"Liam."
A low chuckle came from the other end of the call. "Someone sounds happy to hear my voice."
Hazel rolled her eyes slightly, though a small smile still formed on her lips. "Stop teasing me. Why did you call?"
"I heard you got three days off from your dance studio."
Hazel sat up straighter. "Yeah… wait, how do you know? Did you bribe my teacher or something?"
"No, love. Why would your teacher agree to that?"
She paused, then nodded to herself. "You're right about that."
"I want you to come tomorrow."
Hazel blinked in surprise. "Come? You mean… New York? How? My passport and everything—"
"Don't worry. You'll be flying on my private jet."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes."
She hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure I should come? I won't disturb you or your work, right?"
"No, you won't."
Hazel exhaled softly. "Alright then… since I have nothing to do and Dior will be busy—and Vorden too—I'll come."
"That's good to hear. My bodyguard will pick you up at exactly 7 a.m."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye, love."
The call ended.
Hazel turned toward Dior. "I guess I won't be staying here either."
Dior raised a brow. "Really? Where are you going?"
"New York."
"To meet Liam?"
Hazel nodded. "Yeah."
Dior gave a small smile. "Okay."
They finished packing, and later that night, Hazel prepared dinner as usual.
The Next Morning
Both girls stepped out of the dorm, dressed for their separate journeys.
Dior wore a fitted black gown that stopped just above her knees, paired with black heels. A feather detail rested at the side of her dress, and her hair flowed freely over her shoulders. Around her neck hung the friendship heart necklace.
Hazel, on the other hand, looked effortlessly bold. She wore an off-shoulder white crop top that revealed her toned waist, paired with black jogger trousers and black-and-white sneakers. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, highlighting the mix of black and white strands. She wore the matching friendship necklace and completed her look with a Celine face cap, her hand resting confidently on her waist.
"Your ride is here," Dior said. "Bye, Hazel."
"Bye."
They hugged tightly.
"I'll miss you," Hazel said softly.
"You too. Now go."
Hazel nodded and walked toward the car. A guard stepped out, took her luggage, and placed it inside before she entered.
Within seconds, the car drove off.
At the airport, everything moved smoothly. Hazel boarded the private jet, and within two hours, she arrived in New York.
As she stepped out, she looked around, taking in the unfamiliar environment.
"Do you want me to contact Mr. Liam?" one of the guards asked.
Hazel shook her head. "No."
"Okay, ma."
"Hi, Miss Hazel."
She turned to see a well-dressed man approaching her.
"Hi. You can just call me Hazel."
He smiled. "Alright, Hazel. My name is Jacob, Mr. Liam's personal assistant."
"Nice to meet you. Have you told Liam that I've arrived?"
Jacob studied her briefly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Not yet. Why do you ask?"
"I want to surprise him."
A knowing smile crossed his face. "I see. Then I won't tell him."
"Thank you."
"This way. I'll take you to his office."
Hazel followed him into the elevator.
After a moment, Jacob asked casually, "So… who are you to him?"
Hazel shrugged lightly. "I'm his friend. A close friend."
"Ah… I see."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out.
Jacob gestured ahead. "That's his office. I won't interrupt your… moment."
Hazel smiled. "Thank you, Jacob. I hope we see each other again."
"We will," he replied. "And you look beautiful, by the way."
"Thank you."
Jacob walked away, leaving her alone.
Hazel took a deep breath, then pushed the door open gently.
"Lia—"
Her words caught in her throat.
Her cap slipped from her hand and fell to the floor.
Right in front of her, Liam was seated on his chair… kissing another woman.
Everything froze.
Her heart dropped instantly.