Chapter 4

Hazel’s POV

The dinner had just begun. Irene sat next to their father, who was sitting next to Cassius, my father’s handsome guest, who seemed quite intimidating sitting next to Irene. The long, full table was covered with all kinds of dishes and desserts, the only things keeping me here.

Reina was sitting on the other side, while her daughter was opposite her. I was sitting at the far end of the table, and it surprised me when I caught Liana giggling at something Cassius said.

Isabella had gotten quite comfortable with him as her hands brushed against his now and then. She batted her eyelashes and flipped her long blonde hair as a soft chuckle escaped her lips at every little word he uttered. The man hardly spoke. What was she even laughing at? I stabbed a piece of salad with my fork and shoved it into my mouth, praying for this night to be over soon.

We were all having light conversations except me. My eyes were roaming all around, looking for Dominic, but I could barely catch sight of his frame. I felt left out. Ignoring everyone and keeping to myself, I was eating my food when I caught sight of something I had been looking for for a long time. With a smile, I pushed back my chair without paying any attention to my surroundings and walked toward him.

“Dominic!”

Upon hearing my voice, he turned toward me with a slightly troubled look on his face. When his eyes landed on me, his lips stretched into a wide smile. My enthusiasm soared, and without thinking about all the eyes on me, I grabbed his arm.

“Where were you? I was looking for you.”

“Hazel.” He greeted me. Another guard standing beside him bowed his head and excused himself. Almost every person in this castle knew about our friendship, and they were usually considerate enough to respect our relationship.

“Something wrong? You look… bothered.” I frowned. He indeed looked troubled by something, since my father had whispered something in his ear earlier.

He shook his head, dismissing my doubts. “It’s nothing. Just some issues with the security system. Nothing to worry about.” Even though he assured me, he couldn’t hide his pale complexion from me. But if he didn’t want to talk about it, that was fine.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Wanna go outside? I’m kinda feeling left out here.”

“Umm…” He looked unsure, and for a second, I saw him looking over my shoulder. I followed his gaze, and my father’s annoyed face came into view.

Shoot! I had forgotten about them being here. I quickly let go of his arm and waited for my father to give me a cold glare when Isabella interrupted him.

“Let her go, Father. She prefers the company of lowlifes.”

My fists clenched, and I gritted my teeth. This shameless—

“Don’t be rude, Bella. She’s your sister,” Reina said. Her tight-lipped smile warned Isabella as she squeezed her hand.

I wasn’t welcome here, so why was my presence needed? My eyes found Cassius’s, and my breath hitched.

“I’ll be back. I just need some fresh air,” I announced, and without looking back, I walked toward the open garden outside.

“Hazel,” Dominic whispered as he followed me.

I got even more annoyed when nobody tried to stop me. Of course, what less could I expect from them? My feet automatically carried me toward the garden, right behind the hall. I sighed when the cool air hit my bare arms. A chill ran down my spine. It was too cold out here, but at least it was manageable.

I stopped when I reached the water fountain near the path that led to the rose field. Clutching the marble edge of the fountain, I leaned forward and closed my eyes.

“You didn’t have to run—”

“Who am I, Dominic? Am I a disgrace to this family?”

I felt him stiffen behind me, and for a moment, I thought he was confused. But when I felt his hand on my shoulder, I knew he understood what I meant.

“You’re no disgrace to this family. In fact, without you, this palace would be a haunted castle.”

I chuckled at his answer. “Without me, this castle would be happy. No one loves me, Dominic. Not my father, not my stepmother. The bunch of girls I call my sisters are just constant reminders that my life is a living hell.”

Dominic turned me toward him, and I held back the urge to cry.

“It’s not like that, Hazel. Liana loves you, Margaret loves you, and every single person working in this castle loves you.”

I sighed as he placed his hand on my cheek and made me look at him.

“I love you, Hazel. What else do you need?”

I smiled at his words.

“I know, but—”

“No buts. I cannot stand seeing my childhood friend bawling her eyes out and looking like an ugly pig.”

I smacked his arm and laughed.

This was the reason he was my safe place.

“Who’re you calling a pig? You look like a donkey, you monkey.”

He laughed as he dodged my attack.

My mood suddenly lifted. Dominic and I were childhood friends. When I was born, he was two years old, and we spent most of our childhood together. When my mother died, Dominic’s mother raised me.

“Anyways, your father will be mad if you don’t show up for the greetings.”

I rolled my eyes.

“He’s right.”

I glanced over my shoulder, and my eyes widened in shock when I saw Cassius standing a few feet away from us.

“I…” I looked at him, startled, as he took a step toward the fountain next to me.

“My lord,” Dominic said, bowing as he stepped away from me.

I frowned but kept quiet as Cassius didn’t even look at him.

“I’m feeling thirsty,” I gulped as he mumbled, holding my gaze.

Dominic blinked at him and bowed again. “I’ll bring something for you, my lord,” he said before walking toward the door.