The sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of Zamiel's office, casting intricate patterns on the glass table. Hazel sat across from Zamiel, her notebook open, her pen poised to take notes. She was listening intently as he outlined the details of the new film project.
"This project is critical to Star Entertainment," Zamiel began, his tone calm but firm. "The storyline is ambitious, and we are aiming for something groundbreaking. That is why I am entrusting it to you, Hazel. You will handle everything—direction, production, and casting."
Hazel nodded, her mind already racing with ideas. "I understand. I will ensure it exceeds expectations."
Zamiel leaned back slightly, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "I have no doubt about your abilities, but I want you to know that if you encounter any difficulties—creative blocks, casting challenges, or even logistical setbacks—you should reach out to me. I will support you."
Hazel blinked in surprise, his sincerity catching her off guard. "Thank you, Zamiel. I'll keep that in mind."
"Good." A rare, faint smile curved his lips. "I am counting on you."
---
Across the city, Amanda's mother, Mrs. Stephen, sat in her elegantly decorated study. The rich scent of her favorite perfume filled the air as she carefully drafted a letter to the Blakes. Her husband, Hazel's father, was a prominent businessman, and she knew that association alone gave her leverage. She folded the letter neatly, sealed it in an embossed envelope, and sent it off with high hopes.
When the letter arrived at the Blake estate, Zamiel's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Blake, agreed to meet with Mrs. Stephen. The meeting was arranged in the grand sitting room of the Blake mansion, a room adorned with timeless elegance: antique furniture, glittering chandeliers, and portraits of ancestors adorning the walls.
Mrs. Stephen arrived impeccably dressed, her confidence as sharp as her tailored suit. She greeted the Blakes with a warm smile and a respectful bow of her head. "Mr. Blake, Mrs. Blake, thank you for agreeing to see me. It is a pleasure to meet you both."
"The pleasure is ours, Mrs. Stephen," Mrs. Blake replied, gesturing for her to sit. "How can we assist you today?"
Mrs. Stephen's smile widened as she settled into the plush armchair. "I wanted to discuss an opportunity that could benefit both of our families. My daughter, Amanda, is a rising star, and I believe a union between her and Zamiel would be mutually advantageous."
The Blakes exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable. Mr. Blake, his tone measured, replied, "We appreciate your thoughtfulness, Mrs. Stephen, but we do not involve ourselves in our son's personal life."
Mrs. Stephen hesitated, the words catching her off guard. "I see. But surely, as his parents, you would want to guide him toward a suitable match?"
Mrs. Blake's polite smile did not waver, but her voice grew firmer. " If Zamiel chooses Amanda, we will welcome her with open arms. However, we will not pressure him into anything. That is not our way."
The subtle dismissal in their words stung, but Mrs. Stephen maintained her composure. "Of course. I understand completely. Thank you for your time."
She stood gracefully, her expression betraying no sign of the embarrassment simmering beneath her cool exterior. With a polite nod, she took her leave, her mind already churning with alternative strategies. As she said to her" that mean Amanda will go for him herself " as she smirk.
---
Mrs. Stephen walked briskly down the marble steps of the Blake mansion, her head held high despite the sting of rejection. She entered her waiting car, her polished exterior concealing the simmering frustration inside. The Blakes had dismissed her proposition as if it were nothing, but she was not a woman who gave up easily.
Meanwhile, across town, Hazel stepped into the cozy warmth of her favorite café. Jasmine was already seated at a corner table, her face lighting up as Hazel approached.
"Hazel!" Jasmine exclaimed, standing to greet her.
"Jasmine!" Hazel replied, pulling her into a warm hug. The embrace lingered for a moment, a testament to their enduring friendship despite life's twists and turns.
They sat down, and a waiter promptly arrived to take their orders. Both opted for their usual—a steaming cup of cappuccino for Hazel and a caramel latte for Jasmine.
"So, how have you been?" Jasmine asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Hazel smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Busy, as always. But I have some big news."
Jasmine's eyebrows rose. "Oh? Do tell."
Hazel leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just enough to add an air of secrecy. "I am handling the new movie that Star Entertainment is producing."
Jasmine's mouth fell open in shock. "Are you serious? Hazel, that is amazing!"
"Thank you," Hazel said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It is a huge responsibility, but I am excited."
As Jasmine sipped her latte, a flicker of memory crossed her face. She set her cup down and said, "Oh, speaking of exciting news, I almost forgot to tell you. There is going to be a get-together party for our high school classmates."
Hazel's eyes widened. "Really? That is unexpected."
Jasmine nodded. "It is happening in two weeks. But…" She hesitated, her expression souring. "I just hope Jason does not show up."
Hazel frowned. "Jason? Zamiel's best friend? Why?"
Jasmine rolled her eyes dramatically. "He was my enemy back in high school. Always trying to one-up me. Do you remember the day we had that huge fight over a book?"
Hazel laughed, recalling the incident vividly. "Oh, I do. You were so furious because he refused to return it, claiming you stole it first."
Jasmine huffed, the memory bringing a slight flush to her cheeks. "He was insufferable! Always trying to get under my skin."
Hazel tilted her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Sounds like a classic love-hate relationship to me. Maybe you two will end up together."
Jasmine nearly choked on her latte. "What? Absolutely not! The only place Jason and I belong together is in separate universes."
Hazel chuckled, enjoying her friend's reaction. "Alright, alright. I will drop it. But tell me, are you worried Zamiel might come?"
Jasmine's expression shifted to curiosity as she asked, "And what if he does? Are you not worried?"
Hazel's tone was firm and confident. "He will not come. He is too busy with the new movie production."
Jasmine shrugged. "If you say so. Anyway, it should still be fun to see everyone again."
"When exactly is it?" Hazel asked, pulling out her phone to check her calendar.
"In two days," Jasmine replied. "Make sure you do not back out, Hazel. It will be nice to catch up with everyone."
Hazel nodded, making a mental note of the date. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, their laughter filling the small café as they reminisced about their high school days.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Hazel walked home feeling a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension. The thought of the high school reunion stirred memories she had not revisited in years, and the looming production of Zamiel's movie added another layer of complexity to her life. Little did she know, the reunion would bring old emotions and unresolved tensions to the surface, intertwining her past and present in ways she could never anticipate.