Francisco's lips curled into a faint smile as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, eyes fixed on Hazel.
"You look beautiful in blue," he said.
Hazel swallowed her bite and pressed her lips together, clearly growing tired of the conversation. More than anything, she just wanted to leave.
"Thank you, sir, but I don't like blue," she replied, her tone flat.
"Why?" Francisco tilted his head, genuinely curious.
"Because it doesn't feel like me."
He took a slow breath, considering her answer. "So, you hate blue."
Hazel gave a small nod.
With a glint of amusement, Francisco raised a brow. "Then I suppose you hate my eyes too."
His teasing tone caught Hazel off guard. Their eyes met, and before she could respond, Francisco stood and pulled a chair close to hers. Her pulse quickened at the sudden proximity.
He sat beside her, gaze still locked on hers.
"Say something about my eyes, Hazel," he said, voice low and unyielding.
Hazel blinked, uncomfortable. She rubbed her earlobe and forced a light smile, trying to ease the tension.
This is getting annoying.
"Hazel."
His voice echoed in her ear, breath warm against her skin.
Startled, she turned to face him again, meeting that same intense gaze.
Hazel took a deep breath, her voice low and hesitant.
"It's…"
She paused, eyes locked with Francisco's.
The space between them felt heavy, thick with tension. His scent... rich and intoxicating... wrapped around her, clouding her thoughts.
"It's like the ocean," she finally said, voice soft but strained.
Her breath caught in her throat. The way he looked at her—calm, intense, unblinking—was overwhelming. She swallowed hard, her lips parting slightly.
"It seems if anyone once looks at your eyes, your eyes make them turn to stone by its spell."
She looked away, heart pounding, breath still uneven.
Francisco didn't speak. His gaze drifted to her hands resting on the table... slim fingers, trembling slightly. He had the sudden urge to touch them, to trace their lines with his own.
But before he could reach out, a voice sliced through the moment.
"Darling!"
Hazel turned, startled by the unexpected interruption.
Francisco clenched his knuckles slowly, his jaw tight as Emily stepped into the room with a bright smile.
"Emily," Francisco said, his voice flat, not surprised by her sudden appearance.
"You are!" she grinned, walking toward him. Her fingers brushed along his neck with casual familiarity.
Then, turning to Hazel, Emily's smile faded... curious and slightly amused.
"When did you get here?" Francisco asked.
"Yesterday," Emily replied, her eyes now fixed on Hazel. The tension between the three of them thickened.
"I missed you," Emily said, her voice soft but pointed.
She glanced back at Hazel. "And you are?"
"I'm Mr. Francisco's PA," Hazel answered, her tone calm but distant.
"PA?" Emily raised a brow, her smile lingering. "Interesting."
She extended a hand. "Hi, I'm Emily."
"I know. I've seen you in magazines and on TV. Everyone knows you, Ms. Emily," Hazel replied with a polite nod.
Emily chuckled. "Ah, right. I suppose that's true. And you are?"
"Hazel," she answered simply, holding her composure.
"Hazel! Nice name." Emily smiled, her tone light but probing. "So, darling, did she go with you to Andrew's party last night?"
Francisco looked at her, unreadable.
Emily's smile faltered slightly. There was a flicker of fear in her eyes... fear of losing her place beside him.
Francisco stood slowly, his movements deliberate. His face gave nothing away... neither anger nor affection.
"Baby," Emily called, her voice laced with urgency. "Are you leaving?"
Francisco turned his gaze on her. "Do you need to know?"
"Oh… no, of course not." She laughed softly, trying to play it off. "I was just curious."
He ignored her flirtatious tone and looked toward the door. "Hazel. We're late. Let's go."
Hazel stood immediately, composed and quiet. She walked past Emily, offering a polite smile. "Excuse me."
"Ms." Emily nodded with a tight smile, her eyes tracking Hazel. Her clenched fists betrayed the frustration beneath her calm exterior.
As Francisco and Hazel slipped into the sleek black car and drove off, Emily's jaw clenched.
Francisco!
I need you. You need me.
I can't lose you.
Her thoughts spiraled, emotions knotted tight.
Emily's hand drifted to her belly.
This is all I have left.
Uncertainty hovered like a storm cloud. One decision could change everything.
If you knew… you'd kill me without blinking.
A flicker of fear crossed her face.
But would you still pull the trigger if I'm carrying your child?
Her eyes filled with regret. She whispered into the silence.
"Sorry."