Chapter 49


    Chapter 49


    HAZEL


    (PRESENT TIME)


    There’s a subtle shift in Ravel’s demeanor, an unusual disy of vulnerability that belies his usual


    stoicism. I couldn’t ignore the faint sound of his sniffling, a telltale sign that something was amiss.


    Despite our past disagreements, I felt an undeniable urge to set those aside and delve into what was


    troubling him.


    “Ravel,” I ventured softly, the concern evident in my voice. “Are you… crying?”


    A brief chuckle escaped his lips, carrying a hint of nostalgia. “It’s been ages since you used that


    nickname, Rav,” he admitted, his voiceced with emotion. My intention had been to coax out his


    worries, but instead, it seemed I had tapped into a well of sentiments I hadn’t anticipated.


    Swearing softly under my breath, I couldn’t ignore the urgency in my desire to be there for Ravel. “Just


    send me your hotel address,” I insisted, my determination to support him growing stronger. There was


    a part of me that believed he might be more open if we were face to face, away from the constraints of


    digitalmunication.


    “Ravel?” His sudden silence after my offer made me second-guess my words. “If you’re not


    comfortable with meing


    over…”


    “It’s quitete,” his voice finally broke the silence, and I tried to suppress any feelings of sadness or


    disappointment that crept in. “Send me your address, and I’lle meet you.”


    A pang of mixed emotions tugged at me. I knew he was aware of my address; after all, he had sent me


    those flowers on ourst wedding anniversary. I would have easily told him toe over had Daisy’s


    pictures not filled my hallway.. “How about we meet at the exhibition venue?” I suggested, my voice


    tentative yet hopeful. “I could assist you with thosest-minute details.”


    “Is there someone else with you?” His unexpected question left me momentarily baffled, his words


    stirring up confusion. “I can tell you’re not keen on having me over at your ce, so I’m just curious


    about the reason behind it.”


    As I discerned the faint sounds of movement in the background, it became apparent that he was


    preparing himself, likely for our impending meeting. Taking a cue from his actions, I began to quickly


    change into something more appropriate for


    our encounter.


    I’d rather not have you here,” I responded honestly, “This space is personal to me, and I’d rather keep it


    that way, no offense intended.”


    A soft chuckle escaped him, carrying an air of understanding. “No offense taken, sweetheart. I’d much


    rather you not want me in your home than to imagine you havingpany over there at this hour.”


    “Ravel, don’t push yourluck,” I cautioned, a slight edge to my tone. His short burst ofughter managed


    to break through my seriousness, eliciting a genuine smile. “I’ll catch up with youter, Ravel.” With


    that, I ended the call, grabbing my jacket and car keys before heading out the door.


    As I made my way towards my car, my phone buzzed again, this time with a call from David. I


    answered, a hint of curiosity in my voice. “David?”


    “You’re still awake?” His question wasced with surprise. “I couldn’t sleep and thought I’d take a


    chance to see if you were still up.


    It seemed like sleep was evading everyone tonight. “Is there something you need help with?” I offered,


    my voice tinged with


    concern.


    He chuckled yfully. “Hazel, you shouldn’t ask a man such a question; you’ll set our minds


    wandering.” Uncertain how to respond to that, I chose to remain silent.


    “Anyway, how about we meet up for coffee?” David’s proposal caught me off guard, and I hesitated for


    a moment,


    Chapter 49


    contemting his offer.


    “Sorry, David, but that won’t work for me,” I replied, my voice tinged with regret. “I’ve got a few things toC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    catch up on, and I think it’s better if I stay back and focus on them.” The lie slipped out so easily, and


    although I couldn’t exin the reason behind it, it felt oddly fitting in the moment. “Apologies, David.”


    He seemed to take it in stride. “No worries,” he assured me, his tone understanding. “If you need any


    assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help with whatever’s keeping you awake.”


    “No!” I found myself blurting out, my response more forceful than intended. The abruptness of my


    reaction sent a pang of worry through me-had I given away more than I intended? “It’s reallyte,


    David. You should get some rest to be productive at the office tomorrow. Let’s catch upter.” Without


    waiting for his reply, I ended the call.


    A soft chuckle escaped me as I sat behind the wheel, feeling slightly foolish for spitting such lies. I


    eased the car into motion, embarking on the journey to the exhibition. The drive took over an hour, and


    as I approached the venue, I spotted Ravel standing outside, his presence drawing me in. I parked the


    car, stepped out, and joined him.


    He greeted me with a fleeting embrace, a touch that spoke volumes in its simplicity. “You changed your


    perfume,” he observed, his keen awareness causing a hint of surprise to flutter within me.


    “The perfume wasn’t the only thing that changed,” I replied, the weight of unspoken truths hanging in


    the air between us. So much had shifted since ourst encounter, not least of which was the existence


    of a daughter he remained unaware of.


    “Shall we head inside?” I suggested, a slight shiver passing through me. The chill in the air cut through


    my jacket, reminding me that it wasn’t quite enough to ward off the cold.


    Ravel nonchntly shrugged off his jacket and ced it over my shoulders, a gesture that carried an


    air of familiarity. “I guess some things never change,” he remarked, his words invoking a shared history.


    Memories of times when I had underestimated the weather and he hade to my rescue flooded


    back.


    I nced at him, a mixture of appreciation and concern in my eyes. “Aren’t you feeling cold?” I couldn’t


    help but worry about his well-being, given the chilly weather. “Please don’t catch a cold because of


    me.”


    His chuckle held a hint of amusement. “No need to fret, I’ll manage.” With a gentle touch at my waist,


    he guided me towards the entrance of the building. “The jewelry pieces are scheduled to arrive the


    night before the event,” he exined, revealing his ns. “I’ll be overseeing security measures


    throughout the night to ensure there’s no risk of theft.”


    “Interesting,” I responded, intrigued by his preparations. “And about the runway, you’re using models


    instead of stone curves?”


    “It sounds like that choice mighte with a higher price tag,” Imented, noting the potential


    financial implications of using models for the event.


    Ravel simply shrugged, pausing in the middle of the hall. “I felt like trying something different for a


    change,” he exined, his casual demeanor suggesting he was open to experimentation. It was a


    sentiment I agreed with; after witnessing the impact of his press conference, it was clear that


    unconventional choices could capture attention and generate buzz. “Ravellux has never used models


    before, so this will be a first.”


    My nod conveyed my approval of his decision. “I think the change is a great idea,” I told him, a genuine


    smile forming as I spoke.


    “Is Elenor going to be one of the models?” I inquired, aware of their somewhat strained rtionship. I


    wouldn’t have been surprised if she chose not to participate.


    Ravel’s response wasced with a mix of amusement and frustration. “She’s actually opening the


    show, along with a few other high-end models we’ve hired. And believe it or not, despite being my


    sister, that crazy woman charged me double her


    normal rate.”


    Biting my lips to lock the smile in, I stared at the numbering of the seats. “I guess I got the front seat.”


    He approached me and stood next to me his shoulder grazing mine. “Contrary to what you think, you


    alwayse first Hazel.” I highly doubt that. Keeping my thoughts to myself, I took a few steps away


    from him, creating some space between


    Chapter 49


    us. Ravel stared emptily at the space I once upied. “if someone ever told me that you will be eager


    to get away from, I wouldn’t have believed it.”


    Why is he talking as if I caused this? “you gave up on us first Ravel, never you forget that. You got


    away from me first.”


    “And would you believe me if I told you that I regret it?” he whispered, gradually closing the space


    between us again. “Would


    believe me if I told you that I go to bed filled with regret and I wake up every morning with the same


    regret?”


    you


    I searched his gaze, looking for any emotion that will give away the deception in his words, but I found


    nothing but intense vulnerability, yet I chose not to believe him. “If you regret it so much, why did you


    do it?”


    Finally looking away, he stared at his shoes. “Regretse after the action.” He stated.


    I guess he is right. The act needs to bemitted first for regret to follow. “Your regret changes


    nothing, Ravel. you broke my trust, ruined our marriage, and ended it yourself. That fact will always


    remain unchanged.”


    Only a step away from me, he reached for my hand and I let him grab it. “What if I’m willing to make


    amend?”


    Surprised by his words, I blinked up at him, trying my best not to stare at his lips. “What do you mean


    by that?”


    “What if I am willing to fight for your love and affection once again?” he wetted his lips, “what if I am


    willing to do anything to have you in my life again as my wife?”