out about Alexander's plans and how he intended to use our marriage for his gain, she was all in. But the moment I cut ties with them and refused to go along with their schemes, she turned against me. Olivia doesn't love me—she loves what she could have gained by marrying me."
Hazel frowned, processing his words. "But… it seems like she still loves you. Why would she hold on so tightly?"
Christopher laughed bitterly. "Love? If she married me, she'd become half-owner of the company I built. That's what she's really after. Don't confuse greed with love, Hazel."
Suddenly, Christopher pulled Hazel close, pressing her head against his chest. "Stop worrying about Olivia and everyone else. The only thing that matters now is how we're going to fight back. I need you with me, Hazel. Please… don't leave me alone in this. We're both orphans now—we need each other."
He kissed her forehead gently before pulling away and walking to his room, leaving Hazel standing there, dazed. She touched her forehead where his lips had been, a small, unsure smile forming. But even as her heart warmed slightly, her mind remained cautious. There was something about Christopher she still couldn't fully trust.
As she stood there in the dark, Hazel knew one thing for sure: the battles ahead would not just be against their enemies, but against the doubts that gnawed at their fragile alliance. And in this fight, betrayal could come from anyone—perhaps even from the person standing closest to her.