abcnovels
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Ethan
My day had begun in the usual whirlwind of activity, a chaotic and blurry start that was far from relaxing.
The never-ending to-do list was already looming large, and it seemed like there was always so much to
handle.
Axel’s voice broke through, interrupting my thoughts. “You have a meeting with Ryan Corporation today
at eleven, he informed me.
“Can you see if the meeting can be rescheduled for tomorrow? I need to attend the Starlight briefing, I
suggested.
There was a moment of hesitation in Axel’s response, but he finally spoke. “Gigi is handling the
Starlight briefing. It’s not something you have to attend.”
I couldn’t help but quizzically raise an eyebrow. Axel, as my assistant and a close friend, often
questioned my decisions. “So?” I countered, curious about his reasoning.
“You don’t usually attend meetings like that, he pointed out, a hint of concern in his voice. “I have a
special interest in the JT ‘project, and I want to be present at the briefing, I asserted firmly. I knew it
was time to put the matter to rest.
“Case closed. I added, effectively silencing my assistant before he could make further
comments.
Moments later, we made our way to the boardroom. As I stepped into the room, a noticeable hush
settled over the space, much like the stillness before a storm. It wasn’t just because of my dominant
personality; I suspected that my employees were genuinely surprised to see me in person. I didn’t
usually attend such minimal meetings.
For some reason, I couldn’t resist the urge to witness Hazel in action for myself, to see her at work
Taking my seat. I signaled the meeting to commence. It was Hazel who was heading the presentation,
and I couldn’t help but notice the significant changes in her. She had more confident over the years,
radiating a newfound self-assuredness. Her beauty had only
grown intensified, with long, flowing hair and a healthier appearance that made her look and more
vibrant. Yet, her eyes, those expressive windows to her soul, remained
younger unchanged. Throughout the presentation, she never once glanced in my direction, a sign of
her discomfort in the situation.
I could sense her unease, and it was entirely understandable. She must have felt uncomfortable
working as a subordinate to her ex-husband, wondering what my motives were for employing her.
Knowing Hazel, she probably thought I had some ulterior motive. I decided that after the meeting, we
needed to have a conversation to break the ice.
In the boardroom, I found myself lost in thought, my focus drawn solely to Hazel. The words of the
presentation and the voices in the room faded into the background.
Sir, Axel’s soft tap on my arm brought me back to reality.
“Hmm I mumbled, momentarily confused by the sudden shift in focus. Everyone’s eyes were now on
me, as if they were awaiting my verdict.
The presentation has just concluded. Is there anything you’d like to say, perhaps some criticisms?”
Axel whispered mindful:f the watchful eyes on me.
I couldn’t make a statement about the presentation. I hadn’t been fully present, and I
couldn’t possibly criticize or commend something I hadn’t paid attention to.
“No, I have no comments for now,” I replied. It was unusual, as I typically found something to critique in
every presentation
The board members appeared surprised by my response, as I was known for scrutinizing every detail
of any work presented to me. This is the first briefing, and I’m quite satisfied. for now,” I continued,
deciding to conclude the meeting. That will be all,” I stated, standing
up.
I stood up and left the room, making my way back to my office.
Back in my office, I loosened my tie and cranked up the air conditioning to its highest setting. Axel was
quick to recognize that my mind had been elsewhere during the presentation, and he placed a folder on
my desk detailing what had been discussed.
“Have you made up your mind?” I inquired. “About not staying in the pack estate any longer?”
Axel nodded in response. “Td prefer to live somewhere else. The pack villa is too far from work. I need
a place that offers easier access to the city, where I can access everything.”
I understood his reasoning. Living with the pack wasn’t something he was accustomed to, and he
expressed a desire to live independently among others. “Have you found a place yet?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No, I haven’t decided. I’m still searching.
With a sense of finality, I requested, “Send for Hazel. We need to talk.”
Hazel entered my office, and her familiar scent filled the air, just as I remembered it. The subtle hint of
orange and cinn a m o n lingered, tickling my senses, even as she left the room. Being in the same
space as her, I could sense her uncase, the guarded stance she had. adopted. It was clear that she
didn’t trust me, and I couldn’t blame her. Our parting hadn’t been exactly pleasant, and while we
weren’t enemies, our history was far from rosy.
Hazel looked me in the eyes and asked how I was. Her question caught me off guard. “Ethan, how are
you?”
It was a question no one had ever posed to me and for a moment, I was unsure of how to respond.
“Empty,” I nearly found myself saying, and it was true. I had felt empty and lost for a long time, carrying
around a persistent hollowness within. The void was big and unrelenting, and despite the common
belief that finding one’s mate would fill it, mine remained unfilled. It was an emptiness that had lingered,
a constant presence, and it refused to be vanquished. If I’d be honest with myself, it worsened after
Hazel left.
My gaze drifted to a framed photo of my mate and wife hanging on the wall. Bella. I had to tell her
about Hazel working with the company I had contracted, which meant she worked with me. I wondered
how Bella would react, but I couldn’t find it in me to care or be bothered by it. I had enough on my plate,
and Bella was busy being a socialite, entangled in her own world.
Besides, I had a lot to deal with regarding Bella, and it seemed like another tiring evening awaited me
at home. Hazel, on the other hand, got to go home to those adorable round faces, and adorable eyed
pups.
Six years had passed, and I couldn’t help but acknowledge her triumph. I chuckled lightly to myself,
conceding that Hazel had, in a way, won. She had it all – a loving family, a fulfilling career, and
happiness, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. I had amas s e d great wealth, but
it all seemed meaningless.
My phone buzzed, and I knew without checking that it was Bella calling. Only a handful of people had
my phone number. “Hey, love. I was wondering if we could have dinner together,” she said, her tone
filled with excitement.
I’m really busy, Bella. I can’t sparc an hour right now,” I replied with a sigh, feeling suddenly exhausted
and drained.
“Are you okay?” she asked, her tone shifting to concern. I couldn’t help but wonder her concern was
genuine or just another statement to getting what she wanted.
“There’s a gala tomorrow night…” She started but I cut her off.
“I’m busy.” I said finally hanging up.
The contrast between Hazel and Bella was stark. Did I have regrets? Perhaps. But I had made my
choices, and I had to live with them.
Besides with what had happened with Bella, I owed her. A whole lot.
With a sigh I picked up my phone dialing her number. She picked at the first ring
“Bella, Let’s have lunch together”