As Francisco's men answered the phone, and he prepared to issue the chilling order to kill Hazel's parents, his plans were abruptly interrupted by Hazel's entrance into the room.
"Is everything okay?"
Hazel stood before him, her demeanor calm despite the tension in the air. She wore a shawl draped over her shoulders, her nightdress a stark contrast to Francisco's imposing figure.
"Leave us."
Francisco's voice was controlled, masking the storm brewing within him as he instructed Arthur to leave them alone. With a nod, Arthur swiftly exited the room, leaving Hazel and Francisco alone in the charged atmosphere.
Hazel met Francisco's gaze steadily, her eyes reflecting a quiet resolve. In a voice devoid of any hint of the turmoil beneath the surface, she questioned, "What happened?"
Francisco approached her, his hands clasped behind his back, a silent indication of his restraint. His voice was measured as he asked, "Where did you go?"
Hazel's gaze drifted away as she replied, "It doesn't matter."
"Sometimes I need space."
"Hazel!"
Francisco's voice was firm as he grasped her arms and pulled her closer, his grip tightening with each passing moment. He demanded an explanation.
"I am asking you normally, where did you leave?"
Hazel arched her brows, her expression defiant as she attempted to free herself from his grasp.
"Mr. Francisco, I told you I needed some space, so I went out for a walk."
Francisco took a deep breath, his features softening momentarily as he tried to maintain his composure.
"Don't ever do this again," he implored, his thumb gently caressing her cheek in a futile attempt to soothe her.
Hazel met his gaze with unwavering resolve, her eyes devoid of any hint of submission.
"Why should I?" she countered, her voice laced with defiance.
"Did you think I ran away?"
With a slight push, Hazel managed to create some distance between them, stepping forward with determination. Her words held a steely edge as she asserted her presence.
"I will not leave you until I finish you," she declared, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Her back was turned to his face, a silent barrier between them. Francisco approached her cautiously, his steps measured as he reached out to touch her shoulder gently.
"You are so determined to finish me?"
Without turning back, Hazel responded with conviction, her voice carrying a hint of resolve.
"Don't forget why I came into your life."
Francisco's fingers traced a small, unassuming mole on her shoulder.
As he caressed the spot, he couldn't help but reflect on their shared history.
'I had never forgotten you,' he silently admitted to himself.
Leaning in, Francisco pressed a tender kiss to the spot he had just touched, his lips lingering for a moment before he spoke.
"I will wait to see it," he murmured.
Hazel finally turned to face him, her gaze locking with his as she asserted her determination.
"I am not a coward. This time I will not make any mistakes."
A slight smile tugged at Francisco's lips as he met her unwavering gaze.
"You may not be a coward, but you still have a lot to learn about facing me," he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Next time, don't bring up my parents," Hazel sternly warned, her eyes reflecting the intensity of her emotions.
"Don't play dirty games."
Francisco, unfazed by her words, replied in a voice that held a hint of amusement, "Hazel!"
"Then why don't you come out of my dirty game?"
Hazel tightened her jaw, her patience wearing thin.
"It has no point talking with you."
In response, Francisco wore a wolfish smile and remarked, "I am dirt in your eyes and in my eyes you are such a bright flower."
"That flower which only knows how to distract, how to hurt also has the power to heal."
Hazel took a deep breath, attempting to maintain her composure.
"Maybe that's why you became so shocked, thinking you lost me. Maybe that's why you are going to call your men to kill my parents."
"You became impulsive after thinking I might run away, right?"
Francisco was momentarily taken aback by her boldness, his gaze flickering with uncertainty as he struggled to find a response. He parted his lips, a flicker of indecision crossing his features as he shifted his gaze to her lips, a subtle yet unmistakable gesture of desire.
Francisco's inner turmoil churned as he grappled with the uncertainty of his future.
He questioned himself, 'I don't know how many days or years I am going to force you to stay.'
'Will this desire, this affection fade away slowly?'
'Or will these desires never end? Instead, will they grow?'
'What will I do at that time?'
'Actually, I can't think of anything. And I don't want to think.'
'If you want to play, I will play.'
'But I won't back down from what belongs to me.'
Francisco closed his eyes and said, "We have to return tonight."
Hazel exhaled heavily, her expression unreadable as she began to walk away. Francisco watched her retreating figure, a sense of apprehension creeping into his mind.
'Why couldn't I see that fear in your eyes again?'
'What are you planning this time?'
'But if you really think about doing something, then I need to show you my final trump card.'
'I want to see, after seeing him, what will be your reaction?'
In the hospital garden, Rafael leaned on the nurse for support as he tried to navigate his uncertain steps. His memory lapses cast a shadow over his attempts to recall the events that led him here.
"Rafael!"
Turning at the sound of his name, Rafael spotted Peter approaching. Despite his memory struggles, Rafael recognized Peter's face, though the details eluded him. Peter's presence offered a glimmer of familiarity in Rafael's otherwise confused state.
"It's me, Peter."
Rafael nodded slowly, acknowledging the name with a hint of uncertainty.
"Yes, I remember," he responded, though his tone hinted at the struggle to recall the connection.
Peter observed Rafael's hesitation, recognizing the signs of Rafael's memory loss. Sensing Rafael's discomfort, Peter stepped forward, offering his assistance.
"I will help him. You can leave him to me," Peter assured the nurse, extending a gesture of support.
With a nod of agreement, the nurse departed, leaving Rafael and Peter alone in the tranquil garden.