---
Amanda was stunned by the outcome of her plan. She was confused and furious at the same time because she could not understand how Hazel had managed to escape her trap.
Meanwhile, Hazel stepped onto the stage with a bright smile.
"My name is Stephen Hazel, and I am here to present something to you all. I hope you will enjoy it," she said confidently.
She revealed her painting—a masterpiece depicting Nigeria's former president and Britain's colonial leader who ruled over the country. On one side of the painting, she had illustrated what Nigeria looked like before it gained independence from British rule.
The crowd grew silent as Hazel began to explain her artwork.
"This is a picture of the British governor at the time, Baron Frederick Lugard, alongside his wife, Flora Shaw, who gave Nigeria its name. Before that, Nigeria was called The Royal Niger Company Territories. The other part of the painting portrays Nigeria's first president after independence, Nnamdi Azikiwe."
Hazel went on to explain the deeper meanings behind her artwork. When she finished, she glanced at Zamiel, who gave her an approving nod, silently acknowledging her success.
The crowd erupted into applause as Hazel stepped off the stage. Her eyes lingered on Zamiel as she smiled faintly.
Mrs. Smith's voice snapped Hazel out of her thoughts.
"Hazel, you did an excellent job. We all enjoyed your explanation," Mrs. Smith said warmly as she approached Hazel. She gave her a firm handshake and a heartfelt hug, while the students applauded once again.
Amanda, watching from a distance, seethed with anger. "She will pay for this," Amanda muttered to herself.
Mrs. Smith returned to the stage, her tone becoming serious.
"Unfortunately, I have an announcement to make," she began. "A painting has gone missing."
Hazel's eyes widened in shock as she exchanged a curious glance with Zamiel.
"The missing painting belongs to Stephen Amanda," Mrs. Smith revealed.
The room fell silent, and Hazel and Zamiel's curiosity deepened as Amanda smirked smugly in their direction.
---
Later, During Break Time
The students gathered to play games like Truth or Dare. During the game, Hazel was dared to hug the first person who returned to their group.
Zamiel had been absent, but after two minutes, he walked into the room. The group fell silent, unsure of what would happen next. Jason broke the tension.
"Hug him, hug him!" he chanted, and soon the others joined in.
"Hug him, hug him, hug him!" the students shouted in unison.
Hazel froze, unsure of what to do. Mrs. Smith had strictly forbidden drinking during the event, and the rule stated that if a dare was not completed, the person would have to drink as a forfeit. Hazel had no choice but to follow through.
With hesitant steps, Hazel stood and walked toward Zamiel. He gave her an unreadable look as she approached. Finally, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. To everyone's surprise, Zamiel hugged her back without hesitation.
"Awwww!" the students teased, their voices filled with excitement and disbelief.
Amanda, unable to hide her frustration, stormed out of the room.
Jason, however, observed the scene closely, smirking to himself. He seemed to understand something that the others did not—that Zamiel hugged Hazel back because he had feelings for her.
The group continued playing games late into the evening before everyone retired to their rooms.
---
Five Days Later
The students disembarked from the plane at the U.S. airport. Hazel was walking with Jasmine when Zamiel approached her.
"I would like to exchange numbers with you," he said calmly.
Hazel nodded, took his phone, and called herself from it.
"I will call you later," Zamiel said with a faint smile before walking over to Jason. He tickled Jason's side, causing him to jump in surprise, and the two began chatting while waiting for their respective drivers.
One by one, the students climbed into their cabs and headed home, their journey coming to an end.
---