In the days that followed Hazel's second meeting with Alexander, she found herself increasingly distracted.
She replayed their rooftop conversation over and over again in her mind.
There was no denying it — she was drawn to him.
His presence was magnetic, his gaze intense, and his vulnerability surprising.
And yet... Peter.
Peter had been there through everything.
He loved her.
He had supported her after her parents died.
He had given her his trust — and she had trusted him.
But something about Alexander unsettled her.
It wasn't just the childhood connection — it was the way he looked at her, the way his voice dropped ever so slightly when he said her name.
The way her heart raced in his presence despite herself.
One afternoon, as she worked late at her office, Hazel heard a knock at the door. Expecting her assistant, she called out, "Come in."
To her surprise, it was Alexander.
He entered with that same quiet confidence, holding a small box.
"I took the liberty of ordering you dinner," he said softly. "I know you tend to forget meals when you're focused."
Hazel's heart fluttered against her will.
"That wasn't necessary," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction.
"I disagree," Alexander smiled.
"I care about your well-being. And... I enjoy your company."
As they sat together at the small table in her office, sharing a quiet meal, Alexander's gaze never wavered.
He listened to her, asked thoughtful questions, and complimented her ideas.
There was a tension between them — unspoken but undeniable.
"You've built something extraordinary here, Hazel," he said, his voice low.
"You've turned your pain into power. I respect that more than you know."
Hazel swallowed, her breath catching in her throat.
"Thank you," she whispered, her cheeks warming.
Just then, her phone buzzed — a message from Peter:
Peter:Miss you tonight. Thought I'd swing by after your meetings if you're not too tired.
Hazel's eyes darted to the screen, guilt immediately settling in.
Alexander noticed her shift in mood.
"Peter?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with something harder.
Hazel nodded.
"Yes. He's… important to me."
Alexander's eyes softened for a moment, but there was a subtle flash of something else behind them — was it jealousy? Challenge? Possession?
"I understand," he said smoothly.
"But let me be honest, Hazel.
I came into your life for business… but I didn't expect you." He leaned forward slightly, voice dropping lower.
"You've captivated me.
More than I ever anticipated."
Hazel's breath quickened.
She knew she should shut this down.
She should stand and leave.
But her body betrayed her — she stayed frozen, heart pounding.
Before she could respond, the door suddenly swung open.
It was Peter.
For a few seconds, the room froze in an unbearable silence.
Peter's eyes immediately took in the intimate scene: the dim office lights, the half-eaten meal, the way Alexander leaned toward Hazel.
His jaw tightened.
"I… didn't know you had company," Peter said, his voice tense but controlled.
Hazel quickly stood up, her voice rushing.
"Peter, this isn't what it looks like—"
"No explanation needed," Peter cut her off with a strained smile. "Mr. Knight, I assume?"
Alexander stood slowly, offering Peter his hand with cool politeness.
"Pleasure to meet you, Peter. I've heard a lot about you."
Peter shook his hand firmly. Too firmly.
The air thickened with masculine tension.
"Hazel, I'll wait outside," Peter said calmly, but the storm behind his eyes was impossible to miss.
As he exited, Hazel's stomach knotted.
Alexander looked at her with quiet intensity.
"You have a good man there.
But Hazel…" His voice lowered again, almost like a warning.
"Sometimes life offers us something we never expected.
And we have to ask ourselves — do we take it, or walk away?"
Hazel was breathless.
She didn't respond. She simply watched him walk away, leaving her alone in the silence of her spinning emotions.