Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Chapter 41

HAZEL

(PRESENT TIME)

I just learnt from Agatha that David found out about my dinner plans with Ravel and headed to New York to meet me.

As I returned home after the eventful dinner with Ravel, I found myself feeling emotionally drained and conflicted. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and I knew that I needed some time to process everything that had transpired,

However, my plans to have a moment of quiet reflection were soon interrupted as David stormed into the living room with an angry expression on his face. “Hazel, we need to talk,” he said sternly, his frustration evident.

I braced myself for what I knew would be a heated conversation. “David, L.” I began, but he cut me off before I could explain.

“I can’t believe you went on a date with Ravel,” he said, his voice seething with anger. “After everything that’s happened between you two, how could you?”

I sighed, trying to find the right words to explain myself. “David, it wasn’t a date” I said, hoping to clarify the situation. “We just met for dinner to talk.”

He shook his head, clearly not buying my explanation. “It doesn’t matter if it was a date or not,” he retorted. “You know how I feel about him, and you still went behind my back”

“I didn’t go behind your back,” I protested, feeling the weight of guilt and frustration. “I wanted to talk to him about the statement that was released, and I thought it would be better to meet face to face”

David paced back and forth, his anger not subsiding, “I can’t believe you’re defending him,” he said bitterly. “After all the pain he caused you, you’re still giving him the benefit of the doubt”

“It’s not about defending him,” I said, my voice firm. “It’s about finding closure and understanding what happened.

“You should have talked to me about it,” he said, his voice softer but still filled with disappointment.

“We’re supposed to be in this together, Hazel.”

“David, I understand your concern, but it’s essential that we clarify something” I said, my voice steady.

“We’re not officially dating yet, so you shouldn’t speak to me like that.”

He looked taken aback by my words, realizing that he had crossed a line. “You’re right,” he admitted, his expression softening. “I shouldn’t have acted like that, and I apologize.

I appreciated his apology and knew that he was genuinely trying to understand the complexity of our relationship. We had been spending time together, but we hadn’t officially defined our status.

However, David wasn’t done with his concerns. “But there’s something you need to remember too,” he said, his tone more serious. “You’re keeping Daisy a secret from Ravel, and if you keep getting close to him, he’s bound to find out eventually.”

“David, I understand your worries about Daisy, and I want you to know that I’m being careful,” I reassured him. “I won’t let Ravel find out about her unless I’m ready to tell him.”

David nodded, but his concern still lingered in his eyes. “I just don’t want you to get hurt,” he said, his voice softening.

“I appreciate that,” I replied, grateful for his genuine concern. “And I promise you, I won’t do anything that could jeopardize our relationship or put Daisy at risk.”

David reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I trust you, Hazel,” he said, a hint of a smile returning to his lips. “I just want us to be open and honest with each other.”

“Hazel, I need to know what it will take for you to accept me as your boyfriend,” he said, his voice sincere and heartfelt.

I looked at him, touched by his vulnerability and honesty. “David, it’s not about accepting you or not,” I replied gently. “It’s about us taking things one step at a time, considering our feelings and the complexities of our past”

He nodded, taking my hand in his. “I understand, but I want to be more than just someone you’re spending time with,” he said earnestly. “I love you, Hazel, and I want to be your boyfriend. I want to be there for you and take care of you, even if I’m not as rich as Ravel.”

I was moved by his declaration of love and his determination to be a part of my life. “David, you mean a lot to me,” I said, my voice soft. “But it’s not about your financial status. It’s about our connection and understanding each other on a deeper level.”

He smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “I promise to do everything I can to make you happy,” he said. “I may not have Ravel’s wealth, but I have a lot of love to give, and I’ll always be there for you.”

“David, I care about you deeply,” I said, looking into his eyes. “But I need more time to process everything, to heal from the past, and to be sure about what I want.”

He nodded, understanding my need for space and time. “I want you to be sure too,” he said softly. “I don’t want to rush you into anything.”

“I appreciate that,” I replied, feeling grateful for his understanding. “I’ve been through a lot with Ravel, and I need to be sure that I’m ready for a new relationship.”

David reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll wait for you,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I believe in us, and I’m willing to be patient.”

I smiled, touched by his willingness to give me the time and space I needed. “Thank you,” I said, feeling a sense of relief. “Your patience means a lot to me.”

He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I want you to be happy, Hazel,” he said softly. “And if that means taking things slowly, then I’m willing to do that.”