---
Hazel sat at her desk in the director's office, staring at the mountain of paperwork in front of her. The golden morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a soft glow on the room. Despite the serene atmosphere, Hazel's mind was anything but calm.
A knock on the door broke her thoughts.
"Come in," she called.
Her assistant, Mia, stepped in, holding a tablet. "Ma'am, I wanted to inform you that the CEO, Mr. Zamiel Blake, will be arriving in the next three days. As the director, the board has decided you will be responsible for assisting him and ensuring his visit goes smoothly."
Hazel froze for a moment. The name sent a jolt through her. Zamiel Blake. She hadn't seen him in years—not since high school—and now she was tasked with managing his visit.
Hazel kept her expression neutral, though her heart raced. "Understood. Please make sure I receive his schedule and any specific requests ahead of his arrival."
"Of course, ma'am," Mia said with a polite nod before leaving.
As the door closed, Hazel leaned back in her chair. She had worked tirelessly to become a director, but now her past was resurfacing in the most unexpected way. How was she supposed to handle working directly with Zamiel?
---
A VISIT HOME
Later that evening, after much deliberation, Hazel decided to visit her childhood home. It had been seven years since she left for university, and she had not returned since. The thought of facing her stepmother's disapproval weighed heavily on her, but something compelled her to go back.
When Hazel arrived, she was met with a familiar but cold sight: the small, neatly kept house that held more bad memories than good. She knocked on the door, her heart pounding.
Her stepmother, Victoria, opened the door, her eyes narrowing the moment she saw Hazel.
"So, you finally remembered where this house is?" Victoria said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Hazel forced a smile. "I thought it was time to check on everyone."
Victoria crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Everyone? Amanda isn't here. She's busy with her new movie. Not that you'd care—you haven't exactly been family, have you?"
Hazel's smile faltered, but she kept her composure. "It's been a long time. I just wanted to see how things were."
"Well, we've been fine without you," Victoria said sharply, stepping aside to let Hazel in.
Hazel walked into the house, noting how little had changed. The same old furniture, the same pictures on the walls—mostly of Amanda, of course. Hazel barely registered as part of this household.
Her father appeared from the kitchen, his face lighting up in surprise. "Hazel! I didn't know you were coming."
"I wanted to surprise you," Hazel said softly.
They exchanged a brief hug before Victoria cut in. "She's only here because she feels guilty for staying away so long."
Hazel ignored the comment and sat on the worn couch. Her father tried to make small talk, but Victoria's icy glares made the conversation stilted. After a brief visit, Hazel decided it was best to leave.
As she stepped out into the cool evening air, she felt a strange mix of relief and sadness. This was not her home anymore, and it had not been for a long time.
---
Meanwhile, Amanda was at a luxurious hotel suite, laughing at something whispered by Lucas Grant, the renowned director of her latest movie.
"You're perfect for the lead role, Amanda," Lucas said, pouring her another glass of wine. "But you know how competitive this industry is. We need to make sure the producers see it my way."
Amanda smiled, leaning closer. "I trust you to handle that, Lucas. After all, I've always been willing to do whatever it takes."
Over the years, Amanda had perfected the art of climbing the ladder in the entertainment industry. She had never shied away from using her beauty and charm to gain favor with powerful men, securing roles that elevated her career. Now, she was on the brink of A-list stardom, but at a cost she rarely allowed herself to think about.
Her affair with Lucas was just another calculated move, one she was willing to make to ensure her name remained at the top of casting lists.
---
Back at the office, Hazel began preparing for the CEO's arrival while simultaneously dealing with a potential crisis in the company—a suspected leak in operations. She pored over reports, scrutinized employee activities, and stayed late into the night.
Zamiel's impending visit loomed over her like a shadow. Though they hadn't spoken in years, Hazel couldn't shake the memories of their high school days, the arguments, and the unresolved tension that lingered between them.
"You're working late," Mia remarked one evening as she entered Hazel's office with coffee.
"It's necessary," Hazel replied, her eyes glued to the screen.
"You seem tense. Is it because of Mr. Blake's visit?" Mia asked hesitantly.
Hazel paused for a moment before answering. "Maybe. It's not every day the CEO decides to step in directly."
Mia nodded sympathetically. "Well, if anyone can handle it, it's you."
Hazel offered a faint smile. "Thanks, Mia."
--