Running Away from Marriage, Leaving Deception Behind

In the next breath, Ambrose, who had been silent up until now, stepped forward. Without a word, he captured Scarlett in a lingering kiss, his lips pressing against hers with a passion that had been locked away for years.

Hazel couldn’t hold back anymore. Tremors wracked her body as tears streamed down her cheeks.

They had loved each other for ten years, yet every time Hazel had tried to kiss Ambrose, he turned away. Back then, she had convinced herself it was his shyness, his reserved nature. She never imagined that all his yearning, all the love he had buried deep inside, was meant for Scarlett.

They had shared countless nights together, tangled in the intimacy of the same bed, yet Ambrose had kept a piece of himself untouched, reserved for the one he truly loved.

Hazel’s nails bit into her palms, the sharp sting almost suffocating. She cast her gaze downward, her eyes falling on the high heels that felt too tight, too heavy.

They were a gift from Ambrose for their engagement, sparkling crystal diamonds that caught the light like a thousand stars. The shoes were as expensive as they were beautiful, a fairytale dream brought to life. Hazel had fallen in love with them the moment she saw them.

But no matter how stunning they were, they were one size too small, and the pain from wearing them had left her feet bloodied and raw.

Without a second thought, she slipped them off and tossed them into the trash.

Shoes that didn’t fit, no matter how dazzling, weren’t worth keeping.

And a marriage that didn’t fit, no matter how much love it held, wasn’t worth salvaging.

Just as she reached for her phone to call a cab, Ambrose appeared behind her. His voice sliced through the air, calling her name.

Hazel turned, meeting his gaze. The moment their eyes locked, Ambrose released Scarlett’s hand, guilt flickering in his eyes as he noticed the bruise on Hazel’s face.

“You’re sober now? I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just wanted to snap you out of it before things went too far.”

Hazel glanced at Scarlett, and Ambrose quickly added, “It’s not what it looks like. Let me explain…”

“Don’t overthink it. Scarlett had too much to drink. It wasn’t safe for someone like her to walk home alone at night, so I brought her back here. She’s your sister, after all. It’s only natural for me to look out for her. Besides, she’s a considerate girl. She insisted on leaving early because she didn’t want you to misunderstand when you came back.”

Ambrose, usually a man of few words, suddenly became a fountain of excuses when it came to Scarlett. Every sentence seemed to be a defense, a justification for her actions.

Hazel stared at him, the man she had known for over twenty years, and felt as if a stranger stood before her.

They had grown up together, childhood sweethearts through and through. She had been by his side, supporting him through the grind of building his career. How had she ended up as nothing more than a placeholder?

The question lingered in her mind, but she didn’t want to seek an answer anymore. In seven days, she’d be gone.

She no longer had to endure it for the sake of "family harmony."

Hazel’s eyes locked onto Scarlett, and the words she had kept buried for over a decade finally slipped free, tumbling from her lips like a long-held breath.

“She’s not my sister. She’s the daughter of a mistress, and now she’s a mistress herself!”

The words hit like a thunderclap, shaking the room. Scarlett didn’t flinch, but Ambrose’s face twisted in fury.

The word “mistress” seemed to strike a nerve, unraveling his calm facade. He surged toward Hazel, his voice a roar that shattered his usual composure.

“Hazel! What nonsense are you spouting? Apologize to Scarlett right now!”

“Fatherless, motherless, no wonder your parents couldn’t stand you. You’re a bitter, vile person, and no one will ever love you. You deserve this!”

For ten years, Ambrose had never raised his voice at Hazel. But for Scarlett, in the span of one day, he had shouted at her twice.

Every word he spat was like a blade cutting deep into the rawest parts of Hazel’s soul.