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 place. It has now been three long and arduous weeks since Eleanor fell into a deep, ominous coma. 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 words laced 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 nonchalant 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 cancellation 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 successful 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 place around my neek, and T held her close, our whispers shared in this intimate moment. “If it ever becomes 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 elation that
surged through me was indescribable when
she met my kiss with a fervent response, her
lips dancing in beautiful synchrony with mine.
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 declared, “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’m committed 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 contemplative 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 between complete 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 explain myself, I desperately added, “I know this won’t bring you any comfort, 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 penetrate her,” she retorted sharply,
C
Chapter 99
her voice laced 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 similar position, with another man’s lips on her nipple, I would undoubtedly consider it a betrayal of our relationship.
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 absolutely committed 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 one last declaration. Rolling down my window, I poked my head out. “Hazel Blacks!” 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 declared 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 Blacks!” I proclaimed, the words echoing in the night air.