Chapter 15 Hazel
“Hazel?”
“Mia?” Hazel gasped, her tone shooting up in shock.
“It’s me,” Mia said quietly.
Before Mia could say another word, Hazel’s voice rushed out again, frantic and worried.
“Where the hell are you? I’ve been so worried!
You just disappeared after leaving James?
He’s been contacting me non-stop, asking me where you went!
And then I saw that video—Mia, you were injured so badly!
Are you in a hospital? Where are you? I’m coming right now—just tell me the place! ”
Mia could hear the sound of keys jingling and hurried footsteps on Hazel’s side of the line, the sound of a door opening echoing faintly through the phone.
“I’m fine, Hazel,” Mia said quickly, realizing how panicked Hazel was. She took a deep breath before adding gently, “Really. Don’t worry about me. I’m doing alright now.”
Hazel stopped mid-motion. “You’re fine?” she repeated, disbelief heavy in her voice.
“Yes,” Mia said with a small laugh, sensing Hazel’s panic. “I’m doing alright.”
There was a pause—a long exhale of relief followed by a shaky breath. “Oh my God,” Hazel finally said, sounding as if she had been holding her breath for hours. “You scared me so much! You were injured, and you just vanished. You’re sure you’re okay?”
“It wasn’t that bad,” Mia replied softly. “The wound’s already healed—it’s not even visible anymore.”
Hazel sighed audibly, but her voice remained urgent. “Alright, then tell me where you are. We’re meeting right now. I’ll come to you.”
Mia hesitated for a second, then said carefully, “I’ll come to you instead, okay?”
Hazel frowned on the other end, her tone softening but still full of concern. “Are you sure? I can pick you up anywhere—halfway, maybe? Just say the word.”
Mia smiled faintly at her words, warmth rising in her chest. “No, really. Don’t worry. I’ll come to you.”
Hazel’s voice dropped to a whisper, frustration mingling with affection. “I swear, I don’t understand that man. I don’t know why James doesn’t like you. How can anyone not like you?”
Mia smiled again, though her voice softened into a quiet murmur. “It’s okay. I don’t want him to like me anymore.”
Later that afternoon, the soft sound of footsteps echoed through the mansion as Alexander returned home. He loosened his tie as he walked in, but stopped short when he saw Mia already waiting in the living room.
She was dressed beautifully, her hair brushed neatly and a small purse in her hand. The moment she saw him, her face lit up, and she hurried toward him.
Without a word, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. The sudden affection made Alexander freeze for a second before his arms wrapped around her naturally, holding her close, his chin brushing against her hair.
When she finally pulled back, her eyes met his, and she hurriedly said, “Mr. Graves, I spoke with my friend today. I’m going to meet her and stay with her for two days.”
Alexander froze, the warmth in his gaze dimming. His hand lingered on her arm, his expression softening with quiet disappointment.
“Stay with her?” he echoed, his voice low. “I don’t want you to go. I’ve lived in this house alone for years, and only now does it finally feel like a home because of you.” His brows drew together, and his tone carried a faint ache. “And you’re saying you’re leaving again?”
Anita, who had just entered the room to take his coat, nearly burst out laughing.
The sight of her usually cold and commanding boss looking so pitiful was rare.
Unbelievable, even. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to focus on straightening his coat to hide her grin, her shoulders shaking ever so slightly with suppressed laughter.
Alexander didn’t notice. His gaze remained fixed on Mia. “Can you please not go?” he asked, his tone almost pleading. “How about this—you stay here, and your friend can come meet you instead. I’ll have a room prepared for her.”
He turned toward Anita. “Make sure a private guest room is ready,” he instructed. Then he looked back at Mia, his expression tender. “She can stay as long as she likes.”
“No, I want to go to her,” Mia insisted. “I really want to see her, Mr. Graves. We haven’t talked in such a long time… I really miss her so much. I’ll come back soon. I promise.”
Alexander’s brows furrowed slightly. He seemed hesitant. Finally, after a quiet pause, he sighed. “Alright,” he said slowly. “But you will come back soon, right?”
“Of course,” Mia said quickly, nodding earnestly. “I’ll come back immediately—just two days, I promise.”
Alexander’s hand brushed against her cheek. His fingers lingered there for a moment, then his lips followed, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the same spot. Mia shivered beneath his touch, her breath catching.
Alexander’s fingers slid along her jaw, the pads of his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth as if tracing the shape of her lips before daring to touch them. Her breath hitched. His hand moved slowly, cupping her cheek, the warmth of his skin spreading against hers.
He leaned back slightly to meet her eyes. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then his lips again brushed her cheek—just a light touch, like he was testing the boundary. He stayed there a heartbeat too long, his lips barely moving against her skin before pulling back just enough to look at her.
Her eyes lifted to meet his, wide and unguarded.
That was all it took. His hand slid from her cheek to the back of her neck, fingers threading gently through her hair as he tilted her face up. His other hand rested at her waist. Then his lips found hers.
It was soft at first, just a gentle press, the faintest graze of lips. Then he kissed her again, slower this time, his lips moving over hers in small, deliberate motions. The second kiss deepened slightly, his lower lip catching hers, brushing, tasting, breathing her in.
She froze for a second, her breath trembling against his mouth, but his hand at her neck moved in a slow, reassuring stroke.
The warmth of his thumb against her skin made her lips part just a little, and his breath mingled with hers.
His lips moved again—closer, firmer—his mouth fitting perfectly against hers, molding, drawing her in.
Her hands had lifted without her realizing, one clutching the front of his shirt, the fabric tightening between her fingers as his thumb traced slow, soothing circles along her jaw.
His lips kept moving, unhurried but sure—soft pressure, then a pause, then another kiss that lingered just long enough to make her knees weak.
When he finally pulled back, his lips brushed hers one last time, barely a touch, as if he couldn’t quite stop.
Their breaths mingled in the space between them, her chest rising fast against his.
His thumb moved again, tracing the place where his lips had been before he whispered, his voice low and rough, “You have no idea what you do to me.”
His fingers slid into her hair, tightening just enough to tilt her face up. Before she could breathe, his mouth crashed onto hers—hungry, rough, desperate. The taste of him flooded her senses, his tongue claiming her with fierce, demanding strokes that made her knees weaken.
His other hand gripped her waist, pulling her hard against him until she could feel the hard lines of his body pressing into every curve of hers. The movement sent a shiver through her, and he caught the sound of her breath.
He kissed her deeper, lips moving with wild precision. Her hands clutched his shirt, and he growled low in his throat, breaking the kiss only to trail his mouth along her jaw, then back to her lips as if he couldn’t stand being away even for a second.
Her head tilted, and his fingers traced the line of her neck, sliding down before catching her chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were dark, almost dangerous, his breath harsh against her cheek.
Then he kissed her again. Slow this time, his tongue moving lazily against hers, tasting, savoring. The rough edge softened into something deeper. His thumb brushed across her lower lip.
His jaw tightened slightly. He muttered under his breath with a faint frown, “We just got married and you’re already going away.”
Hearing those words, Mia’s thoughts drifted back to Hazel’s voice echoing in her memory: “ I don’t understand that man. I don’t know why he doesn’t like you. How can anyone not like you?”
She looked up at him, her lashes fluttering nervously. “Mr. Graves, can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” he asked, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
“What kind of person do you think I am?” she asked, her voice small, uncertain. Her fingers fidgeted nervously. “Do you… like me?”
Alexander blinked, clearly caught off guard. His brows knitted slightly, as though even the question itself offended him. “You’re perfect,” he said without hesitation. “I could never find any fault in you.”
Mia’s lips parted slightly in surprise, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. The compliment made her heart flutter unexpectedly. A shy smile spread across her face.
Alexander leaned forward again and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then, his deep voice asked in return, “What about me? What kind of person do you think I am?”
Mia immediately smiled, her voice sweet and genuine. “You’re so nice!” she said warmly. “You’re kind, generous… and you take care of me so well. You’re nice to everyone.”
Standing in the corner, Anita pressed a hand to her mouth to keep it from dropping, muttering under her breath, “Who is she talking about?” Her eyes darted toward Alexander, narrowing.
“The same man who’s ruthless to everyone in business, makes people scared to even talk deals with him because he squeezes every drop of profit from them…
That one time I made one tiny mistake, and he reminded me of it for over a year!
And she’s calling him generous, nice… great?
” She shook her head in disbelief, still grumbling under her breath.
Alexander, oblivious to her quiet commentary, smiled proudly at Mia’s words. “I’m glad you like the real me.”
Anita nearly choked. Her brows shot up, and she muttered under her breath, ‘How can Mr. Graves be this cheesy? Even his brothers aren’t this shameless when they’re trying to please someone.’
Just then, Mia’s phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down, then picked it up. Hazel’s name flashed on the screen with a new message: Come soon. I’m waiting.
Mia’s eyes softened. She looked up at Alexander and said, “I need to leave tonight. Hazel’s asking me to come over so we can spend the weekend together. I’ll come back on Monday.”
Alexander’s expression fell immediately, the warmth in his eyes dimming. “How can she take you away from me so soon? We’re newlyweds,” he said, his tone low, almost sulking.
Mia blinked at him, momentarily startled. “Mr. Graves, we aren’t really married,” she reminded gently. “We just agreed to get married so I could make James feel bad. Did you forget?”
Alexander’s expression shifted instantly. The warmth drained from his face, replaced by a stormy silence. His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing faintly.
Seeing his change in expression, Mia’s heart thudded nervously. She quickly tried to pacify him, her tone soft and coaxing. “Please don’t be angry, Mr. Graves. I promise, as long as I’m gone, I’ll call you multiple times a day until you get sick of me.”
At that, Alexander’s frown slowly eased. His lips curved upward into a faint, almost reluctant smile. He reached forward and pulled her gently into his arms, wrapping her in a firm embrace. “You can go,” he said in a quiet, deep tone. “I’ll never stop you from doing anything you love.”
Mia closed her eyes, hugging him back tightly. Her heart pounded against her chest as she felt the warmth of his body enveloping her. His scent—clean, woody, and faintly intoxicating—lingered around her.
A few hours later, the car sped through the bustling streets of Manhattan, the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon with streaks of orange and gold.
Alexander sat behind the wheel, his hands steady on the steering, while Mia looked out of the window, her expression calm yet thoughtful. The traffic thinned as they left the traffic behind, the scenery changing from tall skyscrapers to quiet suburban lanes.
When they entered a quiet road lined with trees, Mia pointed ahead and said, “Make a turn right there, Mr. Graves.”
Alexander followed her directions, driving slowly along the narrow path that led through the quiet graveyard.
His gaze flickered briefly toward her before turning back to the road.
Snowflakes swirled lightly in the air, melting against the car’s windshield, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the gray stones.
The car drove through the quiet street until they reached a small, serene graveyard.
“That’s it. Stop the car, please.” Mia said.
Finally, they came to a stop.
Mia opened the door and stepped out, the cold air brushing against her face. Alexander followed her, his gaze fixed on her back as she walked ahead of him. The faint crunch of gravel under their feet echoed in the quiet air, and soon, they came to stand before two graves side by side.
Leah Bennet and Ericson Bennet — the names engraved in the cold gray stone. He froze, eyes widening slightly in surprise, while Mia stood still, staring at the graves with sadness on her face.
“This is where I buried my parents’ ashes,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexander immediately stepped closer, positioning himself right beside her. His gaze shifted from the graves to her pale face.
She lowered her gaze to the graves and then, with a soft smile, introduced him quietly. “Mom, Dad… this is Alexander. My husband.”