Ch. 91..100

Chapter 91: A Mysterious Call?

Inside, Hazel had already burst into tears at the thought of leaving Joshua, but her personality was very stubborn, and she insisted she was fine.

Professor Watson’s celebration banquet was at 8:00 in the evening. However, she did not plan any time to prepare for it, she was just happy that she was attending.

She had finally started to get ready when her phone rang, she answered it, Vanessa was on the other end and said, “Hazel, let’s meet.”

Hazel was a little scatter-brained and said, “We don’t seem to have any reason to meet up?”

There really was nothing for her and Vanessa to talk about, and the strangest part was that she wanted to meet up just before the Professor’s banquet.

“I have an important thing to tell you, it is about Joshua,” Vanessa said in a deep voice.

“Oh, but I don’t want to know,” Hazel said.

“Hazel, if you don’t come, you will regret it!” Vanessa’s voice contained a little more anger.

Hazel frowned unpleasantly, before this, she did not have a good impression of Vanessa but mysteriously calling her, especially at this time?

“No, if I want to know what Joshua was doing, asking him myself is more convenient,” Hazel said.

Vanessa was stunned, but she asked angrily, “Hazel, what do you mean? Do you mean that Joshua is by your side? Or do you actually live together?”

Hazel kept silent.

She went to and from work by bus, not driving with Joshua. So, no one had guessed about their relationship, not even Vanessa knew that she actually lived in Denmark Residence. Hazel didn’t mind if Vanessa found out, but she was not going to brag about it.

“This has nothing to do with you,” Hazel said indifferently. “Professor Watson’s banquet begins soon, and you wouldn’t want me to miss out on that, would you?

“You…!” Vanessa was angry.

She did have a point when Professor Watson said that he would like to invite Joshua and Hazel, she had no objection and thought that she would be able to embarrass Hazel. Still, she did not expect that Professor Watson would appreciate Hazel so much. She didn’t want to let Hazel shine at the banquet!

Vanessa had advised Professor Watson many times, but he had made up his mind to invite her, and she could not persuade him differently. Therefore, Vanessa wanted to scheme and lie to Hazel so that she would miss attending the banquet.

“So, what I guessed was true, Vanessa, can you be more mature?” Hazel guessed, “If you really want to say something, why not wait until we see each other tonight?”

“Hazel!” Vanessa’s voice was a little bit cold, and she said sternly, “You will regret it!”

Hazel frowned a little bit, and Vanessa’s words sent a chill down her spine.

Could it be said that Vanessa was going to do something to her at the party?

There would be so many people there, Joshua included, Vanessa would really not want to do something in front of so many people.

“Hazel, how is the preparation?” Joshua knocked on her door.

“Not yet done.” Hazel put down the phone.

“What happened?” Joshua raised his eyebrows.

“Nothing, I had just answered a call.” Hazel forced a smile.

“Who called?” he asked.

Hazel hesitated, “Vanessa.”

This was a small matter for her, and there was no need to hide it from him.

“Why did she call?” Joshua’s look was a little cold.

“Nothing, maybe she just wanted to scheme to get me to meet her, but she didn’t succeed, so she threatened me.” Hazel shrugged.

Joshua thought for a while.

Vanessa was definitely not the kind of person who would threaten others, if she said something threatening, she meant it.

“You get ready.” He chuckled and closed the door.

When he left Hazel’s room, Joshua dialed a number, “Scarlett, help me watch Vanessa tonight!”

He hung up the phone and lowered his head, thinking there will be many people at this banquet. She may ask somebody else to do it, it may not be useful to keep watching her.

It seemed that tonight was destined to be an unpeaceful night.

***

Hazel finished getting dressed, and they left to go to the home of Professor Watson.

When they arrived, Hazel got out of the car and looked at the villa in front of her. “Professor Watson has a beautiful home.”

Joshua smiled and agreed with her.

“Let’s go, it’s time to go in.” He reminded her.

“Do we go in together?” Hazel asked worriedly. “Would anyone think something of our relationship?”

“No,” Joshua said. “They think of you as my female partner at most.”

“Okay.” Hazel finally compromised.

Joshua bent his arm, Hazel blushed and put her arm through his.

The two walked into the hall together, and the people who were talking and laughing suddenly quieted down and looked toward the door.

It was Joshua. Most of the people who came to the banquet knew him, so it was not strange that he would be there, but he had actually brought a woman.

Everyone knew that if they had to use five words to describe Joshua, it was definitely not words like handsome and graceful, it was “doesn’t get close to women.”

When he was in school, Joshua treated all the girls like strangers and did not know how many people were hurt. Although Vanessa followed him whenever she had the opportunity, everyone knew Joshua had no interest in her.

Even if Joshua took the initiative to admit his personal relationship in front of the media, they did not take it seriously because they did not see any of his lovers. But now Joshua actually brought a woman!

The eyes of all the people fell on Hazel, they could not help but be stunned by her beauty.

The blue dress was elegant and formal, it was perfect for the occasion. With so many people looking at her, Hazel managed to smile elegantly, which unintentionally made her feel comfortable.

If Hazel knew what the others were thinking, she might have cried tears of joy, but she began to laugh, wondering why all these people were staring at her? They could not take their eyes off of her, it was as if Joshua did not even exist.

“Joshua, are you here too?” Someone managed to spit out. He smiled and walked over to the two. “This is…?”

“My date,” Joshua said, and he did not plan to say anything more than that.

The man nodded with approval and did not ask more. Hazel can tell that others don’t believe him at all.

“Didn’t you say that others will not misunderstand?” Hazel maintained the smile on her face and whispered to Joshua.

“They didn’t misunderstand,” Joshua smiled. “If you don’t believe it, then you can ask them.”

 

Chapter 92: Are You Willing To Play With Me?

Hazel was annoyed at Joshua. If she went to ask, who would admit to her face that they misunderstood their relationship?

Joshua was a real trouble maker, so she just gave up. Fortunately, these people were just like what Joshua said, although they were curious, they would not gossip and question Hazel.

Joshua calmly greeted everyone and whispered to Hazel, “Let’s go, we should go upstairs to meet the Professor.”

Hazel nodded, but before they had to go upstairs, they heard a noise at the door.

They turned toward the door and saw Vanessa wearing a beautiful pink dress with a fair amount of her skin showing. She walked in with an arrogant smile and enjoyed all of the attention.

Hazel’s eyebrows raised faintly at seeing Vanessa’s display, she seemed to be completely charming. However, this was a party for Professor Watson, not her party, her dress was too revealing, but Vanessa did not notice, she was very satisfied with her entrance.

As Vanessa searched around the room, she did not see the look of disapproval in the group’s eyes staring at her. Vanessa was only interested in finding Joshua in the crowd.

Joshua only looked at her for a short moment and took Hazel’s hand to walk upstairs. Vanessa caught a glimpse of them as they reached the top of the stairs, anger ripped through her as she saw they were really here together!

Enduring the anger in her heart, Vanessa did not try to catch up with the two, she just calmly greeted everyone.

Suddenly, a small figure waved at Vanessa in the corner, she looked at the crowd and slowly walked toward the figure. Vanessa did not know that from the moment she walked in, someone was watching her.

In the corner, there was a beautiful little girl, about seven or eight years old. As soon as she saw Vanessa, she ran and hugged her leg, “Vanessa!”

Looking at her crumpled dress, Vanessa’s eyes looked at the child with disgust, but when the little girl looked up at her, she immediately put on a friendly and kind smile.

Vanessa reached out and touched the little girl’s head. “Becky, did you see Joshua’s girlfriend?”

“I saw her!” Becky pouted her lips. “That woman is too annoying. As you said, she is a big bad guy! She dared to try and steal my friend, I must teach her a lesson!

“Becky,” Vanessa said with embarrassment, “Joshua likes her very much, and he takes her to play everywhere he goes, all day, and he ignores others. If you do this, he may be angry.”

Becky looked like she was about to cry. “Why is that woman so bad? Joshua doesn’t come to see me, and she must have stopped him. I don’t want to let her go! Right, you promised to bring me some candies that can make Joshua hate her, where are they?”

Vanessa took out a piece of candy reluctantly, “Becky, don’t you think this is not a good thing to do?”

“Vanessa, don’t worry. I will never tell others that this is what you gave me.” Becky immediately took the candy away.

Vanessa’s face flashed a smug smile. She quickly pulled Becky, who was about to leave, and said with a serious, “Becky, remember, this candy needs to be put in a drink. Also, you must not eat it, or you will be hated by everyone!”

“I know, don’t worry!” Becky nodded. “I had a cavity recently. It will hurt if I eat sugar, so I will not eat it!”

Vanessa let go of her hand and watched her run to the stairs. A cold smile appeared on Vanessa’s face, she had not given Becky candy, it was a medicine that would make Hazel embarrassed if she ate it.

Becky was still a child, so by putting the medicine in Hazel’s drink, nobody would suspect anything. Vanessa wanted to see Hazel embarrassed in front of so many people then Joshua would decide if he really wanted this woman.

Becky climbed up the stairs as a person hit her from behind. She couldn’t help but scream, and she fell.

“Becky, you should be more careful!” The person behind hurriedly held Becky. She eagerly asked, “Are you okay? Do you feel good?”

The person reached out and touched Becky as if he was checking whether she was injured.

“I am fine.” Becky shook her head and said politely.

“That’s good.” The woman in front of her sighed. She smiled and said, “I’m sorry, I just didn’t watch where I was going and hit you.”

“It doesn’t matter, see you later.” Becky waved her hand and turned away.

Scarlett looked at Becky as she went up the stairs, there was a pill-like thing in her hand. This was exactly what she had just taken out of Becky’s pocket.

Earlier, Joshua called her and asked her to keep an eye on Vanessa. She just heard the conversation between Vanessa and Becky, and she caught up with Becky to take medicine out of her pocket.

Scarlett sniffed the pill and was very sure that it was definitely not candy!

***

Hazel and Joshua were in Professor Watson’s study to give him a gift from Joshua.

They had only exchanged a few words and, of course, praised Hazel, which only embarrassed her when the door of the study slowly opened. Becky looked inside and saw Joshua, and her eyes suddenly brightened.

“Joshua!” She ran in with joy and hugged his legs.

Joshua smiled, reached out, and touched her head.

“Hazel, this is Professor Watson’s daughter Becky.” Joshua introduced her to Hazel.

Hazel was somewhat surprised that Professor Watson’s younger daughter would be so sticky to Joshua. She couldn’t help but look at Joshua with a weird look in her eyes.

Joshua was wondering what Hazel was thinking about?

“Hazel, my daughter, is mischievous,” Professor Watson said with a smile. “When she was born, my wife and I were old, so we spoiled her to be impolite and rude.”

“I am not!” Becky said, and she suddenly let go of Joshua and looked at Hazel.

“This beautiful woman must be the girlfriend of Joshua?”

“Yes.” Joshua nodded. “She is.”

Becky’s eyes lit up, and she took Hazel’s hand. “Hazel, are you willing to come to play with me?”

 

Chapter 93: You Are A Wonderful Painter

“Me?” Hazel was somewhat surprised.

“Yes, I don’t have a sister, so I don’t know what it feels like to be loved by a sister!”

Becky grievously looked at her. “Do you hate me?”

She looked like she was going to cry, so Hazel hurriedly said, “No, how can I hate you?”

“Then let’s play!” Becky showed a happy smile and took Hazel toward the door.

“Becky!” Professor Watson’s face sank.

Hazel hurriedly said, “Professor Watson, it doesn’t matter. It just happens that I have nothing to do. It will be okay to play with her.”

“Joshua, look at this…” Professor Watson looked at Joshua with some embarrassment.

“Since Hazel wanted to play with Becky for a while, let them play.” Joshua smiled, and he looked at Hazel, “Don’t play for too long, though.”

“Okay.” Hazel nodded.

Becky cheered and pulled Hazel out of the study. “Let’s go downstairs as well.” Professor Watson said with a smile.

The two left the study behind Becky and Hazel when Joshua’s cell phone suddenly rang.

He apologized to Professor Watson and nodded. He turned and pressed the answer button.

“Mr. President,” Scarlett said in a low voice. “I just followed Vanessa and saw that she gave Professor Watson’s daughter medicine and told her to put it into Miss Hazel’s drink.”

Joshua suddenly felt sick.

Vanessa was actually going to use medicine as a means of embarrassing Hazel? And the worst part was she was going to use a child who did not know better to do it!

“What do you know about the medicine?” Joshua sighed.

“I have got some of it in my hand.” Scarlett hesitated, and she said truthfully, “I guess this medicine could be an aphrodisiac, maybe?”

A touch of cold light flashed in his eyes, Joshua had been tolerant of Vanessa, but she actually dared to harm Hazel several times! If he hadn’t thought to watch her and Hazel ingested this medicine, it would be so painful for Hazel.

“Scarlett!” Joshua said coldly, “Let’s find a chance to put the medicine in Vanessa ‘s drink!”

He was not going to be tolerant any longer. Let Vanessa deal with the outcome she deserves!

Hanging up the phone, Joshua had an unpleasant look on his face.

Since Vanessa talked Becky into helping her, she must have said something in front of Becky. Then, when Becky entered the study room and asked Hazel to play, everyone assumed it was out of good intention.

Although he completely believed that Hazel could handle spending time with the little girl, what if something really happened, he was afraid she might not be able to deal with it.

He thought for a while and caught up with Professor Watson.

***

Becky led Hazel to a room, it appeared to be a studio.

“This is my brother’s special studio,” Becky said with a smile. She took Hazel by the hand to the front of the easel.

“Hazel, these are my brother’s works. My parents praised him for his talented painting.”

Hazel looked at the easel, and the painting on the drawing board was quite exceptional.

She nodded and said with a smile. “Your brother appears to be a great artist.”

Becky’s eyes were intense as she pointed to the table next to the easel, there were already paints that had been mixed for the desired color.

She pointed to the drawing board and said. “Hazel, come closer, look here!”

“What’s wrong?” Hazel stepped forward.

Becky pretended not to know anything and suddenly reached out to touch the paint tray. Hazel was very close to the paint tray, and if the paint tray were to be accidentally hit, it would definitely fall on her dress. Hazel’s dress would be destroyed by the paint.

This was Becky’s plan; her lips had a small malicious smile.

The paint tray flew from the table, Becky screamed, but her eyes told a different story. Within moments, her smile froze on her face because when the paint tray flew, Hazel reacted with lightning speed and caught the paint tray in her bare hands.

Although her hands were splashed with a lot of paint, Hazel’s dress was still clean.

How could this be? How could Hazel’s movements be so fast? Becky was surprised and opened her eyes.

“I will wash my hands first,” Hazel said apologetically. There was a sink next to the easel, she turned on the water and washed her hands.

Becky was still baffled as to how it did not work, she wanted to believe that it was just a coincidence and that Hazel was just lucky. But she clearly saw that Hazel’s movement was very skillful and striking.

No, no! Becky thought and immediately shook her head in distress. Hazel is a bad woman, and she cannot think she was skillful or striking!

“What’s wrong?” Hazel looked at her surprisingly.

“No… Hazel, thank you.” Becky said words against her true thoughts.

“It doesn’t matter,” Hazel smiled. “Nothing happened, just be careful.”

“Okay.” Becky nodded unwillingly.

“Right, what did you want me to see?” Before Hazel returned to the easel, she helped put the paint tray in a safe place.

“Here, it is what my brother asked me to paint!” Becky pointed to the painting at the corner.

“Very good,” Hazel smiled and praised. “You are a wonderful painter.”

“Do you think so, too? Hazel?” Becky’s eyes suddenly lightened up. “My brother also praised me like that…”

Suddenly, the smile on Becky’s face froze. How could she be pulled in just because she was praised by Hazel? No, she should hold her position!

Becky quickly reached out and touched her pocket. Suddenly, her facial expression became very cruel.

What is the candy that Vanessa gave her? Why was the candy missing?

Becky searched for it in a panic, she looked in her empty pockets, she was ready to cry.

“Becky, what’s wrong with you?” Hazel looked at her surprisingly.

This girl was very excited at one moment, and suddenly she became so lost.

“Hazel, can you do me a favor?” Becky suddenly said. Although it is a pity that the candy was lost, she has other methods!

“What favor?” Hazel asked.

Becky took her to the balcony of the studio, facing a big tree in the garden. It was already winter, and the trees were bare.

“There!” Becky pointed at the tree.

The branches of the big tree reached the balcony, and a teddy bear hung on the branch.

“When I was playing with my bears today, I accidentally threw it into the tree.” Becky dreadfully pointed using her finger. “Can you help me to get it back? My mother gave it to me a few days ago, and if she finds out, she will be furious!”

Hazel looked at the bear hanging on the tree, and she couldn’t help but frown.

 

 

Chapter 94: Be Careful

“Becky, do you have a ladder?” Hazel thought for a moment. “If we put a ladder on the backside of the tree, I can help you get it down.”

“No, no!” Becky shook her head. “Then we will be discovered by my mother. Hazel, we have to get it quietly!”

“You want me to go from here?” Hazel surprisingly pointed at the branches outside the balcony.

The tree was some years old, and the branches that extended out of the balcony were strong enough, not too far from the balcony. But even if you turned, went over the balcony, and walked along the branches, it was still too dangerous.

“Yes, yes,” said Becky. “Hazel, my brother used to sneak out and play here. He said it was safe. I am nervous and afraid to go there. You are an adult, you are definitely not afraid, right?”

Hazel looked at the branch again, and she shook her head. “No, it’s too dangerous. Becky, if you are just afraid that your mother will blame you, then I will take responsibility for it. You can say this happened when we were playing, and I accidentally threw it up…”

“No, no!” Becky hurriedly interrupted her. “How can I do that to you? My mother will not believe it and even blame me for lying! Hazel, if you are not willing to help me, forget it. I am old enough, I will do it!”

Becky angrily crawled over the railing of the balcony.

“Be careful!” Hazel quickly reached out and tried to pull her back.

Becky had gone over the side of the balcony and stood on the branch. She voluntarily let go of the railing and tried to let go of Hazel’s hand. “You don’t need me to control me… Ah!”

Her foot slipped, and she fell. Becky felt that the speed of the drop suddenly slowed down. She looked up in a panic and saw that Hazel had crawled over the balcony. She grabbed the railing of the balcony with one hand and held her wrist tightly.

Becky was stunned, and she stared at Hazel.

She originally thought that Hazel was deliberately not wanting to do it, but Hazel saw that she was in danger, and she actually saved her like this. Moreover, Hazel did not know that she had deliberately lied to her and wanted her to crawl over the side.

“Don’t be afraid, I will pull you up right away!” Hazel grabbed the railing and tried to tell her.

Becky burst into tears.

Hazel was stunned and did not know how to comfort the child at all. And, especially at this time.

“Becky, if you cry again, both of us will fall.” She said helplessly, and she could only scare her in this way.

“Then we will die?” Becky sobbed, and she was full of fear.

“No, but it is very likely that we could break our legs,” Hazel said truthfully.

Becky cried even louder, and Hazel was frantic. She did not know how she would pull Becky up.

Suddenly, the door of the studio opened. Hazel was happy and shouted, “Is someone there? Here…”

Her voice suddenly stopped, and she felt extremely awkward. The person who entered the room was not just anyone, it was Joshua. He ran to the balcony after heard Hazel crying out. He saw her and Becky hanging on the edge of the balcony, and his face went pale.

“Hazel, don’t be afraid.” Joshua caught her wrist and pulled the two up.

Back on the balcony, Becky was too afraid even to sit, she paced back and forth while she cried.

“Hazel, are you okay?” Joshua whispered.

“I’m fine.” Hazel replied, and she crouched down to ask, “Becky, have you been injured?”

Becky shook her head, and she suddenly ran into Hazel’s arms and said with an apology. “Hazel, I am sorry, I have been deliberately lying to you. But I have no evil thoughts, I just wanted to spoil your dress and make it so you could not attend the party. I don’t know it would be so dangerous…”

“Don’t cry, I know it.” Hazel took out her handkerchief and wiped her tears.

“Ah?” Becky looked at her.

“I know that you don’t like me,” Hazel tapped her nose. “You wanted to play with me, and you just also tried to trick me. In fact, you like Joshua, right?”

Hazel was not stupid and naturally saw the hidden hostility that Becky had toward her and her attachment to Joshua. When she entered the studio, she already guessed what Becky wanted to do.

This girl… Joshua sighed helplessly. However, Hazel has her own solution, and he would not take part in it.

“Then, why are you saving me?” Becky asked with awkwardness.

“Because I know that you are not bad deep down.” Hazel touched her head. How could someone think of splashing her with paint, lying to her to ruin her dress, and even become happy when she praised her bad? She was just spoiled by her family.

“Hazel, you are so good.” Becky cried and rushed into her arms.

“Don’t cry,” Hazel smiled. “If you cry like this, you are still able to dirty my dress with your tears.”

Becky immediately obeyed and stopped crying.

The situation had caught the attention of other guests, Professor Watson and Mrs. Watson walked into the room. Hazel explained that it was an accident, but they knew Becky’s temper and disciplined her.

“Professor, don’t get angry with her,” Joshua advised. “She just got scared, you should comfort her first.”

“I am sorry, Hazel.” Professor Watson said with remorse.

“It really was nothing, Professor, it was just an accident.” Hazel smiled.

Professor Watson took Becky’s hand and began to lead her out of the room. She looked back at Hazel reluctantly. “Hazel, can you accompany me? I am afraid…”

“Hey, don’t be afraid.” Hazel touched her head. “You go back to your room to make sure there are no injuries. You should take a bath and change the clothes, then we can go to the banquet together, okay?”

“Okay, deal!” Becky nodded obediently. She looked up at Joshua. “Joshua, Hazel is magnificent, you must be good to her.”

“I will.” Joshua smiled and promised.

Becky and her parents left the room, Joshua approached Hazel.

“What are you doing?” Hazel looked at him on alert.

“Helping you check for injuries,” Joshua said with a smile.

“Check what? I didn’t get injured.” Hazel didn’t look at him.

Joshua suddenly grabbed her by the waist and said. “Hazel, are you angry?”

 

Chapter 95: Let’s Get Married

Joshua knew Hazel was angry, since he rescued her, Hazel has been ignoring him.

“Yeah, I am angry,” Hazel whispered and looked at him. “Joshua, that little girl has a crush on you and was willing to hurt me. Does she have a reason to think that this is okay?

“Hazel, you can’t blame me.” Joshua was helpless, “I am not a bad guy, how can I be held responsible for her actions?”

“You are a bad guy!” Hazel talked back to her.

“Even if I am, it is for you.” He smiled teasingly, “Hazel, do you want to try?”

Hazel’s heartbeat suddenly sped. Was he going to do it? Here is Professor Watson’s home. Did Joshua really intend to do something to her here?

“I don’t want to try, I don’t.” Hazel suddenly stunned, “I believe you, okay?”

Joshua kissed her on her lips gently at first but then suddenly Hazel pulled away and screamed, Joshua had bitten her. She looked at him with her eyes full of questions and accusations.

“I have some worse behaviors. Do you want to try?” he asked.

“I don’t want to try, really,” Hazel was sad and helpless, “I believe you.”

Joshua explained in a low voice, “Hazel, I saw her several times, but I just talk to her as a young child. Besides, what do little girls at that age understand?”

He explained it sincerely, and she could not continue to be angry.

Taking a deep breath, Hazel said bitterly, “Joshua, I just think that you are too popular. In fact, I didn’t think of any of this as reality until now…”

“Have you thought about my previous proposal?” Joshua suddenly said, “Hazel, let’s get married. Will that make it feel real?”

Hazel was shocked.

Joshua had not mentioned this proposal for a long time, but it still made her feel uncomfortable, she did not know how to deal with it. She contemplated for a moment on how to answer him, but all she could think was that only Joshua would bring up random questions, like marriage.

“You are joking, my family still doesn’t know about you. How can I marry you without telling them?” Hazel said hurriedly.

Joshua opened his mouth and said, “I will arrange it so that your parents can meet me…”

“How do you say something one moment and then expect to have it the next?” Hazel questioned.

Joshua thought for a while, “It seems that you don’t love me enough?”

Hazel was a bit embarrassed but eventually nodded.

“Well, let’s take it slow.” Joshua took her hand. “Let’s go to the banquet first.”

Hazel hoped she had sorted things out with Joshua. Although the thought of it was thrilling, she was not ready for marriage; especially after the evening she already had, she was just thankful she was not injured, and her clothes were not destroyed.

The two walked out of the room and saw Professor Watson and his wife were coming out of another room. They joined them to walk downstairs, Vanessa was at the bottom of the stairs and saw that Joshua and Hazel were walking hand in hand.

Vanessa’s face was filled with anger as she drank another glass of red wine, she could not believe them.

There was a line up to congratulate Professor Watson, Joshua and Hazel stood in line while Vanessa watched them closely, Hazel was still looking proud, but for how long, she thought.

When everyone was done speaking to the Professor, he greeted the crowd, “Thank you all for coming. I do not have much to say except for I hope everyone has the opportunity to speak to friends, eat some delicious food, and most importantly, I hope everyone has fun. Please tell me if you are not satisfied.”

Then the music started to play, and the guests began to dance.

Hazel was thirsty, so she went to the long table, picked up a drink, and calmly drank it. Joshua picked up a piece of cake and put it up to her mouth so that she could take a bite.

“Taste it,” he whispered. “Professor Watson knows some excellent chefs and invited them tonight.”

“Really?” Hazel smiled and leaned in to take a bite, but Joshua had already shoved it in her mouth.

Hazel’s face turned red as she wiped the icing off of her lips.

Vanessa was still watching their every move, she hated Hazel even more now. She could not understand why Joshua, who treated everybody unsympathetically, would listen to everything Hazel said. She finished the glass of wine she had in her hand as she walked toward Professor Watson and his wife.

“Hi, Professor and Mrs. Watson.” Vanessa said sweetly, “Congratulations on winning the award.”

“Thank you, Vanessa.” He replied politely.

Vanessa looked around and then said in a questioning tone, “Oh, why don’t I see Becky? I thought she loved banquets.”

“She was tired today and fell asleep,” Mrs. Watson explained.

Vanessa was stunned, if Becky was asleep, did she already give Hazel the medicine?

“Please excuse me,” Vanessa said quickly.

A man stopped in front of Vanessa and asked her to dance. She wanted to refuse, when she saw the man in front of her, she couldn’t help but swallow.

He appeared to be a very ordinary man, definitely not Joshua but Vanessa was still a bit stunned. She was still trying to find a way to say no, but she could not control her thoughts.

Hazel looked at the crowd of people dancing, Joshua thought he saw a bit of envy in her eyes. He leaned forward slightly and reached his hand out to Hazel. She was confused by his gesture, but she gave him her hand.

With a grin, Joshua sighed and asked, “My Royal Highness, may I have the pleasure of a dance?”

Hazel’s heartbeat accelerated, his words made her feel warm all over.

She blushed, then said awkwardly, “Joshua, I don’t know how to dance…”

“It’s okay, it’s very simple. Just follow my steps.” He held her hand and reached for her waist.

Hazel exclaimed, and her arms were on his shoulders. Joshua raised his eyebrows when he flinched in pain.

“I’m sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean it…” Hazel said in a hurry. It was only the first part of the dance, and she had already stepped on his foot.

“It doesn’t matter, Hazel, relax,” Joshua whispered in her ear. “This is just an ordinary party. No one will be paying any special attention to you. Don’t be nervous. You just think that there are only the two of us here.”

Hazel’s flustered heart gradually settled down. She followed his steps and gently rotated with the beat. Although her movements were still very stiff, Hazel smiled sweetly.

She thought it turns out that dancing with someone you love is such a wonderful thing.

“Hey! What are you doing?!” A man’s voice yelled, and there was a commotion in the crowd.

The music stopped, and so did the people that were dancing, everyone was looking to the center of the room.

Hazel looked over and was completely flabbergasted.

 

Chapter 96: How Could You Do This?

Vanessa was sitting on the ground in a disheveled dress. She appeared to be very angry, but her face had a rather awkward expression.

What had happened to her?

Everyone was dancing, but Vanessa took the initiative to kiss and even start to undress the man she was dancing with. She could not keep her hands off him, she wanted to have sex with him. The man was confused and immediately pushed her away.

“What happened?” Professor Watson asked as he pushed his way through the crowd.

Vanessa glanced toward Joshua when she saw that he and Hazel watched her, all the color drained out of her face. She couldn’t let Joshua think that she was a slut!

Vanessa became clear-headed and covered her chest. She looked at the man with an angry snarl on her face, “How could you do this? I just promised to dance with you. It doesn’t mean that I have promised you anything else, you would do this on this occasion…”

Vanessa bit her lip and looked like she still wanted to say something. Although she did not say anything more, she had already let everyone guess what she wanted to say.

“Drew, is that true?” Professor Watson asked with an unpleasant voice. The man can come to the banquet, and he was naturally a student of Professor Watson.

Everyone looked at Drew with criticism, he was annoyed and helpless, “No! Not me! It is her…”

“I am a girl. How can I assault you?” Vanessa quickly interrupted his words.

“You, you…” Drew was speechless and angry.

Hazel couldn’t help but lower her eyes as she started to step forward, but Joshua squeezed her hand. He whispered, “Don’t go.”

“Joshua, I saw it.” Hazel whispered, “It was Vanessa that assaulted Drew.”

Vanessa was making up a story and framing Drew. Hazel could not stand back and watch it happen.

“I know.” Joshua whispered, “But don’t worry, just calmly watch it all happen.”

Hazel looked at him expressionlessly and did not move any further forward.

“What happened to me?” Vanessa looked at him like she had been victimized. “It would be fine if you took advantage of me, but now you want me to take the blame? Are you still a man?”

“Drew, you should admit that it was just a misunderstanding.” The people persuaded.

“You, you…” Drew couldn’t argue now.

“Wait, but this is not the case according to what I photographed with my mobile phone.” Suddenly, a person in the crowd said.

Hazel followed the sound, looked at the crowd, and then looked surprisingly at Joshua.

“That person is…”

“Scarlett Watson,” Joshua replied.

Hazel nodded. When Joshua asked her to pretend to be her girlfriend, they went to see Scarlett Watson.

Scarlett had already shown the pictures that she took. Vanessa’s face was flustered as she quickly got up from the ground. She rushed toward Scarlett in a rampage and tried to grab her phone. Vanessa was yelling, “Who gave you permission to take photos? Who are you? Give me the phone!”

Scarlett calmly escaped and looked at her, displeased. “If it is really like what you said, it is Drew that assaulted you, then what are you afraid of? Because you are the one who assaulted him, but he is the one being framed!”

Seeing that Vanessa was so nervous, everyone looked at her suspiciously.

“No! I am not the kind of woman!” Vanessa said with a dry mouth, but others did not believe her.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on Hazel. Vanessa suddenly thought of something. She pointed at Hazel with anger. “Hazel, you must have deliberately put medicine in my wine! You are despicable!”

Everyone looked at Hazel in shock, they all knew that even though Joshua said Hazel was his date that their relationship was definitely not simple. The crowd still had some doubts because Vanessa used to be around Joshua all of the time, but he did not seem to care for her.

Hazel frowned slightly, but she knew there was no way for Vanessa to frame her easily.

“Vanessa,” she said. “I have not been in contact with you since you arrived. How could I put medicine in your drink? Even if you want to frame me, you must have some common sense.”

“Vanessa, don’t mess around!” Professor Watson was upset. “After Hazel arrived, she had been talking to Joshua and me. How could she do this? I think you are drunk!”

Vanessa’s face became even paler. She looked helplessly at Joshua and explained nervously, “Joshua, believe me. Hazel must have put medicine in my drink, it must be her!”

Joshua looked at her and said calmly. “You said that you had been drugged, then why do you appear sober?”

Hearing his short words, it felt like a basin of ice water was poured over her head; everyone looked at her strangely. Vanessa was sober and did not act like she was drugged.

These people did not like to gossip and did not stop them from viewing Vanessa with a negative attitude.

“No… I…” Vanessa was in a mess, but now she also knew that there was no point in arguing.

She was sure that she had a moment of confusion, but after Drew pushed her away and she fell, she overcame the desire to make love to him and became coherent again. However, everyone began to surround her at that time, and she knew there was something wrong.

How could this be? Vanessa could not understand.

Of course, she did not understand. Joshua had ordered Scarlett to put the medicine in Vanessa’s drink. The amount Scarlett put in her drink was only enough for Vanessa to become horny, but she could suppress the effects when she was able to control herself.

Vanessa seemed to have lost all credibility with her associates, they were sure that she was first to take advantage of Drew and that she failed to set both him and Hazel up for her intoxication.

“She is actually such a woman…”

“Fortunately, Joshua did not care about her at the beginning…”

Listening to the whispers of the crowd, Vanessa looked at them with an ashen face. “You, you…”

“Vanessa, you are drunk, go home!” Professor Watson said unpleasantly.

Vanessa looked at Joshua reluctantly, she saw that his mouth was smiling, but his eyes were cold, then she realized what had happened. It did not seem possible, but her face became even paler when she understood that it was Joshua who had set her up.

Vanessa’s face suddenly became red with anger and embarrassment. She held her dress tight against her chest with one hand and lifted it off the ground with her other hand as she ran out the door.

After Vanessa left, things quickly calmed down. Hazel picked up a drink and took a sip, she looked strangely at Joshua.

“Joshua, are you doing something behind my back again?”

 

Chapter 97: Are You Drunk?

“Don’t drink it!” Joshua quickly took the glass out of Hazel’s hand.

She was caught off guard and asked, “Did I just drink wine?”

“Yes.” Joshua nodded helplessly.

Hazel was wine, and he was afraid she would get drunk again.

“What to do now?” Hazel asked awkwardly; she didn’t want to be drunk in front of so many people.

“Let’s go home.” Joshua gently held her hand.

They found Professor Watson to say goodbye and walked out of the front door into the night air.

Just as Hazel took the first step, she twisted her ankle. She was thankful that Joshua was holding her, or else she may have fallen down the entire flight of stairs.

“Are you drunk?” Joshua asked helplessly.

“It appears that way. I am a little dizzy.” Hazel replied truthfully.

Joshua sighed, and he leaned down slightly. “Come on, I will carry you.”

“No, I am not hurt…” Hazel replied with shame.

“Old rules, carry or hug, you choose one,” Joshua said.

Hazel was silent for a while and climbed onto his back.

“You haven’t answered me yet.” She remembered the question she had asked before.

“Well, what does it all mean?” Hazel asks angrily.

“It is getting her admitting things,” Joshua said calmly.

“Why are you targeting her?” She didn’t understand.

“Because she wants to bully you,” Joshua explained simply.

Hazel was stunned, she drank some wine, and her brain was somewhat foggy, but it was still clear enough for her to think about her problems.

“She is terrible!” Hazel was furious. She poked her head up to the side of Joshua’ face and whispered in his ear, “Joshua, you are so good!”

As if a weak current traveled from his ear through his entire body, Joshua tensed up. She was drunk and seducing him, he thought as he clenched his teeth.

Joshua walked faster, when they arrived at the car, he helped Hazel into the seat, and then he leaned down and kissed Hazel with uncontrollable passion.

Down the road from where they were parked, Vanessa sat in her own car filled with rage. She did want to leave when she walked out, but she wasn’t willing to give up.

She planned to wait in her car until Joshua came out and ask to speak with him but then she saw Joshua carrying Hazel. Her only thought was that they are so intimate, it felt like a knife going into her heart, she had never experienced that kind of pain before.

As Joshua drove away, the hatred in Vanessa continued to grow.

***

In the days after the banquet, Joshua helped Hazel book a ticket to S City to visit her parents.

Denmark Group was off work for the New Year holiday, so Joshua drove Hazel to the airport himself. As he watched the crowd going in and out of the terminal, he could not help but frown.

“Be careful traveling, please.” He said.

“I know, I know,” Hazel said with a smile. She only felt the exhilaration of going home to see her parents, so she was only partially paying attention to what Joshua had been saying.

“Don’t think that just because you know some Kung Fu that you are safe.” Joshua raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Why are you saying all of this? You sound like my mother,” Hazel said with attitude. She looked at the time. “I can’t talk to you anymore about this. I am going to get my flight. Don’t miss me too much…”

Before she had finished what she was going to say, Hazel was in his arms, and they were kissing passionately.

Hazel’s heart softened when she thought that there would be a few days that she couldn’t see Joshua, but even Nanny Carter had gone to visit her family. Joshua would be alone for the New Year.

Joshua loosened his arms around Hazel, knowing she would miss her flight if he held on any longer. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, she said softly. “Joshua, I will be back just after the New Year. Don’t worry, we will see each other soon.”

Joshua smiled and, with a twinkle in his eyes, said, “Yes, we will see each other soon.”

Hazel was a bit confused as to why Joshua repeated her words back to her, but she did not think that much about it.

When she got on the plane, she looked at the floating white clouds outside the window and her heartfelt emptiness.

Why would I feel like this? Hazel smiled bitterly.

It hadn’t been that long since she had left Joshua. She actually missed him, and the joy of returning home to see her parents began to fade. She kept telling herself that it was just a few days of vacation and she would be back soon.

****

A few hours later, Hazel arrived at the airport in S City.

Her father, Harry, was already waiting outside of the airport. Hazel saw him from a distance and began to run to him. She hugged him tightly and yelled, “Dad!”

Hazel looked at the car cheerfully. “Where is Mom?”

“You,” Harry said with dissatisfaction and tapped her on the head. “You just want to see your mother when you come to visit. It is obvious that it was me, your father, that came to pick you up!”

“I just didn’t see her, so I wanted to ask,” Hazel said.

“She is busy at home, preparing food for you,” Harry said with a smile. “Let’s go, there will be a lot of food. She can’t bear for you to be hungry.”

Hazel was happy to be driving to her childhood home. When they opened the door, the smell of food was overpowering.

Hazel gave her mother a big hug, then they went straight to the table. Just as she was about to pick up a plate, her mother smacked her hand and yelled at her to wash her hands first.

As they were eating, Hazel asked, “My brother really didn’t come home this year?”

“He is an adult in his twenties, and he has more important things to do than to come home to visit,” Harry said.

Seeing that her mom also nodded, Hazel was speechless. She really wondered whether her brother was adopted or not. Why did her parents not care about him? With her, they gave in to her every need and could not wait to give her the best of everything.

“Try my chicken soup.” Her mom placed a bowl of chicken soup in front of her.

“So, Hazel, you are graduating soon, do you have a boyfriend?” Harry suddenly asked.

Hazel was drinking the chicken soup and suddenly began to choke.

“Do you?” Harry asked.

“… No.” Hazel lied to her.

“Hazel is still young. Why are you rushing her?” Her mom stroked her head. She looked at Hazel with kindness. “You have nothing to worry about. Even if you don’t find a boyfriend, it doesn’t matter. We will take care of you for the rest of your life.”

 

Chapter 98: She Is Terrible

Hazel was horrified, although she knew her mother only wished the best for her, it sounded like nobody wanted to marry her. Hazel nodded her head and continued to eat. When they were about halfway through their meal, Rachel’s cell phone rang.

Rachel quickly answered and grabbed her coat, “You two keep on eating. I got an emergency call, and I’ve to go to work.”

“I’ve got to go too.” Harry looked at his phone, “A patient needs emergency treatment.”

“Dad, Mom, take this to eat on the road.” Hazel hurriedly packed the food in two lunch boxes and gave them.

Rachel touched Hazel’s head and sighed, “My little pumpkin, I am sorry. I can’t even spend time with you during the vacation.”

“It’s okay.” Hazel said, “Just go ahead. I’m old enough to take care of myself now.”

After her parents left, the house was completely silent, Hazel returned to the table and couldn’t help but smile. Her dad was a doctor and her mom a policewoman, both of them loved her very much and worked a lot since Hazel was a baby, so she was used to it. However, in the past, her brother was with her; this time, she was alone.

Hazel picked at her food for a bit, but then she unexpectedly felt very lonely. She frowned as she sat there thinking, did she forget something?

Suddenly, her expression changed, and she picked up her cell phone. She realized that after she got off the plane, she forgot to call Joshua. He had repeatedly told her to do so when she arrived, but she was too excited when she just got home and completely forgot her promise.

Just as she was about to call, her phone rang, it was Joshua. Hazel answered the phone, a little ashamed.

“Are you home?” He asked.

“Yeah,” Hazel said quietly.

“Is it convenient to speak now?” Joshua asked thoughtfully.

“Convenient.” Hazel looked at the empty house, sighing.

“What’s wrong?” He whispered.

She hesitated and finally told Joshua the truth.

“That is, now you are alone at home?” Joshua raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Yeah,” Hazel said helplessly.

“When are they coming back?” Joshua then asked.

“I don’t know, but according to the previous situation, they probably won’t be back before twelve o’clock,” Hazel said.

“Okay, I got it,” Joshua whispered.

Hazel was stunned.

Why was Joshua talked in a strange tone, and what did he get? But she didn’t care too much to ask anything further, they talked about her flight and then hung up.

It started to get dark out when Hazel heard from her mother, who told her to order something for supper. She couldn’t help but smile, she knew her parents were so busy, but they still took the time to care for her.

While Hazel was ordering her takeout, Joshua called again.

“Hey!” Hazel answered the phone a little surprised.

“What do you have to eat tonight?” Joshua asked.

“I don’t know, some takeout food,” Hazel said casually.

“You aren’t eating at home?” He frowned.

“There are some leftovers from lunch,” Hazel said. “But I don’t really want to heat it up. After all, I don’t want to blow up the kitchen for a meal.”

Joshua chuckled, it turned out this little girl was self-aware.

“Go to the refrigerator.” He whispered.

“Ah?” Hazel was amazed but still did what he said.

“What’s inside?”

“There is fish, shrimp, everything.”

“What do you want to eat?” He asked.

“Why, are you going to make food for me?” Hazel asked with a smile.

“Yeah,” Joshua whispered.

Hazel was amazed, “What do you mean, yeah?”

“Help you cook.” Joshua said, “Open the door, please.”

Hazel shook her hand and almost threw the phone down on the sofa, she could not believe her ears.

Joshua not only said to cook for her but actually wanted her to open the door?

No way! He should be in the Imperial Capital now. There was a knock at the door, she rushed to it and looked out the peephole.

Joshua was standing in front of the door at her house, she suddenly felt scared and unsure if she should open the door.

“Hazel,” Joshua said, “If you don’t open the door now, I’m afraid your neighbor will see me.” Hazel hurriedly opened the door.

Joshua walked in, Hazel hastily closed the door and was a little upset with him.

“Why are you here?”

“I said that we would see each other soon.” Joshua smiled lightly. Hazel did not expect they would meet this “soon”!

“Need to change shoes?” Joshua asked. Hazel reluctantly took out a pair of her brother’s slippers from the shoe cabinet and handed them to him.

Joshua changed his shoes and followed her into the living room.

“My house is quite small,” Hazel hurriedly collected all the snack bags on the coffee table in the living room. She said, a little embarrassed, “You, you sit down first. I will get you a cup of coffee.”

“Don’t be busy.” Joshua turned to the kitchen. “What do you want to eat?”

“You really want to cook for me?” Hazel murmured.

“Otherwise, what do you think I am going to do?” Joshua calmly opened the refrigerator.

“Can you?” Hazel looked at him.

Joshua always had someone to take care of his daily life, he calmly took the ingredients out of the fridge and said, “Yes, I can.”

Hazel was convinced. She couldn’t help but ask, “Joshua, is there anything you cannot do?”

“Yes.” He thought for a moment and said faintly.

“What?” Hazel asked curiously.

“I cannot stop loving you.” He looked at her with a dark and deep pair of eyes, with a warmth that could melt the iceberg.

Hazel’s heart was pounding so loud she was sure that Joshua could hear it.

“What are you talking about?” Hazel began to wash the vegetables when Joshua suddenly grabbed her wrist.

“What are you doing?” she asked shyly.

“That is what I was going to ask you, what are you doing?” Joshua looked at her palms.

“Help you wash the vegetables, although I can’t cook…” Hazel looked down and discovered she was holding two eggs!

“Do you normally wash eggs before eating them?” Joshua asked with a smirk.

 

 

Chapter 99: Did She Just Make A Bad Impression?

Hazel wanted to dig a hole and hide! She wasn’t paying attention to what she had taken out of the fridge. She stood with her head down, completely embarrassed, when suddenly she heard a bang, she had squeezed the eggs, and they broke all over her hands.

“You are… warning me?” Joshua was speechless.

Hazel threw the eggs into the trash can. She said slyly, “No…”

She was too frustrated at the moment and lost control of her strength.

Joshua caught her hands and placed them under the faucet, he turned on the water and helped her clean the egg off of her hands.

“Okay,” Joshua said, gently kissing her forehead, “If you really want to help, just wait.”

Hazel was full of frustration. Did she just make a bad impression? She wanted to go back to the living room, but she was embarrassed, so she decided to stand at the door of the kitchen.

She watched in amazement as Joshua handled the ingredients, he could actually cook. And… he looked really handsome while cooking. Hazel twitched her lips unconsciously, with a beautiful light flickering in her eyes.

Before she knew it, Joshua had made three dishes; smoked salmon salad, pan-fried shrimp, and New Orleans roast chicken, as well as a Frankfurt sausage potato soup. The variety was unbelievable.

Hazel took the dish to the coffee table in the living room, and Joshua helped bring the forks. The two sat down on the couch, and Hazel turned the TV on.

Hazel picked up the shrimp and put it in her mouth, she looked at Joshua unexpectedly and praised, “It’s delicious! Have you studied cooking?”

“No,” Joshua said faintly. “I just followed the recipe. It’s not that hard.”

Hazel glanced at him with a sad look on her face. She tried to follow the recipe when she cooked, but it always ended up being a disaster, why did it work for her? Forget it, she was an ordinary person, not near comparable to the genius of Joshua.

Hazel said, “You should enjoy your cooking too.”

“Okay.” Joshua smiled softly.

“How come you suddenly come to my house?” Hazel asked shyly. It really surprised her.

“I don’t have anything in the Imperial City,” Joshua said faintly. “I just made some arrangements, and then I came.”

“Then how do you think to come straight to my house…” Hazel bit her lips.

“You are so bold?”

“You said that you were home alone,” Joshua said faintly.

Hazel felt warm. She shyly bowed her head and continued to eat.

“You used to be home alone?” Joshua asked calmly.

“I didn’t.” Hazel shook her head. She said with a smile. “My parents often went out, but my brother would usually be at home to cook and clean. I was often responsible for eating and playing.”

Joshua raised his eyebrows. It seemed that the Crowe Family was really good to Hazel. He wanted to meet them as soon as possible.

“Then why didn’t your brother come back this year?” He asked.

“My brother went abroad to study.” Hazel explained, “In fact, he wanted to come back, but he had an exam to write in the next few days, so my parents told him to focus on that.”

“Yeah.” Joshua nodded.

“The Christmas Carnival show is starting soon.” Hazel looked up at the TV.

“Do you like to watch it?” He asked.

“I don’t like it.” Hazel shook her head, “Now the Christmas Carnival show is running out of creativity. I just got nothing else to watch.”

Joshua smiled.

“Right, where are you sleeping tonight?” She asked.

“I don’t know yet. Maybe I will sleep at your house?” Joshua twitched his lips.

“Hey, my parents will be scared!” Hazel was shocked. “You don’t really want to stay in my house?”

“Don’t worry, I will leave in a moment,” Joshua said. He smiled and touched.

Hazel’s head. “I will go to a hotel nearby. I have already booked a room.”

“Oh…” Hearing him, Hazel was relieved, but she also felt a little remorseful.

She seemed to have hurt him, and since they had been dating, Joshua cooperated and agreed with her every time. She was not willing to disclose their relationship, and he agreed. So, even when he came to see her at her parents’ house, he had to be sneaky.

“Joshua,” Hazel suddenly made up her mind. She looked straight at him. “When I graduate, I will introduce you to my parents.”

Joshua was slightly surprised, but he understood what Hazel was saying, it was not just to see her parents but a promise she was making. After graduation, their relationship would no longer be a secret.

He would also become her fiancé and not a “boyfriend in hiding.”

“Hazel, a promise is a promise” Joshua suddenly smiled and hugged her waist gently and put his forehead on hers.

“I won’t go back on my word. Now just stop doing this…” The intimacy from Joshua made her heart accelerate. She put her arms on his chest and said, “We are still eating.”

Joshua gently kissed her lips. “This is a stamp on a certificate saying you can’t run.” Hazel’s cheeks were a little redder.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise outside the gate. People were talking, and then the doorbell rang. Hazel’s face became pale, and her body went cold.

She knew the voices coming from outside the door, they were her parents’ voices. “My parents are back!” She swiftly grabbed Joshua by the hand and tried to pull him toward her room.

It was too late for Joshua to leave, if he went out the door, he would bump into her parents, she had to get him to hide.

“You are hiding here first,” Hazel hurriedly said, “Don’t say anything!”

“Hazel,” Joshua grabbed her hands with some helplessness, “Or, shall we be straight with them?”

“No!” Hazel said with shame, then slammed the door.

A few hours ago, she told her parents that she didn’t have a boyfriend and now she was hiding Joshua in her room.

If they knew the truth, Hazel worried that her dad would have a heart attack, her mom would directly put Joshua in jail to teach him a lesson, and even her brother would fly back home without writing his exam.

 

Chapter 100: You Are Back

Hazel did not want to cause a commotion in her house, she had no choice but to keep Joshua a secret until after graduation.

After closing the bedroom door, Hazel ran to the front door and was just about to open it when she saw a pair of shoes out of the corner of her eye. Joshua left his shoes in the shoe cabinet by the door.

Her mother, Rachel, who was not as gentle as her feminine name, had the keen insight that the police should have. Hazel rushed to pick up the leather shoes, hid them in an empty shoebox nearby, and then opened the door for her parents.

“Hazel, why did you lock the door?” Harry frowned.

Hazel smiled unnaturally, “I didn’t pay attention to it, it must have just been out of habit. We always lock the door at the dormitory.”

Joshua probably locked it, and she was thankful he had locked it, or else things would have been really awkward.

“Why did you open the door so late?” Rachel got in the house.

“I was watching TV and heard that it was you,” Hazel said with a blushing face, lying.

Rachel and Harry didn’t think much about it and walked to the living room, where the food was still sitting on the coffee table. They had a puzzled look on their faces, and Hazel turned as white as snow.

Oh shit!

She forgot the two pairs of forks were on the table, she was too busy hiding Joshua and actually forgot about them.

Oh no, she could not encourage their vivid imagination.

“These dishes are my takeout!” Hazel said in a panic, “But I was eating alone and bored, so I added an extra fork to imagine that my brother was here with me.”

After telling a lie, Hazel couldn’t help but feel worried. Her parents probably would not believe such an unlikely reason? She prepared for the worst-case-scenario. If they discovered Joshua, she might just disclose their relationship, after all, her parents were not unreasonable.

Rachel’s face became softer, she suddenly put her arms around Hazel. “My pumpkin, I should’ve come home sooner to spend time with you.”

“Ah?” Hazel was a little amazed. “I am not a good father either.” Harry hugged them both. Hazel felt uncomfortable, she told them such an unbelievable reason, and they actually believed her.

Hazel burst into tears, and her heart was full of guilty for deceiving her parents. Since she was a child, she had been an obedient girl, so they would believe whatever she said. Rachel led her to the couch so they could sit while Harry went to the kitchen to get more forks.

“Dad, Mom, why do you come home so early today?” Hazel asked.

In the past, if there was an emergency, they always came back late at night, this time, it was really unprecedented.

“This time, you are alone at home, so we should come back earlier to spend the Christmas night with you.” Rachel said.

Hazel wanted to cry, “I am safe at home.”

“But we are worried about you being alone.” Harry tasted the shrimps, and he said unexpectedly, “Hazel, where did you get this food? It tastes amazing.

Tell me, so I can add it in the app.”

“… I forget, I will check the phone after a while.” Hazel really wanted to pull Joshua out of the room. It felt really uncomfortable to make up a story, and one lie usually leads to countless lies to cover it up. She was already thinking, if her father asked again later, how she should explain.

“Dad, Mom, haven’t you had dinner yet?” Hazel asked. If they hadn’t eaten yet, she had to order more food.

“We have eaten.” Harry said, “I am looking at your food, though, and I can’t help but want to have more.”

Harry tasted the other dishes, and he was equally impressed. Rachel looked at him astounded, “Is it that delicious?”

“Try some for yourself,” Harry said, “It’s better than you… ah, which of course, is not as good as what you cook.”

Rachel tried a dish, and she was silent; eventually, she said unwillingly, “Not bad.”

Hazel snickered, her mother had approved Joshua’s cooking. If her relationship with Joshua was disclosed in the future, Joshua could use cooking to impress her parents. No way! Hazel hastily denied this idea.

If Rachel tasted his cooking again, maybe she would figure out what happened today, and she would probably hate Joshua.

“Let’s watch TV.” Hazel smiled and began to shift the subject.

However, Hazel was somewhat absent-minded, she had a man hiding in her bedroom, even when Harry and Rachel talked to her, she was distracted.

Rachel stood up from the couch, and Hazel immediately asked, “What are you doing, mom?”

“I’m washing the dishes. What happened to you today?” Rachel looked at her strangely. Hazel was very embarrassed, she thought Rachel found something.

“No… maybe I’m too tired.” Hazel hurriedly made an excuse to cover up, “Mom, I’ll help you clean it up.”

“You don’t have to,” Harry advised, “If you are tired, sit here and rest. I will help your mother.”

Seeing that Harry also followed Rachel into the kitchen, Hazel didn’t say anything more.

Fortunately, Joshua had cleaned the kitchen after he finished cooking. They should not find a trace of the homemade meal except for the refrigerator having fewer ingredients, and she hoped they would not realize immediately.

Hazel looked at her bedroom with some uneasiness and then looked at the door; it was not a good place to hide the shoes, there was still a risk of being discovered.

Hazel grabbed the shoes and snuck to her bedroom, as soon as she opened the door, she saw Joshua sitting on her bed, holding a book in his hands and reading. He looked simply elegant.

“You are back?” He chuckled.

“Don’t mention it.” Hazel hid his shoes and said with some shame, “I almost couldn’t cover it! Joshua, what now?”

“What do you want to do?” Joshua looked at her helplessly, “Hazel, you are not going to kick me out of here, right?”

Hazel watched him quietly. He didn’t want to leave. Was he sleeping with her tonight?

Although it was not the first time, this time she was sober.

“Girl,” Joshua said, helplessly tapping her on the head, “You know which floor your apartment is on. You are not going to let me jump off the balcony, right?”