MY UNDOING VS. MY MIRACLE

Her face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with joy as the corners of her mouth curved upwards, revealing a hint of mischief and genuine happiness. "Come on, darling, you know how I get when you do this." She mumbled with a blush. "I need to edit and upload this video urgently. I haven't posted in days, and starving my family is one thing I never like to do."

"Oh, my darling Maude! One would actually think you shared the same womb with these twenty thousand people you keep calling family," Mason uttered, gently unwrapping his arms from Maude's waist. "Well, I'll let you feed your family, dear wife, but only if you promise me some sugar right after." He whispered with a soft smile.

"Of course, Hun. I mean, that's the reason for the honeymoon, isn't it?" She replied, adjusting her ring light.

There's no way this was just a dream, Hazel thought to herself. She had sincerely wished Maude actually got married to Mason for real. Not because she and Maude were best friends or even acquaintances, but solely because she needed to ensure Maude didn't end up with Chayton. Hazel didn't want Maude to ruin her own chance with the one she loved, just as Maude had done to her.

Chayton was Hazel's miracle. Even though they had ended things, she still cherished more good memories of him than bad. He had completely shattered her negative perceptions of men, proving that not all were cruel and heartless. She saw him as an angel of light, touching every soul he met. His compassionate nature was admirable, but it also made her uncomfortable. She suspected it was the reason he had so many female friends, and why Maude refused to move on from him, even knowing he now had a girlfriend he loved dearly.

"Shit! It's past eight already. How did I get so lost in my thoughts? I'm going to be late for my interview," Hazel uttered, rushing to the bathroom.

"Last night was a dress emergency, but I'm thrilled to report that this one made it out alive," Hazel muttered, gazing at her shoes. She needed to ensure her appearance wasn't the reason she missed her chance at getting a job.

Hazel, the self-proclaimed "I can do it myself" girl, was a self-starter who tackled challenges head-on, even when the path ahead was unclear. As the first of five children, she had learned to be independent. Her parents' separation after her birth had left her living with her grandmother, who had become her primary caregiver.

When Logan first brought Aurora to meet his family, they were immediately smitten. Aurora was the epitome of perfection – a stunning beauty with alabaster skin, a voluptuous figure, and piercing eyes that sparkled like diamonds in the light. Her classic features, including high cheekbones and full lips, commanded attention.

Everyone was enamored with Aurora, except for Mrs. Cedric, who couldn't stop smiling at her. What hadn't Mrs. Cedric done that day? She had spoon-fed Aurora, shared stories about the late Mr. Cedric, nicknamed her "sunshine," and even shared Logan's embarrassing moments.

"Sunshine, please let her stay with me," Mrs. Cedric pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "You can trust me with her, can't you? I'll never understand why Logan made this decision, but I know that no other woman he brings to me can ever take your place. You'll always be my sunshine and my favorite daughter-in-law. And because you've brought forth this little angel, all the love I have to give will go to her. I'll groom her, nurture her, care for her, and teach her how to care for you."

Aurora hugged Mrs. Cedric warmly, trying to comfort her. "Mom, please stop crying. Hazel shouldn't see you this way."

"I can trust you with my life, and Hazel is my life," Aurora replied. "I'm sure no one else will take care of her better than you. I'll leave her with you. Don't worry about me, okay? I'll be good. See? I'm not even crying."

To be frank, Aurora didn't understand why she wasn't crying. She felt shattered and weak, unable to process her thoughts. Everything still felt like a dream.

Just then, the chief driver spoke up, "Mrs. Cedric, you sent for me?"

"Take her home," Mrs. Cedric instructed. "Be careful and do your best to please her. I only trust you with this because you've been my personal driver for years. One complaint from her, and you'll be jobless."

As Mrs. Cedric pecked Aurora on the forehead and gave her a warm hug, she whispered, "Be good, sunshine. Call me often, too."

Hazel smiled as she shut the door of the cab, saying, "Thank you." Her smile faltered as she realized where she was. 'Why do I feel so uneasy?' she thought to herself, trying to shake off the feeling. Hazel was capable of doing everything and anything.

It was her first in-person job interview, and she was determined to do well. Before this, she'd only worked online, and the thought of mingling with people or turning into a "corporate girlie" made her nervous.

As she walked into the reception, a receptionist looked up and asked, "Good morning, ma'am. How can I help you?" Hazel's voice trembled slightly as she replied, "I'm here for the interview."

Just then, a man exclaimed, "What! Is that Hazel I see?" William's eyes lit up with amusement as he approached her. "William Arthur, it's been what? Ten years now if I'm not mistaken," Hazel said, smiling warmly.

William, an old friend from high school, walked towards her with open arms. They had been inseparable in high school, but a two-week awkwardness had followed when William confessed his feelings to Hazel. Though she had politely turned him down, their friendship had endured.

"Come on, give me a hug," William requested, his voice filled with warmth. As they hugged, he couldn't help but notice how much Hazel had changed. She had grown into a beautiful woman, and those piercing eyes still sparkled with kindness.

As they pulled back, William's gaze lingered on Hazel's face. He had always been drawn to her, and seeing her again after all these years felt like fate. He thought back to his high school days, when he had first developed feelings for her. He had tried to win her over by being her friend, but things hadn't gone as planned.

Hazel's voice brought him back to reality. "So, what are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. William replied, "I'm the manager here. Harold owns this place. Are you aware?"

Hazel's eyes widened as she processed the information. Suddenly, she felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She broke out in a sweat despite the air conditioning, and her legs trembled beneath her. She managed to stagger to a nearby seat, her voice shaking as she asked, "Harold, as in Harold Orion?"