Chapter 97

 Hazel emerged from the bathroom, her face still etched with a mix of emotions. Her eyes were cast downward, avoiding Noah's gaze as she made her way back into the bedroom. The soft towel wrapped around her body seemed to swallow her small frame, making her appear even more vulnerable.

Noah's voice was laced with concern as he spoke up

"I don't like seeing you like this, Hazel." He approached her cautiously, as if not wanting to startle her further.

Hazel's response was barely audible, her words tumbling out in a hesitant mutter. 

"I just couldn't help it...I never thought I'd see them again after everything they did to me." The pain and hurt of her past still lingered a heavy burden that threatened to overwhelm her at any moment.

Noah's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding and empathy. 

"It's your choice if you want to forgive them, and if you don't want to...I'll support you either way," he said, his voice a gentle rea