Hazel declined every invitation to dance, citing fatigue and a desire to observe. But in truth, she couldn't bear the thought of dancing with anyone else, especially not with Evan.
Across the room, Caroline tried every tactic to capture Evan's attention. She laughed loudly, flirted shamelessly, and even requested a dance again, but Evan politely declined each time.
As the music slowed, Graciela announced the feast. The guests made their way to the grand dining hall, where a lavish spread awaited.
Hazel took her seat beside her mother, with Stefan at the head of the table and Evan beside him. Caroline sat opposite her, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
Throughout the meal, Evan's gaze drifted repeatedly to Hazel, his eyes locking onto hers with an unnerving intensity. Hazel tried to focus on her food, but her skin prickled under his scrutiny.
Caroline, sensing Evan's attention on her sister, grew increasingly agitated. She attempted to engage Evan in conversation, but he responded curtly, his interest clearly elsewhere.
Some of the guest snickered at Caroline's obvious ways of trying to get Evan's attention.
"She's so shameless "an old vampiress whispered to her husband and the husband shook his head in disdain.
As the main course was served, Evan spoke up, his voice commanding attention. "I must say, Lady Hazel, you look lovelier than ever tonight."
Hazel's cheeks flushed, and she looked down, unsure how to respond. 'Why wasn't he giving up already!' Hazel thought her hand clenching on her cutlery.
Caroline's face darkened, her jaw clenched. "Indeed, Councilman Evan, Hazel does clean up well."
The tension between the sisters was palpable, but Evan seemed oblivious. He continued to stare at Hazel, his expression softening.
The feast concluded, and the guests began to disperse. Hazel breathed a sigh of relief, eager to escape Evan's unsettling gaze.
As she stood, Evan rose, his eyes never leaving hers. "I hope you've enjoyed the evening, Lady Hazel."
Hazel nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Councilman Evan."
Evan's smile hinted at secrets, and Hazel's unease deepened.
Hazel climbed the carriage with her parents and sister who surprised her by sitting beside her .
Hazel shifted uncomfortably unsure of Caroline's ulterior motive.
"You might have quite happy stealing the limelight even though you're underage"Caroline whispered only Hazel's hearing.
Hazel sighed unsure of how to answer knowing fully that her sister would still find something against her.
"If it's about Councilman Evan then don't worry because I'm not interested in him"Hazel muttered looking out of the window.
She had hoped that Evan wouldn't make it that obvious but he didn't even bother hiding it .
Caroline opened her mouth to retort but found her mother staring at her and clamped her mouth shut.
Right after the carriage stopped Caroline got out of the carriage fuming as she made her way to her room.
Hazel spotted Gabriel and quickly ordered authoritatively "The flowers in my room are dead and are giving off a bad smell, go and change it ".
Gabriel bowed and made his way to Hazel's room.
Hazel excused herself following him right after he entered Hazel follwed suit closing the door.
"Hey "Hazel muttered her heart beating erratically.
Gabriel turned making eye contact with her and smiled. "You're looking stunning Hazel"Gabriel commented with his ears red .
Gabriel was just two years older than her making her even fall more for him.
"Thanks Gabe, I hope your hand is fine"Hazel said looking at his bandaged hand.
Gabriel nodded picking up the flower pot , just when he was about to pass by Hazel he paused .
"I-I like you Hazel"he confessed dashing out of the room.
Hazel froze excitement bubbling in her , she touched her chest to calm her beating heart .
In the thick forest Meredith held a lamp in her hand as she made her way to the witch .
She clutched the paper bag she had stuffed both Caroline and Hazel's comb in.
She would never allow her family to be the cause of a disaster especially not her grand daughters
She reached the cave she had met the witch and saw the place lite up.
The witch having sensed her arrival voice echoed .
"Meredith, what a pleasant surprise"the witch muttered.
Meredith had been at her place yesterday and so she had thought would not visit so soon.
Meredith raised her chin finding the witch beneath her status .
She entered the cave settling on a nearby rock .
"I guess you've brought what we need to conduct the ritual"the witch asked with half of her face covered .
Meredith threw the paper back at the witch and she took it .
"I must say you're quite fast "she commented.
Meredith rolled her eyes and stood up , "I'll take my leave".
The last thing she wanted was for her family to find out about what she was doing.
Just before she could exit the cave completely one of the roots sprout out of no where and caught her ankle causing her to stumble.
She cursed turning to glare at the witch who chuckled.
Meredith made her way back to the mansion slipping into the room with no one noticing.
One thing she had forgotten to check was the root that held her ankle had stumbled something into her leg .
Days passed, and Hazel thought she'd escaped Evan's attention. But little did she know, Evan's interest had only intensified.
One morning, Evan arrived at Hazel's mansion, unannounced whiles they had breakfast.
Hazel's stomach churned with uncertainty feeling both Evan and Caroline's gaze on her.
She did her best not to accidentally colide her gaze with that of Evan's .
Hazel couldn't be more grateful when she breakfast was over and slipped to the garden to chat with Gabriel.
Evan requested an audience with Vanessa and Markus after breakfast.
Vanessa, curious, received Evan in the garden with her husband.
"Councilman Evan, what brings you here today?" Markus asked.
Evan's expression turned serious. "I've come to request Lady Hazel's hand in betrothal."
Vanessa's eyebrows shot up. "Betrothal? But Hazel is only sixteen..."
Evan waved his hand dismissively. "I'm willing to wait until she's of age. I assure you, Lady Vanessa, my intentions are pure."
Markus hesitated, weighing the benefits of an alliance with Evan.
Whiles Vanessa's hand tightened on her tea cup clearly against it but Markus shot her a gaze to keep quiet.
"Evan, are you aware that Hazel's heart may already belong to another?" Vanessa ventured even though she knew nothing, she was just looking for an excuse to free her daughter.
Evan's eyes narrowed. "I'm not concerned about childish infatuations. I'll ensure Hazel's happiness and security."
Markut expression turned guarded ,assured that Evan would take care of her daughter.
"I'll consider your proposal."
Evan smiled, confident. "I'll send the betrothal documents tomorrow. I expect your approval."
As Evan departed, Vanessa turned to Markus"We can't accept his proposal Markus , Hazel is too young and besides Caroline is even married yet .
Markus shook his head affirming"We can't let this opportunity slip by Vanessa, I know you're worried but I assure you that I'll keep Hazel away until she's of age "
Vanessa sighed looking at Markus resolute expression. He had already made up his mind . Left with no other choice Vanessa asummoned Hazel.
"Hazel, Councilman Evan has requested your hand in betrothal," Vanessa announced.
Hazel's eyes widened in horror. "Mother, no! I won't marry him!"
Vanessa's expression softened but Markus persisted"Hazel, Evan's offer is advantageous. Think of our family's future."
Hazel's heart sank. She knew her Father would prioritize their family's interests over her happiness.
Unaware of Hazel's true feelings for Gabriel, Markus and Vanessa discussed the betrothal, sealing Her Fate .