I can't let you stay alone there

Diana emerged from the hospital, the urgency in her steps. It was 8 pm, and she was in a hurry to return to the mansion. The need to find out where Francisco had sent Max consumed her thoughts.

In her hurried state, Ben, one of her confidants and a source of support, spotted her and called out, "Diana!"

Turning to face him, she replied, "Ben!"

"Are you in a hurry?" he inquired, noticing the tension in her demeanor.

"Um… actually, yes. I need to go home," she responded, not slowing down.

Ben, sensing the gravity of the situation, stopped her with a gentle touch.

 "I will drive you," he offered.

Diana, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Max and the need for answers, declined, saying, "No… not today, dear. Okay, I am leaving. I will call you after going home, okay?"

Without waiting for a response, Diana briskly walked away, leaving Ben standing with a sense of curiosity and concern. As he watched her disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but wonder about what happened suddenly.

Diana made her way to the parking lot in haste.

She pressed the key to unlock her car, the urgency evident in her every step. As she reached for the car door, a sudden and unexpected assault disrupted the silence of the night.

Out of nowhere, a cloth was placed over her mouth. Instantly recognizing the danger, Diana, a woman not easily subdued, reacted with swift instinct. She stopped breathing, attempting to thwart the attempt to render her unconscious.

In a quick and desperate move, she tried to use her elbow to strike her assailant.

However, her efforts were thwarted as the unknown person pushed her against the car, forcefully holding her hands behind her back. Diana, realizing the dire situation, struggled to make a sound, but the desolate parking lot offered no witnesses.

Aware that she was losing the battle, Diana reluctantly closed her eyes, surrendering to the overpowering effects of the chloroform. The substance quickly rendered her unconscious, leaving her vulnerable to the unknown assailant.

The mysterious figure, having achieved its objective, removed the cloth from her mouth and swiftly carried her away.

Before anyone could witness the clandestine abduction, Diana was taken, leaving the parking lot shrouded in silence and uncertainty.

**

Hazel and Francisco, returning from the party, occupied the subdued atmosphere of the car.

Hazel, dressed in a light pink dress that complemented her creamy skin, had put on delicate makeup, and her open hair added to the allure. The frock gracefully ended just above her knee, creating an elegant yet alluring ensemble.

As they drove, Hazel gazed outside through the car window, her thoughts lost in the night. Unbeknownst to her, Francisco's eyes were fixated on her, particularly her long legs. The subtle curve of her crossed legs invited a quiet contemplation.

Francisco, feeling the stirrings of desire, took a deep breath and closed his eyes, leaning back into his seat. His own legs crossed, he could feel a growing tension beneath, his self-control waning as he was captivated by the allure of Hazel's presence.

Closing his eyes momentarily, Francisco struggled to regain composure. The car was filled with the enchanting fragrance of Hazel's perfume, adding another layer to the sensory experience. The scent wrapped around him, leaving an indelible mark on the atmosphere.

Unable to resist the temptation, he finally spoke, breaking the silence with a question that held a subtle undertone of desire, "Which brand of perfume do you use?"

Suddenly Hazel looked at Francisco as she heard him.

"Ah... it's Amarige," Hazel replied with a hint of hesitation, caught off guard by her boss's unexpected question.

"It smells so nice," Francisco complimented, his eyes still closed, lost in the intoxicating scent that enveloped the car.

Hazel, momentarily captivated by his appreciation, kept her eyes on him. However, the unexpected turn the car took, deviating from the route to her apartment, brought her back to reality. Restlessness crept into her demeanor as she began to speak, "Mr. Francisco, I think..."

But he cut her off with a calm reassurance, "It's okay, Hazel."

As he interrupted her, Francisco opened his eyes, and their gazes locked. The intensity of his ocean-blue eyes held her in a moment of uncertainty.

"You are going with me," he declared, his words echoing in the confined space of the car.

Hazel, taken aback, sought clarification, her eyes narrowing as she asked, "What?"

Francisco's unexpected announcement left Hazel in a state of perplexity.

"No, Mr. Francisco..." 

Hazel began, her voice trailing off, expressing her unease at the unexpected turn of events.

"I can't let you stay alone there," Francisco stated firmly, his concern evident in his words.

"But, Mr. Francisco, this is so awkward," Hazel responded, her worry etched on her face.

"Are you thinking about your reputation?"

Hazel pressed her lips together, a silent acknowledgment of the internal struggle she was facing.

Francisco, sensing her unease, offered reassurance, saying, "Do not worry. I will ensure my PA's security first."

Hazel, absorbing his words, slowly lowered her gaze, contemplating the unforeseen circumstances. As she glanced out of the window, a subtle smile played on her lips.

Actually, she wanted to go to his mansion again and Francisco made her way easy.

She exhaled deeply.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion, and Francisco and Hazel stepped out.

Hazel, her gaze taking in the grandeur of the mansion, followed Francisco as they made their way inside.

Entering the hall, Francisco came to a halt and directed a maid, "Take her to the room."

"Yes, master!" the maid acknowledged.

"Ma'am, please come this way," the maid addressed Hazel, gesturing for her to follow.

Hazel looked back at Francisco briefly, finding his gaze still fixed on her. She averted her eyes, a subtle mix of uncertainty and curiosity in her expression, and then followed the maid as instructed.

The maid led Hazel to her room, exactly opposite Francisco's. The grandeur of the mansion surrounded her, and as she stepped into her assigned space, Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of surrealism.

"Thank you!"

Hazel showed her gratitude.

"Ma'am, please change your clothes and take a bath. I am going to prepare your bath."

"It's okay, I can do it myself."

"No!"

"We have order to serve you."