Chapter 99


    Chapter 99


    RAVEL


    PRESENT TIME


    I appreciate Hazel’s presence here in New York, yet I harbor a profound aversion for the circumstances


    that brought her to this ce. It has now been three long and arduous weeks since Eleanor fell into a


    deep, ominousa. In the somber confines of the hospital, the medical professionals offer their


    reassurances, assuring us that all will eventually be well. They emphasize that her prolonged


    unconsciousness is not a harbinger of despair.


    Optimism is the fragile lifeline we cling to during these trying times, for there exists no other recourse.


    Hazel has essentially taken up residence in the hospital, steadfastly remaining by Elenor’s side until


    Anne arrives. Only when Anne arrives in the evening does Hazel consider bringing her day to a close.


    As the night unfurled, mirroring countless others, I steered her car towards her home. In the dimly lit


    parking lot, I silenced the engine and turned my gaze towards Hazel, drawing her full attention to me.


    “There’s been something weighing on my mind all day,” I confided, my wordsced with concern.


    “Please don’t misunderstand me, but I can’t help but your business. You’ve been here for three weeks


    now, hasn’t it had an impact on your work?”


    worry about


    Hazel responded with a nonchnt shrug, then gently shook her head. “It’s moments like these that


    make us appreciate technology,” she remarked, her smile radiant. “I’ve managed to keep my business


    afloat from here, and considering the cancetion of the exhibition, there hasn’t been an overwhelming


    workload to contend with, anyways.”


    My brow furrowed in concern. “You canceled the exhibition?” Hazel nodded in affirmation, and a pang


    of sympathy coursed through me. “I’m genuinely sorry that I couldn’t be of any assistance.” However, I


    couldn’t help but think about the repercussions Warren and the others would face; they were certainly


    going to hear from me.


    Hazel’s response was resolute. “I’d rather bear the legal fees than contend with a potential exhibition


    failure,” she whispered, her voice unwavering. “I’m choosing to view this as one of the risks inherent in


    the world of business management.”


    I stared at her intently, admiration swelling within me for her pragmatic outlook. “I’m immensely proud of


    you, Hazel,” I murmured, my heart swelling with pride. “You’ve transformed into a sessful


    businesswoman with an exceptional mindset. I couldn’t recall feeling prouder of anyone. Leaning in, I


    gently cupped her jaw. “You promised you’d handle this on your own, and you’ve done just that.”


    A radiant smile graced Hazel’s face. “I know, right?”


    “Come closer,” I whispered softly, drawing her into a warm embrace. Her hands found their ce


    around my neek, and T held her close, our whispers shared in this intimate moment. “If it ever bes


    too overwhelming for you to handle, don’t hesitate to lean on me,” I murmured, my voice filled with


    sincerity. “I know you’re more than capable, but I want to be there for you.”


    “I will,” she whispered in response, her voice a delicate promise. “Just don’t disappear when I start


    bringing all my problems to your doorstep.”


    I chuckled affectionately. “Never,” I assured her. Pulling back slightly, I cupped her cheek tenderly. “May


    I kiss you?” I inquired, seeking permission. Her parted lips and audible breath seemed to grant the


    answer I sought. Without further hesitation, I leaned in and gently pressed my lips to hers, sealing our


    connection with a sweet, affectionate kiss.


    In that suspended moment, I remained


    perfectly still, granting her space and time to


    decide how to proceed. Her silence spoke


    volumes, and as she didn’t resist, I initiated a


    gentle movement of my lips, savoring the


    exquisite taste of her mouth. The tion that


    surged through me was indescribable when


    she met my kiss with a fervent response, her


    lips dancing in beautiful synchrony with mine. N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    My hand, substantial and warm, cradled her


    cheek, angling her head to perfection as our


    kiss deepened. Tracing my finger slowly along


    her neck, I felt the rapid tempo of her pulse


    beneath my touch, a testament to the intensity


    of our connection.


    Encouraging her to part her lips, I tugged


    gently at her lower lip, inviting her to open hen she did, my tongue fought with hers, seeking dominance


    as we licked the corners of our mouth.


    After what seemed like an eternity yet passed in the blink of an eye, Hazel gently withdrew. Her breath


    still ragged, she leaned in, resting her forehead against mine. “Ravel,” she whispered, her voice barely


    audible, “what are we doing here? Why am I in this car, sharing a kiss with a man who has a woman


    waiting for him back home?” She reluctantly pulled back.


    I licked my lips, savoring the lingering taste of her presence. My gaze locked onto Hazel’s, and in that


    poignant moment, I reached a resolute decision. “Tonight,” I dered, “I’m going to end things with


    her.”


    Hazel couldn’t help but roll her eyes, a hint of skepticism in her expression. “And why is that?” she


    retorted, a teasing tone tainting her words. “Is it because you want to keep indulging in these stolen


    moments without the weight of guilt?”


    I met her gaze with unwavering sincerity. “No,” I confessed, my voice carrying the weight of my


    intentions. “It’s because I’ve chosen to deal with the situation without risking losing you.” Memories of


    almost losing her to David haunted me, and I had no desire to relive that heartache.


    Her frown deepened as she probed further, her eyes searching mine. “What situation?” she pressed,


    her curiosity apparent.


    I sighed, a heavy weight of guilt settling upon me. “It’s not important,” I deflected, avoiding her question


    momentarily. “I know I’ve caused you immense pain, Hazel, and I’m genuinely sorry.” My gaze dropped


    to the floor briefly before returning to her, filled with remorse. “If I could turn back time and change my


    choices, I would, but since that’s impossible, I’mmitted to making amends.” I took a breath,


    steeling myself for the next step. “And the first step is ending things with June.”


    Hazel continued to study me closely, her expression contemtive as if trying to decipher something. “I


    still don’t quite understand, Ravel,” she confessed, folding her arms and blinking slowly. “Why did you


    cheat? Did you truly love June?”


    I hesitated briefly, torn betweenplete transparency and sparing her the sordid details. I don’t want


    her to get back to me just because she sees me as her hero.


    Ultimately, I chose to be honest. “Hazel,” I confessed, my voice carrying a hint of regret, “June was


    merely a ploy to coax you into signing the divorce papers. I didn’t have any genuine feelings for her.”


    She fixed me with a searching gaze, her brow furrowed. “But you did have sex with her in our


    bedroom?” she pressed, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.


    It didn’t go beyond the point where I found myself with her nipples in my mouth, As I tried to exin


    myself, I desperately added, “I know this won’t bring you anyfort, but please believe me when I say


    I never f ucked her that night or any other night after.”


    Her eyes narrowed, filled with anger and hurt. “It doesn’t matter if you didn’t physically prate her,”


    she retorted sharply,


    C


    Chapter 99


    her voiceced with pain. “To me, it’s all the same thing.” Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, making


    me realize the gravity of the situation. If the roles were reversed, and I had discovered her in a simr


    position, with another man’s lips on her nipple, I would undoubtedly consider it a betrayal of our


    rtionship.


    Unable to hold her gaze, I stared at her purse which was resting on her thigh. “I’m sorry,” I apologized,


    my voice tinged with sincerity. “What can I do to make things better? To make you forgive me?”


    She sighed, weariness evident in her eyes. “Just focus on being a good father to Daisy,” she replied,


    her voice carrying a mixture of resignation and hope. She attempted to open the car door, as if eager to


    put some distance between us, but I couldn’t let her go just yet. I reached forward and grabbed her


    arm, stopping her from leaving.


    “I am absolutelymitted to being a good father to Daisy,” I reiterated, my grip on her hand firm but


    gentle. “I’ll give her all the love and care she deserves, more than my own parents ever gave me. But


    what I truly want to understand, Hazel, is what it will take to be a good husband to you again.”


    She gently withdrew her hand from my grasp, the brief connection severed. “Good night, Ravel,” she


    whispered softly. This time, I didn’t intervene as she opened the car door and stepped out.


    She took a few steps away from the car, and I couldn’t let her leave without onest deration. Rolling


    down my window, I poked my head out. “Hazel cks!” I called out, and she halted, turning around to


    face me.


    “I won’t give up until I have ‘Southwark’ attached to your name once more!” I dered with


    determination. A few people in the parking lot couldn’t help but react, offering cooing sounds of


    approval, which only served to embarrass Hazel further. I couldn’t help but chuckle as she buried her


    neck deeper into her coat to hide her blush. “I love you, Hazel cks!” I proimed, the words echoing


    in the night air.