~Sunshine~

Diana, maintaining an air of composure, tilted her head and somberly remarked, "I apologize for not seeing you."

"Do you need something?"

Max seized her hand, "Okay, let's go now." Her compliance seemed a momentary respite, but her next words cut through the fragile peace.

Diana replied as Max seized her hand, "Do you not have something to do, Max, or do you simply want to be fired from Francisco's company?"

"In what sense do you mean that?" Max arched his brows, a mix of confusion and frustration clouding his expression.

"I advise you to quit being a bodyguard and look for another job. I know how to defend myself well."

Her proficiency in martial arts and the use of firearms were not to be underestimated, a skill set born out of the shadows of her own dark experiences.

Max, persistent in his attempt to take her home, held her hand and urged, "Diana, get off your duff. Now, let's get home." However, Diana was not one to be easily swayed, and she smoothly freed her wrist from Max's grasp.

Frustration etched on his face, Max questioned, "Why are you doing this?" His jaw tightened, reflecting the inner turmoil.

With a calm demeanor, Diana replied, "My partner and I are going on a date. Don't bother me, Max."

Max, incredulous, couldn't contain his reaction. "What? Are you for real?" he exclaimed in the middle of the roadway, drawing the attention of onlookers.

Diana, keen on avoiding a scene, spoke quietly, "It is where I work. Here, stop triggering a scene. And I have permission to enjoy my life."

"Diana…" Max began to speak, his shock evident in his voice as he tried to comprehend Diana's unexpected behavior.

However, before he could articulate his thoughts, a honk drew his attention, prompting him to turn around.

Ben had arrived, and Max's raised brows indicated his annoyance at Ben's presence. As Ben approached, the tension in the air became palpable.

He questioned, "You? Is everything okay, Diana? Why is this person back here again?"

A silent exchange of animosity occurred between Max and Ben, their expressions mirroring anger and disdain. Max, in his sarcastic tone, retorted, "How come I am here? Do you not understand why I am here?"

Ben, clenching his fist in response to Max's tone, was ready to retort when Diana intervened, "It is not necessary for you to answer him, Ben. We can leave."

Diana's smile, as she turned towards Max, seemed like a veil concealing deeper emotions. Her words, delivered with a veneer of calmness, only added to Max's perplexity.

"Don't disturb us, please. We both feel worn out. I sincerely hope you have the decency not to interrupt two adults, Max."

Max, caught between pain and anger, found himself unable to react. The sight of Diana with another man had stirred a mix of emotions, leaving him speechless and disoriented. He muttered her name under his breath, a silent plea or perhaps a question.

"Diana..."

As Diana walked towards Ben's car, Max was left standing there, grappling with a surge of emotions.

Why?

Diana, are you really going to leave me?

Max mused to himself.

**

The opulent venue buzzed with the chatter of wealthy individuals, each person adorned in attire that bespoke their affluence. Francisco Hilton, known for his devotion to punctuality, arrived promptly with Hazel for the extravagant event. The air was filled with an air of anticipation as the duo entered the venue, their presence drawing the attention of the affluent crowd.

Hazel, at Francisco's side, couldn't help but notice the admiring glances cast their way. Many attractive girls, exuding a charm that rivaled hers, eyed the enigmatic pair. A flicker of insecurity crossed Hazel's thoughts as she observed the attention they garnered.

Turning to face Francisco, the man she held onto for support, Hazel sought a reassurance that transcended the external allure of the attendees. Francisco, sensing her silent inquiry, met her gaze with a sudden intensity that caught her off guard. In response, Hazel swiftly averted her eyes, choosing to look in the opposite direction.

However, her momentary distraction was shattered when Francisco's hand gently found its place on her waist. Hazel, startled by the unexpected touch, widened her eyes and instinctively glanced around. As her gaze swept the surroundings, she couldn't help but notice a shift in the expressions of the girls who had been eyeing them with interest.

The once-admiring looks were now transformed into expressions of dissatisfaction and envy. The subtle possessiveness in Francisco's gesture didn't go unnoticed, intensifying the curious glances of those around them.

Hazel, still processing the unexpected turn of events, wondered whether she deserved the attention and protection she seemed to be receiving from Francisco. The male admirers who had been intrigued by her earlier now redirected their attention elsewhere, as if Francisco's subtle gesture had dispelled their interest. Hazel couldn't shake the feeling that her boss might have sensed her discomfort and attempted to shield her from the prying eyes.

As she contemplated this, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Mr. Francisco."

Hazel and Francisco turned to find Andrew, a well-known business executive, approaching them. The air between Francisco and Andrew carried a sense of rivalry, evident in the subtle gestures and unspoken tension that surrounded them.

"Mr. Andrew," Francisco greeted him calmly, masking any underlying tension.

Andrew, with a cunning smile, remarked, "I thought you might not take me up on the offer."

To this, Francisco replied, "How could I resist? It's indeed a sizable loaf."

Andrew continued, "Yes, and I'm curious why you didn't pass up the opportunity to get the bread."

The conversation between Francisco and Andrew, though ostensibly about business.

Francisco, in his usual composed manner, asked, "Where is it, then?"

Andrew, seemingly unfazed, replied, "Naturally not here."

"Also, I don't believe I have ever seen this beauty with you before."

While Andrew's gaze lingered on Hazel, Francisco took a sip of wine without acknowledging the comment about her. Andrew, with a smirk, turned his attention to Hazel.

To be continued.