~Sunshine~

Accepting the packet, Hazel swiftly entered a designated changing room. The space was sizable, surrounded by large mirrors that reflected her every move. Taking a quick glance in the mirror, she efficiently dressed herself.

The gown she found in the packet featured a combination of black and maroon, mirroring Francisco's outfit. The colors blend seamlessly to create an elegant ensemble.

As Hazel stood ready to touch the mirror, a girl's voice surprised her from behind.

"Hello, ma'am," the girl greeted.

Hazel jumped in surprise, not expecting anyone else. The girl quickly reassured her, "I was brought here by Mr. Francisco to do your makeup. Don't be surprised."

Hazel processed the information and nodded, "Ah, okay."

"Please take a seat. He gave me ten minutes," the girl said with a friendly smile.

Realizing the limited time and Francisco's punctuality, Hazel promptly took a seat.

After a few minutes spent in the dressing room, Hazel emerged alongside the other girl, the anticipation of Francisco's reaction lingering in the air. Francisco, engrossed in his phone, appeared unfazed as they approached.

"Sir," the girl called out, seeking Francisco's attention.

He glanced up, his piercing blue eyes scanning the two figures before him. Yet, it was Hazel who held his gaze.

Her long, curled, and plaited hair cascaded gracefully, framing her face elegantly. Two captivating eyes reflected a blend of uncertainty and allure, and her red lips added a touch of seduction.

Francisco couldn't help but be struck by her beauty.

Rising from his seat, he approached them, and the makeup artist discreetly stepped back, leaving the room.

The air buzzed with an unspoken tension, the words lingering on the tip of Francisco's tongue. For a brief moment, they engaged in a silent exchange, each absorbed in the other's presence.

After what felt like an eternity, a strong voice resonated in the room.

"Beautiful."

Hazel, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected compliment, averted her gaze, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Caught in the vulnerability of the moment, Hazel stuttered out a quiet acknowledgment.

"Thank you, sir."

Her voice, a delicate whisper

Francisco's intense gaze lingered on Hazel before he gently took her wrist in his hand. Startled, Hazel looked up at him, her emotions a jumble of shyness and anxiety. However, his two lovely eyes seemed unaffected by her inner turmoil as he led her to stand in front of the mirror.

As Hazel glanced through the mirror, she saw Francisco standing behind her, his hands resting on her bare shoulders. The reflection created the illusion of a couple, dressed in coordinated outfits.

A fleeting thought crossed Hazel's mind—Of course, we're not a couple. Then why are we dressed alike?

Before she could dwell on her musings, Francisco's voice broke through her contemplation.

"Hazel, have you ever looked at yourself?"

Hazel's perplexed expression remained as Francisco, unexpectedly gentle, touched her neck and placed a pendant around it. As she caressed the pendant, her reflection in the mirror seemed to tell a story of a side of Francisco she hadn't anticipated—a caring and considerate demeanor towards his employees.

Lost in her thoughts, Hazel questioned whether he treated all his employees this way. The mere idea of such kindness from a powerful figure like Francisco intrigued her. However, her contemplation was abruptly halted by a stern voice.

"Everything is perfect, isn't it?"

Hazel nodded as she looked at herself in the mirror, unable to find the words to express her feelings. The unexpected tenderness from Francisco had left her momentarily speechless. She couldn't bring herself to step back from him, caught in the breathtaking moment with his chilly hands on her bare shoulders and his warm breath caressing her ear.

"Hazel, you are stunning."

Francisco's words, uttered with intensity, echoed through the silent space. Hazel met his gaze through the mirror, their eyes locking in an unspoken connection. Time seemed to freeze as they shared a moment suspended in the air.

Hazel, realizing the need to break the spell, lowered her gaze and stammered, "We... we should go now." She felt Francisco's cold fingers tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"We should indeed," came the assertive response.

After that, they departed for the party.

**

The hospital corridors were finally quiet after a long day of rounds. Diana and Ben, both weary from the day's demands, decided it was time to leave. Diana, with a noticeable tiredness in her voice, turned to Ben.

"I didn't bring my car, Ben. Could you take me to my apartment, please?"

Ben, always ready to lend a helping hand, responded with a warm smile, "Of course."

As Ben excused himself to fetch his car, Diana stood alone in the quiet hallway, taking a moment to collect her thoughts.

She absentmindedly pulled her hair back, a habitual gesture when she needed to focus. Her gaze wandered to the side, lost in the monotony of the hospital surroundings. But something caught her attention, and after a while, she redirected her focus, looking straight ahead.

Max's frustration intensified as he watched Diana purposefully divert her gaze, as if the bustling hospital corridor had suddenly become more captivating than acknowledging his presence. He clenched his jaw, a silent curse escaping his lips.

"Damn it!"

Diana, though seemingly engrossed in trivial observations, was acutely aware of Max's approach.

Diana's decision to ask Ben for a ride was a deliberate move, a subtle invitation to chaos. She knew Max would follow, caught in the web of unresolved issues that lingered between them.

Max, driven by a mixture of anger and hurt, moved towards Diana, his steps purposeful.

"Even though you are aware that I will come to pick you up, you are still accompanying him."

Diana, stop trying to challenge my patience.

If you retain it for too long, I doubt I won't be able to stop myself from hurting that man.

Max thought, his teeth gritted in an attempt to contain his rising anger.

As Max drew nearer, he couldn't help but vocalize his exasperation, "Can't you see me here?"

Continue.