Francisco's lips curled into a small smile, and he began to tap his fingers lightly on the table. His eyes fixed on Hazel, he remarked, "You look beautiful in blue."
Hazel, in contrast, swallowed her food and pressed her lips together. It was evident she was growing weary of Francisco's conversation, and her primary desire was to leave the situation.
"Thank you, sir, but I don't like blue," she replied, her tone indicating a lack of enthusiasm.
"Why?"
Francisco inquired, tilting his head with a genuine interest to know more about her preferences.
"Because I feel like blue is not for me."
Hazel explained, her response indicating a personal aversion to the color.
Francisco took a deep breath, absorbing her words.
"So, you hate blue."
Hazel nodded in agreement, confirming her dislike for the color.
Francisco, with a hint of amusement, raised his eyebrows slowly and added, "So you also hate my eye color."
The remark was delivered with a teasing tone, revealing a playful side to Francisco's demeanor.
Francisco and Hazel locked gazes. Hazel didn't anticipate Francisco's unexpected question about his eyes, and her attempts to explain herself were interrupted as he got up from his chair.
As Francisco approached her and pulled a chair beside her, Hazel felt a surge of nervousness. Despite her attempts to remain composed, the proximity between them heightened the tension. Francisco took a seat close to her, their eyes still locked in an intense exchange.
"Say about my eyes, Hazel," Francisco demanded, his gaze unwavering.
Hazel blinked her eyes, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She rubbed her earlobe lightly, attempting to defuse the tension with a light smile. This situation was becoming increasingly bothersome for her.
This is annoying.
Hazel thought her frustration evident. Francisco, however, was persistent.
"Hazel!"
His voice echoed in her ear, accompanied by his warm breath. Startled, she turned to face him once again, meeting his penetrating gaze.
With a deep breath, she began to speak, her words carrying a mixture of discomfort and reluctance.
"It is..."
Hazel began, her voice trailing off.
Their gazes remained locked, a silent exchange between them. Hazel felt the weight of Francisco's proximity and the intoxicating scent that surrounded her.
"It is like the ocean."
She finally managed to say, her voice carrying a certain heaviness. As she spoke, her breath became labored, and she couldn't help but notice the enticing aroma that seemed to envelop her.
Hazel's lips slightly parted as she continued to speak, her words acknowledging the captivating nature of Francisco's eyes. His gaze shifted down to her puffy, red lips, the intensity between them palpable.
"It seems if anyone once looks at your eyes, your eyes make them turn to stone by its spell."
Hazel praised him, her words conveying both admiration and a certain vulnerability. After sharing her thoughts, she abruptly turned her gaze away, her breath still heavy with his aroma.
Francisco, captivated by Hazel's words, lowered his gaze to her long fingers resting on the table. The desire to touch her delicate fingers was evident in his eyes, but before he could make a move, an interruption occurred.
"Darling!"
A voice rang out, breaking the charged atmosphere between Francisco and Hazel. The sudden intrusion prompted them to shift their attention to the unexpected arrival.
Francisco, reacting to Emily's arrival, slowly folded his knuckles. Emily, standing there with a smile, looked at them with curiosity and amusement.
"Emily!"
Francisco exclaimed, not surprised by her sudden appearance.
"You are!"
She smiled and advanced toward him, her fingers lightly touching his neck. She then turned her attention to Hazel, who had a stern expression on her face.
"When did you come here?" Francisco inquired.
"Yesterday," Emily replied, her attention shifting between Francisco and Hazel. Hazel's face remained stern, and the atmosphere was charged with unspoken tension.
Emily said, "I missed you."
However, Emily, undeterred, looked at Hazel and asked, "So, you?"
"I am Mr. Francisco's PA," Hazel responded, her tone neutral.
"PA!"
Emily raised one eyebrow and smiled, assessing the situation.
"Hi, I am Emily," she introduced herself.
"I know, I saw you in magazines and TV shows. Everyone knows you, Ms. Emily," Hazel stated.
"Ah… Yes, I guess. But what's your name?"
Emily inquired, trying to engage Hazel.
"I am Hazel," she replied, maintaining a composed demeanor.
"Hazel! Nice name! So, Darling, did she accompany you last night at Andrew's party?" Emily inquired with a smile, trying to gauge the dynamics between Francisco and Hazel. Francisco, on the other hand, looked at Emily.
Emily had fear in her expression, worried about losing her position as his girlfriend.
Taking a deep breath, Francisco stood up from his chair, his emotions unclear — whether he was angry or indifferent to Emily's presence.
"Baby!" Emily called out.
"Are you leaving?" she asked.
Francisco shifted his gaze to Emily and replied, "Do you need to know?"
"Oh… of course not. I was just curious to know," Emily responded in a seductive manner.
Ignoring Emily's attempt to maintain control, Francisco turned his attention to the door and said, "Hazel! We are getting late. Come quickly."
Hazel swiftly stood up, maintaining her composure. Emily, clenching her fists, continued to smile, concealing the frustration building within her. As Hazel approached, she exchanged a polite smile with Emily and excused herself.
"Ms!"
Emily acknowledged, nodding, while keeping her gaze locked on Hazel. The tension was palpable. As Francisco and Hazel entered a sleek black car and drove away, Emily's jaw tightened.
Francisco!
The plea echoed in Emily's mind.
I need you. You need me.
A pang of desperation surged through her. She knew giving up on Francisco wasn't an option for her.
It's not possible for me to give up on you.
Her thoughts became more intense, her emotions a tangled web.
Emily touched her belly lightly, a secret she harbored.
This is the only way I have left.
The uncertainty loomed over her, and Emily grappled with a decision that could alter everything.
I know you won't hesitate to kill me if you find out.
A shadow of fear crossed her features.
But would you hesitate to kill your baby if I conceive?
Regret clouded her eyes, and she whispered a remorseful apology.
Sorry!
The weight of the choices she had made settled heavily on Emily as she stood alone, contemplating the path ahead.