Chapter 27 CHAPTER 27: Mixed Feelings
Williams
I was jolted awake by the insistent blare of the alarm clock on my night stand. My eyes creaked open, the familiar morning light a harsh contrast to the comforting darkness of sleep. Instinctively, I reached out for the warmth that had become my morning ritual. But my hand encountered only the cool emptiness of the sheets. Hazel, whom I'd grown accustomed to waking up beside, was nowhere to be found. I peeked out one eye to search the room and everywhere was empty. I was disappointed because the best thing about my mornings was waking up to her beautiful face and warm cuddles. Where would she have gone so early in the morning? Does she not know I am now accustomed to waking up beside her?
It had been a month and three weeks since my accident and I had finally left the confines of my wheelchair. My face healed nicely with a few scars that the doctor had promised would go away with time. I was ready to go back to work even though I was still using a clutch. As I laid there reminiscing about the previous months, I couldn’t help but smile and be grateful for how far we have come and the amazing person I was given as a wife. I laid there thinking how lucky I was, and I vowed within myself to win her heart completely so she did not think about leaving when the two-year contract was over.
I was pressed. So I groped for my underarm crutch. Fortunately, Hazel had thoughtfully placed it just by the night stand. With the help of the crutch in one hand, I stood up ready to head to the bathroom when Hazel, in a white flared nightgown that teased glimpses of her thighs, sashayed in. Her hair, a mess of tousled curls, held an unexpected allure. I swallowed hard, picturing the layers falling away, the feel of her skin against mine. I gulped, as I could not tear my eyes away from her form. A shopping bag hung from her arm, and a smile bloomed on her face as she noticed my lingering gaze.
“You are gawking, Mr. Williams” she smiled at me.
“Yes, I am, my wife is absolutely gorgeous, and I cannot stop staring at her” I replied, moving close to her.
“I missed waking up beside you” I murmured, pulling her close, took the bag from her hand and dropped on the bed before taking her in my arms, and locking my lips with hers.
"Good morning, Mr. Williams," she teased, the playful glint in her eyes both a challenge and an invitation.
"Hazel," I breathed, my voice husky. "You have no idea how good you look." I teased, and nuzzled her ears, making her giggle.
“It’s your first day after the accident, so I got you something special.”
“Really? I replied as my eyes moved to the shopping bag on the bed.
“Yes, but you will have to get ready for work before I show them to you” she smiled while removing the bag from my reach.
She walked me to the bathroom door then spanked my butt, a habit she has grown accustomed to, and I’ve grown to love. I smiled and blew her a kiss.
I hurriedly took a pee, brushed my teeth and had my bath. As I entered the room, Hazel was pacing the room. I stood and watched as she chewed on her index right finger, a habit she had grown accustomed to over the years when she was nervous.
As I stepped, I noticed a navy-blue American style Italian three-piece suit, a dark brown shoe and a shiny briefcase on the bed. I was drawn to them immediately because they looked very expensive, so I checked the label and realized it was all Tom Ford’s brand. I looked up at Hazel, who had stopped pacing when I came in.
“These must have cost a fortune”
She smiled nervously. “Yes, it will bring out the color in your eyes,” she replied.
I was touched by the gesture, so I moved closer and held out my arms for a hug, and she walked into it.
“Thank you, you didn’t have to” I said.
“It’s your special day so you need to feel and look special” she replied, the nervousness dissipating.
I gave her a quick perk on the cheek before moving to try on the outfit, but she stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “You have to eat first,” she said, her eyes boring into me. As she finished talking, Maria wheeled a tray of food into the room.
“Good morning, Master Williams,” she smiled.
“Good morning, Maria,” I replied, returning her smile.
“Your special breakfast is ready” she announced, “Enjoy your meal”. She half bowed, nodded and then left the room.
I looked over at Hazel who had already moved to the tray trying to get it in order and smiling from ear to ear.
“Hey, come here,” I said, and kissed her on the mouth.” she smiled and went back to her arrangement.
She guided me to the makeshift dining table. Inside the tray were varieties of food, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, fried mushrooms, and toasted bread. She scooped a little of everything and heaped it on a plate, then slid it to me.
“Eat”, she ordered.
“Eat with me” I replied, and she made a plate for herself. I smiled and dug into my breakfast, which tasted heavenly.
After breakfast, Hazel helped me dress up and then went out to call the driver. As I stepped out of the house, she took a picture of me with her phone before helping me into the back seat of the car. She gave me a quick kiss on the lips, then closed the car door and stood there waving until the car was out of sight.
The sleek black car pulled to a stop under the imposing glass and steel canopy of Thorn Industries. Stepping out, I winced slightly as my leg protested the movement. But the discomfort was eclipsed by a surge of something else entirely – a sense of homecoming.
Ava, my ever-reliable assistant, materialized at my side, her sharp eyes already scanning the scene. She took my briefcase and made an attempt to help me by reaching for my hand that was not holding the crutch, but my driver came around and effortlessly assisted me.
As the automatic doors whooshed open, a wave of sound overwhelmed the sound of the door closing behind us as a cacophony of cheers, whistles, and enthusiastic shouts echoed all around the room. I was taken aback by the warm welcome and the unbridled public display of affection.
Mr. Thorn, my father, materialized from the crowd, a broad smile stretching across his face. He patted me behind and then moved in for a hug.
He leaned close and whispered in my ear “Welcome back, son!"
"Thanks Dad" I replied, returning his smile.
He released me with a clap on the shoulder, before he led the way towards the private elevator that led to my office on the top floor. Ava followed close behind, her efficient movements a stark contrast to the joyous pandemonium outside. It was a perfect encapsulation of his new normal – a blend of the familiar and the unknown.
The reunion was brief, cut short by a business briefing as we ascended to his office. Ava, ever-efficient, took notes while my father launched into briefing me on the company's recent happenings while Ava diligently scribbled notes. I listened intently, nodded, asked questions and laughed. As we got to the door of my office, he halted then asked me the strangest question.
"Son, how is Hazel?"
I blinked, surprised. "You've never asked about Hazel, Dad."
"Well, I just asked today, so I am waiting for a reply. He said, with a glint in his eyes.
"She is great Dad, she got me ready for work today, and even got me this outfit" I replied, proudly showing off my designer suit, with a broad smile on my face.
"That's great, I am happy you are waxing stronger" he replied.
It seems her family have decided to sell their daughter to the highest bidder, not that I’m complaining, she is quite the catch. Beautiful, smart and good mannered. To be honest, that is not a bad trade”. A wry smile playing on his lips.
“Hazel is not up for sale dad. She is not a product” I replied, my voice tight.
“Seems she has gotten under your skin, son, just remember she is something borrowed and can be returned at any time. Not that time is on their side anyway”, he chuckled.
“That’s enough dad. I’m going into my office. My legs hurt from standing for so long”, I said in a clipped voice.
"Ah, young love,” he murmured as he gave a short sarcastic laugh.
“Let me know if you need anything, son” he said, then pat me on the back one more time before he left.
I limped into my office and shut the door behind me. I sat down, closed my eyes for a second as the image of Hazel danced in my vision and made me smile. Reaching for the stack of documents Ava had placed on my desk, I sighed. Reality, the endless pile of responsibilities, beckoned. Just as I started skimming the reports, my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I saw Maria's name flash. Maria, our stoic and reliable housekeeper, never called my cell phone. She knew the protocol – messages were left with Ava, unless it was an emergency. Dread coiled in my stomach as I answered the call.
"Master Williams," Maria's voice, usually so calm, crackled with panic. "Madam Hazel fell down the stairs, and she has been rushed to the hospital by your friend, Master Adams."
The room seemed to tilt on its axis. "What?!" The word tore from my throat. Images of Hazel, beautiful and vibrant, crumpled at the foot of the stairs filled my mind. "How did this happen? How's Hazel?" Questions tumbled over each other, my voice a desperate rasp.
But Maria was already gone, the call terminated. A cold sweat pricked my skin. What the hell had happened? How severe was the injury? Images of twisted ankles and broken bones flashed before my eyes. And Adam? What was he doing there?