Hazel's pov
I brushed my hands softly against the black apron I had on as I stared in satisfaction at the little feast I had prepared.
A tantalizing display stared back at me: fancy-cut baguette spread with velvety cream cheese and topped with plump raspberries, succulent pork ribs glistening with a sweet glaze, crispy bacon, and rich maple syrup, all complemented by a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
I couldn't help but sigh in exasperation, reflecting on the countless hours and boundless energy I had poured into crafting these delightful dishes.
Today marked our second anniversary, and I was determined to make it unforgettable by crafting a delightful feast of his favorite dishes.
As I moved around the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of roasted garlic chicken wafted through the air, mingling with the rich scent of buttery mashed potatoes and freshly sautéed green beans. I could almost picture him walking through the door, his face lighting up with surprise and joy.
With each detail I attended to, from the elegant arrangement of the table to the flickering candlelight that cast a warm glow throughout the room, a smile crept onto my face.
I imagined his laughter filling the space, envisioning him leaning over to whisper sweet compliments in my ear while playfully tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
The thought of us sharing this intimate moment made my heart flutter with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see his reaction as we savored the meal, reminiscing about our favorite memories from the past year and dreaming about the adventures yet to come.
I adjusted my dress one last time, glancing at my wristwatch—it was already half past nine, and Ryan still hadn't returned. Feeling a bit anxious, I picked up my phone and searched for his contact, considering whether I should send him a message.
"Perhaps he's caught up with work or dealing with something urgent," I reminded myself, trying to find a logical explanation for his lateness. I hesitated to reach out because I didn't want to come across as overly concerned, especially since it was our anniversary.
"Ryan has never broken a promise to me; whatever is keeping him must truly be important," I reassured myself, working to ease my worries.
I dropped my phone back on the table and straightened myself on the cushion. Thinking back to high school where we eventually met. I had been the nerdy type, wearing long skirts and glasses all the time.
Being a subject of bully, I had no friends and even my only sister would pick on me at any open opportunity. The boys didn't bother to look my way. I was just a shadow of myself, not daring to look anyone in the eye, because I was afraid of the disgust and contempt it always held.
Till that faithful day.
Till I met him.
Ryan.
I smiled bitterly as memories of that day came rushing back.
*********
My sister, Angel whom I have secretly nicknamed "Devil," collaborated with two other girls who have a history of bullying to vandalize my locker by breaking the key and removing all of my belongings, including my books. Upon discovering this situation, I felt a surge of anger rising within me.
Ava came up to me and informed me that my books were in the store room. Ava was not that close to me, just a deskmate but I was dumb enough to trust her although knowing it might be a trap.
I rushed there like my life depended on it. As I reached the entrance, the darkness gnawed at me, signaling to me to just turn back but I made my way in.
Once I stepped into the room, the door suddenly closed behind me. I turned around forcefully that anymore my neck would have broken, and my heart thumped loudly against my chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I adjusted my eyes to the darkness.
One, two, three silleouthes were making their way towards me. I thought of possible ways to escape but anywhere I turned to was a dead end.
Someone forcefully grabbed my hair from behind, I yelped in pain from the contact. I strained my eyes to see who would go to this length just to hurt me.
Angel's icy gaze pierced through me, holding me captive without a word. She flicked her wrist, a silent command to the girl beside her. I felt a shiver of realization as she began to unbutton my shirt, a sense of dread creeping in as I understood exactly what was about to unfold.
I pleaded "Please! Please! Angel don't do this" screaming with all my might, hoping someone would hear and come to my rescue.
Angel giggled "Don't waste your strength darling, no one is gonna hear you ".
"Let's see how you would be able to put up your good girl facade in front of Dad by the time this video goes viral ".
She turned on her camera telling the other girl to be faster but I fought with everything I've got.
My shirt had already come down halfway when the door barged open. I prayed silently, hoping it would be a savior and not one of Angel's cohorts.
I was panting like I just ran a marathon. Thinking about what would happen to the little dignity I had left made me scream and beg even harder.
I froze when I heard a male voice "What the hell are you doing to her!!". Angel and her minions were shocked, they didn't expect anyone would come this way.
She gasped when she saw who it was "Ryan?" she asked softly like she was not just about to ruin my life. Then she quickly added "We are having fun over here, care to join?" revealing her usual deceptive smile.
My mind raced in panic, screaming, "Why does it have to be that wealthy jerk? I'm doomed!" But just when I thought all was lost, a glimmer of hope emerged. He swooped in and whisked me away from the chaos, just as I was reeling from the terrifying ordeal. I couldn't believe my luck—maybe things were about to take an unexpected turn!
That was where our romance started, surprisingly he fell for me and defended me from bullies. We finished high school, attended the same college, and eventually married, despite the opposition from his family.
********
End of flashback
As I lost myself in thought, I became unaware of the passing time, and before I knew it, my eyelids grew heavy, lulling me into a deep and peaceful sleep.
I gasped when water from God-knows-where hit me like a slap in the face, shocking me awake. I sat up with a start, confusion evident on my face as I wondered who was capable of doing such a thing.