Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Chapter 56

HAZEL

FIVE YEARS AGO

Are my eyes playing tricks on me? How did this item appear out of nowhere? Looking at him skeptically, I turned the water faucet on to wash my hands. “Why are you here, Kelvin?” Wait, that might not be the right question to ask at the moment. “How did you manage to find me?”

He gave me a grin, the same youthful grin that I once found endearing, but now it’s giving me an eerie feeling. “Is that the question you want to ask your boyfriend, the one you left behind for years?”

What is he even talking about? I quickly grabbed a tissue and dried my hands. “Let me respond to two points in what you just said. Firstly, you’re not my boyfriend; I can’t even label you as an ex because what we had back then was far from a healthy relationship.” I noticed his frown, though it doesn’t affect me. “Secondly, you’re the one who deserted me outside the social service home. Don’t misunderstand me, though – I’m actually thankful that you left me there.” If you hadn’t, I might be in jail right now, still trapped in drug addiction.

He maintained that unsettling grin, taking a deliberate step closer while rubbing his nose with his thumb energetically. “Let me take a moment to clarify two things, Hazel. It’s important to note that you’re still my girlfriend because, as far as I can recall, there was no official breakup between us. Secondly, I need to stress that I didn’t abandon you outside the social worker’s home due to indifference or neglect. It was a decision made with your safety in mind, the most prudent choice given the circumstances.

Taking you to a hospital, while it might have seemed like an option, would have led to far-reaching implications not just for you, but for me and my friends as well.”

A throbbing headache is already beginning to take hold. “At this point, you know what? None of the explanation truly matter. We’ve both moved on, I’m certain of that. I’ve found contentment in the current state of my life, just as I hope you have in yours.”

“I haven’t,” he deadpanned, causing my eyebrows to arch. “I haven’t moved on, Hazel, and I’m most certainly not content with my life.”

I blinked slowly, processing his words. “That seems to be more of a personal struggle,” I retorted.

Letting out a sigh, I regarded him with a critical gaze. “Here’s a piece of advice for you, Kelvin: break free from the grip of drugs.” It’s painfully obvious that he’s still under their influence. “Try embracing a healthy lifestyle; I promise you’ll find it appealing.”

A flash of distaste twisted his lips. “Cut the holier-than-thou act, Hazel. You’re no better than me.”

“It’s been five years since I had any illegal substances in my system, Kelvin. I’ve been maintaining a healthier lifestyle than you,” I stated in an even tone. “Given how frequently you’re rubbing your nose, I’d bet my money you had a drag before leaving your house.”

He shot me a glare before letting out a bitter chuckle. “I see where this newfound confidence is stemming from.” His words caught me off guard, and I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “It’s that wealthy guy you’ve been following, isn’t it?”

What?! How long has this despicable person been observing me? “What wealthy individual are you referring to?” If I don’t hasten, Adam will undoubtedly start searching for me. “Listen, I genuinely don’t have the time or patience for this.” I attempted to maneuver around him, but he effectively blocked my path. “Kindly step aside, Kelvin.”

“You’ll depart once I’ve had my say,” he growled, his grip on me tightening, hinting at his readiness to physically control the situation.

I glared at him, my gaze an unspoken challenge. “There’s a young man specifically entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring my protection from individuals like you. If you don’t vacate my path, he’ll inevitably enter this space in search of me, and I can guarantee you, the outcome won’t be favorable for you.”

His jaw tightened with anger. “Does he have knowledge of this?”

Oh, for crying out loud! This day was progressing rather smoothly. “Know what, Kelvin? What exactly should Adam be aware of That I’m trapped in a restroom with my deranged ex-boyfriend?”

Chapter 56

“Do you truly believe I care about your hired guardian?” he sneered. “I’m referring to Southwark, the current wealthy imb ecile you’re attempting to leech off.” He took a deliberate step closer. “Is he aware of your addiction?” A malicious grin tugged at his lips. “Or that you nearly drugged an infant?”

“I was an addict,” I corrected through clenched teeth, my voice sharp. “Past tense, Kelvin! It’s behind me now. Everyone has a past, and this is mine. So, if you can’t contribute something meaningful to this conversation, kindly step away.”

He clicked his tongue. “That wasn’t a yes, Hazel, so I’ll assume you haven’t confided in him.” Leaning in, he whispered, “If you don’t want me to start revealing things, you’d better answer my calls when I ring you.”

“When you call?” I repeated, my voice laced with disbelief.

He affirmed with a nod. “I have your number, Hazel, and I’m well aware that you’re cohabitating with him. If you choose to ignore my calls, I’ll have no option but to drop by that lavish mansion. I’m sure your boyfriend and his family would be quite interested in hearing what I have to share.”

Fear knotted in my throat. “Are you attempting to blackmail me, Kelvin?”

“Blackmail?” he chuckled darkly, casually grabbing a fistful of my hair. “Honey, I’m not blackmailing you.

I’m simply urging you to answer my calls. When we venture into the realm of blackmail, you’ll be well aware.” With a mocking gesture, he blew me a kiss and strolled out of the restroom.

Paralyzed with a sense of helplessness, I remained frozen, tears tracing down my cheeks. How on earth was I going to reveal to Ravel that, in our entire year of being together, I had failed to disclose my previous struggle with drug addiction? And the thought of Anne’s reaction was equally daunting. My goodness! The repercussions of this revelation on Ravel’s public image, if it were to leak, were too overwhelming to contemplate.

“Ms. Blacks?” Adam’s voice echoed from the hallway, and I hastily wiped my tears away. “Are you all right? You’ve been in there longer than usual.”

I cleared my throat, attempting to rid my voice of its huskiness. “I’m okay, Adam. I’ll be out in a minute.”

Flicking on the faucet, I washed my face before emerging from the restroom.

He studied my face for a moment, his gaze growing more focused by the second. “Are you certain you’re alright, Ms. Blacks?”

I’m far from alright! In fact, I doubt I’ll be alright anytime soon. It appears my fairy tale might be on the brink of shattering.