Hazen's POV
Waking up with the sun, I never need an alarm – my internal clock beats to the rhythm of dawn. As I opened my eyes, there was Snowy, my snow-white rabbit, nestled at my feet. In the outer world's perception, I'm the embodiment of coldness and ruthlessness. It's a challenge for them to fathom that I share my space with a pet, especially one as unexpected as a rabbit.
Not wanting to disturb Snowy's morning cuddles, I gracefully rose from the bed, eager to face the day. After a quick freshen-up, I made my way to the gym nestled within my penthouse. Yes, I prefer the lofty heights of my penthouse over my father's house – a choice fueled by our less-than-ideal relationship.
After my gym session, I showered, fed Snowy, and fixed myself breakfast. I handle morning cooking, and Max and Clara, my house help, take care of the rest. Clara, in her fifties, is like a second mom to me.
Heading to Roarcraft Constructions, my company, I breezed through greetings, heading straight to my cabin. I prefer efficiency over pleasantries. Noah, with my coffee and schedule, understands that. Simple and direct, that's how I roll in both home and office.
After Noah handed me the day's schedule, I responded with a casual "okay," expecting him to move along. To my surprise, he lingered, his gaze fixed on me. Irritation crept in, and I finally asked, "What?"
"I wonder when will I see you smiling. Though, even then, you won't look good," Noah quipped.
His audacity struck me, but the truth behind the banter was clear – Noah wasn't just an assistant; he was a friend. A fact known only to us in the office shrouded in the facade of professional hierarchy.
"How about you get your ass up and leave to work, along with letting me do my work," I sarcastically fired back.
"Come on, my Hazzy baby, you can't throw me out of your cabin like that," he fake cried.
Noah seemed to relish getting under my skin. Ignoring him, I focused on my tasks, but he persisted, staring at me once more.
"I know that Snowy is filling your ears against me. Oh, how I knew when she entered your life that you would forget about me," he teased, blending genuine affection for Snowy with his usual theatrics.
"Don't call me with those shitty nicknames. I hate them. And go out before I throw you out of my cabin," I retorted.
"Meanie," he huffed and finally left.
Shaking my head, I resumed my work, Noah's drama temporarily replaced by the familiar hum of productivity in my office sanctuary.
Noah's voice crackled through the intercom, alerting me to the unexpected arrival of William Vernon, my father. Wondering about the purpose of his visit, I instructed Noah to usher him into my cabin. A knock preceded my disinterested "get in," and he entered. A nod passed between us before I curtly motioned for him to take a seat.
"How are you, Hazen?" he inquired, a tone of feigned concern tainting his words.
"Good. Now, what brings you here?" I cut to the chase, detecting a subtle shift in the way he looked into my eyes, a hint of something resembling genuine care and hurt. Like heck, I would believe that.
"It's Wade's birthday in a week, and I want you to attend the function as a family," he said. I could sense an ulterior motive; my father rarely reached out without a reason. Wade, his son from his second wife Lucy, embodied the stereotype of a rich father's indulged brat, with siblings Liam and Lilly rounding out the picture.
"Oh, so you want me there for a perfect family portrait to dazzle the paparazzi," I scoffed. His expression flickered momentarily before he responded, "No, I genuinely want us to be a family there. The twins miss you a lot."
Sarcasm dripped from my reply, "Why bother explaining? If I decline, your wife gets upset, and since you're a puppet, you're scared. Relax, I'll be there, but not for you guys—for Lilly and Liam." Without giving him a chance to react, I added, "You may leave now," and he exited, leaving me to ponder the complicated dynamics of family ties.
Noah entered my cabin and asked, "What was it this time?"
"The brat's birthday and I have to act as if I care," I replied. "It's after a week, so get him something as a gift," I added.
He smirked and replied okay. I sensed mischief in his expression, and that usually meant trouble.
"I am with you and will always be," he said softly. Despite my irritated expression, his words warmed something inside me. But before I could react, he was back to his usual self, saying, "Okay, Hazzy baby, bye," and darted out of my cabin. I chuckled and shook my head.
The rest of the day was spent immersed in work, but thoughts of my unconventional family and a longing for a different life lingered. In an attempt to shake off the gloom, I decided to visit the park with Snowy. After a quick change in the penthouse, I took Snowy, who was as excited as ever to venture outdoors.
Seated on a bench, I found myself lost in contemplation of my complicated life. Suddenly, Snowy wiggled out of my arms and darted towards a girl. She was pretty, with long hair and fair skin, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She picked up Snowy and started playing with her.
Approaching her with my usual cold demeanor, I apologized if my pet had disturbed her. She looked at me, momentarily lost, and then responded, "No worries at all. The little one brightened my gloomy mood." I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the attention. At that moment, all I could think was that she was just like every other girl, after my looks and money, using my dear Snowy as a means to get to me. The cynic in me couldn't help but brush off her seemingly genuine appreciation for my rabbit as a ploy to get closer. After all, it wasn't the first time someone had tried to use my pet to break through my defenses.
Rudely, I interjected, "If you're done with your gloomy mood, can I have my pet back?" She returned Snowy immediately, hurt evident in her eyes, and left without saying another word. As she departed, I wondered if I had been too harsh. Snowy, who usually avoided strangers, seemed drawn to her.
Later at home, I had dinner and prepared to sleep, but the girl's face lingered in my thoughts. It was unusual for me to dwell on such interactions, and I questioned why I was affected. Lost in contemplation, sleep eventually overtook me, providing a temporary escape from the complexities of my unconventional life.
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ROSE PETAL'S LAST FALL
Romance"Why can't I love you Bellie?" asked Hazen. "Avoid investing in what won't linger; it's like chasing shadows that fade at dawn," said Avabelle. "But you're not just a passing shadow in my life," said Hazen failing to hide the frustration in his voic...
