One week later
The evening shimmered with opulence as the high-profile event unfolded at the Vermont Royal Hall, a luxurious venue tucked between the city's skyline and riverfront. A sea of polished floors, sparkling chandeliers, and graceful music set the tone for the night.
Hazel stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the final piece of her look. She wore a sleek, floor-length silk gown in a rich midnight blue shade. The dress hugged her figure with effortless elegance—off-shoulder neckline, a thigh-high slit on one side, and subtle crystal embellishments tracing her waist like stars falling on satin. Her hair was softly curled, a few loose strands framing her face. Silver heels. Minimalist earrings. A confident swipe of deep rose lipstick.
She looked breathtaking. But she didn't feel it.
Hazel sighed quietly, grabbed her clutch, and walked out to her car. She drove through the city lights, her fingers gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual.
By the time she arrived, the venue was buzzing with finely dressed guests. Photographers, handshakes, champagne glasses—it was a curated chaos.
Hazel stepped out, composed and radiant, her heels clicking confidently as she entered the grand hall. Her eyes scanned through the crowd until she finally spotted two familiar faces—Zayden and Seraphina—her parents, smiling warmly as they caught sight of her.
She made her way to them and hugged Zayden quickly, then Seraphina.
Zayden (with a teasing wink):
You look so beautiful, you know that?
Hazel (laughing):
Oh, thank you very much.
Seraphina (gently patting her cheek):
My girl is always pretty.
Hazel blushed lightly, shaking her head as they both teased her playfully.
Lucas suddenly approached, his voice breaking through their moment.
Lucas:
Uhm, excuse me—did I interrupt?
Hazel (smirking):
Oh, you're here?
Lucas (grinning):
Of course. I'm part of this shiny world too, you know.
Hazel:
Yeah, yeah. I just thought you weren't a party guy.
(She laughed softly.)
Lucas rolled his eyes, then turned to her parents.
Lucas:
Good evening, Mr. Knight, Mrs. Knight.
Zayden (with a polite nod):
You all talk. I'll be over there.
(He moved off toward a nearby group.)
Seraphina (smiling warmly):
Lucas, you don't have to call me Mrs..
Lucas:
I know, I know. Uhm… you look stunning.
Seraphina (laughing and giving him a playful slap on the arm):
Aww, you sweet boy.
Hazel:
Excuse me, Lucas—she's married, and her husband is standing right there.
Lucas (teasingly):
Come on, Hazel. You jealous?
Hazel:
Why would I be?
Seraphina turned as Zayden called her over to meet a couple nearby.
Hazel and Lucas continued laughing quietly between themselves.
---
Meanwhile…
Seraphina (smiling):
It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Damon, Mrs. Damon.
Mr. Damon (pleasantly):
The pleasure's ours. Truly.
Mrs. Damon (with a polite smile):
Don't you have a daughter? I've heard about her, but haven't seen her yet.
Seraphina:
Yes, she's here. I'll call her over.
She turned, spotting Hazel near the bar area, and waved her over.
Hazel turned, her soft smile brightening as she approached—but the second Mrs. Damon's eyes landed on her, her face shifted. It was subtle—her smile stiffened, and her eyes froze in place. Recognition. Regret. Shock. Maybe even a little fear.
Hazel arrived beside her parents.
Seraphina:
This is Mr. and Mrs. Damon—they wanted to meet you.
For a brief second, Hazel's smile faltered. A memory flickered behind her eyes. Seraphina gently nudged her.
Hazel (composing herself):
Uh, hello. Mr. Damon. Mrs. Damon.
Mr. Damon (kindly):
It's very nice to meet you.
Mrs. Damon didn't speak. Her expression was full of... guilt. Layers of it.
Mr. Damon turned slightly.
Drake—this is Hazel.
Hazel's smile completely disappeared.
She gave a polite nod.
Hazel:
I'll be there in a moment.
And she turned and walked away.
Mr. Damon (to drake):
Go and give her company.
Drake nodded silently and followed.
---
On the rooftop terrace, the wind tugged softly at Hazel's hair as she stood alone, her arms folded across her chest. Eyes closed. Thoughts running.
Footsteps behind her.
She turned slightly—and saw Drake walking toward her.
He stood beside her, quiet, looking out over the city.
Drake:
You look… really pretty tonight.
Hazel turned to leave.
But he caught her wrist and gently pulled her back. Close.
He reached up, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his voice barely above a whisper.
Drake:
Why do you always walk away from me?
I wasn't done speaking to you.
Hazel didn't move. His touch… it froze her.
Drake (smirking slightly):
I have something for you.
Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her.
Soft. Intentional. His lips pressed to hers.
For a moment—Hazel didn't react. Then, as though reality crashed in, she pushed against him.
He didn't let go.
She pushed again—harder this time—and he stepped back.
Hazel (furious):
Are you insane?!
Drake (brushing his lips with his thumb, amused):
Sorry.
I forgot you're engaged to Caleb.
Hazel's face burned red—anger and shock colliding.
She turned sharply to walk away.
Drake (his voice low, dangerous):
You guys are playing with fire.
Hazel stopped in her tracks. Then, without looking back, she walked away, her heels echoing against the rooftop tiles—leaving Drake alone in the wind, smirking in the dark.