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The cold look he had in his eyes was intimidating enough. Hazel almost wished she'd kept her mouth shut and mind her business.

How could she when Annie wants to wish Aunt Agnes goodbye and her father seems to be the one to love the No reply?

"Yes, Dad! She can go with me, right? She's like an adult too. Please dad" Annie pleaded

Vincenzo glanced from Annie to Hazel, eyes scanning the duo.

He sighed.

"Bene"

Annie squeaks in excitement, her face brightened up at the idea.

It was clear Annie never seems to leave her father's sight. Hazel wondered how terrible that must be for her.

"You must stay close to her at all times and never leave her sight. She must sit as far away from the windows as possible. You drop Agnes at the airport and drive straight home…" Vincenzo asked.

"Staying away from the windows? I'm not a kid dad" Annie reminded

"Do I make myself clear Hazel?:" Vincenzo asked, ignoring Annie

"Yes Mr Vincenzo" Hazel replied

"Good" Vincenzo heads out the door, passing a few instructions to the man in charge while Matteo is gone.

"Thank you so much!" Annie said

"Hazel. You can call me Zel" Hazel offered

"I have a feeling we're going to be hanging out a whole lot more!" Annie smiled

"Careful. Annie, you don't want to be hanging out with the likes of her " Agnes snapped

Okay, maybe Hazel doesn't like this Agnes lady. She's glad she would be leaving soon too, the less she sees of her, the better for her mental health.

"Judging by likes, I shouldn't talk to you, Aunt Agnes. You are way older than I am and you work for dad" Annie shrugs

Hazel wanted to caution Annie for her use of words but then just maybe Aunt Agnes needs to be put in her place.

"I suppose you could say that. Hurry it up and let's be on our way already. I wouldn't want to miss my flight." Agnes informed

She took that rather well, that's a first…

They observed lunch quietly and soon had their full.

"I'll go change. I'll be right back" Annie assured

Annie hurried up the stairs to change.

"She seems to like you," Agnes said as Hazel and the other staff cleared the tables.

"I suppose so Mrs Anges" Hazel replied

"My advice to you Hazel, you do as Vincenzo says. That man can be a real monster when he wants to be'' Agnes advised

Hazel nods in response.

She needed not to be told what Vincenzo was capable of although sometimes, she wants to see how far she could push him…

Just a slight fantasy of hers.

Agnes leaves the dining area, heading towards the car where things were neatly packed in the car trunk while Hazel and the rest found their way to the kitchen, clearing the dining area of the plates.

"Make sure the dishes are cleaned and start cooking dinner in two hours," Hazel instructed a young staff

"Sure miss"

The girl went on her way.

Hazel returns to the living area, as Annie made her way down the stairs. Annie twirls for Hazel to check out her outfit.

"How do I look?" Annie asked

She wore a pair of jeans, a white turtle neck top and a knitted v-neck cardigan over it.

"Amazing" Hazel replied

"Aren't you going to change?" Annie asked

"This is fine and besides, Mrs Agnes doesn't want to miss her flight" Hazel informs

"Hurry up Annie! Time is running out!" Agnes called from the front door.

"Coming Aunt!"

Hazel and Annie head out of the house. They got into the car and were on their way to the airport in a matter of minutes.

There was little or no discussion during the ride. Annie admired the city, a bright smile on her face. Hazel wondered if Vincenzo leaves the young girl caged for most of her life.

Well, that has to change because Annie isn't going to stay with him forever right? At some point, she'll go to college and get married as well…

"Make sure you don't give Stephanie a hard time during your sessions," Agnes said, breaking the silence

"I don't like her" Annie muttered

"She's your private tutor Annie, you have all reasons not to like her" Agnes chuckled

"Aunt Agnes, I love studying and ageing my grades but Stephanie is…." Annie sighed

"You'll get used to her, Annie. It's just a matter of time."Agnes said

"I can never get used to her trying to impress dad with her ridiculous colour combinations" Annie whispered to Hazel.

Hazel tried to hide her laughter

"What are you whispering about?" Agnes asked

"Whispering?" Annie asked innocently.

Agnes flicked her tongue, earning a laugh from Annie.

"It was a joke Aunt, you wouldn't get it" she informs

"Of course, I wouldn't" Agnes whined, wishing she was young once again…

If only.

They finally arrived at the airport. Agnes got out and the driver helped her get her things out of the trunk.

Hazel and Annie stood right in front of the car while Agnes gathered her things.

"Have a safe trip Aunt Agnes!" Annie cheered

"And you be a good girl" Agnes instructed

"I will Aunt" Annie assured

Agnes heads towards the airport, darting Hazel a meaningful look.

What exactly is this woman's deal with her?

"She likes you," Annie informed as they head back into the car.

"Really? She looks like she detests my mere shadow" Hazel informs

The driver drives them off in the estate's direction.

"You rarely go out do you?" Hazel asked

Annie shook her head.

"Dad is always busy and we never get to go to public places because reporters follow us everywhere" Annie sighed in dejection

That's true, Hazel never thought about who Vincenzo was or anything.

All the guards and the luxurious cars she saw in the garage too…

It must have cost a lot but Hazel never thought he'd be rich enough to attract reporters…

"Is it really bad?" Hazel asked

"No. Dad is always so busy and it's really hard for him to go out with me" Annie informs.

She doesn't seem bothered about it but from her words, Hazel could tell Annie was a bit disappointed.

"If we get your dad to agree, just maybe he could let me take you out. You know, see all those places you want" Hazel offered

Annie shook her head, a tight smile on her face.

Annie gasped in excitement, she saw the amusement Park. All the Mary go-rounds and the funfairs…..

She must have missed it on their way to the airport.

"It looks even more amazing than the pictures" she muttered

"You've only seen this in pictures?" Hazel asked

Annie nods

"And Dad promised we will come here one day." Annie grinned

Hazel replied with a warm smile, knowing fully well that Annie had a lot to say but wasn't ready yet.

"There are a dozen places in the mansion you could explore though. There's a paint room that has all the drawings of old icons. Like Shakespeare, Monalisa"

"That sounds boring" Annie cried

"You don't like arts?" Hazel asked

"I want to do what girls my age are doing. Going to prom, having a prom date, having sleepovers and hanging out with friends" Annie explained

"But Dad treats me like a six-year-old, telling me what to do and what not to do. It's annoying" Annie confessed

For someone, she just met Annie sure talks a lot and is open-minded. Maybe too open-minded…

She spoke to Hazel like they'd been friends forever and Hazel wasn't bothered about it, she only wondered if this is how open-minded Annie was.

People tend to take advantage of people like her. Maybe that is why Vincenzo has been trying to protect her all this while.

"I believe he has your best interest at heart. Trust me" Hazel assured

"You grown-ups are so complicated. Does protection has to do with restrictions? What if I die of boredom or something?"Annie whined

"I doubt that's going to happen" Hazel laughed

"What does your name mean? Hazel?" Annie asked

"I don't know. All I know is it's similar to the hazelnut tree" she shrugs

Annie laughed

"Mine means Favour, that's the only meaning I could relate with from my search engines get shrugs.

"That's lovely" Hazel smiled

"If only my names could grant me favour in papa's sight." She muttered

"Where did you learn to tick people through their emotions?" Hazel asked, arching an eyebrow.

She knew this pattern way too well, Annie was waving the emotional blackmail card in her face. She had lost count of how many times Annie had emphasised on sad life that lacked the excitement she craved

"How did you…" Annie asked in surprise

"Because I had a minor in psychology? Where did you learn that?" Hazel asked

"Something I learnt growing up in Dad's confinement" Annie shrugs

"Please can we have ice cream? Please? The little ones on cones!" Annie made a puppy eye, pouting for more effect.

"Fine. But this is between you and I Annie. Your dad must never find out about this" Hazel reminded

"I promise" Annie cheered

"Please could you pull over at that store? Well be back in five minutes" Hazel promised

"Alright miss"