Good morning, love. I hope you slept well last night. Did you dream of me? I certainly did, and it was so vivid that I believe it's a sign of what’s coming true soon. In my dream, you were married to me, cooking for me, and telling me how much you enjoy it. I teased you, saying you love cooking more than you love me. The look on your face was priceless—you get annoyed so easily, and it’s so much fun to tease you. Once we’re together, I won’t miss a single chance to annoy you in the best way.

But then, something bad happened—you burned yourself while cooking for me. Your hand was all red, and you cried so badly. It hurt to see you like that. So, I decided right then and there that you’re never cooking again. Even though I’ll miss the taste of your cooking, I can’t bear to see you in pain. From now on, I’ll be the one cooking for you. All you have to do is eat and enjoy. I'm sending this early so you can stop cooking today itself. Just get ready, and before you’re even done, I’ll send food made by my own hands. You’re going to be such a lucky wife—your husband is a good cook too, and if I weren’t already, I’d certainly become one for you, love.

...

"What kind of rubbish is this guy saying?" Hazel muttered to herself as she read the letter tucked inside today’s gift.

...

Also, love, I'm coming today. I can't wait to see you, to talk to you. I'm going to see you as much as I want, and no one will be able to stop me—not even you.

Yours,
C

......

“As if you're not watching me already,” Hazel muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. Then something clicked. “Wait… talk to me? Is he actually planning to show up today?” she wondered, her thoughts racing.

"Alright, fine. Let’s meet, C. Let’s talk," Hazel said aloud, glancing at the letter again. She tossed it back into her bag without giving the gift he sent another look. Instead, she shoved it into her almirah and moved on with her day.

The gift had arrived early this morning. Of course, C couldn’t hold back—he was too eager to share the ‘good news’ with her that he was coming to see her.

Hazel quickly got ready for work, but just as she was about to leave, her doorbell rang. She opened it to find a tiffin box sitting on the floor. Instantly, she knew who it was from—none other than  Our C or rather, her C, as he so boldly claimed.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Hazel was about to shut the door and leave the box behind when her phone buzzed in her hand.

It was a message from C: Take it.

She sighed. Only two words, but somehow, they were enough to make her give in.

Grudgingly, she picked up the tiffin and brought it inside. When she opened it, her eyes widened. "What does he think I am? Who eats this much?" Hazel thought to herself. “Whatever, Mr. C, you might be able to make me take it, but whether I eat it or not is up to me,” she muttered with a defiant grin.

She briefly considered making something for herself, but one glance at the clock made her heart skip. "Oh no, I'm running late! Guess I’ll have to skip breakfast today," she thought, rushing to leave.

But then, her stomach growled. Loudly. One of those embarrassing TV-worthy growls. She hadn’t eaten anything since the night before. She’d been too caught up in preparing for her big presentation today.

"Ugh, fine," Hazel muttered. She started opening the tiffin box, and her eyes widened again at the sight. It was a feast—homemade food packed to the brim. Normally, Hazel didn’t have time for a proper meal in the mornings, usually settling for toast and an omelette. But today, C had sent her an entire spread.

“Is it really a good idea to eat this much before my presentation? What if I get sleepy afterward?” Hazel mused. The tiffin was filled with Indian food, rich with ghee and spices—spicy mixed vegetables, parathas, raita, and the most amazing-smelling fried rice. Her stomach growled again, and this time, it wasn’t waiting for her to decide.

“Well, it’s already here, so I can’t waste it. Plus, let’s see if this C can actually cook or if it’s all just talk,” she said, pretending to resist. But deep down, the food was already calling to her.

Hazel served herself a portion and took a bite. Her eyes widened in shock. "Are you a chef, C? I need to meet you, forget everything else—I need to meet you to  learn how to make food this delicious," she said, already reaching for another bite.

...

By the time she reached her office, Hazel was running late—really late.

“Oh gosh, I’m so late!” she muttered, checking the time as she rushed toward the meeting room. Her phone buzzed again, but she ignored it as she reached the door.

“Hazel!” her boss called out, noticing her arrival just as he ended his call.

“Where have you been? You’re this late for the presentation?” he asked, his tone sharp.

“I’m sorry, I just… got busy,” Hazel replied, offering a nervous smile.

“Busy with what? You didn’t finish the presentation?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Nah, I finished it. I, uh… got busy eating,” she said, pressing her lips into a thin line, clearly embarrassed.

Her boss stared at her, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, he barely suppressed a laugh.

“Alright, Hazel. Get ready for the meeting,” he said with a smirk, shaking his head.

Hazel nodded, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment as she hurried to set up her presentation.

......

He was lost in thought, his mind swirling with thoughts of Hazel. Was she thinking about him too? Did she eat the food he sent? Did she like it? He knew she had a preference for spicy food, but what if it didn’t meet her taste this time? Worse, what if she didn’t eat it at all, just to spite him? She always had a way of resisting his control, doing the opposite of what he expected.

“I really hope she liked it,” he muttered under his breath, crossing his fingers in a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

“Did you say something, sir?” the driver asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

“Nothing. Just focus on driving,” he replied, waving off the question, his mind quickly slipping back into thoughts of her.

A sly smile crept across his face as he envisioned the day ahead. “It’s going to be fun today. I’m finally going to talk to Hazel in person after months of waiting. I’ve been so busy with work—being a businessman doesn’t exactly leave time for stalking like a normal person,” he chuckled to himself. “But thanks to my connections, I’ve kept an eye on her, even if she has no idea.”

His smile deepened as he recalled the elaborate setup he’d created. “She has no clue there are cameras hidden all over her house. When she first suspected someone was watching her, she had the place checked thoroughly. But I had them installed so well, she’d never even think to look where they are. And her best friend? Well, she’s not really her friend. She’s my hired informant, planted to stay close to Hazel and report every little detail back to me.”

He leaned back in his seat, feeling satisfied with himself. “Hazel doesn’t know, but there are bodyguards around her too—disguised in everyday clothing so she never suspects a thing. They’re there to make sure she’s safe, but also to ensure she doesn’t slip out of my grasp. It’s been almost a year since we first met, and my obsession with her has only grown stronger. The more distance there is between us, the more desperate I become to make her mine.”

He clenched his fists slightly in excitement. “But today, I’m going to put an end to that distance. I’m going to make her an offer she won’t be able to refuse. And once she accepts, she’ll be mine—completely, utterly mine,” he whispered, a dark smile spreading across his face.

“Sir, we’ve arrived,” the driver announced, pulling the car to a stop.

But he was still lost in his thoughts, barely hearing the driver’s words.

“Sir?” the driver called again, more insistently this time.

“We’ve arrived,” the driver repeated, turning to look at him.

“Oh... right,” he mumbled, snapping out of his thoughts. He quickly composed himself and stepped out of the car, his mind already racing ahead to the moment he would finally see Hazel again.

......

Everyone was settled in the meeting room, waiting for Hazel to begin her presentation. Chris sat back, his anticipation building. The moment he received the project offer, he accepted immediately, but with one condition: Hazel had to be the one presenting. He wanted to see her, hear her voice, and bask in her presence. What better way to achieve that than having her lead the entire presentation?

Last time, it was Hazel who had delivered the pitch as well. Initially, he had been captivated by her looks—the graceful way she moved, the poise she carried herself with, and the quiet confidence that radiated from her. But he had to admit, she wasn’t just a pretty face. Hazel was exceptionally skilled at her job, quick on her feet, and articulate. However, there was one thing about her that amused him more than anything else—she was easily irritated.

“She’s so cute when she’s annoyed,” Chris thought to himself, a sly grin creeping across his face.

Today, his goal was simple: get under her skin. He wasn’t going to let a single opportunity slip by. He wanted to see her flustered, to watch that rosy flush creep into her cheeks when she became frustrated. It was a game to him, and he was going to enjoy every moment of it.

The meeting was about to start when Hazel walked into the room, her posture composed, but Chris could see the slight tension in her movements. She was nervous, though she was doing her best to hide it. She approached the front of the room, holding a few papers in her hand, and took a moment to compose herself.

“Good morning, everyone,” she began, her voice steady but with a slight undercurrent of nervousness. “Thank you for being here today. I’m excited to present our new fragrance, Midnight Elegance.”

Chris leaned back in his chair, his eyes trained on her. He wasn’t just listening to her words—he was studying her. The way her lips moved, the subtle shift of her weight, the way her fingers adjusted the papers in her hands. Every tiny detail fascinated him.

“It’s a perfume designed to embody timeless sophistication,” Hazel continued. “It’s aimed at women who want to feel confident, elegant, and bold.”

Chris let his gaze linger on her figure, fully aware that she was oblivious to his scrutiny. It made his amusement grow even more. She was standing there, composed and professional, completely unaware of how much of his attention she had commanded.

“The fragrance is layered,” Hazel explained, “beginning with a light floral note, before revealing deeper, richer tones. It’s not about overwhelming the senses right away, but about creating an impression that lingers.”

As she continued, Chris noticed her eyes flicker briefly toward her boss, who sat at the head of the room. The man gave her a reassuring nod, which seemed to steady her further. Chris’s smirk faded slightly. He didn’t like how much she seemed to rely on that man’s approval. She should be focused on him, not someone else.

With a casual gesture, he leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. His voice cut through the room smoothly. “But don’t you think something memorable should make an impact right away?”

Hazel hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking once again to her boss for reassurance before she answered. “*Midnight Elegance* isn’t about overwhelming the senses from the start,” she replied, steadying herself. “It’s about creating an impression that deepens over time.”

Chris’s jaw tightened, his fingers tapping faster on the table as she sought approval from her boss again. The irritation building inside him was barely concealed, but he kept his tone light. “So it’s more about subtlety than boldness?” he pressed. “Don’t you think today’s market demands something bolder, something that grabs attention from the first whiff?”

Hazel’s eyes flickered briefly toward her boss again, but this time, Chris caught her gaze before she could shift it away. His expression darkened, and the playful smirk disappeared.

"Eyes on me, Hazel," he murmured, his voice low but firm, enough to make her pause. The subtle command in his tone startled her, but she quickly recovered, turning her attention fully to Chris now. She didn’t dare glance at her boss again.

Maintaining her composure, Hazel responded, “Boldness has its place, but this fragrance is about creating a connection that deepens with time. It’s designed to leave a lasting impression.”

Chris’s fingers stilled their rhythmic tapping as he leaned forward slightly. There was a shift in his demeanor, something more possessive, more intense. “You’re putting a lot of faith in research,” he continued, his tone almost mocking. “But sometimes, a product's success comes down to instinct. What does your gut tell you? Or do you need someone else to tell you how to feel?”

Hazel stiffened at his words, sensing the challenge beneath them. This time, she didn’t look for reassurance from her boss. She met Chris’s gaze directly. “Instinct is important, but so is strategy,” she said firmly. “Our approach is based on a combination of both.”

Chris’s jaw clenched slightly, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. He wasn’t used to being ignored, and certainly not by someone like Hazel. But there she was, refusing to waver under his pressure. He watched her closely as she wrapped up the presentation.

“We’re confident in our approach,” Hazel said, her voice clear and resolute as she addressed the room. Her words weren’t just for Chris—they were for everyone.

She wasn’t going to let him rattle her any further. “We’ve also developed a comprehensive marketing strategy, which includes partnerships with high-end influencers and exclusive launch events,” she said, keeping her tone steady and moving the presentation forward.

Chris leaned back in his chair, watching her with that same smug look. “And what’s your backup plan if things don’t go as smoothly as you expect?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement, as if he was waiting for her to stumble.

Hazel didn’t flinch this time. “We’re prepared for multiple outcomes,” she replied, her voice firmer now, clearly trying to assert control over the situation. “But we have confidence in our approach and believe it will deliver the results we expect.”

Chris chuckled softly, clearly enjoying how her frustration was starting to show. “Good to know,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving her. “I like someone who can handle pressure.”

Hazel shot him a look, trying to maintain her professionalism, but it was getting harder to hide her irritation. “I hope all your doubts are clear now, Mr. Chris,” she said, her voice measured, though a hint of challenge crept into her words.

Chris’s smirk deepened as he leaned back casually, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “We’ll see in the next meeting,” he said, his tone low and taunting, leaving an unspoken tension in the air.

Hazel took a deep breath, eager to wrap up the presentation and end this uncomfortable back-and-forth. “Thank you, everyone, for your time today,” she said, turning her attention to the rest of the room as she concluded. She forced a smile, despite the way her nerves were still buzzing.

As the meeting ended and the others began gathering their things, Hazel felt a slight sense of relief wash over her. She started collecting her own materials when she felt Chris’s gaze still on her. Leaning over his chair slightly, he whispered under his breath, just loud enough for her to catch, “Always a pleasure watching you work, Hazel.”

......

He had initially planned to just have some fun with her, teasing her a bit to watch her squirm. But, as they say, you should always keep love and work separate. Instead of light-hearted banter, things had escalated into a tense exchange, an argument he hadn’t intended.

Hazel, despite her best efforts, couldn’t shake the growing concern in her chest. The way Chris had behaved, his cutting remarks, and the fact that he didn’t give a final decision at the end of the presentation left her doubting herself.

Gathering her materials with a furrowed brow, she was visibly troubled. She had thought her presentation was strong, but Chris’s words cast a shadow of doubt over her confidence.

Her boss, who had been talking to Chris earlier, received a phone call and was just about to step outside to take it when he noticed the worry etched on Hazel’s face.

“Wait a second,” he said, pausing as he approached her.

His gaze softened as he stepped closer. “It was excellent,” he reassured her with a kind smile.

Hazel looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“You did your best, Hazel. Don’t think otherwise. You have nothing to worry about,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

His words brought a wave of relief over her, easing the tension in her shoulders. She managed a small smile in return, grateful for his support.

As he left to take the call, Hazel finished gathering her things, preparing to leave the meeting room. But just as she was about to step out, Chris’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“What if I refuse to invest in this project?” he asked, his tone sharp.

His words froze her mid-step, and she slowly turned to face him. Their eyes locked across the room.

“What would you do?” he asked, a challenge in his gaze.

“What can I do?” Hazel replied, trying to maintain her composure, though his words had shaken her.

Chris stood up from his seat, adjusting his suit with deliberate movements as he slowly made his way toward her. “Wouldn’t it be your fault for not being able to convince me?” he asked, his voice laced with accusation.

“I did my best,” she insisted, standing her ground, though her heart raced with uncertainty.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, a low, almost mocking laugh escaping him. “Your boss said it was great, and you believed him?”

Hazel frowned at his condescending tone.

“You still haven’t grown up, have you? Still so quick to believe what others say,” he added as he closed the distance between them, his presence looming larger.

“I believe him because he’s always been honest with me, even when the truth was harsh,” Hazel shot back, her voice steady, but inside, her nerves were fraying.

Chris’s expression darkened with frustration. “I don’t like it,” he muttered under his breath.

“What don’t you like?” Hazel asked, genuinely confused by his sudden change in demeanor.

“You siding with him,” Chris said through clenched teeth. His eyes locked onto hers, the intensity of his jealousy palpable. “It’s making me jealous, Hazel.”

“What?” Hazel blinked, startled by his confession. She had no idea what he was talking about.

“Why were you looking at your boss every time you made a point to me?” he demanded, his voice taking on an edge. “This was supposed to be a conversation between us. Why did you need his approval on your points?”

“I didn’t—” Hazel started, but then stopped. She knew she had done exactly that. She had looked to her boss for reassurance.

Chris’s gaze bore into her. “I know you better than you know yourself, Hazel,” he said softly, his voice both unsettling and oddly intimate.

She stared at him, at a loss for words. “What are you saying?”

Chris’s expression shifted, and with a calm but possessive tone, he asked, “You didn’t wear the necklace I sent you.”

“What?” Hazel was baffled by his sudden shift in conversation.

He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. “And where’s the bracelet I sent today?” he asked, his voice quieter now, but filled with an underlying intensity.

Hazel’s confusion deepened. “Necklace? Bracelet? What are you talking about?” she asked, taking a step back as he advanced.

“You don’t know?” Chris’s tone was almost mocking as he leaned in closer, his body nearly hovering over hers.

To be continued...

Author's Note:  Okay, I’m not sure what I just wrote, but why am I getting bored  😅 This wasn’t what I had in mind at all. Please, give me your honest review—like, real honesty—so I can work up the courage to delete this and start fresh. I know it’s going to sting a little, but I think I need a good kick to get back on track. Just hit me with it!