After the Meeting
One by one, the room began to empty. Papers rustled, chairs scraped back, and the quiet murmur of departing footsteps faded. Hazel calmly closed the file in front of her and stood up, adjusting her coat as she prepared to leave.
Drake:
I have to ask you something.
Hazel glanced at him, just about to respond — but right then, her assistant entered the room with a slight knock and urgency in her step.
Assistant:
Ma'am, Mrs. Knight is waiting for you in the guest room.
Hazel gave a small nod.
Hazel:
Tell her I'm coming.
The assistant gave a quick bow and left.
Hazel picked up the file from the table and turned to walk out, but Drake stepped in her path.
Drake:
I said I have to ask you something.
She exhaled, clearly holding back her irritation.
Hazel:
Okay. What do you want?
Drake (hesitating):
Why are you acting so... weird?
Hazel (raising an eyebrow):
That's what you wanted to ask?
Drake:
Uhm… no, I—
Hazel (cutting him off, her tone cold but composed):
I know what you're trying to say. And I don't want to talk about it.
She stepped around him.
Hazel:
I'm leaving. Bye.
With that, she walked away without looking back. Drake stood frozen, watching her figure disappear down the hallway, her heels echoing against the polished floor.
Hazel walked toward the guest room, her heels tapping softly on the marble floor. Inside, Seraphina was seated comfortably, flipping through a book she'd found on the table. As soon as she saw Hazel approaching, her face lit up with a warm smile.
Hazel:
Mom…
(She leaned down and gave her a quick, warm hug.)
Seraphina:
I was just passing by and thought I'd drop in to check on you.
Hazel:
Oh? So you're free today?
Seraphina:
Maybe… but actually, I came to tell you something important.
Hazel raised her eyebrows curiously.
Seraphina (with a sparkle in her eye):
There's a gathering next week. A business family event. Pretty much everyone from the industry will be there—partners, stakeholders, media, old money, new names. It's a big deal.
Hazel:
When?
Seraphina:
Next week, dear. Please don't be late.
Hazel (frowning slightly):
Mom… I'm not coming.
Seraphina:
Come on, you have to.
Hazel:
Why, Mom? I really don't li—
Seraphina (cutting her off gently):
Hazel, listen to me. You must come, okay? No more excuses.
Hazel reluctantly nodded.
Seraphina (standing and straightening her coat):
Take care of yourself. Love you.
Hazel (softly):
Love you too, Mom.
Seraphina patted Hazel's cheek affectionately and walked out with a soft smile on her face.
Hazel let out a heavy sigh, then dropped herself onto the couch, burying her face in her hands, exhausted—not physically, but mentally. The weight of things she didn't say pressed on her like a storm waiting to break.
---
Meanwhile, in the hallway—
Drake walked slowly toward the elevator, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Seraphina was already standing in front of the doors, waiting. When she saw him, her eyes narrowed slightly in recognition, but she smiled.
Seraphina:
Hey… aren't you Drake?
Drake (smiling as he looked up):
Oh yeah.
Seraphina (playfully):
You remember me?
Drake (nodding):
Of course, Mrs. Knight.
Seraphina (smiling brighter):
Come on, you don't have to call me that.
Drake gave a light chuckle.
Seraphina:
So… here to visit Hazel?
Drake (clearing his throat):
Actually, we're business partners. I came for a meeting.
Seraphina (tilting her head):
Oh. I thought you two were together.
Drake's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of confusion flashing across his face.
Drake:
Uh… what do you mean?
Seraphina (brushing it off):
Oh, don't mind it. Just a thought.
But Drake's curiosity got the better of him. He gently grabbed her arm before she turned away.
Drake:
Isn't Hazel and Caleb's engagement over?
Seraphina's face twisted in confusion.
Seraphina:
What are you saying? Who told you that?
Drake (smiling quickly):
Oh—I'm just kidding.
Seraphina (half-laughing, half-scolding):
You're too much, Drake.
(She gently slapped his arm.)
He laughed.
---
At the car parking area—
Drake:
It was nice to see you.
Seraphina (smiling warmly):
You too.
She waved and stepped into her car. As her driver pulled away, Drake stood silently for a moment, watching.
Then he got into his own car.
Drake (to himself, smirking):
So you guys are playing, huh?
He leaned back in the seat, a fire sparking in his eyes.
Drake:
Okay… let's start the game.
With that, he started the engine and drove off, his smirk never fading.