Chapter 121
HAZEL
PRESENT TIME
Last night, as the hours ticked away, Ravel and I found ourselves trapped in the clutches of insomnia, unable to slip into the realm of dreams. I made a conscious decision to forgo any sleep–inducing pills, a choice rooted in my ongoing effort to curb their consumption, steering clear of any potential addiction that might rear its head.
The subsequent morning arrived with its soft light filtering through the curtains, painting a new day. Groggily, I opened my eyes to the sight of Ravel’s silhouette, a gentle smile on his face, and two cups of freshly brewed coffee in his hands.
“Good morning.” I managed to mumble, my body weary from the battle with restlessness that had consumed a significant part of the night. For the sake of both Ravel and myself, I hoped that this day would offer a better beginning, free from the shadows of sleeplessness and a good news about my daughter.
Ravel’s response was kind and supportive as he handed me one of the coffee cups. “Good morning to you too,” he said, his tone filled with empathy. “You’re going to need this to kickstart your day effectively,” he added, acknowledging the importance of caffeine in helping us shake off the remnants of a sleepless night.
With a weary but appreciative smile, I took the offered coffee and brought it to my lips, hoping the rich aroma and caffeine infusion would rouse my tired cells from their slumber. My curiosity got the better of me as I couldn’t help but inquire, “What time did you manage to wake up?” I knew that I had nodded off before him, and since I had last glimpsed the clock, it couldn’t have been more than a few hours past four in the morning. “Did you get any rest at all?”
Ravel met my gaze with a soft smile, rea**uring me, “I dozed off right after you did.” He took a final, hearty gulp of his coffee, then deposited the empty cup gently on the table. “How about we switch things up today and grab breakfast outside?” he proposed, the prospect of a fresh morning meal dancing in his eyes.
However, the thought of food didn’t sit well with my stomach at the moment. “I’m not really hungry,” I admitted, placing my now–empty cup on the bedside table. I rolled off the bed and made my way to the bathroom. “But if you’re feeling hungry, please don’t let my lack of appetite hold you back from enjoying a meal,” I added with a faint smile before disappearing into the bathroom.
Stepping into the bathroom, I moved with deliberate care, retrieving my toothbrush and toothpaste from the shelf. With each stroke, I scrubbed my teeth, the rhythmic swish of the bristles providing a small but comforting distraction from the lingering weight of sleepless nights.
As I diligently cleaned my teeth, I noticed Ravel still hovering near the doorway, silently watching me. His presence, although unspoken, carried a sense of unity and support, a reminder that we were in this together. The mundane act of brushing my teeth felt strangely comforting, a small island of normalcy in our otherwise turbulent world.
Ravel finally spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of longing for fresh air and a break from the relentless confinement. “Even if you’re not hungry, I think it’s essential for us to step outside the confines of this house.”
His words resonated with me. I couldn’t deny that the walls of this place seemed to press in on us, suffocating us slowly. With a resigned sigh, I nodded, conceding, “Fine, let’s grab something to eat from one of the nearby restaurants.”
Ravel’s face brightened with enthusiasm, and he replied, “Great. I’ll give you some space to get ready.” With that, he left the
room.
Alone with my thoughts, I realized that the topic of David loomed like an unspoken specter between us. The phone call with Rigger last night had stirred emotions, concerns, and unresolved questions. I knew that a significant conversation awaited us, and it wouldn’t be an easy one.
I couldn’t help but ponder how to broach the subject with Ravel. He might not agree with my determination to pursue David, especially after the call’s revelations. Yet, deep down, I felt compelled to take on the responsibility of digging deeper into this mysterious situation. It was a duty that seemed to fall squarely on my shoulders, and I couldn’t shirk it.
All I need to do is convince Ravel to check on his office duties in New York, and when he leaves for New York, I will pay
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David a visit at his place, and take a sample of his hair before heading to Monica’s place to do the same.
I need to confirm if David isn’t really Monica’s son. I need to be sure; I need to confirm the fact that David isn’t really who I think he is. For the sake of our friendship and relationship, I am not going to jump to a conclusion until I have a shred of valid and concrete evidence to prove me otherwise.
Taking a quick shower, I changed into a simple black dress before walking out of the room in search of Ravel. I found him in the living room, already dressed up. I guess he returned to the bedroom to dress while I was taking a shower.
Now in black plain trousers and a shirt with black leather jacket, he pocketed his phone when he saw me coming down. The swiftness with which he pocketed the phone made my eyes narrow suspiciously. “Were you with anyone on the phone?”
Approaching me, he nodded. “I was speaking with Raymond about some business issues.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on my forehead. “It’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Hand in hand, we walked into the parking lot. Ravel opened the pa**enger door for me and when I got in, he rounded the car and got into the driver’s seat. I watched him as he carefully rolled the car out of the parking lot.
Folding my hands, I cleared my throat, prompting him to glance quickly at me. “Do you have something on your mind?” He asked as he searched for the nearest restaurant to pull over.
“It’s about your business,” I confessed, “Don’t you think you should head down to New York, even if it is for a day or two, so you can be sure nothing is going wrong.”
Reaching forward with his free hands, he took mine and squeezed gently. “I am not going back to New York until my daughter is found.” He insisted firmly, “and I trust Raymond to take care of my business until I return.”
“Speaking of Raymond,” I continued, “have you guys been able to sort things out between yourselves?”
Ravel bit his lower lips, an indication that he wasn’t so sure of the answer himself. “We aren’t there yet, but we’re getting somewhere.”
I really hope they fix whatever issue that is going on between them. “And how is Elenor?” I really should give her a call. I’ve been so engrossed in finding Daisy and unraveling David’s true identity that I’ve forgotten about other things happening around me.
“She is getting better.” He replied, “She’s just struggling with therapy, but I’m sure she will fight and overcome this too.”
It must be overwhelming for Raymond to be handling both Elenor and the business. “Are you really sure you do not want to touch down in New York?” I really won’t mind. It’s not like we are the ones going from street to street to look for her.
“I am certain Hazel,” He a**ured me with a gentle squeeze of my hand, “I want to be here for you, to be here for us.”
Tell me how it is impossible not to fall for him the more. “I’m going to tell you a secret,” I mumbled.
Although curious about what I just said, he patiently pulled over to the parking lot of one of the popular restaurants around the area before turning to me. “What secret?”
“I woke up this morning with the plan of convincing you to leave for New York,” I confessed and his brows jumped to his hairline. “I know that sounds crazy.”
He blinked at me slowly before chuckling. “So Why are you suddenly telling me about your secrets instead of working towards enacting them?”
“Because I figured there is no reason to keep this from you,” I replied with a slight frown. “We agreed not to keep anything from each other and I want to uphold that.”
Ravel turned to face me directly as he folded his hands. “What were you planning on hiding from me?”
“I am going to David’s place today,” I confessed yet again, “I am going to his house to take his hair sample, after which, I am going to visit his mother and do the same.”
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Chapter 121
Not in support of my plans, Ravel shook his head. “David is dangerous Hazel. None of his girlfriends are alive. That is how much of a scary dude he is. I can’t have you go around him without any security.”
He isn’t going to change my mind about going to David’s. “This is completely safe Ravel, do you know why?” He simply blinked at me in response, waiting for me to continue, and I did continue. “The fact that he doesn’t suspect that I know anything about his past is the greatest weapon we have against him.”
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