Chapter 58: Chapter 58

Chapter 58

HAZEL

PRESENT TIME

Today, David didn’t show up for work. I was almost going to call him, but then Agatha told me he’d called the office earlier to say he’s not feeling well. But I know he’s not really sick. I know this because I’m the reason he’s not here. It’s not his body that’s unwell, it’s his heart that’s hurt.

So, I took my phone and sent him a text. I really hope we can figure this out and go back to being good friends. XX. Hazel’ Just like I thought, I didn’t get a reply to my text.

After a couple of hours of working, I heard a sound from my phone, like a little beep. I quickly picked it up, thinking it could be David texting me back. But, actually, it was a message from Ravel.

I’m really excited to see you tonight, Hazel. I’m looking forward to having dinner with you, Love, RAV

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Agatha’s voice came from the doorway. I put down my phone and turned to her.

“There’s a delivery of flowers for you.” She came in, struggling a little with a big bunch of daisies,

I got up and walked over to her, giving her a hand with a smaller box she had. “Do you know who these flowers are from?” I asked her, curious. She shook her head, not sure about the answer. She placed the bunch of flowers on the couch, and I carefully looked through them, hoping to find a card. After a bit of searching, I found it and opened it quickly.

‘My allergies to flowers won’t stop me from getting them for you!

My heart was in a flutter. During my time dating Ravel and throughout our marriage, he never got me flowers due to his serious allergy. I never pushed him to give me flowers, understanding how bad his allergy reactions could be.

“Could they be from David?” Agatha’s voice brought me back, reminding me that she was still there in the room with me. “They’re really beautiful,” she added with a compliment. “You’re smiling so much, I have a feeling they might be from him.”

I didn’t feel it was my place to reveal that whatever connection I had with David was now over. Letting out a sigh, I picked up the bouquet and walked it over to a vase. “These aren’t from David. You can go back to your office now,” I said, indicating that she could leave.

Understanding my hint, she gave a slight nod and exited my office. As I settled back into my seat, I found myself pondering the complex state of my life. In the past, I was confident that I was making the right choices, but that conviction doesn’t hold true anymore. No matter how I analyze the situation, I can’t ignore the fact that I’m tangled in a web of lies and deceit that ensnares those around me.

I initially misled David by giving him the impression that there might be potential for a deeper connection between us. And now, I’m preparing to go on a date with Ravel, all the while concealing a crucial truth from him. The extent of my duplicity becomes even clearer when I acknowledge that I went as far as relocating his daughter to a different town just to ensure he remains oblivious.

How can I face him while avoiding any mention of his daughter? I’m genuinely striving to set things right, but the presence of June in his life throws everything into question. What if I do reveal the truth about his daughter, and he chooses to reconcile with her? The mere thought of that possibility raises the unsettling prospect of him departing with my daughter as

well.

Wait, what am I even thinking, Hazel? He hasn’t left her to begin with. He invited me for a date, with her in plain view across the room.

Just then, the intercom buzzed by my side, and I pressed the answer button. Agatha’s voice filled the room. “Ma’am, Ms. Southwark is here to see you.”

“Elenor. Please have her come in.” I cleared my throat, making an effort to mask any worry or troubles that might have been evident on my face. Within moments, Elenor walked into my office, wearing a relaxed expression that turned into a bright smile when she spotted me. “Hello, superstar,” I greeted, rising from my seat to join her on the sofa. “You looked absolutely

Chapter 58

stunning last night.”

Her grin transformed into a slightly smug smirk. “I know, right?” She glanced towards the bouquet on the vase. “Beautiful flowers. A present from David?”

My gaze involuntarily shifted towards the flowers. “No, actually, they’re a gift from your brother.”

She chuckled. “I’m aware. I helped him choose them since he can’t be around flowers.”

Her words left me puzzled, and I furrowed my brows in confusion. “If you already knew they were from Ravel, why did you ask if they were from David?”

She shrugged, crossing her ankles casually. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be comfortable acknowledging that the flowers are from Ravel. I wanted to let you decide.”

Sometimes, Elenor’s actions leave me wondering if I truly understand what’s going on in her mind.

“Next time, when you’re aware of something, just let me know straightforwardly. It’s better than making me uneasy by revealing your knowledge after I’ve already talked about it.”

She nodded in acknowledgment. “Got it.” She got up from the sofa and strolled over to the mini bar, picking up a drink for herself. “So, for the first time in three years, I reached out to my brother to have drinks tonight in celebration of the successful exhibition. But he declined, saying he already has plans for the evening. That’s why I’m here, asking you and David to join me for drinks.”

Ouch. “I’m sorry, Elen.”

She chuckled, settling back into her seat with a bottle of whiskey and a glass. “Are you turning me down too?”

“I can’t join you because the plan Ravel has is with me. And David can’t join you either because… well, he’s not too happy with me right now.”

She raised an eyebrow with curiosity. “He kisses you last night and then he’s mad at you this morning?”

She rolled her eyes and leaned forward, placing the bottle on the table. “What a true gentleman.”

David’s frustration is warranted,” I admitted. “I ended things with him last night, so he has every right to be angry.”

“You broke things off with him?” She asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “Is my brother already working some kind of magic?”

“The breakup has nothing to do with Ravel.”

Elenor’s smile grew broader. “Got it.” Her enthusiastic reaction prompted me to roll my eyes.

“I’m just relieved that you and my brother are trying to sort things out. Even if things don’t go back to how they were, at least you won’t have to feel awkward when you run into each other.”

My phone buzzed on the table, drawing my attention away from Elenor. I muttered an apology and walked over to my desk, picking up the phone. My calm expression shifted into a slight frown as I saw Monica’s name, David’s mother, on the screen. Glancing nervously at Elenor, who appeared unaware of any tension, I answered the call with a shaky finger, hoping it wasn’t my daughter calling.

“Hello?” I greeted cautiously.

“Is this Daisy’s mom?” came an unfamiliar voice.

I furrowed my brows at the strange voice. “Yes, who’s this?” I inquired, wondering why this person had Monica’s phone. Panic spi ked within me. “Is Daisy alright?” I added, my voice trembling a bit.

“Yes, your daughter is safe,” the unfamiliar voice reassured me. “Monica was taken to the hospital this morning, and we haven’t been able to reach her son. Your daughter has been with me, and I need you to come here.”

“Monica collapsed?” I asked, my concern deepening.

Chapter 38

“Yes.”

Oh no! I’m on my way,” I responded urgently.