Since there were no cameras in the garden, he couldn't see what she was doing from the mansion. So he had come to watch for himself.
The simple act of Hazel tucking her hair behind her ear caught his attention. A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
In that moment, something about her drew him in... unexpected and magnetic. Even from afar, he couldn't deny the effect she had on him.
As he watched her from the shadows, Francisco studied the layers beneath her calm exterior. The light blue dress softened her appearance, making her seem more delicate. Surrounded by flowers and sunlight, she looked like she belonged there.
"Hazel…"
"How do you keep surprising me?"
He walked toward her slowly, stopping just behind her.
Hazel didn't notice him at first. She was gently brushing her fingers over a rose, completely absorbed in the moment.
Then she turned and bumped right into him.
"Oh! I didn't know you were here. I'm sorry, Mr. Francisco," she said quickly, stepping back and lowering her head.
Francisco's voice came low, softer than usual.
"Do you like the garden?"
Hazel paused, then gave a small smile.
"Yes, Mr. Francisco. It's beautiful," she replied.
She glanced around and added, "Actually… it's peaceful. At least I get some privacy here."
Francisco raised an eyebrow, curious but guarded.
"Did anyone disturb you last night?" Francisco asked, his voice low and calm.
Hazel quickly shook her head.
"No... no one did."
A knowing smile tugged at Francisco's lips as he leaned in slightly.
"Actually, the entire mansion is covered with cameras."
Hazel blinked, caught off guard. But before he could say more, she spoke first.
"I'm not used to this kind of place. That's why I feel more at peace here."
Francisco, usually guarded, tilted his head, hands behind his back. He studied her quietly.
Hazel took a breath, choosing her words carefully.
"I know you're an important man in this city. It makes sense you'd take security seriously."
Something in her tone made Francisco smile... not his usual smirk, but something softer.
Suddenly, he reached out and took her hand, without asking. The touch was gentle but deliberate. Hazel, surprisingly, didn't pull away.
He stood close, dressed in a clean white shirt, his hair falling slightly across his forehead. His thumb moved slowly over her hand.
"Hazel," he said, almost casually. "Have you ever gone camping in the hills?"
Hazel's eyes narrowed slightly, her guard rising. The sudden question caught her off-guard.
"Why do you ask, Mr. Francisco?"
He tilted his head and replied with quiet amusement, "Can't you just answer with a yes or no?"
Hazel hesitated, her voice faltering.
"Ah… I did."
Francisco's fingers continued to trace hers gently, his touch careful and deliberate.
"Did something unusual happen?" he asked, his tone low but intense.
Hazel stiffened, her brows drawing together.
"Why are you asking me that?"
Her voice was steady, but there was a nervous edge to it.
Francisco stepped closer, and Hazel's pulse quickened.
Her thoughts raced.
Does he know something?
Why ask that now?
And how does he even know I once went camping on that hill?
Francisco gave her a look and said calmly, "You're the one asking questions now."
Hazel looked away briefly, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Maybe I should tell the truth, she thought.
We were under attack by gangsters that night… maybe it's time he knew.
"Once, I went there on a camping trip," Hazel finally admitted. "It was supposed to be a family tour, but we were attacked by terrorists."
Her words were steady, but underneath them was the lie — it hadn't been a family trip.
"I got lost in the forest. There was gunfire, screaming… chaos everywhere. I'll never forget that night. Some college students were caught in it too."
Francisco gently squeezed her hand, his voice calm but probing.
"Did you save anyone?"
Hazel's eyes darkened as the memory returned. She nodded slowly.
"Yes, I helped a lot of people. It was horrible. So many were injured. It was a massacre."
Francisco studied her, then asked, "That's all?"
Hazel gave a small, uneasy smile.
"Ah… yes."
She hesitated, then continued, her voice quieter.
"But… that night, a boy saved me. He got shot trying to protect me. I tried to find him afterward, but he disappeared. I just wanted to say thank you… but he was gone."
Francisco's lips curved into a faint smile.
At least she hasn't forgotten me.
"Did you see his face?" he asked.
Hazel shook her head.
"Not clearly."