tly placing Hazel down, before turn

wasn't sure how to interact with him-he was a stranger in her life, a man

others. He rarely spoke, and when he did, his voice was a sharp contrast to the warmth and familiarity others expected. Rumors floate

ed everyone, including Hazel. Their brief encounters in the manor had been silent, his gaze distant, as if she were just another face in a crowd. He passed by without

e with new sheets featuring peonies and carp-traditional and old-fashioned, but there was an effort in every detail. Hazel felt a pang of guilt in her chest.

f reproach. He simply let it pas

ng down his muscular arms. He wore simple, black trousers-modest, yet they did little to hide his chiseled physique. His face, cold and unreadable, e

red her head. What was she supposed t

she whispered, the words feeling inade

fell on his hand-the blood staining his palm. The wound was deep, a jagged cut running across his skin. Her breath hitched, a

me help," she said, but Michael abruptly raised h

he said, his voice

y, her throat tight with discomfort. The distance between them was palpab

ered hesitantly. "I can make yo

e replied, h

of what to say next. "I

," Michael interrupted, his tone harder now, as

nsult, a deliberate attempt to remind her of the distance between them. She was his wi

el cut her off again, his eyes dar

oyfriend?" His words were sharp, laced

ng her head, "nothing happ

raised an eyebrow, skepticism heavy in his v

she knew that. She had left him for another man. But she needed

." The words were barely a whisper, but she

't place. Then, he leaned back and crossed his arms, his posture imposing. "Miss," he said, his

. "No, I never wanted that. I just..." She strugg

ld now, but there was a trace of so

with his. She needed him to understand. She

she said, her voi

narrowing as they scanned her face. Then he

was indifferent, but his eyes held somethin

ourage she had left. "I didn't

rustling around her. Her hands trembling, she

saw something shift in them. His gaze softened ever so slightl

d, his voice low, his words cutti

rong," she repeated, he

g moment, studying her. The air b

ow and dangerous. "I don't nee

away, his cold back a fin

rence, her heart pounding in her chest. He had let h