Chapter 31
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IN the car, Adrian had just pulled up in front of Vivian’s apartment. Both of them were tipsy, their laughter breaking into soft sighs as the exhaustion of the night weighed on them. Adrian gripped the wheel tighter, blinking hard to stay awake.
Vivian leaned her head back against the seat, exhaling deeply.
“God… I haven’t had such a good dance in forever. That was wild,” she said.
Adrian chuckled, his words slurred slightly.
“I know right? Drinks, music, the vibes… it was all perfect p>
Vivian turned toward him, her eyes sparkling despite the tiredness.
“Perfect because you were there p>
Adrian gave her a lazy grin, then yawned.
“Yeah, but now I’m completely drained. I need some serious rest p>
Vivian immediately perked up.
“So, that is why you should come in and rest. Just crash here for a bit p>
Adrian shook his head slowly, fighting his heavy eyelids.
“Nah, I promised to be home early. Hazel’s award ceremony is at nine, and Amelia would murder me if I don’t show up p>
At the mention of Amelia, Vivian’s expression soured. She rolled her eyes.
“Ugh, Amelia again. What time is it even p>
She unlocked her phone, glanced at the screen, and flashed it at him.
“See? It is just 4:30 a.m. You have got hours. Two hours, babe. That is all I’m asking p>
She reached out, pouting dramatically as she looped her arms around his neck.
“Two little hours. Don’t leave me here all alone after all that fun, hmm? Just two p>
Adrian leaned his head back, groaning, then snapped it upright again, rubbing his face.
“Vivian p>
“Pleaseee. I will set an alarm myself. I promise I will wake you at seven sharp. You will still make it home in time. Please, my love p>
Her pleading eyes lingered on him, her lips forming that baby pout he found so hard to resist. Adrian growled under his breath, frustrated with himself.
“Ughhh. Fine. Two hours. Only two p>
Vivian squealed softly, hugging him tight.
“Thank you, my sugar. Thank you p>
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He shook his head, half smiling.
“I swear, you will be the death of me p>
“Mhm, but at least you will die happy p>
She laughed, grabbing her purse as they pushed open the car doors and headed toward her apartment.
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It was 8:28 a.m. when Hazel walked in from the hallway into the living room. She clutched her school bag in one hand and a slim file in the other. Her steps were slow, almost dragging, her face set in a sober expression that dimmed the sparkle of her freshly powdered cheeks and glossy lips, the careful work her mother had done earlier that morning.
Her hair was styled in a neat braided crown, the plaits circling her head like a delicate tiara, with soft curls cascading down the back. But even that beautiful hairdo couldn’t lift the sadness clouding her little face.
She stopped, her eyes landing on the big portrait of her father hanging on the wall. For a moment she lingered, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something to him. Then she looked away quickly, her throat tightening. She flopped down on the couch, dropping her school bag and the file beside her. Turning to the armrest, she laid her head there, her eyes glistening, as though tears were threatening to spill.
A moment later, Amelia walked in. She was dressed in a sharp navy-blue corporate suit, the blazer hugging her figure perfectly over a crisp white blouse, paired with a sleek pencil skirt that stopped just below her knees. On her feet were pointed black heels, and in her hand, a glossy designer handbag. Her hair was styled in a smooth low bun with soft waves at the front, elegant and professional. But the confidence of her appearance faltered when she
saw Hazel.
Amelia’s face softened instantly, her painted lips pressing into a thin line. She sighed and walked closer, crouching down until she was at her daughter’s level.
“Baby…” she softly called.
Hazel slowly raised her head, her big eyes misty as they searched her mother’s face.
“Mummy… is Daddy still coming?” she asked in a trembling baby voice.
Amelia’s chest tightened. She inhaled deeply, then shook her head with a sad smile.
“I’m afraid not, baby. But listen… I am here for you.
Hazel’s lower lip quivered.
“But he is supposed to give a speech today. Daddy promised p>
Amelia reached out and tucked a stray curl behind Hazel’s ear
“I know, sweetheart. But we will be there, and I will give that speech. I promise I will make you proud p>
Hazel frowned, her little brows knitting together.
“But it won’t be the same. He said he would stand on stage with me p>
Amelia’s throat burned at her words. She reached for her daughter’s hand, squeezing gently.
“I know it won’t be the same, Hazel. But sometimes… promises don’t go the way we want. What matters is that you are not alone. You have me. I will stand with you, every step of the way p>
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Hazel blinked up at her, her voice breaking.
“Will you say the words like Daddy would have p>
Amelia gave a small smile through the ache in her chest.
“I will try my best, baby. And I will say them with all the love he would have, because we are doing this together p>
She stood and gently pulled Hazel to her feet, brushing her palms down the girl’s well pressed school uniform.
“Everything will be fine, my love. More than fine. With or without Daddy, you will shine. You will make him proud, you will make me proud, and most importantly, you will be proud of yourself p>
Hazel sniffled and finally wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist.
“I love you, Mommy p>
Amelia closed her eyes and sighed deeply, stroking her daughter’s back.
“I love you too, baby. More than anything p>
She hugged Hazel tighter, as though shielding her from the weight of the disappointment that morning carried.
Right on the bed, beneath the heavy duvet, Adrian lay fast asleep, his breathing deep and heavy. Beside him, Vivian was curled up, her brown powdery face relaxed in slumber.
Adrian stirred, his body shifting restlessly before his eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, disoriented, then suddenly realization hit him like a lightning bolt.
With a sharp gasp, he bolted upright, panic set in.
“What is the time? My phone… where is my phone p>
He scrambled frantically out of the bed, nearly tripping over the edge of the duvet. His hands fumbled along the nightstand, knocking aside a glass before finally grabbing the small table clock.
His eyes widened as he read the time.
“Jesus!” He shouted.
P
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Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.