Chapter 1

Chapter 1- The Meeting.

And in the midst of the journey I found you and the rest of it, I had decided to explore it with you, until I realised 'you' were my destination, the place where my heart resides and I shall call it my home.

~~

     "What?!" He bellowed, in anger and furiousness, his fists clenching among themselves as he tried to keep his posture calm. He couldn't believe his father would do something like that. An 'arranged marriage?' Really?! It was as if his father was enticed by the cliche novels containing the arranged marriage between business partners in order to make his son responsible.

Impossible! He exclaimed in his mind, shaking his head at his father. There was no way he was going to abide by his father's words, not this time.

"Not happening Dad." He told straight to his father.

One can't really blame him for reacting that way. He is after all, 'The Alexander Knight,' the CEO of Knight Industries and Hotels. Not only is he going to take over his father's place in the business soon but also is considered as the most eligible bachelor in the whole of America and the world; all of it achieved at the age of twenty six only. With his God like physique and devil like ruthlessness that would make any girl fawn over him, he will be tied, in an arranged marriage. That definitely got to be some joke, it was in his eyes at least.

"Alex, sit and I'll explain it to you." His father, Ashton ordered in a strict voice, his demeanor composed in spite of his son's tantrum. Alex huffed and went towards his father and sat on the sofa, across from his. "Listen Alex," His father started, with his wife Eliza beside him and his other son Jacob on the sofa adjacent to theirs. Alex nodded, his posture stiff and muscles tensed before Ashton continued having his full attention.

"Her name is Hazel Claire, daughter of my best friend Harrison Claire, one to whose wife's funeral you came along with us... He's about to die with his heart condition and wants her daughter married before that." Alex nodded calmly, remembering the day he went with his father just for the moral support while not really caring about the girl's name.

"We want you to marry her." His mother, Eliza Knight cut in. Eliza, wife of Ashton Knight was a very loving woman who had always adored Hazel just like her husband. Still in her fifties, she was a very beautiful woman with her golden blond hair and amber-green eyes, the very gift Alexander inherited from his mother.

Even though he had the looks as that of his mother, his whole demeanor was that of his father, cold, calm and arrogant when it comes to his work but a charming, sensitive and warm person when it comes to his loved ones.

Alexander sighed looking at both of his parents teaming up against him. "I will not." He denied again, not listening to what they had to say further.

"Why not?" This time, it was his younger brother Jacob, who interrupted. Alex turned to his brother to find him grinning mischievously at his brother's situation. The notorious one among the two with his dark brown hair and dark green eyes that allows every girl to fall for his honest features. At the age of twenty three, he will be taking the position of CEO, once his brother takes over the company.

"Shut up! Jake!" Alex shut him up with a glare which had his brother closing his mouth instantly but the grin trying to escape was very much evident on his face.

Alex turned back to his father, "Dad, I am not marrying the girl. I haven't even seen her. Besides, I am not forty that I should marry right away." With that he stood, making his way out of his father's mansion, wanting nothing but to crash once he reaches his pent house.

He was just outside the door, when his father's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Fine, then I'll hand over the company to Jake." He clenched his fists on either side him, not expecting his father to threaten him with the company. For years, from the time he took his place as a CEO after getting his degree from Harvard, he had done everything in him in the hopes of taking over the company one day, he had worked hard for it.

Even though loving and kind towards his family, he was a selfish man. There was no way he'd just let his company or anything promised or belonged to him to be taken away. If that means, marrying the girl he'd never seen before, so be it.

He turned back to his father, his eyes holding his for a longer time, a silent battle brewing between the father and the son, of defiance and unspoken words, before he spoke in a composed voice. "Fine, I'll marry her." With that he left.

Ashton sighed in relief when his son agreed for the marriage. He was guilty for threatening him the way he did but that was the only thing he could think of to convince him. His wife rubbed his arm trying to lessen his worries. She gave him a loving smile when he looked at her, erasing all his worries into a thin air.

"Fine, I'll leave too then." Jake announced, walking out.

     "Ashton," His wife continued as soon as Jake was out. "You didn't tell him about Hazel's condition." She pointed out. Ashton sighed, not answering. Eliza took his hands in hers, tracing them softly. "I..I just thought I'd tell him or he'd get to know himself when we meet them later in the evening." Ashton reasoned out.

"I know, but it'd be good if he gets to know from you." She told him for which he simply nodded.

~~

     "Daddy!" Harrison heard his daughter's beautiful, chirpy voice call out to him.

He entered her room and found her drawing on the pink walls of her bedroom, all the pictures of her favorite cartoon characters plastered over there, covering most of the walls. As she heard his footsteps near, she ran to him and hugged him tightly. Harry wrapped his arms around her daughter and kissed her forehead, lovingly.

"How's my daughter doing?" He asked her as she ran back to the wall she was drawing on. He looked around her room to find it all messy.

Hazel's work... He thought, smiling with an amused glance around her room.

"Daddy, look, that is you, me and mommy!" She grinned happily as she dragged her father towards the wall, while jumping up and down with excitement beaming out of her. His father laughed at her daughter's excitement and followed her.

They stood before of the wall she was drawing on and she showed three round figures with stick like limbs and rest with all different crayons. Harry's eyes threatened to tear at her artwork but he managed to smile for his beautiful daughter.

"It's amazing!" He exclaimed, happily to Hazel. He looked at her to see her still in her night clothes. "Maria!" He called loudly to his daughter's care taker and nurse but regretted the next moment as Hazel winced at the loud voice, an anxiety she suffered at the loud voices since the accident.

"Sorry!" He looked at her guiltily. He brought his hands to his ears, showing his apology. Hazel giggled at his father and nodded turning back to to her drawing.

Maria came inside the room and flinched at the sight of her room. "Get her ready. And bring her down for lunch." He ordered her with a smile and left.

"Maria!." Hazel called out. "Yes, dear?" Maria entered further inside the room and started cleaning it, in a hurry to help her out. "Where's Mr. Pooh?" Hazel asked, not finding her cute Pooh bear. Maria shook her head at her adorable habit of misplacing her things, ever since she knew her.

She went to Hazel's closet and searched for her Mr. Pooh, finding it, she gave it to Hazel. She snatched it from her hand, eagerly and clutched it in her arms happily.

Maria, a woman in her forties noticed how she brightened up finding her pooh back. From the past two years, she has been taking care of Hazel. Now, Hazel at the age of twenty, still behaved as a child but that did nothing to change the love she received from her father, if anything he only loved her more. Maria too loved her as her own daughter. She was aware of Harrison's condition and wished she could take Hazel under her care but knew she couldn't because of her other responsibilities. Unlike her, her family were not understanding enough to make her part of their family.

She sighed feeling helpless for the beautiful girl in front of her who was humming in a soft musical voice, unbeknownst to the things in the world or to the kinds of people that lived.

"Come on, let's get you freshen up." Maria told her. Hazel shook her head, not liking the idea of taking bath. "No..." She whined in a small voice. Maria gave her a pointed look which had her following her while pouting.

"Mr. Pooh, stay here. I'll be back." She informed her Pooh and left with Maria. Just as Maria was about to wash her up, Hazel stopped her. "I am a big girl now, I'll bath myself." She argued just like every time she does, placing her hands on her hips and looking at Maria as if proving her point.

"No, I'll-" "No!" Hazel cut out Maria. Maria nodded, knowing very well, it was time she learnt the basic things herself, perhaps it's for good she hoped. "Okay." With that she arranged her water and other things to help her take bath herself.

After few minutes, Hazel came out of the bathroom dressed in a pink dress but the chaos was yet to be revealed as she noticed that her dress was worn inside out and her ginger red hair, wet and left free. Her hazel brown eyes twinkled with happiness. "See, I told you. I'm a big girl now." She said, looking at Maria in a way as if she had achieved some award.

Maria mirrored her smile before shaking her head with a soft laugh, followed by redressing her and blow dried her hair, tying it in a loose ponytail so that she wouldn't get it messy..not much.

Later, Maria took her out of the room, making their way downstairs to the dining room where they saw Harry sitting, waiting for his daughter. As soon as he saw her, a smile broke out of his face, making him forget all about his sickness.

Hazel ran to her father with Pooh, still clutched in her arms as she hugged him tight. Maria joined them too as the cook brought their food along with Hazel's favourite chocolate milkshake, only for her.

"Thank you, Mr. Cook." She thanked the chef, calling him with the nickname she gave him. He gave her a dazzling smile, before making his way back to the kitchen.

After lunch, Harry decided it was a perfect time to talk to his daughter. "Princess," He continued, when she looked at him, her lips in a wide smile. "We have guests coming tonight. I want you to be a good girl, okay?" He informed her. She nodded solemnly. "Good. You can go, play now." He told her as he kissed her forehead and she ran away that instant, carrying Mr. Pooh with her.

Harry informed Maria about the marriage, he had fixed. Maria was reluctant at first, thinking of how Hazel could manage but then sighed realising that there was no other choice. She was assigned to get everything done in regards to Hazel, while praying that his decision was right.

~~

     At exactly, seven in the evening Maria helped Hazel get ready. "I don't want to." Hazel had protested, looking at the cream and brown color light gown kept on her bed. It was a simple gown that would help her carry easily and she won't get it dirty. Reluctantly, she nodded when Maria told her she would look like a Disney princess, though she doubted it looked anything closer to what the Disney princesses wore.

If I look like a Disney Princess. Will I meet my Prince Charming too?! Hazel thought eagerly, remembering how Maria told her a story of Cinderella where she meets her Prince Charming. She giggled at that thought.

"Will I meet my Prince Charming?" She asked Maria with hopeful eyes. Maria's eyes threatened to spill tears at her question. She blinked her eyes furiously not wanting to cry in front of her. She looked up at her as she was sitting on the floor near her bed, combing her hair. "Yes, dear. You will." She said, trying to convince more to herself than to Hazel. Hazel nodded happily, satisfied by her answer.

"Daddy, I left Mr. Pooh on the terrace. Can I go get him?" Hazel asked her father as soon as she and Maria came down to the living room. "Fine. But be careful, princess." Harry replied to his daughter. "Okay!" She squealed and took off the stairs while jumping at each one of them.

Harrison shook his head at his daughter. He smiled at how carefree she was. If it was in his hands, he'd forever take care of her but the fate obviously had other plans, he sighed.

Just then, the door bell rang indicating that the guests have arrived. He stood up hesitantly as the butler opened the door for them to let in. The two men, Harrison Claire and Ashton Knight grinned looking at each other. They hugged each other and his two sons came forward to greet him.

Alexander lend his hand as they shook it with an impressively firm grip. "Alexander, you've grown my boy, the last time I saw you except at my wife's funeral was, when you were five years old. You've grown to be a handsome young man, I must say." Harrison, appreciated. "Thank you, Mr. Claire." Alexander replied in a genuine, fake expression. Jacob greeted Harrison next in the same manner. Harry led them all inside. If there's anything Alexander wanted right then was to wake up and think that this was all just a nightmare. He snorted in his mind.

I'll surely find a way to get out of this so called marriage. But even if I can't, the only reason I'd marry to whoever that rich Daddy's girl, is to take my company. He thought determined, looking for whoever she was.

Later, they all sat in the living room. "Where's Hazel?" Eliza asked looking for his daughter. Harrison turned to them, after telling the maid to get them drinks. "She's on the terrace. She might be back in some time." He told her. He then turned to Alex, as a thought occurred him. "Actually, Alexander. Why don't you go bring her? In that way, you can even get to know each other." He suggested with a warm smile on his face.

I don't want to know her! He wanted to say but the look his father gave when he glanced at him, had him nodding as he got up and left receiving the directions from Harry.

As soon as he left, Harry turned to his friend, Ashton. "Does he know?" He asked, noticing his son's calmness over the situation. Ashton shook his head at him, guiltily. "Know what?" His younger son, Jake cut in, always the curious one.

"Nothing that you need to worry about." Ashton, told him while giving him a look that said shut up which had Jake go quiet.

     As Alex was climbing the stairs he couldn't help but wonder why they wanted both of their children married. Before he could question more, he heard a loud scream from the terrace which had him go alert instantly as he ran to the sound.

He scanned the whole place but couldn't find anybody. "Help!" He heard someone shout, the shrill voice of a girl alerting his ears. He looked around again. "Help!" He heard the same, scared voice crying out as if in a trance he walked towards it in a hurry. He noticed it was coming from the cliff. He ran fast to the end of the terrace, to see a girl, hanging off the cliff. He couldn't see her face as it was covered by her long ginger-red hair. His eyes widened at the scene, his heart thudding faster inside his chest.

He instantly lend his hand. "Here! Take my hand." He shouted so that she could hear. Hazel looked up instantly but couldn't see the person helping her as her hair covered her entire face. She saw a big, broad hand before her eyes, providing her little vision. "I..I am scared." She sniffed, still wary of holding the person's hand. "Nothing will happen to you. Take my hand..trust me." He said, softly this time. "I'll protect you." The words leaving from his lips without his awareness.

Just then, a soft hand covered his large one. He pulled her up by her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist when she was at reach pulling her towards himself. While doing so, both landed on the floor of the terrace.

Alexander's back hit the floor causing pain to shoot out letting him wince due to the impact. Hazel fell on top of him, safely avoiding any pain. Alex closed his eyes on instinct due to the pain.

He then felt the same hand on his face. "Are you alright?" He heard a gentle voice of breath near his face. His eyes opened to come in contact with the most beautiful pair of hazel brown eyes he had ever witnessed, matching perfectly with her wild fiery-red hair. Her beautiful milky white hands in contact with his. Her high cheekbones and full plump lips engulfing him in her trance.

"She's an Angel." He muttered under his breath.

His breath hitched at her sight. He kept his hand on top of hers, involuntary tracing small circles on her hand. She giggled at his motionless body except for his hands that itched to take her in his embrace. She flipped on the other side, getting away from him, making him feel empty and vacant and lied down beside him.

He then noticed a pooh bear in her arms and looked at her questioningly. Why's she carrying it, at this age?!

"Are you my Prince Charming?" Hazel, questioned him suddenly, while giggling. He noticed there was something different about her. Her action, her way of talking was like that of a..child.

He didn't realise he was gazing into nothing until he felt a small tug on his sleeve. He turned to her to see her looking at him with what could only be described as wonder, making his heart swell with delight. Her hand wound around his arm. "Tell me." She said, pouting, "Are you my Prince Charming?"

He was just about to answer her when he heard footsteps behind them. He got up instantly, adjusting his suit. "Come on, get up." He lend his hand at her, while his lips quirked upwards. "Nooo!" She whined, which surprisingly Alex felt was very cute. "It is so nice. I want to lie here." She argued while turning away from him such that her back was to him and her face flat on the floor. His heart warmed at her actions.

"Hazel!" He heard Mr. Claire's voice as he came upstairs.

Hazel...

Beautiful name, he thought. It suits her.

Hazel instantly lifted her head up, while still lying flat on the floor. Alex, found it adorable as he chuckled at her actions. As soon as she saw it was her father, she got up instantly and ran to him. "Daddy!" She exclaimed, running to him and hugged him tightly.

Alex followed her to Harrison. Ashton, Eliza and Jake were behind him too. Harrison took hold of her daughter's hand and walked her downstairs and the rest followed behind them. Reaching the living room, Harrison made her sit on the sofa and sat beside her after the rest of them took their seats too.

"What happened to her? I heard her screams." Harrison asked Alex regarding his daughter, extremely worried. Before he could say, Hazel started, "Daddy, Mr. Pooh was about to fall." Hazel told him while clutching her pooh to her chest tightly, her eyes widened and scared as she explained. "And then I went to save Mr. Pooh but I fell myself." She started giggling as she fell backwards on the sofa to show how she fell. Mr and Mrs. Knight were worried with what happened to her. Even more so, thinking that their son might not agree for the wedding looking at her this way but they were both shocked when they glanced at Alex to see a loving smile playing on his lips which had the same effect follow them.

Jake had an annoying look on his face though. She's crazy! He thought, annoyed.

"And then, Prince Charming saved me." She said, pointing at Alex while taking shy glances at him, her cheeks tinting red.

"Thank you Alex. For saving my daughter." Mr. Claire showed his gratitude. He felt he couldn't thank him enough. Alexander shook his head at him. "It's my duty." He stated, surprising himself and others too. Harrison nodded at him with a grateful smile.

"So, what is up with her?" Alex asked, Harry. Harry sighed before answering him. "As you might have known already that I don't have many days to live?" He questioned Alex. Alex nodded at him as he continued, "So, my daughter Hazel due the accident which caused the death of my wife and a brain injury of my daughter had made her a target of Acquired DPD and Amnesia. That's why I wanted someone to take care of her and my friend, your father, suggested we could get her married to you." His father completed.

Alexander looked back at the Angel and saw how her legs were on top of the sofa and her head almost hanging downwards while she lifted her Mr. Pooh up in the air while laughing happily. He nodded at Harrison understandingly while still focussing on her.

"Are you insane!" His younger brother, Jacob's voice interrupted them. "Why would my brother marry your crazy daughter?" He questioned, standing beside Alex. "She's crazy. She should be in some hospital in between people like her own. Why would you want to burden him with your daughter?" He exclaimed. "How selfish could you be?!"

Involuntarily, Alex fist tightened at his brother's words. How dare he insult his future wife! He thought, furiously.

His hands went around his brother's collars as he clutched them tightly. "Shut up! Jake! Just shut up. Don't you dare speak another word against her." He warned his brother, his face marring with anger. Jake's eyes went wide eyed as his brother released him, pushing him away.

"You support her? You support that mad woman against your own brother? Unbelievable." He shouted, bewildered. "Jake! Leave!" His father told him. Jake ran a frustrated hand through his hair strolling away, out of their house while banging the doors shut behind him.

Harry turned back to Alex as he looked at him, guiltily. "I am sorry, Alex. You didn't have to do that. But I cannot marry her to someone who would think of her as a burden. So if you don't want to mar-" Alex cut him off before he could continue, "I'll marry her." He announced in a heartbeat.

He turned his gaze towards his carefree angel, as he repeated. "I'll marry Hazel Claire." while his mind screamed,

I'll be her Prince Charming...

************