Chapter 11: Surprise From Hazel’s Side

For the first time in weeks, the apartment was quiet.

Victoria's exit had left a storm cloud hanging over them, but instead of thunder, there was a strange, peaceful calm. Hazel and Michael spent the rest of the afternoon ignoring emails, ignoring the world, and ordering takeout they didn't need.

Hazel had just demolished her third spring roll when the doorbell rang again.

She groaned, flopping back on the couch. "If that's your mother, I swear I'll fake my own death."

Michael smirked and walked to the door.

But when he opened it, his face didn't tighten with irritation. It cracked with genuine surprise.

"Dad?" he said.

Hazel sat up so fast she nearly choked. "Wait—your dad?"

But it wasn't.

A grinning man about her age pushed past Michael with the enthusiasm of a Labrador. Tall, sun-streaked hair, mischievous blue eyes. He carried a duffel bag and a crooked grin.

"Surprise, sis!" he called, sweeping Hazel into a bear hug. "Miss me?"

Hazel blinked. "Aiden? What the—what are you doing here?"

"Long story. Kinda broke up with Clara. Kinda quit my job. Kinda crashed my car into a Starbucks drive-thru sign. Soooo… I'm moving in for a bit."

Hazel stared. "You crashed into a—okay, one problem at a time. How long is 'a bit'?"

Aiden grinned at Michael. "You must be the legendary Graze. Good grip, man," he said, shaking Michael's hand. "Hope you don't mind me crashing here."

Michael's polite businessman mask faltered, just slightly. "I… wasn't informed."

Hazel cleared her throat. "I wasn't either."

Aiden flopped onto the couch, propping his feet up. "Come on, Haz. You always told me if I ever screwed up big, I had a place to land. Well—ta-da!"

Hazel rubbed her temples. "This place isn't exactly a hostel."

"I can sleep on the balcony."

Michael looked like he was calculating how much it would cost to soundproof the apartment.

Hazel sighed. "Okay, fine. A couple days. But no weird kitchen experiments, no leaving wet towels on the floor, and no flirting with the neighbor. She's married now."

Aiden gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."

Michael crossed his arms, eyeing the duffel bag. "Just… don't touch my coffee machine."

"Wouldn't dream of it, big guy."

Hazel bit her lip to hide a smile. As chaotic as Aiden could be, part of her was relieved. He was the one person who knew her better than anyone—and it felt good to have a piece of home around.

Later that night, Hazel curled up beside Michael in bed.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

She nodded. "I haven't seen Aiden in a year. He's a disaster. But he's my disaster."

Michael brushed a kiss over her temple. "I get it."

Hazel turned to him. "I meant what I said earlier, you know. About falling for you."

He met her gaze, his expression soft in a way she rarely saw. "Then you should know… I'm already there."

Hazel's heart stuttered.

Before she could say anything, Aiden's voice called from the living room. "Is it too early for pancakes?!"

Hazel groaned. "He's never leaving, is he?"

Michael chuckled, pulling her closer. "Not if he makes good pancakes.".....