The morning sun filtered through the grand windows, casting a warm glow over the bungalow. Hazel stood in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling eggs filled the air, mingling with the scent of blooming flowers from the garden outside.
Christopher walked in, the sight of Hazel busy in the kitchen bringing a rare, genuine smile to his face. "Good morning, Hazel," he greeted, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Hazel turned to him, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "Good morning, Christopher. I thought I'd make us a nice breakfast today."
Christopher walked over to her, his gaze softening as he watched her move with effortless grace. "You didn't have to, but I'm glad you did. It smells wonderful," he said, his tone unusually gentle.
Hazel smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I wanted to do something nice for you. You've been so kind, helping me with everything."
Christopher chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "It's the least I can do. Besides, I enjoy spending time with you."
They shared a quiet moment, their eyes meeting across the kitchen. Hazel felt a warmth spread through her as she held his gaze, the usual tension between them replaced with a subtle, unspoken connection.
"Why don't you take a break?" Christopher suggested, stepping closer. "I'll finish up here."
Hazel laughed softly, shaking her head. "You? Cooking? I'm not sure if I should trust that."
Christopher grinned, playfully rolling up his sleeves. "I can surprise you, you know. I'm not completely helpless in the kitchen."
"Alright," Hazel said, handing him the spatula. "Let's see what you've got."
Christopher took over, and together they finished preparing the meal, laughing and teasing each other as they worked side by side. It was the most relaxed Hazel had felt in days, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget the complicated web of emotions that lay beneath the surface.
As they sat down to eat, Christopher reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. "I'm glad we're here, Hazel," he said, his voice sincere. "I know things have been difficult, but I want you to know that I'm here for you."
Hazel looked down at their joined hands, her heart skipping a beat. "Thank you, Christopher," she whispered. "That means a lot to me."
They shared a lingering look, the world around them fading away as they sat together, lost in the moment. But before anything more could be said, the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
"Am I interrupting something?" Olivia's voice cut through the air, dripping with false sweetness.
Hazel quickly pulled her hand away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Olivia… good morning," she greeted, her voice a bit shaky.
Christopher's expression darkened as he turned to face Olivia. "What do you want, Olivia?" he asked coldly, his earlier warmth vanishing in an instant.
Olivia sauntered into the room, her gaze flicking between the two of them. "I just came to see how everyone's doing. But it seems I walked in on something… personal," she added with a sly smile.
Hazel stood up, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "We were just having breakfast. Would you like to join us?" she offered, trying to diffuse the tension.
Olivia's smile widened. "How kind of you, Hazel. But I wouldn't want to intrude on your little… moment."
Christopher clenched his jaw, his anger barely contained. "You're not intruding. Hazel was just being polite. If you don't want to join us, you can leave."
Olivia's eyes narrowed, but she kept her smile in place. "Don't be so harsh, Christopher. I'm just here to keep things civil. After all, we're all living under the same roof."
Hazel glanced between them, sensing the underlying hostility. "Maybe I should go," she said softly, stepping away from the table.
Christopher reached out, grabbing her wrist gently. "No, Hazel, stay," he insisted, his voice firm. "We were having a nice time."
Hazel hesitated, but Olivia's presence made her uneasy. She gently pulled her hand from his grasp, offering him a small, apologetic smile. "I'll be back later. I just need some fresh air."
Without waiting for a response, she hurried out of the room, leaving Christopher and Olivia alone.
As soon as Hazel was gone, Christopher turned on Olivia, his eyes blazing with anger. "What are you playing at, Olivia?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.
Olivia shrugged, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just wanted to spend some time with you."
"Don't lie to me," Christopher snapped, stepping closer, his frustration evident. "You're trying to sabotage this, aren't you?"
Olivia tilted her head, her expression taunting. "Sabotage what? You and Hazel playing house? Don't be ridiculous, Christopher. I'm just looking out for you. After all, you're still supposed to be mine."
Christopher's hands clenched into fists, his anger barely contained. "Don't push me, Olivia," he warned. "Hazel's already starting to trust me, and I won't let you ruin that."
Olivia's smile turned cold. "Trust you? Please, Christopher. She's just another pawn in your game, and you know it. Or have you actually started to care about her?"
Christopher's eyes darkened as he glared at her. "You don't get to question me, Olivia. Just remember your place."
Olivia's expression hardened, the playful glint in her eyes , she whisper..." You are acting good enough baby." She winks her eyes and walks out of your room.