Hazel's lips met Rafael's in a tender kiss.
Rafael gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear as he returned the kiss.
When their lips parted, Hazel looked into his eyes. She hovered above him, her gaze soft but shadowed by something deeper... an unease that lingered from Francisco's disturbing threats.
Rafael cupped her face, his voice low, "I have missed you, Hazel."
"I miss you too, Rafael," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
She rested her head on his bare chest. His fingers moved slowly through her hair.
Her fingers traced slow, distracted patterns on his chest.
There was something on her mind.
Hazel lifted her head. She leaned in, pressing her body firmly against his chest, her eyes locked onto his.
"Let's get married, Rafael."
His eyes widened.
"Hazel!"
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, Rafael. Let's get married quickly. I don't want to be away from you anymore," she said, brushing his cheek with her hand.
Rafael's face lit up with a slow, joyful smile.
"It should be me who has to propose to you. And I was thinking about it as well."
He propped himself up on one elbow as Hazel pulled the blanket around her, sitting back slightly. She watched him, her eyes searching his face, a hopeful smile forming.
Reaching into the drawer beside the bed, Rafael pulled out a small velvet box. He turned to her, his movements slow and deliberate. Kneeling on the bed, he held her gaze.
"Hazel!"
He opened the box, revealing a beautiful ring, simple and elegant. With care, he slid it onto her finger, his touch reverent.
She stared at the ring now gracing her finger.
When she looked up at Rafael, she found him smiling... his happiness mirroring her own.
Overcome with emotion, Hazel wrapped her arms tightly around him.
"Rafael, let's not have a big party. A small celebration would be perfect," she said softly.
"As you say, Hazel," Rafael replied.
Hazel's thoughts churned.
I want it as soon as possible, Rafael.
Francisco's threats still haunted her, but Rafael's presence helped keep the fear at bay.
Rafael tightened his hold on her.
I know, Hazel.
I won't let him touch you, he promised silently.
The next morning, Max and Diana returned from their long-awaited vacation.
Max grabbed a file and turned to Diana.
"I'll drive you to the hospital, Diana."
Diana hesitated.
A storm of conflicting emotions tugged at her. She didn't want to involve Max any further... but Francisco's danger made it unavoidable. With a sigh, she decided to let him help one last time.
"Max, first I need to meet my brother."
Max nodded.
They headed for the police station together.
Their footsteps echoed down the hallway as they entered. On their way to the sheriff's office, Max's eyes met Martin's. For a second, something passed between them... an old familiarity, unspoken. But just as quickly, they looked away, strangers once again, hiding any trace of connection.
As they passed, Hazel caught sight of them... and her eyes locked onto the briefcase in Max's hand.
Does it have something to do with Francisco? she wondered.
Before she could speak, Max greeted her.
"Hello, Ms. Hazel!"
Hazel felt her body tense.
"Mr. Max, are you here for bail?" she asked, though doubt crept into her voice.
"I don't think it will happen."
Max smiled.
"Let's see, Ms. Hazel. What happen?"
They stepped into the sheriff's office. Just before the door closed, Hazel and Diana exchanged a long glance.
She must be his sister, Hazel thought.
Then the door shut, leaving Hazel outside... alone with her thoughts.
Rafael gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What happened? Why are you looking so tense?"
"His sister and Max are here," Hazel replied, her voice tight.
Rafael took her hand, his grip reassuring but firm.
"Hazel, whatever they try, Francisco won't get out of here."
Hazel gave a small nod.
After a few minutes, the sheriff called her into his office. The air felt heavy as Hazel stepped inside. Sheriff Alex sat behind his desk.
"Take them to meet Mr. Francisco," he said, locking eyes with her.
Hazel nodded silently and led Max and Diana down the corridor to the secured chamber.
Through the glass, Max and Diana saw Francisco sitting on the bed, eyes closed, leaning back against the wall.
As the door opened with a creak, Francisco opened his eyes. Calm and collected, he rose to one knee and smirked.
"Are you guys done enjoying yourself?"
Max and Diana exchanged a glance. They hadn't said anything about their relationship... but Francisco already knew.
"Francisco." Max let out a slow breath.
"Don't worry about anything."
"I'm not worried," Francisco replied coolly. "I know I'll be out soon."
From behind the glass, Hazel watched them closely. Francisco's confidence unsettled her. What gave him such certainty?
When the conversation ended, Max and Diana stepped out.
"So, Ms. Hazel, we'll meet in court," Max said, his tone polite but pointed.
Hazel met his gaze calmly.
"Of course."
Then Max's eyes drifted down to her hand, spotting the ring. With a sly smile, he added,
"Are you going to get married?"
Hazel's eyes briefly flicked to the ring, then back to Max.
"That's none of your business. Please come this way," she said evenly, guiding them out.