Chapter 30: When Paths Cross in Silence

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Eliza knew Hazel was arriving soon. But before their reunion, Eliza had something else to do—visit Sofia’s apartment and help set things up. Hazel and Sofia would be staying in the capital for quite a while due to their upcoming fashion shows and competitions. Eliza had already promised herself that she would speak to Hazel about their shared “past life,” or at least what Eliza believed to be memories. She had a strong feeling that Hazel remembered something too. With that hope, she eagerly waited for her sister’s arrival.

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Meanwhile, Sofia and Hazel finally landed in the capital city. At the airport, a sleek black car was waiting to pick them up—sent by Sofia’s family. As they drove towards Sofia’s apartment, Hazel looked out of the window, quietly observing the city lights and busy streets.

The car entered a gated community known as “La Rosa Heights.”

The colony was a reflection of luxury and elegance. Wide, tree-lined streets curved through landscaped gardens and sparkling fountains. Each building was a modern architectural marvel, with tall glass windows, soft lighting, and balconies decorated with hanging flower pots. The security was tight, with uniformed guards stationed at the entrance and cameras at every turn. Everything about the area screamed exclusivity—it was the kind of place where celebrities, high-ranking officials, and influential business people resided.

Hazel shifted nervously in her seat. She wasn’t used to such extravagance. Sofia noticed her unease and chuckled. “Don’t look so worried, Hazel. You’re going to be even more famous in the capital very soon. Who knows? You might end up buying your own place in this colony.”

Hazel smiled but softly replied, “Still, I want to pay you rent. I won’t feel comfortable otherwise.”

Sofia rolled her eyes but agreed. “Fine, fine. I’ll take your rent, designer queen. But only because I don’t want you stressed—it’ll ruin your creativity, and that’s not good for business.”

They both laughed.

When they entered the building, Sofia pressed the button for the 5th floor in the elevator. The ride was smooth, and soon, they stepped out into a quiet, plush hallway. Only two apartments existed on this floor—one was Sofia’s, and the other belonged to someone Sofia hadn’t met yet.

Outside Sofia’s door were a few large boxes.

“The fabrics I ordered,” Sofia said, unlocking the door. “The cleaning crew already set up everything inside. Most of the furniture was in place.”

As the door opened, Hazel stepped into a space that took her breath away.

The apartment was modern but warm—cream-colored walls with pastel accents, a mix of marble and wooden flooring, large floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the rooms with natural light. The living room had a plush ivory sofa with teal and gold cushions, a round glass coffee table, and a soft fur rug. The open-concept kitchen gleamed with white countertops, a rose-gold backsplash, and built-in appliances.

A hallway led to two bedrooms. Hazel’s bedroom was styled with a soft pink-and-white theme, a canopy bed, vintage vanity, bookshelves, and scented candles. The second bedroom had darker tones—more suited to Sofia’s taste. But what truly caught Hazel’s eye was the small, sunlit design studio next to her room. It had a sewing table, dress forms, organized racks of fabric, and a display wall filled with inspiration sketches.

“It’s… it’s beautiful,” Hazel whispered.

“I thought you’d like it,” Sofia said proudly.

They dropped their bags on the sofa and started hauling the fabric boxes inside, laughing and chatting. Hazel bent down to pick up a box near the hallway when suddenly, the apartment door across the hall opened.

Hazel looked up, surprised, and froze.

A man stood in the doorway—tall and lean, dressed in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and olive-green military-style pants that fit him perfectly. His sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and stormy gray eyes made him look like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine. A black Rolex adorned his left wrist. His hair was jet black, neatly styled, and a tattoo peeked from the inside of his forearm.

He looked at Hazel with an unreadable expression—neither curiosity nor rudeness, just calm indifference.

Hazel quickly looked away, her cheeks turning slightly pink. Sofia, on the other hand, was unfazed. She stepped forward with her usual confidence.

“Hi! We’re your new neighbors. I’m Sofia, and this is Hazel.”

The man nodded once. “Robert. I live here.”

Before they could say more, another man appeared in the doorway behind Robert. He was equally tall, but with a softer expression, sandy-brown hair, and warm hazel eyes. He wore a casual navy shirt, jeans, and white sneakers.

Robert introduced him. “This is Henry. He’s visiting.”

Henry smiled politely. “Pleasure to meet you both.”

Hazel gave a small, polite smile, still silent. When Henry noticed the fabric boxes, he offered help, but Sofia quickly declined.

“No need. We’ve got it covered.”

“Well, welcome to the floor,” Henry added as both men walked to the elevator.

As they entered the elevator, Henry nudged Robert with a playful grin. “Looks like you’ve got some new admirers, huh? Beauties are literally moving in next door.”

Robert rolled his eyes. “As long as they don’t knock on my door, I don’t care.”

Henry laughed, knowing full well that Robert’s icy nature kept most women at arm’s length.

Back inside the apartment, Hazel and Sofia had finished unpacking the fabric and were now seated on the sofa, sipping juice.

“So… Robert, huh?” Sofia teased.

Hazel blushed. “What about him?”

Sofia laughed. “Nothing. Just saying. He’s… intense.”

Hazel tried to act indifferent, but even she couldn’t deny the strange pull she felt when their eyes met.

Soon their conversation turned serious again as they discussed the upcoming fashion competition. They reviewed sketches, debated color schemes, and planned their first event in the capital city. Sofia was confident they would make an impact. Hazel was nervous but hopeful.

Somewhere deep inside, both knew their lives were about to change—but neither realized how much.

And just down the hall, Robert sat on his balcony, watching the city with a glass of water in hand, not realizing either that his life had already started to shift the moment a quiet designer girl looked up at him with startled eyes and soft silence.

And just down the hall, Robert sat on his balcony, watching the city with a glass of water in hand, not realizing either that his life had already started to shift the moment a quiet designer girl looked up at him with startled eyes and soft silence

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