The Runaway Husband

Chapter 52

Hazel

I stand under the warm water, the hot spray soaking away the aches and pains inflicted by evelyn's cruelty. i can barely walk as i dry off, my reflection in the mirror shows me a battered, broken version of myself. seeing a shadow of the person I used to be staring back. My skin is pale, my eyes hollow. I know I have to put on a brave face if I want to survive this nightmare.With a heavy heart, I wrap a fluffy white bathrobe around my naked frame. The plush fabric provides a fleeting sense of comfort, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil brewing inside me. As I tie the sash securely around my waist, I steel myself for what's to come. I know that tonight, i brace myself, mentally preparing for whatever Evelyn has planned next.

I limp into the kitchen the pain in my legs making each step an agony. i reach out to steady myself against the counter, breathing heavily from the effort. my mind is filled with thoughts of escape, but i know deep down that it's futile. i've tried to run before and it always ends the same way - with evelyn catching me and punishing me worse than ever before. i look at the ingredients scattered across the counter and feel a sense of resignation wash over me. it's not like it matters anyway. i'm just a pawn in evelyn's sick game. i start preparing dinner

Third person POV

Evelyn called Hazel to the living room. The air was thick with tension as she sat on the plush sofa, a glass of wine in hand. Hazel approached cautiously, unsure of what to expect.

"Sit," she commanded, her eyes never leaving his face.

Hazel obeyed, lowering himself onto the couch across from her. Evelyn's gaze was intense, almost predatory.

"Tonight, I'm going to show you just how futile your resistance is," she continued, setting her wine glass down with a soft clink. She stood and walked over to a small table, where a laptop sat open. She pressed a few keys, and the screen flickered to life, showing a live feed.

Hazel's heart sank as he saw his parents' house on the screen. The camera zoomed in on the living room window, where his parents were sitting, oblivious to the intrusion.

"You see," Evelyn said, her voice hardening, "I have eyes everywhere. Your parents are under constant surveillance. One wrong move from you, and they will suffer the consequences."

Hazel's vision blurred with tears. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks: there was no escape. Any attempt to defy Evelyn would only bring harm to his loved ones.

"I understand," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Please, don't hurt them."

Evelyn's expression softened slightly, and she walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Now that you see things my way, we can begin to rebuild our relationship. You'll be the perfect husband, and in return, I'll keep your parents safe."

Hazel nodded, feeling utterly defeated. "I'll do whatever you want," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Evelyn reached for a parcel that had arrived at the house earlier. She handed it to Hazel, her eyes watching his every move. "This came for you," she said, her tone icy.

Hazel took the package with trembling hands. He opened it to find a legal notice from his management. The letter sternly reminded him of the five-year contract he had signed, and the consequences of his sudden disappearance without permission.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed as she read over his shoulder. "This complicates things," she muttered, her voice laced with anger. She grabbed her phone and called her lawyers, pacing the room as she spoke. After a tense conversation, she hung up and turned to Hazel, fury etched on her face.

"You have to go back," she said, her voice barely controlled. "The lawyers say there's no way out of it. You signed the contract, and they have the right to demand your return."

Hazel's heart sank further. The idea of going back to his career under these circumstances felt like another form of imprisonment. But he knew he had no choice.

Evelyn's expression softened for a moment, her eyes flickering with a hint of vulnerability. "You will go back," she said, her voice gentler. "But remember, your parents are still under my watch. One wrong move, Hazel, and they'll pay the price."

Hazel nodded, his spirit crushed. "I understand," he whispered.

Evelyn's demeanor shifted, a predatory smile curving her lips. "Good. Now, let's get you ready. You'll be the perfect husband and the perfect star. My trophy husband, for all the world to see."

As Hazel prepared for his return to the public eye, he resigned himself to his fate. He would play the role Evelyn demanded of him, knowing that any resistance would only bring more pain to those he loved. In his acceptance, he found a strange strength, determined to endure whatever came his way for the sake of his parents.

Evelyn watched him closely, her possessive gaze never wavering. She had won, and Hazel's compliance was the final proof of her control.

Yet, as she looked at him, a small part of her wondered if there was more to their twisted relationship than power and control. But for now, she was content with her victory, her trophy husband by her side.

The Next Day...

Evelyn's determination to maintain control was unwavering. She decided to send Hazel with four bodyguards who would report every single detail back to her. The car ride to the airport was tense, filled with unspoken words and heavy silence.

As they approached the airport terminal, Evelyn turned to Hazel. Her eyes softened for a brief moment, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability. "Take care of yourself," she whispered.

Hazel nodded. "I will."

Just as he was about to exit the car, Evelyn grabbed his wrist, pulling him close. Her lips crashed against his in a rough, possessive kiss. Hazel was momentarily stunned, but he responded, feeling the intensity of her emotions.

"Remember," she murmured against his lips, "you belong to me."

Hazel stepped out of the car, the bodyguards following closely behind. As he walked towards the terminal, he glanced back at Evelyn. For a brief moment, he thought he saw regret in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by her usual stern expression.