Chapter 4 FOUR

The news of Rapheal's proposal to Elsa spread quickly, shocking the city. Many girls were heartbroken, realizing the billionaire playboy was now off the market. He was no longer single,He was now getting married.

Mr Kingston eyes were filled with satisfaction as he turned away from the TV and faced Rapheal.

"You did it"

Rapheal's expression was Icy. "As you wanted"He replied coldly, He was still very angry at his dad.

Mr Kingston sighed as he heard his cold voice. "Rapheal It's time took responsibility for your life. You shouldn't be angry about this because it's for your own good Elsa will make a perfect wife for you."

Rapheal snorted, his eyes rolling in disgust. "A perfect wife? I don't even care. I'll never accept her as my wife and that's final"

Mr Kingston stared at him for a second and sighed again.

"You're getting married tomorrow."

Rapheal's face fell, his eyes widening in shock. "Tomorrow?" he repeated coldly. "How can it be tomorrow?!!" He exclaimed.

First, he had proposed to Elsa just last night, and now he was expected to marry her in a matter of hours.

The thought of becoming a married man so suddenly was suffocating. All Rapheal felt was anger and hatred towards Elsa.

He recalled the look of shock and happiness on her face when he proposed,If only she knew what she was getting herself into. He would make sure she regretted ever saying yes to this marriage.

"The arrangements have already been made, Rapheal. The wedding will take place at the estate tomorrow at 2 pm. I expect you to be there, ready and on time."

"I'll be there,"Rapheal said finally, his voice cold. "But don't expect me to be happy about it."

With that, Rapheal walked out of his dad's house.

••••

• CECILIA'S ROOM •

Cecilia was still in shock after what she witnessed yesterday,Her eyes were filled with anger as she stared at the TV.

Her hatred for Elsa grew even more with every passing second. She had been crying and fuming with anger ever since,Her heart filled with so much hatred for Elsa.

How could she? How could she just swoop in and steal Rapheal away from her?

She had always dreamt of being his wife but now the dream was slipping away,All because of her dumb Stepsister! Why did it have to be Elsa and not her?!!!

She took her lamp at the bed side table and threw it against the wall in Anger.

The door to her room swung open and her mother, Mrs. Fredrick walked in.

She looked stern as she took in Cecilia's disheveled appearance and the shattered lamp on the floor.

"Cecilia, what's going on here?"She asked. "I know you're upset about Rapheal's engagement to Elsa, but destroying your room won't solve anything."

Cecilia's turned to face her mother. "You don't understand anything mother! It should have been me not her! He's mine,I won't let her have him,That wedding will not hold,I won't...."

But before she could say another word, her mother slapped her hard against her cheek. Cecilia's head snapped to the side, her eyes widening in shock.

"Here you are crying for a man when your father is planning to give all his empire to your stepsister,"She hissed.

Cecilia's eyes went wide in shock. "What!" she exclaimed. "I am the first daughter... I am the one who deserves to inherit Father's empire, not Elsa!"

Mrs. Fredrick's expression turned cold.

"Your father had always loved Elsa more than you" she said coldly.

"He thinks she's the perfect daughter, the perfect heiress."She added, frowning.

Cecilia's face was filled with anger, She hated Elsa even more now.. "I hate her," she spat. "I just hate her so much mum"

"Good,"Mrs Fredrick said in approval.

"You should hate her. You should hate her for trying to take everything that's rightfully yours."

"What are we going to do, Mother?" she asked, staring at her mother. ",I can't let her take what's mine mum, She always does that...I can't let it happen again"

Mrs Frederick smiled.

"It's good that she's getting married, but that doesn't change the fact that your father is planning to transfer everything to her name.She needs to be eliminated, Cecilia."

Cecilia's eyes went wide in shock. "What?" she exclaimed."You want us to...to kill Elsa?"

Mrs Frederick quickly slapped her hand over Cecilia's mouth.

"Shut up," she hissed. "You don't say that out loud, do you understand?"She asked firmly.

Cecilia's eyes were wide with fear and shock as she nodded slowly.

Herr mother's hand still covering her mouth. Mrs Frederick grip relaxed, and she removed her hand, her eyes never leaving Cecilia's face.

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Cecilia?" Mrs Frederick asked, her voice very low. "Elsa is a threat to everything we hold dear. She has to die and when she dies, Your father has no choice but to transfer everything he has to you"

Cecilia nodded again, her mind racing against her chest.

She had always known that her mother was ruthless and cunning, but she Never expected that she was capable of murdering someone.

"But mother...."

Her mother glared at her and she immediately swallowed her words.

"I want you to try to get more closer to your father,Bond with him, Act like a good girl, Behave well. Do you understand?"

"Yes mother"Cecilia nodded.

"That's my daughter"Mrs Fredrick smiled widely.

•••••

Hazel's hands trembled slightly as she carefully covered a bruise on her neck with mascara.

She examined her reflection in the mirror, her eyes narrowing as she made sure the mark was fully concealed.

Next, she picked up stick and began to cover the faint bruises on her cheeks.

"How long are you going to keep hiding your pains from me?"

Hazel flinched as she heard her sister's voice and she turned around slowly.

"Lina"She said softly. "You scared me"

Darlina continued staring at her, Her expression cold but her eyes were soft.

"He hit you again"Darlina said coldly, her voice filled with sadness as she clenched her fists.

Hazel sighed, dropping the concealer. "I did something wrong...."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Darlina's voice rose in frustration.

"He treats you like his punching bag... Look at yourself!" She gestured to Hazel's reflection in the mirror, her eyes welling up with tears. "I've told you several times to leave that bastard alone, but no, you don't listen to me..."

"He's my husband"Hazel cut her off calmly.

"Leave him Hazel,Why the hell can't you dump him? You deserve to live your life as you please, Leave him please before it's too late. He's destroying you already.... You have to leave him"

"I..I can't"Hazel's voice trembled."He took care of us when our parents were no more, he paid your school fees, he gave us a roof over our heads..."

"That's exactly what he uses to control you!" she shouted in anger, her voice echoing through the room. "He throws it in your face every time, reminding you of how much you owe him. But what about the pain he's caused you? What about the bruises, the scars, the insults?"

Hazel said nothing,More tears fell from her eyes. Her body was trembling as she stood, trying to control herself in front of Darlina.

Darlina's eyes softened as she took a step closer to Hazel.

"Why are you so blind, Hazel You can't see that he's manipulating you, using guilt to keep you trapped in this toxic relationship you call marriage"

"You don't understand, Lina! He's done so much for us and I'm married to him already so there's nothing to do about it. You know I got married to him because i had to take care of you, of us, and he was the only one who could provide for us. I did this for us,"

Darlina shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, Hazel, no! I would never want you to sacrifice your happiness for me! You're suffering now. It's unfair to you"

"We both needed his help,He was our only hope"

Hazel stepped forward without waiting for her response, Her heart clenching hard against her chest. It took everything in her not to break down in tears in front of her sister but she held it all in.

"Darlina," Hazel said softly, her voice trembling as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and wiped away darlina's tears.

"Everything will be okay soon. Please stop crying and go to school. Just forget about this for now."

Darlina opened her mouth to protest, but Hazel cut her off.

"No, Lina," Hazel said firmly, trying to sound stronger than she felt. "Just go to school. I'll be fine."She forced a smile.

Darlina stared at her for a second and then nodded, She grabbed her backpack and then walked out of the room.

••••

• EVERSTON INC •

Hazel stepped into the elevator, forcing a smile onto her face as she greeted the other employees.

Her heart skipped a beat as she heard a ding and elevator doors opened on Liam's floor. She took a deep breath and walked towards his office, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

She knocked softly on the door, and her heart skipped another beat as she heard Liam's voice, low and smooth, telling her to come in.

She pushed open the door and walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Liam.

He was sitting behind his desk, a deep frown etched on his face as he stared at the papers in front of him.

He looked up as she approached, his eyes locking onto hers and she felt more nervous.

Hazel placed his cup of coffee on the desk. "Good morning, sir."She greeted softly.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over her face before he stood up and within a second,he was in front of her.

"Hazel...you look pale and sick. Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled concern.

Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as he reached out to touch her cheek, his fingers tracing the curve of her face gently.

She tried to pull away, but Liam's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Hazel's eyes widened as she felt his warm breath on her skin, his chest pressed against hers.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Hazel forgot to breathe. Liam's eyes were filled with concern, but there was something else there.

"Did you get enough sleep last night?" Liam asked, his voice soft and gentle. "Have you eaten? Did you visit the hospital?"

Hazel's eyes dropped, and she tried to step back, but Liam refused to let her go.

"I'm fine, sir," she said,in her usual tone.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his eyes searchng her face.

"You're not fine, Hazel," he said, his voice very gentle. "You look like you're about to collapse. What's going on?"

Hazel felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to push away the memories of the previous night. She didn't want to think about it, didn't want to remember the pain and the fear.

"Maybe you need to go back home and rest"

"No!"Hazel almost shouted in protest, She didn't want to go back to her husband. She liked being there at the office, Seeing Liam everyday and serving him coffee.

She liked running errands for him and liked it when he was impressed with her work and when he smiled at her and touches her nose like he always does.

"I'm fine, sir," she repeated, trying to sound convincing. "Really, I am."

Liam's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing as he searched for the truth.

He knew she wasn't alright but he let her go and she took a step back immediately.

"Do you need anything sir?"She asked,her voice switching to professional mode.

Liam cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, I need you to help me order a tuxedo."

Hazel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A tuxedo, sir?"

Liam nodded. "Rapheal is getting married tomorrow, and I'm the best man."

Hazel's eyes widened in shock. "Rapheal is getting married?" she mumbled.

She couldn't believe it. The playboy, Rapheal, was getting married? She recalled his words when he said the Age of 50 was the best time for marriage and that he felt like marriage was a trap, and a chuckle escaped her lips.

Liam grinned widely, noticing her surprise. "Surprising, right?"

Hazel nodded.

Liam's expression turned serious. "Will you come to the wedding?"

Hazel bit her Lips. "I...I don't think so," she responded softly.

Liam's brow furrowed in concern. "Why not?"

Hazel's eyes dropped.

"My husband wouldn't allow it."She blurted out without thinking.

Liam's frown deepened. "What do you mean by that?"

"I..I meant,My husband and I are going out"

Liam was still frowning,He hated hearing the word husband over and over again.

"But would you like to come?"

Hazel's eyes met Liam's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "I...I don't know," she stammered.

Liam's face broke into a charming smile.

"Rapheal wants you to be there, and I want you to be there too. I'll be bored without you. Please?"

Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Liam's eyes.

She felt a flutter in her chest, and her mind went blank. She couldn't think of a reason to say no, not when Liam was looking at her like that.

"I...I'll think about it,"

Liam's smile faltered for a moment, but then he nodded.

"Okay, I'll take that as a maybe. I'll send you the details of the wedding, and you can let me know if you can make it."

Hazel nodded, She knew she couldn't go to the wedding, not without her Dawson's permission.

But a part of her wanted to go so bad.

"I really hope you can make it to the wedding. I'd love to see you there."Liam Smiled softly.

Hazel's face felt hot, and she knew she was blushing. She nodded quickly and lowered her eyes.

"I'll send you the photos of tuxedos I find, so you can choose," she said, her face still warm.

Liam nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Anyone you pick is fine," he said. "I'll buy the one you choose."

Her eyes looked at him surprise, she wasn't expecting him to say that.

"Okay, I'll get to that right away"She said and immediately walked out of the office,her heart pounding hard against her chest.

His presence always affected her always making her feel hot and fluttery inside her. Was that normal?

••••

• LEXINGTON INSTITUTE •

Triston's eyes widened in shock as he stared at his phone. "What the fuck...!" he cursed.

"Elsa's getting marrid to that jerk Rapheal?" He continued to stare at his phone, his Expression filled with surprise.

Triston's gaze shifted from his phone to the entrance of the school, where he saw walking in. A wide smile spread across his face as he quickly rushed to her direction..

"Hey..." he stopped at his words when he noticed her the look on her face. She looked dull,sad and unhappy.

"Darlina...are you okay?" Triston asked softly, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm fine," Darlina responded coldly.

"I'm heading to class. We'll talk later," she added, turning to walk away. But Triston quickly reached out and gently grasped her arm.

"You don't look..." he started to say but she interrupted him.

"I said I'M FINE. JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" she shouted, her voice booming through the hallway.

Some students turned to look at them.

Triston's face fell, and he immediately released her arm. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, his eyes filled with hurt.

"Bye," he added, turning and walking away without sparing her a glance.

Darlina sighed heavily as she watched Triston walk away. She regretted snapping at him when he was clearly concerned about her.

With a deep breath, She turned and walked away too.

• AT A CAR •

Elsa glanced at Rapheal who was lighting a cigarette.

He hadn't said a word ever since they both entered the car, didn't even glance at her.

They were currently heading to the mall to get what they wanted for the wedding with the wedding planner waiting for them there already.

He looked angry but he didn't utter a word. Was he mad at her? Did she do something wrong? Or didn't she look pretty enough?

She sighed and looked away from him. Rapheal puffed out smoke, his lips pursed as he exhaled a stream of smoke that curled out of the window, his eyes fixed outside the window.

Elsa coughed as she inhaled the smoke.

Rapheal's eyes flickered towards her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he turned back to staring out the window.

He didn't say a word, didn't apologise or was even concerned.

"We're here sir"The driver announced as the car stopped.

Raheal immediately snubbed out his cigarette and pushed open the door, stepping out of the car without glancing at Elsa's direction.

He didn't offer to help her out or wait for her to follow, He just left like she irritated him or disgusted him.

Elsa's eyes were filled with surprise, and she felt hurt when he suddenly left her in the car like that.

She stepped out and rushed to him.

"Rapheal!"She called out but he continued walking ahead without turning around.

Elsa rushed towards him and then reached out to touch his arm but he jerked his arm away from touch and glared at her.

"Don't you fucking dare touch me ever again"He warned coldly and then headed inside the mall.

Elsa stood outside,Her eyes already glossy with tears as she watched him leave.

The news of Rapheal's proposal to Elsa spread quickly, shocking the city. Many girls were heartbroken, realizing the billionaire playboy was now off the market. He was no longer single,He was now getting married.

Mr Kingston eyes were filled with satisfaction as he turned away from the TV and faced Rapheal.

"You did it"

Rapheal's expression was Icy. "As you wanted"He replied coldly, He was still very angry at his dad.

Mr Kingston sighed as he heard his cold voice. "Rapheal It's time took responsibility for your life. You shouldn't be angry about this because it's for your own good Elsa will make a perfect wife for you."

Rapheal snorted, his eyes rolling in disgust. "A perfect wife? I don't even care. I'll never accept her as my wife and that's final"

Mr Kingston stared at him for a second and sighed again.

"You're getting married tomorrow."

Rapheal's face fell, his eyes widening in shock. "Tomorrow?" he repeated coldly. "How can it be tomorrow?!!" He exclaimed.

First, he had proposed to Elsa just last night, and now he was expected to marry her in a matter of hours.

The thought of becoming a married man so suddenly was suffocating. All Rapheal felt was anger and hatred towards Elsa.

He recalled the look of shock and happiness on her face when he proposed,If only she knew what she was getting herself into. He would make sure she regretted ever saying yes to this marriage.

"The arrangements have already been made, Rapheal. The wedding will take place at the estate tomorrow at 2 pm. I expect you to be there, ready and on time."

"I'll be there,"Rapheal said finally, his voice cold. "But don't expect me to be happy about it."

With that, Rapheal walked out of his dad's house.

••••

• CECILIA'S ROOM •

Cecilia was still in shock after what she witnessed yesterday,Her eyes were filled with anger as she stared at the TV.

Her hatred for Elsa grew even more with every passing second. She had been crying and fuming with anger ever since,Her heart filled with so much hatred for Elsa.

How could she? How could she just swoop in and steal Rapheal away from her?

She had always dreamt of being his wife but now the dream was slipping away,All because of her dumb Stepsister! Why did it have to be Elsa and not her?!!!

She took her lamp at the bed side table and threw it against the wall in Anger.

The door to her room swung open and her mother, Mrs. Fredrick walked in.

She looked stern as she took in Cecilia's disheveled appearance and the shattered lamp on the floor.

"Cecilia, what's going on here?"She asked. "I know you're upset about Rapheal's engagement to Elsa, but destroying your room won't solve anything."

Cecilia's turned to face her mother. "You don't understand anything mother! It should have been me not her! He's mine,I won't let her have him,That wedding will not hold,I won't...."

But before she could say another word, her mother slapped her hard against her cheek. Cecilia's head snapped to the side, her eyes widening in shock.

"Here you are crying for a man when your father is planning to give all his empire to your stepsister,"She hissed.

Cecilia's eyes went wide in shock. "What!" she exclaimed. "I am the first daughter... I am the one who deserves to inherit Father's empire, not Elsa!"

Mrs. Fredrick's expression turned cold.

"Your father had always loved Elsa more than you" she said coldly.

"He thinks she's the perfect daughter, the perfect heiress."She added, frowning.

Cecilia's face was filled with anger, She hated Elsa even more now.. "I hate her," she spat. "I just hate her so much mum"

"Good,"Mrs Fredrick said in approval.

"You should hate her. You should hate her for trying to take everything that's rightfully yours."

"What are we going to do, Mother?" she asked, staring at her mother. ",I can't let her take what's mine mum, She always does that...I can't let it happen again"

Mrs Frederick smiled.

"It's good that she's getting married, but that doesn't change the fact that your father is planning to transfer everything to her name.She needs to be eliminated, Cecilia."

Cecilia's eyes went wide in shock. "What?" she exclaimed."You want us to...to kill Elsa?"

Mrs Frederick quickly slapped her hand over Cecilia's mouth.

"Shut up," she hissed. "You don't say that out loud, do you understand?"She asked firmly.

Cecilia's eyes were wide with fear and shock as she nodded slowly.

Herr mother's hand still covering her mouth. Mrs Frederick grip relaxed, and she removed her hand, her eyes never leaving Cecilia's face.

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Cecilia?" Mrs Frederick asked, her voice very low. "Elsa is a threat to everything we hold dear. She has to die and when she dies, Your father has no choice but to transfer everything he has to you"

Cecilia nodded again, her mind racing against her chest.

She had always known that her mother was ruthless and cunning, but she Never expected that she was capable of murdering someone.

"But mother...."

Her mother glared at her and she immediately swallowed her words.

"I want you to try to get more closer to your father,Bond with him, Act like a good girl, Behave well. Do you understand?"

"Yes mother"Cecilia nodded.

"That's my daughter"Mrs Fredrick smiled widely.

•••••

Hazel's hands trembled slightly as she carefully covered a bruise on her neck with mascara.

She examined her reflection in the mirror, her eyes narrowing as she made sure the mark was fully concealed.

Next, she picked up stick and began to cover the faint bruises on her cheeks.

"How long are you going to keep hiding your pains from me?"

Hazel flinched as she heard her sister's voice and she turned around slowly.

"Lina"She said softly. "You scared me"

Darlina continued staring at her, Her expression cold but her eyes were soft.

"He hit you again"Darlina said coldly, her voice filled with sadness as she clenched her fists.

Hazel sighed, dropping the concealer. "I did something wrong...."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Darlina's voice rose in frustration.

"He treats you like his punching bag... Look at yourself!" She gestured to Hazel's reflection in the mirror, her eyes welling up with tears. "I've told you several times to leave that bastard alone, but no, you don't listen to me..."

"He's my husband"Hazel cut her off calmly.

"Leave him Hazel,Why the hell can't you dump him? You deserve to live your life as you please, Leave him please before it's too late. He's destroying you already.... You have to leave him"

"I..I can't"Hazel's voice trembled."He took care of us when our parents were no more, he paid your school fees, he gave us a roof over our heads..."

"That's exactly what he uses to control you!" she shouted in anger, her voice echoing through the room. "He throws it in your face every time, reminding you of how much you owe him. But what about the pain he's caused you? What about the bruises, the scars, the insults?"

Hazel said nothing,More tears fell from her eyes. Her body was trembling as she stood, trying to control herself in front of Darlina.

Darlina's eyes softened as she took a step closer to Hazel.

"Why are you so blind, Hazel You can't see that he's manipulating you, using guilt to keep you trapped in this toxic relationship you call marriage"

"You don't understand, Lina! He's done so much for us and I'm married to him already so there's nothing to do about it. You know I got married to him because i had to take care of you, of us, and he was the only one who could provide for us. I did this for us,"

Darlina shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, Hazel, no! I would never want you to sacrifice your happiness for me! You're suffering now. It's unfair to you"

"We both needed his help,He was our only hope"

Hazel stepped forward without waiting for her response, Her heart clenching hard against her chest. It took everything in her not to break down in tears in front of her sister but she held it all in.

"Darlina," Hazel said softly, her voice trembling as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and wiped away darlina's tears.

"Everything will be okay soon. Please stop crying and go to school. Just forget about this for now."

Darlina opened her mouth to protest, but Hazel cut her off.

"No, Lina," Hazel said firmly, trying to sound stronger than she felt. "Just go to school. I'll be fine."She forced a smile.

Darlina stared at her for a second and then nodded, She grabbed her backpack and then walked out of the room.

••••

• EVERSTON INC •

Hazel stepped into the elevator, forcing a smile onto her face as she greeted the other employees.

Her heart skipped a beat as she heard a ding and elevator doors opened on Liam's floor. She took a deep breath and walked towards his office, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

She knocked softly on the door, and her heart skipped another beat as she heard Liam's voice, low and smooth, telling her to come in.

She pushed open the door and walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Liam.

He was sitting behind his desk, a deep frown etched on his face as he stared at the papers in front of him.

He looked up as she approached, his eyes locking onto hers and she felt more nervous.

Hazel placed his cup of coffee on the desk. "Good morning, sir."She greeted softly.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over her face before he stood up and within a second,he was in front of her.

"Hazel...you look pale and sick. Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled concern.

Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as he reached out to touch her cheek, his fingers tracing the curve of her face gently.

She tried to pull away, but Liam's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Hazel's eyes widened as she felt his warm breath on her skin, his chest pressed against hers.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Hazel forgot to breathe. Liam's eyes were filled with concern, but there was something else there.

"Did you get enough sleep last night?" Liam asked, his voice soft and gentle. "Have you eaten? Did you visit the hospital?"

Hazel's eyes dropped, and she tried to step back, but Liam refused to let her go.

"I'm fine, sir," she said,in her usual tone.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his eyes searchng her face.

"You're not fine, Hazel," he said, his voice very gentle. "You look like you're about to collapse. What's going on?"

Hazel felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to push away the memories of the previous night. She didn't want to think about it, didn't want to remember the pain and the fear.

"Maybe you need to go back home and rest"

"No!"Hazel almost shouted in protest, She didn't want to go back to her husband. She liked being there at the office, Seeing Liam everyday and serving him coffee.

She liked running errands for him and liked it when he was impressed with her work and when he smiled at her and touches her nose like he always does.

"I'm fine, sir," she repeated, trying to sound convincing. "Really, I am."

Liam's eyes never left hers, his gaze piercing as he searched for the truth.

He knew she wasn't alright but he let her go and she took a step back immediately.

"Do you need anything sir?"She asked,her voice switching to professional mode.

Liam cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, I need you to help me order a tuxedo."

Hazel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A tuxedo, sir?"

Liam nodded. "Rapheal is getting married tomorrow, and I'm the best man."

Hazel's eyes widened in shock. "Rapheal is getting married?" she mumbled.

She couldn't believe it. The playboy, Rapheal, was getting married? She recalled his words when he said the Age of 50 was the best time for marriage and that he felt like marriage was a trap, and a chuckle escaped her lips.

Liam grinned widely, noticing her surprise. "Surprising, right?"

Hazel nodded.

Liam's expression turned serious. "Will you come to the wedding?"

Hazel bit her Lips. "I...I don't think so," she responded softly.

Liam's brow furrowed in concern. "Why not?"

Hazel's eyes dropped.

"My husband wouldn't allow it."She blurted out without thinking.

Liam's frown deepened. "What do you mean by that?"

"I..I meant,My husband and I are going out"

Liam was still frowning,He hated hearing the word husband over and over again.

"But would you like to come?"

Hazel's eyes met Liam's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "I...I don't know," she stammered.

Liam's face broke into a charming smile.

"Rapheal wants you to be there, and I want you to be there too. I'll be bored without you. Please?"

Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Liam's eyes.

She felt a flutter in her chest, and her mind went blank. She couldn't think of a reason to say no, not when Liam was looking at her like that.

"I...I'll think about it,"

Liam's smile faltered for a moment, but then he nodded.

"Okay, I'll take that as a maybe. I'll send you the details of the wedding, and you can let me know if you can make it."

Hazel nodded, She knew she couldn't go to the wedding, not without her Dawson's permission.

But a part of her wanted to go so bad.

"I really hope you can make it to the wedding. I'd love to see you there."Liam Smiled softly.

Hazel's face felt hot, and she knew she was blushing. She nodded quickly and lowered her eyes.

"I'll send you the photos of tuxedos I find, so you can choose," she said, her face still warm.

Liam nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Anyone you pick is fine," he said. "I'll buy the one you choose."

Her eyes looked at him surprise, she wasn't expecting him to say that.

"Okay, I'll get to that right away"She said and immediately walked out of the office,her heart pounding hard against her chest.

His presence always affected her always making her feel hot and fluttery inside her. Was that normal?

••••

• LEXINGTON INSTITUTE •

Triston's eyes widened in shock as he stared at his phone. "What the fuck...!" he cursed.

"Elsa's getting marrid to that jerk Rapheal?" He continued to stare at his phone, his Expression filled with surprise.

Triston's gaze shifted from his phone to the entrance of the school, where he saw walking in. A wide smile spread across his face as he quickly rushed to her direction..

"Hey..." he stopped at his words when he noticed her the look on her face. She looked dull,sad and unhappy.

"Darlina...are you okay?" Triston asked softly, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm fine," Darlina responded coldly.

"I'm heading to class. We'll talk later," she added, turning to walk away. But Triston quickly reached out and gently grasped her arm.

"You don't look..." he started to say but she interrupted him.

"I said I'M FINE. JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" she shouted, her voice booming through the hallway.

Some students turned to look at them.

Triston's face fell, and he immediately released her arm. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, his eyes filled with hurt.

"Bye," he added, turning and walking away without sparing her a glance.

Darlina sighed heavily as she watched Triston walk away. She regretted snapping at him when he was clearly concerned about her.

With a deep breath, She turned and walked away too.

• AT A CAR •

Elsa glanced at Rapheal who was lighting a cigarette.

He hadn't said a word ever since they both entered the car, didn't even glance at her.

They were currently heading to the mall to get what they wanted for the wedding with the wedding planner waiting for them there already.

He looked angry but he didn't utter a word. Was he mad at her? Did she do something wrong? Or didn't she look pretty enough?

She sighed and looked away from him. Rapheal puffed out smoke, his lips pursed as he exhaled a stream of smoke that curled out of the window, his eyes fixed outside the window.

Elsa coughed as she inhaled the smoke.

Rapheal's eyes flickered towards her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he turned back to staring out the window.

He didn't say a word, didn't apologise or was even concerned.

"We're here sir"The driver announced as the car stopped.

Raheal immediately snubbed out his cigarette and pushed open the door, stepping out of the car without glancing at Elsa's direction.

He didn't offer to help her out or wait for her to follow, He just left like she irritated him or disgusted him.

Elsa's eyes were filled with surprise, and she felt hurt when he suddenly left her in the car like that.

She stepped out and rushed to him.

"Rapheal!"She called out but he continued walking ahead without turning around.

Elsa rushed towards him and then reached out to touch his arm but he jerked his arm away from touch and glared at her.

"Don't you fucking dare touch me ever again"He warned coldly and then headed inside the mall.

Elsa stood outside,Her eyes already glossy with tears as she watched him leave.