Francisco guided Hazel through the entrance of the business party. The tension between them was palpable, and their awkward silence persisted during the car ride. As they arrived, the flashing lights from the cameras caught Hazel off guard, prompting her to shield her face instinctively.
"This damn camera," Hazel muttered under her breath, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden onslaught of attention.
Observing Hazel's distress, Francisco, despite their strained relationship, reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her head. His voice, calm and oddly comforting, resonated in her ear.
"You don't have to raise your head if you are uncomfortable with the lights."
Hazel, engrossed in her own frustration, felt the unexpected touch. She slightly opened her eyes to find Francisco offering assistance.
For a moment, Hazel hesitated, unsure of how to react to this unexpected support.
Francisco guided Hazel into the hotel, maintaining a steady hold on her until they reached the elevator. Once inside, Hazel gently moved away from him and sighed audibly, her unease palpable in the confined space.
Francisco, lighting a cigarette, observed Hazel's discomfort and inquired, "You have a phobia?"
Hazel remained silent, her arms wrapped around herself as if seeking comfort.
"I didn't think that an officer like you would have a phobia of lights and cameras," Francisco remarked casually, taking a drag from his cigarette.
Hazel rubbed her arms nervously, her breathing still unsteady.
As the elevator descended, Francisco finished his cigarette and called out to Hazel, his tone softer this time, "Hazel!"
Sensing her distress, Francisco moved closer to her and enveloped her in his arms, offering her a sense of reassurance and comfort in the midst of her unease.
"Hazel, everything is okay now. Just calm down," Francisco reassured her, wrapping his arms around her.
Feeling his warmth, Hazel leaned into his chest and gradually began to steady her breathing, trying to focus on Francisco's words amidst the dizziness.
As she started to regain her composure, Francisco called her name again, gently prompting her to open her eyes. She found him leaning in close, his breath carrying the scent of cigarettes.
Struggling to maintain her balance, Hazel attempted to stand upright with Francisco's help, but his grip remained firm around her waist, providing support.
"Let's go back to the hotel," Francisco suggested, but Hazel hesitated, expressing her reluctance for him to accompany her.
Hazel arched her brows and said, "I don't want you to be with me anymore."
"You can go, I can wait in the car."
Hazel's words fell on deaf ears as Francisco remained determined to accompany her. Ignoring her request, he pressed the button for the first floor and proceeded with his plan.
As the elevator doors opened, Francisco swiftly removed his coat and draped it over Hazel's head, urging her to cover herself. Without waiting for her response, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her like a bride as they stepped out into the glaring lights.
The flashing lights illuminated their presence as they made their way through the crowd. Francisco's actions, combined with the sight of him carrying a different girl, not Emily, sparked instant gossip and speculation among onlookers.
Hazel tightened her hands on Francisco while breathing heavily. Francisco guided her into the car, shielding her from the relentless flashing lights. As they settled in the vehicle, Francisco issued a firm command to the driver.
"Go back!"
The car began to move, and the incessant flashes gradually faded away. Hazel remained seated on Francisco's lap, recovering from the overwhelming experience.
After a few minutes, Hazel opened her eyes slowly. She shifted her head from Francisco's chest, facing him with a mixture of emotions. Francisco, sensing her gaze, looked down at her.
"We have come from there," he stated calmly.
Hazel, in a moment of realization, took a deep breath. She regretted accepting his help, feeling trapped in a situation that had only heightened the tension between them.
'Why him?'
Hazel questioned silently.
With disappointment lingering in her expression, Hazel attempted to move from Francisco's lap. However, he resisted, his grip firm, and uttered, "Sit here."
Hazel arched her brows, expressing her reluctance, and stated, "I don't want to argue."
"I will be more comfortable if I sit."
Francisco, sensing Hazel's unease, released her and allowed her to sit in the car seat. As she sat there, Hazel leaned her head against the car window, gazing out at the passing scenery.
Her eyes reflected a silent plea for escape, a longing to break free from the clutches of the devil beside her.
Exhaling heavily, Hazel closed her eyes, seeking solace from the turmoil within her mind. When she reopened them, she found herself lying on the bed, nestled against Francisco's chest. His arms enveloped her, offering a false sense of security.
Hazel took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the ceiling above. Doubts crept into her thoughts.
'Am I going to stay with him forever?' she wondered silently.
Feeling suffocated by the weight of her thoughts, Hazel rose from the bed and made her way to the balcony. The cool breeze brushed against her skin as she rubbed her arms, lost in her thoughts.
'I dreamed of so many things with you, Rafael,' she whispered to the wind, her voice tinged with sorrow.
'Now everything has changed.'
As she gazed down at the world below, Hazel wrestled with her conflicting emotions. But eventually, she turned away from the balcony and approached the door. With slow, deliberate movements, she opened it and peered out into the empty corridor. There were no guards in sight, and the silence enveloped her like a cloak.
Hazel's heart raced as she considered her options. Glancing back at the sleeping Francisco, she made a decision.
The next morning, Francisco awoke to an empty room, panic seizing him as he realized Hazel was nowhere to be found. Frantically, he called for Arthur, his voice laced with urgency.
"Where is she?" Francisco demanded, his tone laced with frustration.
Arthur's expression tightened as he replied, "Boss, we checked the CCTV footage of the hotel. Ms. Hazel left the room around 4:30 am."
Francisco's anger boiled over at the news.
"What the hell were you guys doing?" he shouted, his voice reverberating with fury.
Arthur's demeanor remained composed as he responded, "Our men have already left to find her."
Frustration and rage surged within Francisco as he cursed under his breath, pressing his thumb against his forehead in frustration.
'If you really think you can run away, Hazel, then there's no need for your parents,' Francisco seethed, his mind consumed by vengeful thoughts.
Determined to assert his dominance and control, Francisco reached for his phone, his fingers moving swiftly to issue orders to his men. It was a chilling reminder of the lengths he was willing to go to in order to maintain his power and authority, even at the cost of innocent lives.