Chapter 4

Hazel’s POV

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

Irene was sitting on other side while her daughter was on the opposite. 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 in my mouth, praying this night to be over soon. We were all having light conversations except me, my eyes were roaming all around looking or Dominic but I could barely catch the sight of his frame. I felt left out. Not minding them and spending my time to myself, I was eating my food when I caught a glance at 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 as I walked toward him.

“Dominic!” Upon hearing my voice, he turned towards me with a slightly troubled look on his face. And when his eyes landed on me, his lips stretched into a wide smile. My enthusiasm whirled and not thinking that all the eyes were on me, I grabbed his arm. “Where were you? I was looking for you.”

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

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

He shook his head, denying 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, it 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 found him looking over my shoulder. I followed his gaze when 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 Isabelle interrupted him.

“Let her go, father. She prefers the company of low lives.” My fists clenched and I grinned my teeth. This shameless—

“Don’t be rude, Bella. She’s your sister.” Irene said. Her tight-lipped smile warned Isabelle as she squeezed her hand. I wasn’t welcomed 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 towards the open garden outside.

“Hazel,” Dominic whispered as he followed me.

I got more annoyed when nobody tried to stop me. Of course, what less was even expected from them? My feet automatically took me towards the garden, right behind the hall. I sighed when cool air hit my naked arms. A chill ran down my spine. It was too cold in 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 marbled boundary of the fountain, I leaned as I closed my eyes shut.

“You didn’t have to run—”

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

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

“You’re no disgrace to this family. In fact, without you, this palace will 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 towards him and I held back the urge to cry. “It’s not like that, Hazel. Liana loves you, Margaret loves you, every single person working in this castle loves you.” I sighed as he placed his hand over 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 why 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 was suddenly lifted. Dominic and I were childhood friends, when I was born, he was two years old and we spent almost most of our childhood with each other when my mother died, Dominic’s mother raised me.

“Anyways, your father will be mad if you do not show up for 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 towards the fountain next to me.

“My lord,” Dominic bowed 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 towards the door.