~Sunshine~

Hazel was reading a book, attempting to dispel the boredom that lingered in the empty room. Flipping through the pages, she immersed herself in the world of words.

Unbeknownst to her, someone else had entered the room. The subtle sounds of footsteps and the rustling of papers went unnoticed by the engrossed Hazel. It was only when she felt a warm breath grazing her ear, tangled in her hair, that she snapped out of her literary trance.

Turning to her left, Hazel found herself mere inches away from Francisco. Their faces were so close that a slight movement could have bridged the gap, making their lips meet.

A sudden rush of nerves coursed through Hazel as she quickly shifted to the side, putting some distance between them.

"Sir!"

She stammered, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and anxiety.

Francisco chuckled softly at Hazel's reaction, his eyes retaining their usual sternness despite the playful atmosphere. He casually rested his elbow on the sofa, observing Hazel with an amused glint in his eyes.

"Didn't mean to startle you, Ms. Hazel."

He remarked, a smirk playing on his lips as he enjoyed her discomposure.

Hazel, attempting to regain her composure, managed a nod.

"It's okay, sir. I just didn't expect someone to be so close."

Francisco leaned in a bit, his playful grin persisting.

"Well, it's a good thing you're always on your toes. Keeps things interesting."

Hazel nodded again, still feeling a bit flustered. She decided to close the book she was holding and placed it on the table before her.

"I am sorry without your permission I took your book. It's just I could not stop myself from learning."

With a nervous undertone in her voice, she apologized.

Francisco's smirk widened, contemplating the unpredictable nature of the small bird he had chosen to play with. In his eyes, Hazel was like a bird that sometimes proved to be more formidable than anticipated.

"I don't like if someone touches my belongings, whoever touches my belongings needs to compensate for it."

He declared, his words carrying a hint of seriousness.

Hazel, though expressionless, couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind Francisco's words.

"So..."

She looked down, her gaze averting as she tried to comprehend his statement.

"Should I need to compensate for it?" she inquired, her voice soft and uncertain.

Francisco's blue, stern eyes locked onto her, his tone authoritative and powerful.

"Of course."

Hazel met his gaze again, her hazel-green eyes searching the depths of his oceanic gaze for answers. She felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension, unsure of what this compensation might entail.

"What should I do, sir?"

Hazel asked, her voice gentle, her eyes holding a soft glance.

Francisco's eyes maintained their intensity as he considered her question. A moment of silence lingered between them. Finally, he spoke with a hint of intrigue in his voice.

"As you would like to learn more, so my books are yours too. The compensation is to read aloud whatever you read from now on."

Hazel took a moment to comprehend Francisco's offer, and after a brief pause, a warm smile graced her lips.

Francisco's intense blue eyes were fixed on her, captivated by her smile, watched in awe. He observed the genuine beauty in her expression, a sight that seemed to surprise and intrigue him. A small smirk played on his lips, and he chose not to interrupt the delightful.

Hazel, still smiling, lightly touched her lips before turning her gaze back to him.

"Sir, this is a sweet compensation which I will accept for the rest of my life."

Francisco tilted his head, intrigued by her commitment.

"I will remember what you said. The rest of your life," he replied in a calm and collected tone.

Hazel, grateful for his understanding, moved her gaze with a shy smile.

"Your collection is quite intriguing, sir. It's all about political and crime books."

Francisco, maintaining his subtle smirk, nodded affirmatively.

"Those are the realms I find most captivating. They reveal the complexities of human nature and power dynamics. Why? Don't you like it?" he inquired.

Hazel, leaning against the sofa, responded, "Yes, I like those as well."

Observing her agreement, Francisco straightened up. Nonchalantly placing his hands in his pants pockets, he announced, "Let's go."

Upon hearing him, Hazel quickly stood up. Finally, she was going to get some work from her boss.

"Where to, sir?"

"Home."

Francisco said while walking toward the elevator.

"Home?"

Hazel became a bit confused when she heard him.

"Yes…"

"Do you have any problem?"

Francisco asked as he pressed the button on the elevator.

"Do I then need to accompany you, sir?" Hazel asked nervously.

Turning back to her, Francisco faced her with a decisive expression just as the elevator door opened.

"As my PA, you must accompany me wherever I go," he asserted, stepping into the elevator.

Hazel, acknowledging his expectations, nodded slowly, accepting her role as an obedient assistant, and followed suit.

**

Diana and her colleague departed the hospital center.

"Thank you very much for your help, Ben. I'm not sure how I would have handled the matter without your assistance."

Diana smiled slightly to express her gratitude.

"I'll take care of everything for you, Diana. I requested the top authorities for a team. I'm hoping Dr. Kenzo would agree to my suggestion."

Ben spoke in a lively manner. He always wanted to be with Diana at the workplace and, if possible, in her life.

Diana nodded, saying she didn't mind working alongside him as a team member. She took her phone with a smile to call her driver, but Ben interrupted her. He felt the urge to spend some time with her after the hospital.

"Hey, Diana, let's go out to lunch," Ben suggested. Diana expressed surprise in her face. She hesitated to say yes, so she made an effort to reject him differently.

"I want to go home, Ben. I am so worn out. Let's do it another day."

To be continued.