Chapter 64 CHAPTER 64: A Familiar Comfort
Hazel
The police had come in and carted Emily who, as at the time they came, had gotten hold of the gun and was pointing it at me. On seeing the police, he directed the gun at an officer, but she was tackled to the floor by another officer and bundled into the police van. We were all asked to give statements and we did. Sophia had had a gunshot to her leg but the paramedics that came with the police said it was just a flesh wound, and she was taken to the hospital. I contacted William and Adam when everything was calm. They needed to know that we were safe and sound.
William promised to fly in the next day while Adam took a late night flight from Paris where he was having his honeymoon to come see his son.
I had left Ethan in the care of another nanny sent by the agency that had Sophia as replacement until she was out of the hospital.
As we approached the airport, Funke pulled out a placard with Adam and Sophia’s names written on it. I glanced at her in surprise.
"Funke? Really?" I asked, unable to hide my amusement.
“Come on, Hazel, let me have my moment. I've been waiting all my life to cross this off my bucket list” she replied with a grin and shook her head in amazement. Funke will always be the drama queen.
Then all of a sudden, the arrivals gate was bustling with people trooping out. Then I saw them. Adam was walking towards us in the company of his fiancé, now wife, Sophia - they had finally wedded three months ago, and they were both glowing like newlyweds. I was giddy with excitement to see Adam again after so many months, which was why I had insisted on picking them up from the airport, dragging Funke along for the ride.
Adam looked even better than I remembered, his physique toned and strong. He wore his signature black outfit and a brown leather jacket. His hands were intertwined with his wife’s Sophia, who shone in an off-white bodycon gown with the slit going up to her thighs. They looked so good together, like celebrity couples. Of course, they were celebrity couples in their own right. My heart skipped a bit as I recalled how he had held me like that many times, but this time I didn't feel any pang of longing, only fond memories. Funke was waving the cardboard and jumping up like a little girl, which made me giggle and shake my head in wonder.
As they got close to us, Adam took off his shades and his eyes lit up when it met mine. He came to me and enveloped me in a tight hug, carried me up and twirled me around before placing a kiss on my cheeks. Sophia came over and crushed me to her too, then kissed me on the cheek.
Funke stepped forward, grinning from ear to ear. "Welcome, celebrities!" she exclaimed, making Adam and Sophia laugh. Adam also enveloped her in a hug.
“It's so good to see you,” Adam and Sophia said at once.
“Awwn, they even complete each other's sentences” Funke cooed and dramatically hid her face which made everyone burst into laughter.
“Still the drama queen, huh”? Adam said, touching her cheeks with his thumb while Funke fanned herself with her hands, making Sophia giggle.
“Funke, that's enough theatrics for today, these people need to rest after a long flight” i cut in.
As we got into the car, Adam and Sophia sat in the back, while I took the front and Funke drove.
“Can we go see Ethan first?” Adam asked.
I glanced at the rearview mirror. "If you're not too tired," I said, my eyes catching on the way Adam pulled Sophia close as she laid her head on his shoulder. My heart skipped a beat, but I masked it with a smile.
"I'm never too tired to see my son," he replied, looking right back at me. His eyes lingered on mine for just a fraction before he turned back to Sophia and smiled.
When we arrived home, the new nanny, Lisa, opened the door to let us in.
"Where is he?" Adam asked eagerly as he charged inside. He found Ethan quickly, bent down, and scooped him into his arms, rocking him back and whispering sweet words. He kissed Ethan's plump cheeks, making him shriek with delight. My heart squeezed as I watched them. Ethan had grown to resemble Adam's uncannily tan skin, warm brown eyes, thick messy dark hair, and a smile as beautiful as his father's. Even without DNA tests, everyone would have known Ethan was his. He looked so happy and loved.
Sophia joined Adam, both of them fussing over Ethan, who was clearly enjoying the attention. Funke came close, took my hands in hers, and when I looked over at her, tears stung my eyes. I smiled, and she squeezed my hands, a gesture showing she understood the turmoil I was feeling.
Adam turned to us. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he said.
"It's all over now," I smiled reassuringly. Then he turned back to Ethan, mumbling sweet gibberish to him as he settled on the couch.
Sophia came to me and took my hands. Despite my initial apprehension, she proved to be a pleasant surprise. She was kind, intelligent, and possessed a quiet strength that belied her delicate frame. She interacted with Ethan with natural grace, her laughter filling the house with warmth. It was clear that she genuinely loved Adam, and he was reciprocating that love, adjusting to his new life. I smiled to myself, relieved that Adam had finally found happiness.
I watched as Adam held Ethan with practiced ease, his eyes crinkling with genuine affection as the baby cooed at him. They spent a considerable amount of time with Ethan, who giggled and soaked in the attention.
As they were leaving, Adam bent down and hugged me again, a genuine smile playing on his lips. "Hazel," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a familiar shiver down my spine. "It's good to see you again." Then he turned, took Sophia’s hand in his, and they left for their hotel room.
Later that evening, William called to let me know he had arrived in town. I gave him directions to the house, anticipation and a bit of nervousness swirling inside me.
I was in the bathroom when I heard a shriek from Funke. My heart skipped a bit. At first, the events of a few days ago came to mind as I blindly rushed out of the bathroom, then William’s deep husky laugh followed, making me relax a bit, then Funke’s bellowing laugh. I placed my hands on my chest to calm myself. Then I hurriedly dressed up and went out to meet them. As I got there, Ethan was giggling and his little legs raised in the air as William was bent over his crib making funny noises.
As I got close, I placed my hands on his back, startling him. He turned and straightened, turning the full voltage of his deep blue eyes at me. I could feel the intensity of his gaze all the way down to my toes as warmth spread all over me. He looked better than I'd ever seen, considering I saw him two months before. His high cheekbones looked more defined, and he looked like he had been working out again. His wavy brown hair looked longer and was styled to the side. I smiled as he extended a hand, his fingers brushing against my cheek as he gently tilted my face towards him. The touch, though fleeting, sent a surge of electricity through me and I instinctively leaned into it, my heart thumping in my chest. Then he pulled me close, and I got lost in the solid comfort of his broad chest against mine. I inhaled his intoxicating scent and wrapped my arms around him. For a moment, the world around us faded away. There was only him, his warm touch, the mesmerizing depths of his blue eyes.
"Hey," I whispered, my voice shaky.
“Hey” he echoed, his voice a husky murmur that sent shivers down my spine.
“I've missed you so much” he mumbled, and I felt a lump in my throat.
“I missed you too.”
“How are you holding up” he asked.
I took a deep breath, the memory of the incident flashing before my eyes. Emily's manic rage, the glint of the gun, the terrifying standoff with the police. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet the raw edges of fear still clung to me.
"We're fine, William," I assured him, forcing a lightness into my voice that I didn't quite feel. "Just shaken, that's all. Sophia's in the hospital, but it's just a flesh wound."
"Thank God," he sighed. “I was frantic when you called.”
"William, you didn't need to do that," I whispered." We're safe. The police are taking care of everything."
"Don't be silly, Hazel," he countered, his tone firm. "I needed to see you, to see Ethan. I needed to touch you to know you are good. He added. His words sent delicious shivers down my spine.
Then Funke cleared her throat and we both turned sharply, oblivious to the fact that she had been watching the whole drama. I smiled and William rolled his eyes.
“You’ve had her for over a year, Funke, now it's my turn,” he said. It was Funke’s turn to roll her eyes.
“Can you watch Ethan for a while, I need to talk to Hazel,” William said, his tone serious.
Funke, sensing the seriousness of the issue, nodded and shooed us away.
“Everything okay”? I asked William.
“Yea, where can we talk? '' he asked, his eyes scanning the living room.
“Follow me” I said, and led him to my room.
He sat me down on the bed and held my hands in his. “How are you holding up” he asked. I looked at him and saw that he was genuinely concerned about me, so I opened up to him.
“It was one of the worst days of my life, Will, seeing her holding my baby with a gun in her hand, I've had nightmares thinking about it” as, I said, tears stung my eyes.
He drew me close and wiped my tears. I hugged her to myself, letting myself cry for the first time since the incident. Then William pulled me closer, the space between our bodies closing with a slow deliberateness as he wiped my tears with his thumb. My breath hitched in my throat as his fingers brushed against the small of my back, sending a tremor of longing through me. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, a tangible reminder of the potent connection that still simmered between us.
CHAPTER 65:Graduation and Promises
Hazel
A year had spun by like a whirlwind. Here I was, sprawled on the familiar king size bed in my New York apartment, the faint hum of the city filtering through the window. Memories flickered behind my closed eyelids – late-night study sessions fueled by stale coffee and sheer willpower, the gurgling laughter of my son echoing through the apartment, the reassuring weight of my textbooks clutched tightly in my sweaty palms. A single tear escaped, tracing a cool path down my temple. It wasn't a tear of sadness, but of a bittersweet triumph.
At twenty-six, I'd accomplished far more than I ever dared to dream. A completed undergraduate degree, the coveted NYU master’s program looming large on the horizon, and nestled in a crib across the room, my greatest treasure – my son, Ethan. I was happy and hoped for more to come.
Slipping out of bed, I padded barefoot to my window as I looked out.
I watched as the city stretched out teeming with life. Taxis, those iconic yellow squares, weaved through the throngs of people, their horns a rhythmic counterpoint to the city's constant hum. New Yorkers went about their daily activities without a care in the world, the hum of human activity creating a constant symphony. I watched as yellow cabs navigated the city. Then I closed my eyes as I recalled how out of pace I felt out of place until Funke, my best friend and confidant introduced me to the good side of the city that never sleeps as some chose to call it. A smile broke out on my face as i recalled all the fond places I've been to in the company of Funke - A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I recalled our adventures – the impromptu jazz nights in smoky basement bars, the hilarious dinner dates that ended in fits of laughter, the quiet walks through Central Park, the leaves crunching under our feet like a secret language. I had grown to love New York.
I was still at the window lost in thoughts when I heard a throat clearing, the sound jolting me back to reality in the quiet room. Instantly, I spun around, my breath catching in my throat. There, standing in the doorway, was William, looking radiant and sharp in a perfectly tailored brown suit. His athletic build filled the suit magnificently, the fabric hugging his broad shoulders and tapering down to his narrow waist. He looked like a vision straight out of a magazine. His hair, usually tousled, was meticulously styled, a hint of amusement dancing in his deep blue eyes.
He held a bouquet of rose flowers which he extended to me when I got close to him. I opened my mouth in shock as I felt a rush of excitement.
“Will, you told me last night you were not even sure you will be lucky enough to come with the emergency meeting and investors coming over today” I said, my eyes wide in surprise.
“I only said that because I wanted to see the look of surprise on your face when I showed up unannounced” he said as a wave of warmth washed over me for his thoughtfulness. Then he handed the flowers to me. I took it and sniffed before dropping it carefully on the bed.
“Come here” he whispered. I gulped as our eyes met and he pinned me with his intense blue eyes. I walked into his arms as he hugged me tightly then tilted my head up, his eyes staring at my lips. Then he licked his lips. I felt mesmerized by his gaze and I parted my lips slightly, a familiar sensation stirring in my groin. I gulped and shifted close instinctively. His gaze traveled to my eyes and I saw a glint of something wild and primal as if he was seeking my permission. I nodded as our lips met. He teased my lower lips slightly as if testing the waters then he took control, tilting my head backwards to get more access as he deepened the kiss eliciting a whimper from me. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he lifted me off the floor, making me gasp. He chuckled and bit my lower lip slightly before he moved his lips to my neck. I moaned softly
“I’ve missed you so much” he whispered
“Me too Will” I replied
Then there was a knock on the door and we both froze.
“Hazel, are you ready?” Funke’s voice echoed. Then we both burst out laughing as I slid down Williams’ body. His earlier pristine suit was a bit rumpled and we both burst out laughing.
“You in there with someone”? She asked
“Uhm, I’ll be right out Funky” I replied. Then she started knocking frantically
“Open the door Hazel” she said in a joking manner. Williams strode to the door and opened it. Immediately her eyes fell on him, she opened her mouth in astonishment.
She then turned to me “No wonder you are not dressed up yet”
“It’s good to see you too Funke” William said
“Go get ready so we won't be late Hazel '' Funke shooed me away.
After my bath, with the help of Funke and William, I finally settled on an army green flared short gown and stiletto heels while my two-audience whistled and cooed. I had gotten more rounder and thicker after giving birth but in the right places and I was proud of my body.
The graduation ceremony was flawless. My mother, though her flight was delayed, arrived just in time. Her eyes shone with pride as she watched me stride to the podium to receive my certificate. Ethan, cradled in her arms, chose that moment to start mumbling baby words, his sweet coos eliciting soft laughter throughout the otherwise silent hall. It was a perfect, heartwarming interruption.
As the ceremony concluded and we were preparing to leave after a round of photographs, Adam and his wife Sophia appeared. Sophia, glowing with pregnancy, radiated happiness. We embraced in a warm three-way hug, and I congratulated them both as they grinned widely, nodding in delight.
The day held more surprises. William, ever the planner, revealed he had reserved a table at a fine dining restaurant for all our guests. We made our way there for a delightful meal, followed by an exclusive after-party at a nearby bar.
Later, I invited a few close friends and family to my apartment for an intimate dinner and some drinks. Adam and Sophia cozied up together, completely enchanted by Ethan, who entertained them with his giggles and babbling. Funke helped serve the snacks prepared earlier by a caterer, while William was holed up in my study, participating in an investor’s meeting via Skype. My mother, feeling the strain of the day, had retired early, complaining of her usual joint pains.
As dusk settled, Adam and Sophia approached me while I was changing Ethan for the night. Sophia looked a bit weary, and they were ready to call it a night.
"Pregnancy really suits you, Sophia," I remarked, squeezing her cheeks playfully.
She glanced at Adam with a mischievous smile. “I finally got him where I wanted,” she teased, and Adam shook his head with a grin. Their marriage had started as a one-year contract, a fact that still amazed me.
"So, is this a 'for life' kind of thing now?" I couldn't help but ask, curiosity gnawing at me.
Adam cupped Sophia's face in his calloused hands, his gaze tender and unwavering. "Absolutely," he declared, his voice thick with emotion. "The thought of life without her is unimaginable. I wouldn't want to find out either." He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, a silent promise spoken in a language only they could understand.
“Me too, baby,” Sophia replied, her eyes shining while my own eyes shone with unshed tears.
“I’m so happy for you,” I said, my voice cracking with emotion.
Funke, witnessing the heartfelt moment, joined us with a playful wink. “I’m heading back with them. “I’ll just go with them. I have already booked a room in the same hotel. I could use some serious TLC” she joked, causing a ripple of laughter to fill the room.
They said their goodbyes and left. As I got in, everywhere was quiet except the nanny Lisa. she had recovered nicely and resumed her duties with me. He was holding Ethan who had finally fallen asleep. I took him from her to his room and dropped him to sleep before I went back into the living room where Lisa was packing up.
“Are you leaving”? I asked
“Yes Ma” she replied
“Thank you so much for today, Lisa. I don't know what I would have done without you” I said and moved in to give her a hug. She said her goodbyes and left.
I decided to take the time to freshen up. I went in to check on William who was still on call. I stood in the doorway watching him as he spoke animatedly into the phone. Sensing my presence, he turned his eyes to me and a smile lit up his face. He licked his lips and strode towards me. He had loosened his tie and two of his shirt buttons were undone. He looked very handsome and I felt my desire flared. We had become very close in the past month and I had grown to love him even more. He cared deeply about Ethan and anyone who looked closely will see that he loved me. As he loomed close, his eyes shone with unspoken emotions, his gaze lingering on me a little too long, his touch lingering a little too deliberately. Then he withdrew his hand from my skin as if it burned. He turned away from me and concluded the call.
After the call, we moved to the living room and He sat beside me on the couch
Your guests are gone” he observed and i nodded
“So, are you going to stay over tonight? I asked
“If you want me to,” I replied.
“Of course I want you to Will,” I said. He smiled widely, his hand brushing against mine subtly.
"So," William began, breaking the silence, "what are your plans, Hazel?"
His question hung in the air, a loaded cannon pointed directly at me. I knew the answer he craved, the answer that would solidify his place in my life.
“You know what I want,” I said. He gazed into my eyes softly and then pushed me close until I was sitting in his lap.
“Only one plan comes to mind Mrs. Williams” he said, his eyes raking all over my body
“Mrs. Williams”? I asked raising my eyebrows
“Yes Mrs. Williams. I will never give you that divorce because you are mine and mine forever” he said. I was short of words. He stood up with me in his arms as he headed to my bedroom.