11

9. Accept

Hazel's doorbell rang insistently, each chime echoing through her home. "Coming," she called out, but the ringing persisted, urgency in its tone. She closed her eyes briefly, already anticipating what awaited her.

Opening the door, she found no one there—only a neatly wrapped gift accompanied by a bouquet of flowers, just like every time before. With a resigned sigh, she picked them up and brought them inside, placing the gift on the hall table before unfolding the letter.

___

Wear this for our date today. I can't wait to see you. I will pick you up myself; be ready on time.

—Chris

___

She closed her eyes in disbelief, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Opening the box, she found a stunning blue dress accompanied by a set of elegant earrings.

"You can do this, Hazel," she murmured to herself, gathering the items and retreating to her room to prepare.

Stepping out of her house, she saw him waiting beside his black Rolls-Royce, dressed impeccably in a black suit. He glanced at his watch, impatience evident, but when his eyes met hers, his expression softened, momentarily speechless.

Hazel resisted the urge to roll her eyes, reminding herself that now was not the time.

Chris's anticipation had been building as he waited outside her home, excitement clear on his face. He had been checking his watch repeatedly, each passing moment heightening his impatience. Then, he saw her.

Her hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face and accentuating her features. The blue dress hugged her figure perfectly, the color enhancing the depth of her eyes. The earrings caught the light, adding a touch of elegance that completed her look.

She approached him, and he remained transfixed, unable to tear his gaze away.

"If you're done staring, shall we go?" Hazel's voice broke through his reverie.

"Hmm?" he responded, snapping back to reality. "Oh, yes. Come."

He opened the car door for her, and she slipped inside gracefully. After ensuring she was settled, he closed her door and walked around to the driver's side, stealing another glance at her before starting the car.

She turned her gaze away, focusing on the passing scenery.

As the car glided through the city streets, Chris couldn't help but steal glances at Hazel. The blue dress he had chosen for her accentuated her graceful figure, and the earrings shimmered softly, framing her delicate features. Her hair cascaded in loose waves, the soft curls brushing her shoulders, adding to her allure. Each time
he looked her way, he felt a surge of
possessive pride; she was with him, and
tonight, the world would see it.

Hazel, sensing his gaze, kept her eyes fixed ahead, her hands clenched in her lap. The weight of their unspoken history hung heavily between them, and the memory of their last confrontation replayed in her
mind.

.......

Flashback

"Kill him," Chris said, his voice cold and
resolute, cutting through the air like ice. His gaze didn't waver from hers.

"What are you-" Hazel began, but his word cut her off.

"Kill him, he has to pay for placing his eyes on what is mine,' he said without blinking.

Hazel's breath hitched. "What are you
saying, Chris? You can't be serious--"

"'I'm dead serious." His tone was flat,
unfeeling.

Chris, don't tell me-" she said. "You can't
do this."

"I can, Hazel. You can't imagine how far I can go for you," he replied, his voice cold and unwavering. "He needs to pay for even thinking he could take what belongs to me."

"I don't belong to you," she hissed, her fists clenched at her sides. "You don't own me, Chris!"

"But you do," he said calmly, stepping
closer. "You just don't realize it yet." His
eyes bored into hers, dark with obsession. "And I won't let anyone else get in my way."

"Chris, please!" Hazel reached out, gripping his arm. "This isn't right. Vincent is my friend-nothing more. I've already told you that."

He laughed bitterly. "Your friend today could be something else tomorrow. I won't risk it."

"Kill him and send me a picture of his last breath," he commanded into the phone.

Tears welled in her eyes. "You're mad...
completely mad. Don't do this. Please."

"You're wasting your breath, Hazel. My mind is made up." He pulled out his phone, dialing with a steady hand. "Do it. How dare he pursue  what's mine," Chris retorted, his possessiveness palpable.

"I'm not yours, Chris" she countered, her voice trembling.

"You are mine, Hazel," he insisted, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

Turning his attention back to the call, he barked, "What are you waiting for? Do it."

"Please, no," Hazel implored, grabbing his arm. "Chris, please."

"Stop!" Hazel's voice cracked as she lunged forward, grabbing the phone from his hand. "I'll do anything! Please, just don't hurt him!".

Chris tilted his head, his lips curling into a dangerous smile. "Anything?"

She swallowed hard. "Yes."

He stepped closer, so close she could feel his breath against her skin. "Then accept me. Be mine. Entirely. And maybe, just maybe, I'Il spare your precious Vincent."

Hazel's heart pounded in her chest. "You're doing this to force me-"

"No Hazel but ," he interrupted, his voice soft but menacing. "l always get what I want, Hazel. And what I want is you."

She stared at him, her mind racing. She
could feel the walls closing in, suffocating her. There was no escape.

"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I accept you."

Chris stilled, his expression unreadable.
"Say it again."

"I... I'Il be yours," she said, the words tasting like ash on her tongue. "Just promise me you won't hurt Vincent."

"Marry me, then," he demanded.

"What?" she asked, taken aback.

"You said you accept me. Then marry me," he  reiterated, his gaze unwavering.

"I can't just marry you," she replied, shaking her head.

"Then what do you mean by accepting me?" He pressed.

"I mean l accept your feelings, and 'll give you a chance to win me over," she
explained.

"And if I do?" he inquired.

"Then I will be yours," she said.

He smiled then-a victorious, chilling smile."You made the right choice." He took the phone back from her hand and barked into it, "Cancel it. Leave him alone."

Hazel felt her knees weaken with relief, but the weight of what she'd just done crushed her.

End of Flashback

.......

"Thank you for accepting me, Hazel," Chris said, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"You won't regret it, I promise."

Hazel met his gaze, her expression unreadable.

"I haven't accepted you, Chris. I've only acknowledged your feelings."

He chuckled softly, undeterred.

"Yes, yes, but soon you'll accept me fully."

.......

This is how I stopped Chris from hurting Vincent she thought to herself, her gaze fixed on him

But that doesn't mean I've truly accepted you, Chris. I did this just to save Vincent. You'll never win me over, not after showing me  your true nature.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself.

I'll let you live in this illusion because I know it's what you want. I'll let you believe in this illusion of love. And when the time comes, I'll make you hate me so profoundly that you'll let me go yourself

Her grip tightened around the glass.

This is the only way to rid myself of you. If I keep denying you, your obsession will only grow. I have to target that obsession first.

She exhaled slowly, determination settling in her eyes.

You will let me go yourself, Chris.

At that moment, Chris turned, catching her gaze.

She forced a smile, masking her inner turmoil.

He returned it with a genuine one, oblivious to the storm brewing within her.

........

"I can't believe you're finally with me. I've imagined this for so long," he confessed, his voice tinged with awe.

She remained silent, eyes fixed ahead, her hands clenched in her lap.

Upon arriving at a luxurious five-star hotel, Chris exited the car. A guard approached to open Hazel's door, but Chris intervened.

"I'll do it myself," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The guard stepped back, and Chris moved to Hazel's side, opening the door with a flourish.

She looked at him, hesitating.

"Come," he urged, extending his hand.

She ignored his offered hand, stepping out on her own.

"Behave, Hazel," he murmured, his grip firm as he took her hand and placed it on his arm, guiding her toward the entrance.

"Don't forget you decided to accept me " he reminded her, his voice low.

"How could I?" she replied, her gaze still averted as they entered the opulent venue.

"Why you bought me here " she asked .

" it's a surprise " he said .

To be continued...

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Sicklove

An Author who obsessed with writing obsession based stories