Chapter 50: Chapter 50

Chapter 50

DAVID

(PRESENT TIME)

Something is up with Hazel. I can feel it and I really think it has a lot to do with Southwark. Ever since he showed up here in Seattle, it seems Hazel is slowly slipping from my grasp. Every progress I made with her seemed to be slowly disappearing.

I’ve been in her life for three years, and during those three years, I have always wished that she’ll look me in the eye one day and confess her love to me. I am not one to lose hope though. I am not one to give up easily.

My ability to exercise patience is what has brought me thus far in life, it is my patience that made it possible to be in Hazel’s life as someone she trusts.

However, do not take my patience as cowardice. Just as I am patient, I do the necessary things to make sure things fall into place. Proper planning is the basis of everything we do in life.

Making a stop at one of Hazel’s favorite restaurants, I ordered her favorite seafood as lunch and a soft drink before heading, for the office.

The moment I stepped into the gallery, I headed straight for her office. Rose rose from her seat when she saw me approaching. “Ms. Blacks is actually with someone right now.”

My brows furrowed into a frown. Is that ba stard in this office? “Who is her guest? Mr. Southwark?”

Rose shook her head with a knowing smile. “Miss Southwark.” It’s known to anyone who chooses to pay close attention that I have feelings for Hazel, so I am not surprised that Rose is privy to such information.

I lifted the plastic bag in my grasp. “I’ll just drop this off on her desk and be on my way.” Nodding, Rose gestured for me to go in which I did. I pushed the door open and stepped into her office space.

Hazel and Elenor looked up when the door opened. I only smiled at Hazel’s direction, lifting the bag a bit. “I went to have lunch at your favorite restaurant, so I decided to pick out something for you.”

She smiled with gratitude. “That’s lovely, thank you so much.” I dropped it on the table, ready to take my leave when Hazel’s voice stopped me. “This is Eleanor, Ravel’s sister. I don’t think you’ve met her.”

Just as courtesy demands, I walked over to the sofa where they are seated and offered her a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.” I lied. It’s never nice to meet someone from the Southwark family.

“Are you in town for your brother’s show?”

“Yes, I am.” She responded with a sly smile. She doesn’t like me and the feeling is so da mn mutual.

Who knows if she’s here trying to convince Hazel to go back to her brother? “You must be David,” she inquired, “Hazel’s boyfriend.”

Her accuracy made me reconsider disliking her. The fact that she recognizes that I’m Hazel’s boyfriend means a lot. “Yes, I am.” I glanced at an uncomfortable Hazel momentarily. “Did Hazel tell you about our relationship?”

Elenor’s smile lingered. “She hinted at it the last time we met.” Despite trying to come out friendly, there is something about her that just doesn’t sit right with me. “I’m sorry about my brother and what he did to you. He’s always one to never react with his fist, but I guess his jealousy got the best of him.”

“Do not apologize for your brother’s mistake,” I remarked. “I’ll appreciate it the more if he is the one apologizing.”

She blinked twice before letting out a surprising chuckle. “You want my brother to apologize to you?”

She chortled again. “There is a probability that you’ll be waiting for a lifetime.”

“And why is that?” I challenged. “Your brother finds it inappropriate to apologize to people he offends?”

Tilting her head, she searched for the right words. “Let’s just say my brother is selective of those he apologizes to.”

“And I’m not up that level of those he apologizes to?” If she was going to say this rubbish after taking her time to speak, she

would have kept her da mn mouth shut.

Her widened smile made me wonder what she possibly finds funny in this situation. “Let’s just say that selection is limited to family and close friends.”

“How about you stop talking?” That will help me dislike her less. “Because the more you open your mouth in an attempt to defend your brother, the more I wonder if your family is generally f ucked up.”

“Dav_”

“Don’t Hazel,” I growled, chastising her attempt to speak on Elenor’s behalf. “Don’t you dare defend this family’s f ucked up way of thinking?”

“This isn’t my family’s f ucked up way of thinking,” Elenor interjected, “it’s my brother’s f ucked up way of thinking.” I frowned at her comment. “I am here apologizing, aren’t I? That means I have nothing against rendering an apology to those offended.”

“She’s right David.” Hazel chimed in, “Besides she’s not the offender, so don’t take out your frustration on her.”

My frustration? Does she think I’m frustrated? Not in the slightest. The only thing that frustrates me right now is the fact that this family is slowly making a return in your life.

“I still have some work left to do in my office,” I pointed out, “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll like to get back to it.” Offering Hazel a smile, I made my way towards the door.

“Mr. Ellison,” Elenor called out and I halted my step, turning around to face her. She stood up from her seat and approached me. “Hazel was my friend before I found out she was dating my brother.”

Not sure how that information relates to me, I blinked at her.

“She saved me from getting raped in a club, and ever since, my loyalty has always been with her as a friend. Her happiness is my happiness and I’m a strong advocator of ‘my brother deserves the sh it that is happening to him right now.”

I glanced at Hazel with uncertainty. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I do not want us to be enemies because of my brother’s actions. I’d rather we be friends because I want to get an invite to Hazel’s wedding to you.”

She doesn’t want Hazel back with her brother? Why do I find that hard to believe?

she smiled again, something she seems to like doing. “I don’t care who Hazel ends up with, as far as she’s happy, that’s fine by me, so be assured that I’m not here to ruin your relationship with her.”

“I never said you were.”

“I saw the uncertainty and suspicion in your eyes.” She stated factly. Stretching her hand, she offered me a handshake. “So can we be friends?”

I glanced at Hazel and she nodded with a smile. Reluctantly, I accepted her handshake. “I’m not sure about friendship, but I’m cool with you.”

“Great!” She exclaimed, returning to her seat. One more glance at Hazel, I walked out of her office.

I had to leave early from the office so I’ll pick up my tux from the designer. Strutting to my car, I unlocked it, got in, and almost gasped when I saw June seated in the passenger seat. My brows furrowed into a frown. “How did you get into my

car?”

She simply shrugged. “Matthew comes with a bonus.” Who the heck is Matthew? She stretched out her hand and I glared at it “I’m June.”

“I think the whole internet knows who you are.”

She shrugged again, retreating her hand. “I believe you are Hazel’s boyfriend.” She mused, pulling the ridiculous pink glasses from her eyes.

“How is that your business?”

“It’s my business when my boyfriend is buying dresses for your girlfriend.” She retorted, emitting a frown from me. “I don’t care what your relationship is like with Hazel, but I want to protect my man from your woman.”

“You mean the same man you stole?”

She smiled slyly. “Who gives a f uck about how I got the title of Southwark’s girlfriend?”

Staring at the time, I sighed. “What do you want June?” I am going to be late for my appointment.

“I figured you do not want to lose your woman just as I do not want to lose my man and for that to happen, we need to work together.”

I scoffed. “What makes you think I’m going to agree to this bulls hit?”

Grinning, she leaned forward. “Ravel never loses his cool unless it has something to do with Hazel.”

I glared at her. “What do you mean by that?”

“All I’m saying is that I’m certain you said something about Hazel that triggered him into beating you shi tless. Do you want me to start digging? I’m sure Hazel will want to hear what exactly you said to Ravel.”

Sneaky bit ch. “What’s your plan?”

“Work towards making Hazel hate Ravel, while I work towards making Ravel hate Hazel.”

Unable to hold it in, I chuckled. “If it was possible for you to make Ravel hate Hazel, you won’t be here seeking my help.”

“You’re right, that is why I want you to instigate behaviors in Hazel that will create doubts in Ravel and I’ll equally do the same. Ravel is currently jealous of you, and Hazel is equally jealous of me. Let us feed on their jealousy.”