"Hazel."
That voice. That smooth, deep, addictive voice that made her heart skip a beat and her brain short-circuit.
She froze.
Why now?!
Slowly, she turned, already biting her bottom lip, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress like it was the only thing keeping her from sprinting off into the wind. She hadn't even gotten the chance to blend in or throw on sunglasses—or better, a face mask and a hoodie.
And there he was.
Xander Valentini.
In the flesh.
Her boyfriend.Standing like a black knight outside his intimidating luxury Rolls Royce, in broad daylight, in front of hundreds of students who were now whispering and gasping like it was some royal wedding.
"I heard you're about to graduate," he said with that soft, arrogant smile—the one that made her knees weak. "So I thought we could celebrate."
Gasps.
Loud gasps.
"Is that really Xander Valentini?"
"Oh my God, what is he doing here??"
"Did he just say celebrate with her?!"
Hazel's soul left her body for a second. She was officially cooked. Roasted. Done. She wanted to slide into the pavement and disappear. The amount of side-eyes she was getting from the crowd could kill a lesser girl.
She looked at Liana and Kara for help.
They were...laughing. Laughing like this was the best rom-com they'd ever seen.
"Okay," Hazel whispered, voice tight as she lowered her head like a criminal caught in a scandal.
Before she could prepare herself for what came next, Xander walked straight up to her, took her hand in his large, warm one, and gently tugged her along. The crowd split like the Red Sea as they walked hand in hand toward the Rolls Royce.
Hazel didn't even have time to look back. One more second of eye contact with those jealous girls and she would melt from shame. The moment she got in the car, she slumped into the plush leather seat and covered her face with both hands.
"Babe…" she groaned. "Why would you come today, of all days?"
Xander smiled as he slid in beside her, his expensive cologne filling the car like a sinful perfume shop. "Because I wanted those bullies of yours to know exactly who you're dating before you graduate."
Hazel groaned dramatically. "You're going to make me die of embarrassment."
He chuckled, brushing her hair gently behind her ear with two fingers. "You'll live. And now, they'll think twice before calling you names."
She pouted. "I told you to just leave them alone."
"And I told you I don't like people messing with what's mine."
Hazel blinked, heart thudding. "Excuse me?"
He raised a brow, completely unfazed. "You heard me."
She turned to the window, cheeks heating up. "You're unbelievable…"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "And you love it."
She shot him a side-eye. "Not when it gets me into trouble with every girl who wishes you were single."
"Too bad for them. I'm not."
Her cheeks were now definitely red. She hated how easily he made her flustered. One little smile, one heated look, and her insides turned to jelly.
"But seriously," he said, more gently now, "I might be a little busy starting tomorrow. Long trip. Deals. You know the drill. So I wanted to take you out today, celebrate ahead of time... in case I can't make it to your graduation."
Hazel slowly turned to him, her annoyance already melting. "Oh…"
"I didn't want to miss this moment for anything."
Her heart skipped again. "You didn't have to—"
"I wanted to," he cut in, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. "You matter to me."
She tried not to smile, but it broke through anyway. Her lips curved upward in that shy, half-teasing way that always made him stare a little longer.
"But you do know," she muttered, "this means I'm now officially enemy number one to every girl on campus, right?"
"I'll hire you bodyguards," he said casually.
She laughed, nudging his arm. "Please. They'll throw me in a locker the moment you leave."
"Then I'll just have to kiss you in front of all of them so they know it's permanent."
Hazel gasped. "Xander!"
"I'm serious."
"No way. Don't you dare kiss me in front of all those people."
"I'm already thinking about it."
"Xander!"
He grinned, that devilish, swoon-worthy grin that turned her into a hopeless puddle.
Hazel shook her head, pretending to pout again. "You love causing trouble."
He leaned closer, voice low and teasing. "I love you."
She nearly choked. "Say that again and I swear I'll jump out of the car."
He leaned in even closer, so close his breath tickled her ear.
"I. Love. You."
And just when she was about to throw something at him for being so bold—
His phone rang.
He glanced at the screen, and the smile slowly dropped from his face.
Hazel leaned forward. "What is it?"
Xander frowned, jaw tightening as he answered the call. His voice turned colder. Sharper.
"I told you not to call this line unless it's urgent."
Hazel blinked, her smile vanishing.
Something was definitely wrong,he left his work just to celebrate with her.
Xander ended the call without saying another word, his jaw tight, eyes unreadable.
Hazel frowned, concerned. "Are you okay?"
He glanced at her, and in just a heartbeat, his signature smirk returned—cool, arrogant, devastating. "I'm more than okay. And I'm not letting anything ruin our celebration today."
Before she could press further, the car took a smooth turn, cutting through traffic like a black panther in silk. Hazel looked out the window and gasped.
"Wait. This isn't the way to the restaurant you told me about…"
Xander reached over and gently took her hand. "Change of plans. I'm taking you somewhere better. Somewhere only a few people on this planet can afford to go."
She raised a brow. "Is it legal?"
He laughed, deep and rich. "Barely."
he surprised her with an exclusive getaway to The Aurum Hills Resort, a place so breathtaking and elite that only the ultra-wealthy could afford even a night's stay. Nestled on a private cliffside with panoramic ocean views, it was the kind of place that celebrities and billionaires used for secret celebrations, and now… it was hers.
When Hazel arrived, her jaw dropped. The moment she stepped out of the luxury car that had picked her up, she was greeted with champagne flutes, silk robes, and a staff that treated her like royalty. Her friends squealed in disbelief—none of them had ever experienced anything like it. They were escorted into an opulent suite with glass walls that overlooked the glittering sea, and the scent of fresh roses filled every room.
The day was like something from a fantasy novel.
They were treated to an afternoon spa with gold-infused facials, deep tissue massages, and warm bubble baths under the open sky. Afterwards, they dined on a private terrace where a string quartet played soft melodies. Candlelight flickered over their plates of lobster, truffle pasta, and molten chocolate desserts. Hazel couldn't stop smiling—every part of the evening screamed Xander.
There was even a surprise message card delivered with dessert:
"Sorry I can't be with you , Hazel. But know that even when I'm away, I'll always celebrate you in the best way I know how. Enjoy every moment.
– Xander"
Later, the celebration moved poolside. The infinity pool sparkled under fairy lights, and soft music filled the air as Hazel danced barefoot, laughing freely without a care in the world. Someone brought out sparklers, and the night turned into glowing trails of light, echoing with joy and energy.
Hazel's cheeks hurt from smiling. For once, she felt seen. Loved. Like she mattered.
It was perfect.
But perfection doesn't last.
---
Meanwhile, miles away, her reality was beginning to crack.
Mr. Xavier and Mrs .Celeste, Hazel's step parent had stepped into the marble halls of the Mitchwell mansion with trembling hands and forced smiles. They weren't there to dine or celebrate. They were there to grovel. Years of poor choices and debts had finally caught up with them—and the man they owed wasn't known for mercy.
By the time Hazel returned home the next day, still basking in the warmth of her enchanted evening, she couldn't have predicted what waited behind that door.
Gone were the sounds of laughter. Gone was the warmth.
As Hazel got to the house,she immediately felt it—the heavy silence, the unspoken tension, and the air thick with dread.
She stepped inside and froze. Her stepmother was crying on the couch.
"Mother?" Hazel said cautiously.
Her stepfather rushed to her side, offering her a glass of water. "Please, drink something," he urged, but she shook her head, wiping away tears as she slowly got up and served Hazel a plate of food.
Confused, Hazel sat down hesitantly "Mother, what's wrong?" she asked, bracing herself to be scolded for using the word "mother." Usually, that one word was enough to earn her a cold glare or harsh words. She was always reminded she wasn't truly family.
The moment Mrs Celeste saw her back home, She quickly serve her a food which made Hazel quite surprised.
But this time, her stepmother only said softly, "My dear...eat up."
Hazel nearly choked on her food. My dear? She coughed, startled, and waved off the water her stepfather tried to offer. "I'm fine," she said hoarsely. Her eyes scanned their faces. "Why… why are you both acting like this? Why were you crying? What's going on?"
Her mother gave her a tired smile. "Even if we told you, nothing would change. You're still in school… there's nothing you can do to help."
Hazel was silent for a moment, then asked quietly, "Do you… need something?"
Her mother hesitated, then gave a small nod. "We've taken care of you all these years, Hazel. We've only ever asked for one thing in return."
Hazel looked up, heart pounding.
"We want you to make a sacrifice… Marry Mr. Mitchwell."