The first whisper came at the charity gala.
Hazel was in the hallway, adjusting her earrings and mentally rehearsing how to not mess up small talk about hedge funds, when she overheard two women chatting behind a marble pillar.
"…He married her out of a business deal, right?"
"I heard the original agreement was to last three years."
"Poor Adrian. Forced into that cold arrangement. All for the company."
Hazel froze.
She didn't breathe.
The women kept going, their voices dripping with polished cruelty.
"I mean, did you see her? That fake smile? That clingy act?"
"I bet she thinks she actually matters to him."
Hazel turned and walked away.
Fast.
⸻
She locked herself in the guest room, lights off.
Pulled her knees to her chest.
Silent.
Motionless.
A part of her had always known—deep down—that this wasn't a fairytale.
She'd landed in someone else's life. Someone else's marriage. A contract built on convenience, power, image.
And she'd been naïve enough to believe she could rewrite the script.
She remembered the sketch. The letters. The hug. The birthday surprise.
Were those… real?
Or just guilt?
Obligation?
Was Adrian being kind because she was different?
Or because he couldn't face the version of Erin he once loved—and lost?
Her chest hurt.
She curled tighter.
For the first time since waking in Erin's body—
Hazel didn't want to fight.
Didn't want to fix anything.
She just wanted to disappear.
⸻
Outside the room, Adrian stood quietly.
He didn't knock.
Didn't ask what was wrong.
But his shadow stayed at the door until the lights inside flicked off.
Only then… did he finally walk away.
⸻
✨ End of Chapter 11 ✨
The night is deep, and sleep is tugging at my eyes.
I don't know if you're enjoying this story so far—but if you are, your support means the world.
Every little heart, comment, or suggestion helps me grow with Erin and Adrian, one chapter at a time. ❤️
Thank you for reading. I'll stop here for tonight.
See you in Chapter 12.