Goodbye Hurts

Raisel’s POV

Mornings felt like a haze lately—exhaustion clinging to me like fog. But I wasn’t alone. I had help. Soren, Hazel, Fiora... and of course, Aurelia.

“Morning, love,” Soren murmured, brushing a kiss across my forehead. I smiled up at him as his arms slid around my waist.

Hazel entered with Aurelia in her arms and handed her to me gently. The baby giggled and cooed, lighting up the entire room.

“Hey there, little princess,” I whispered, nuzzling her soft cheek.

“Breakfast is ready!” Nia called cheerfully from the kitchen. Even Nia, usually so calm and composed, couldn’t resist the joy Aurelia brought into our home.

“You all go ahead and eat. I’ll take care of Aurelia,” Soren offered, cradling her as he walked off toward the playroom.

As I sat down with the others, I noticed the energy shift. Something unspoken hung heavy between Hazel and Fiora—glances exchanged, a tension that was hard to miss.

“What’s going on?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

No wonder Soren had slipped away with Aurelia. Something was off.

“Nothing,” Hazel said too quickly.

“Come on. Don’t hold back. What’s happening?”

Fiora looked at Hazel, as if waiting for permission.

“Hazel’s getting married next week,” Fiora said softly.

“Wait... what?” My gaze shot to Hazel, who turned away, her expression hollow.

She let out a long, heavy sigh.

“It’s an arranged marriage,” Hazel admitted. “I didn’t have a choice.”

Fiora already knew. I could tell by the way she looked at Hazel—not shocked, just heartbroken.

“What happened?” I pressed gently.

“You know the situation,” Hazel said, her voice distant.

“I know you lost the company, and I offered to help pay off the debt,” I reminded her.

“I couldn’t make the payment in time,” Hazel said quietly. “If I don’t marry Enzo Caldwell, there’ll be legal consequences.”

I remembered now. The ten billion-dollar debt. And Enzo’s condition: only Hazel or a family member could repay it. No outsiders.

“So, I’m moving out,” Hazel said, her voice cracking with resignation. “He booked a suite at the best hotel in town. I’ve got a wedding to prepare for.”

My heart sank. I felt helpless. All I wanted to do was protect her.

“Is there anything I can do?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

“No,” Hazel replied. “This is my mess. I’ll face it my way. I’ll marry him, and then I’ll find a way out. I’ll divorce him.”

Fiora and I exchanged a pained glance.

“Come on, girls,” Hazel said with a fragile smile. “Let’s go shopping. I need to look like a pretty bride, even if this is a prison sentence.”

“We’re going with you,” Fiora said firmly.

“Thank you,” Hazel said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Because if my mom takes over, I’ll lose it. She’s thrilled about this—selling me off like a bargain and calling it a fresh start. She’s planning her retirement off my back.”

I placed a hand on Hazel’s shoulder. Her eyes shimmered with hurt. Fiora and I wrapped our arms around her in a tight hug. She wasn’t alone.

Hazel packed her bags that evening. The pain in my chest was almost unbearable. Hazel had become family. She’d been my rock through this entire pregnancy—always there, always loving.

The chaperone sent by Enzo arrived. Hazel left. Fiora went with her, refusing to let her face this alone. She even planned to stay for a while.

I wanted to go too, but my body was still fragile, and Aurelia needed me.

“Raisins,” Soren whispered as he embraced me, wrapping me in warmth just as my tears slipped free.

“I wish I could help her,” I murmured.

“You will,” he said softly, brushing his lips against my ear. “Hazel’s stronger than she knows. She’ll find her way.”

My exhaustion hit me like a wave. Soren helped me into bed, massaging my feet with oils that soothed every ache.

“Oh God, that feels amazing,” I moaned. “Your hands are magic.”

He smirked, and I melted.

As he moved to massage my shoulders, I felt my body slowly relax.

“Come on,” he said gently. “I drew you a bath.”

He scooped me up in his arms, carrying me bridal style. The bathroom looked like a dream—rose petals floating in the water, candles flickering, champagne waiting by the tub.

As he helped me out of my lingerie and into the warm water, I sighed with contentment.

“You planned all this while I was helping Hazel pack?” I asked.

“Yeah. Put Aurelia back to sleep and figured you could use some peace.”

“I was just thinking the same,” I whispered. “Thank you for being so thoughtful.”

“You deserve everything, Raisins.” He kissed the top of my head.

“Care to join me?” I asked with a wink.

“I wish I could, sweetheart, but this is your moment. Besides, if Aurelia cries...” He trailed off, the worried dad in him showing.

I splashed water at him playfully. His shirt got soaked, and when he peeled it off—muscles rippling—I couldn’t help but stare.

And then I saw the burn scar.

“Soren... your back. You were hurt.”

I started to rise, but he stopped me, his eyes intense.

“I’m fine,” he said quickly, too quickly. Before I could push further, his lips were on mine—demanding, desperate. The kiss was rougher than usual, like he was losing control.

He pulled away, breathing hard.

“I’m fine,” he repeated softly against my ear. “Get back in. It’s hard enough resisting you like this.”

I blushed, sinking back into the water and pulling the surrounding bubbles. But that scar... it haunted me.

Then Aurelia cried, and Soren left without hesitation the devoted father once again.

I leaned back, sipping the wine and letting the bath soothe my body. My heart, though, was still heavy. I prayed Hazel would find a miracle—a man who loved her deeply, who saw her worth.

I just wanted her to find the happiness she deserved.