Chapter 5 Why me

As Hazel took her robe and slowly walked out from the bathroom, her eyes scanning the room with caution and curiosity. Her palms were slick with sweat, because of the nervous energy that had been building up inside her.

The sudden appearance of a woman standing near the room door made Hazel's heart skip a beat. The woman's warm smile did little to alleviate Hazel's shock, and she felt a surge of uncertainty. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Hazel asked, her voice laced with confusion.

The woman's response was unexpected, she pulled out a pen and a small notebook, began writing, and then handed it to Hazel. "Hello, Hazel, I'm the chef here. Orion told me to come and inform you to come down for dinner." Hazel's expression softened as she realized why the woman hadn't responded to her earlier, she was deaf.

Hazel's eyes locked onto the woman's, and she made a sign language gesture, her hands weaving a silent message. "Okay, I'll be there," she conveyed, her hands moving with a gentle fluidity. The woman smiled, nodded, and took her leave, leaving Hazel to breathe a sigh of relief as she sat down on the bed.

With a sense of calm, Hazel began her nighttime skincare routine, calmly applying each product with a gentle touch. As she finished, she slipped into a tank top and shorts, the soft fabric hugging her curves. Her hair was neatly tied up in a bonnet, and with a final check in the mirror, Hazel felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way downstairs, the soft padding of her pink crocs on the stairs the only sound breaking the silence. The aroma of food wafted up from the kitchen, making her feel more hungry. As she walked through the dining area, Hazel's eyes scanned the room, searching for Orion or the chef, her heart beating.

As Hazel entered the dining room, she was greeted by the chef, who was busy arranging the food on the table. The chef's warm smile and gentle gesture invited Hazel to take a seat. However, Hazel's attention was soon diverted by the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs. She turned to see Orion descending, his athletic physique evident in the black shorts and white top that hugged his chest.

Orion's eyes locked onto Hazel, and she felt a flutter in her chest. Despite his intense gaze, Hazel maintained her composure, refusing to meet his eyes. The atmosphere in the room was tense and awkward, with only the sound of utensils clinking against plates breaking the silence.

Orion's eyes remained fixed on Hazel, drinking in every detail of her appearance. Hazel, sensing his gaze, eventually looked up to meet his eyes. "What?" she asked, her voice sharp. Orion's smirk and slight headshake only added to the tension between them. Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she felt herself drowning in his intense stare.

As the dinner progressed, Hazel broke the silence, her voice cutting through the awkwardness. "Why me?" she asked, her expression a mix of curiosity and frustration. Orion's surprise was evident, but he composed himself quickly. "Why did you marry me?" Hazel pressed, her eyes locked onto his.

Orion's response was measured, his voice low and even. "Because he was not good for you," he said, his expression unreadable. Hazel's skepticism was evident, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That should not give you any reason to marry me," she countered, her voice firm.

Orion was quiet, but he eventually cleared his throat and began to recount the events that led him to intervene in her wedding. From the dinner party from college, to Nathaniel's conversation with the unknown woman, Orion's words painted a picture of a man who was using Hazel for his own gain. Hazel's eyes widened in shock, her hopes and dreams shattered by the revelation.

A tear rolled down her face, but she quickly wiped it away, her expression a mix of sadness and anger. "You could have just ended the wedding, why did you threaten me into marrying you?" she asked, her voice laced with frustration.

Orion's response was enigmatic, he cleaned his mouth with a tissue, his eyes locked onto hers as he stood up. "You'll find out when it's time," he said, his voice low and mysterious, before turning and walking away, leaving Hazel to her thoughts.

Hazel's eyes blazed with frustration as she stared at Orion's back as he left, her mind racing with questions. "Why is he being so mysterious?" she wondered, her expression a mix of confusion and annoyance.

After finishing her dinner, Hazel decided to explore the house and its surroundings. She stepped outside, where the guards stood at attention, their gazes fixed ahead, ignoring her presence. The night air was cool and crisp, with a hint of luxury that seemed to permeate every aspect of Orion's estate.

As she walked towards the back of the building, Hazel's eyes landed on a stunning swimming pool, its grandeur illuminated by the soft glow of underwater lights. The pool's sheer size and the surrounding deck, adorned with lounge chairs and umbrellas, created a sense of opulence. Although Hazel didn't know how to swim, she was drawn to the water, reminiscent of the ocean's tranquility, she loves the peace that the sea brings.

She walked along the pool's edge, feeling the cool breeze caress her skin, and for a moment, she felt at peace. But her serenity was short lived, as her feet tripped over, and she tumbled into the pool. Panic set in as she struggled to stay afloat, her cries for help muffled by the water.

As she was about to go under, a sudden splash echoed through the air, and Hazel saw a dark shape hurtling towards her. It was Orion, his powerful strokes propelling him through the water with ease. Time seemed to slow down as he closed in on her, his eyes locked onto hers, and Hazel's eyes closed as she became unconscious.