Chapter 5 0005

Hazel's POV

The moment I reached home, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. My body still thrummed with tension, Ethan's words echoing in my head like a relentless storm.

I paced the length of my apartment, hands trembling as I replayed our encounter. How dare he? How dare he show up after all these years and act like I owed him anything? Like his father's so-called generosity gave him the right to dictate my choices?

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration coiling in my chest. I needed to shake this off. I had work to do. I wasn't about to let Ethan Blackwood derail me. Not again.

By the time morning rolled around, I had convinced myself that I was fine. That I could just go about my day, keep my head down, and pretend nothing happened.

That illusion lasted until lunchtime.

Soon, Kevin found me in the hospital cafeteria, staring at my untouched salad with that, he slid into the seat across from me, his sharp gaze assessing. "You look like you didn't sleep."

"I'm fine," I muttered, poking at a cherry tomato with my fork.

Kevin scoffed. "Hazel, come on. You think I don't know you? Something's wrong."

I hesitated, pressing my lips together. Telling Kevin meant admitting that Ethan still got under my skin. That after all this time, he still had the power to shake me but I wasn't ready to give him that satisfaction.

"It's nothing," I said finally. "Just tired as always."

However, Kevin didn't look convinced, but he let it go-at least for now. "Well, if you ever decide you want to talk about it, you know where to find me."

"Also, the kids and I would go see a movie later tonight, do you care to join?" He inquired.

"Sure, I'd love to, no matter how tired I am my triplets still comes first," I replied.

With that, I nodded gently, offering him a weak smile, but my thoughts were already drifting as I'd managed to avoid Ethan all morning, and if luck was on my side, I wouldn't have to deal with him again.

But luck, it seemed, had never been particularly kind to me.

By the time I returned to my office, my stomach twisted into knots as a familiar presence lingered just outside my door, and when I looked up, my heart stopped.

Ethan.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His gaze locked onto mine the moment he saw me, and I knew immediately-he wasn't here to make peace.

I considered turning around, walking the other way, but he pushed off the wall, stepping into my path. "We're not done talking, Hazel."

A cold dread settled in my stomach as I forced myself to keep my voice steady. "Actually, we are. I have nothing to say to you."

His jaw ticked, but his expression remained frustratingly calm. "That's the problem. You never give me a chance to talk."

I exhaled sharply, brushing past him, but he followed me inside. The door clicked shut behind him, and I turned just in time to see his hand resting against the lock.

With that, my breath was caught as he turned it as the sound was quiet, almost insignificant, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demanded, taking a step back.

Ethan didn't move closer, but his presence filled the room, suffocating. "You're going to listen to me," he said, voice low. Controlled. But there was something else lurking beneath the surface-something dangerous.

I squared my shoulders, refusing to let him see even a flicker of fear. "I don't owe you anything, Ethan. Not my time, not my patience, and certainly not my forgiveness."

His eyes darkened. "This isn't about forgiveness. It's about the truth."

I scoffed. "The truth? You wouldn't know the truth if it slapped you in the face."

His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. Then, just when I thought I had the upper hand, he exhaled and murmured, "I know about the kids, Hazel."

The air in the room turned to ice.

My entire body went rigid as my breath caught in my throat. "What?"

Ethan took a slow step forward, his gaze locked onto mine. "I know."

My world tilted, my pulse hammering wildly. This couldn't be happening. No. He couldn't know.

I had spent years making sure of it.

But as I looked into his eyes, the certainty there sent a wave of terror crashing through me.

He knew.

And nothing would ever be the same again.

I forced my feet to move, even as the weight of his revelation pinned me in place. "You're lying."

"I'm not." His voice was calm, but his fists clenched at his sides. "I found out recently."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "I don't know what you think you know, but you need to leave."

Ethan took another step, his presence overwhelming. "Hazel, don't do this. I have a right to know them."

A sharp, bitter laugh escaped me. "A right? You lost any right when you chose Lydia over me."

His jaw tightened. "I didn't choose her. You don't know the full story."

"I don't need to," I shot back. "Because at the end of the day, you weren't there. And now, you think you can waltz back in and claim a role in their lives? No, Ethan. You don't get that privilege."

His nostrils flared, frustration flashing in his eyes. "This isn't just about you, Hazel. They deserve to know who I am."

Hearing this, I felt my chest tighten as I knew he wasn't wrong, but I wasn't ready for this confrontation or the chaos he would bring into our lives.

"You need to leave," I whispered.

But he didn't move and for a long, agonizing moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle.

Then, with a slow exhale, he reached for the lock, twisting it open.

But before he stepped out, he met my eyes one last time. "This isn't over."

And with that, he left, leaving me gasping for air in the wake of his stor