Chapter 60: Chapter 60

Chapter 60

RAVEL

FIVE YEARS AGO

The moment Hazel and Adam entered the living room, a sense of uncase washed over me. Hazel tried to downplay the situation with a faint smile, but it was clear something was amiss. I turned to Adam, my concern evident. “What on earth happened? Why does she appear this way?” Hazel looked as though tears had welled up in her eyes. I entrusted him with the task of ensuring her safety, and her current state suggested he hadn’t fulfilled that duty. “Are you going to explain, or should I demand an answer more forcefully?”

Hazel intervened, stepping in to shield him from my frustration. “You know, you could just ask me directly what happened. I’m right here in front of you, you know.”

I gazed at her intently, my hands cradling her face gently. “That forced smile you offered when you entered the room makes me suspect you have no intention of sharing what’s troubling you.” My attention shifted momentarily to Adam, my tone unwavering. “If I have to ask again, the consequences won’t be limited to my patience alone; your job will also be on the line.”

Hazel had my focus as I addressed her again. “What’s troubling you?” She looked uncomfortable, hesitating to answer, so I directed my attention to Adam for his account of the situation.

“She mentioned an urgent restroom need, so we stopped at a convenient store for her to use their facilities, he explained. “I waited by the entrance, but she took longer than expected inside. When I grew concerned and knocked on the door, she assured me she was fine. However, she emerged looking the way she does now. I’ve asked her multiple times, but she insists nothing happened in there.”

Observing Hazel’s expression closely, it was evident that something was bothering her. “Did you check the restroom?” I inquired, wanting to make sure all angles were considered.

“Yes, sir,” Adam confirmed. “But there was no one else present with her.”

As Hazel gently pulled at my arm, her voice a soft plea, “It’s not a big deal, Ravel. Let’s not blow this out of proportion”

I decided to grant her the time she needed to deal with whatever was on her mind but we will have a long needed conversation afterwards.. With a nod towards Adam, I directed, “You may go.” He offered a respectful nod before exiting the

room.

Hazel let out a sigh, finally opening up. “I didn’t say anything earlier because Adam was here,” she began, her words drawing my attention. Was Adam somehow making her uneasy? “The truth is, I unexpectedly got my period while in the restroom. I didn’t have any tampons with me, and I couldn’t ask Adam to fetch one for me.”

That doesn’t make sense. “Why? It is part of his job to be at your beck and call.”

She glared at me.”I can’t have him buy tampons for me.” Flagging her hands in the sky in exasperation, she walked over to the sofa. “To cut the whole story short, I got frustrated while using the pocket tissue in my purse, and I was still trying to

who gather myself when Adam knocked on the door.”

I arched a brow while watching her sit down. “If you used those tiny tissues, don’t you think you should head to the bathroom to take care of yourself instead of trying to relax.”

Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her. “I’m sorry, Ravel. I really didn’t want to end up staining your white sofa.”

I dismissed the issue with a wave of my hand. “Who cares about the sofas? They can be replaced.”

Making my way to the kitchen, I began preparing something cold for her. “I’m more concerned about your comfort.”

Her smile lit up, and she batted her eyelashes playfully, “I love you, Ravel.”

Chuckling, I responded, “I love you more.” Nodding towards the stairs, I suggested, “Now, off you go.”

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Chapter 60 With a blown kiss, she dashed up the staircase, leaving me standing there, a silly grin on my face, unable to contain my boundless happiness.

With Christmas just a month away, an unusual sense of anticipation had settled in me. This marked the first time in my adult life that I was genuinely looking forward to the holiday season. As the door to my office swung open, Elenor entered with a teasing grin. “Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Christmas Spirit,” she quipped, taking a seat on the sofa. “Someone’s got some holiday excitement.”

I rolled my eyes playfully and settled beside her. “Let’s not blow this out of proportion.”

Tilting her head, she smirked knowingly. “You’re practically on your knees begging me to spend Christmas in New York, even though you’re well aware I’d rather be in Paris.” She leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “What’s going on?”

I took a deep breath, “I’m planning to propose to Hazel on Christmas Eve.” We had been together for a year, and I was ready to take the next step and make her my wife. To be honest, though, I’m gripped by the fear that she might leave me.

Hazel’s behavior has taken a peculiar turn in recent weeks. Ever since she came back from that stroll with Adam, there’s been an air of suspicion surrounding her actions.

Initially, she claimed to have her period, but two weeks later, she was menstruating, which I noticed despite her attempts to hide it. Despite my awareness, I chose not to confront her about it, feigning ignorance.

Another sign of her secrecy surfaced when she placed a password on her phone. Previously, her phone had been accessible to me without any hindrance, but now things had changed. I decided not to question her about it, respecting her privacy and acknowledging her right to make choices concerning her phone.

Another development came in the form of secretive phone calls Hazel had been making and receiving.

I inquired about these calls multiple times, only to be told that they were random spam calls – a recurring excuse.

–

Additionally, her movements had become more mysterious. Questioning her about where she had been sneaking off to, she explained that she had been visiting the art dealer who had let her paint her first artwork and even helped her bring it home.

Strangely, I had even gone to the extent of calling from the man’s shop, yet she still insisted she was there when she obviously wasn’t.

Despite these puzzling behaviors, my determination remained steadfast: I wanted to escort her down the aisle. The thought of another man sweeping her away was unbearable to me.

“New Year’s Eve would have been a perfect proposal moment, bluely. Why opt for Christmas Eve instead?” Elenor questioned curiously.

I clarified my choice, “I have a January wedding in mind.”

Her brow furrowed, seemingly concerned. “What’s with the urgency? Is she planning to leave?”

The truth is, I do fear she might, and that’s why a January wedding is my preference. “I don’t need to explain every detail, Elenor,” I retorted defensively. “Just understand that I’m planning to propose on Christmas Eve and I want a wedding in January.” I held onto the hope that Hazel would want the same too.