CHAPTER 149: HAZEL WAS UP TO SOMETHING

After James discovered Amelia’s betrayal, the truth of her infidelity, he found himself drowning in regret. It loomed over him like a heavy brick, stifling his ability to breathe.

He couldn’t believe he had fallen for Amelia’s games again. She was a snake, and she had only grown more dangerous with time.

The very reason they weren’t together in the first place was her unwillingness to embrace motherhood, a choice that had been apparent the moment she walked away from him and baby Carl after she gave birth to their son.

And once she stepped out, she already had another man lined up.

Yet now, the history was repeating itself, and it stung for James to fall for her twice.

As childhood sweethearts, James had once convinced himself that Amelia was the love of his life. The one that got away.

How wrong he was, and now, he had to live with the consequences, and in a moment of desperation, he sent text after text to Laurel.

[I am sorry. I am so sorry. Please pick up your phone. Carl has run away from the hospital, and I don’t know what to do.]

He sent the same message multiple times, and the urgency heightened with each attempt. But still, no response from Laurel, which intensified his distress.

His emotions swiftly morphed into fury when he noticed the divorce papers on the table. The sight ignited a blaze of anger within him, and he felt the overwhelming need to tear them apart, reduce them to mere shreds.

He hated himself for allowing things to come to this.

The anguish fed his destructive urge.

In his study room, he began to destroy everything in sight; his emotions were like storms that swirled out of control.

Every item around him was a haunting reminder of Laurel, the life they had built together. James felt like he could see Laurel’s shadow in every corner of the house.

Unfortunately, their happy memories were blurred by betrayal and heartache.

He felt the overwhelming weight of the perfect family he had once cherished slip through his fingers like sand.

In his fury, he reflected on the wreckage he had created, and a wave of despair washed over him. Here he was, wailing in pain for the remnants of his happiness.

James realized that while he could destroy objects around him, he would never be able to fix them again, just like how he destroyed his marriage and his son.

As he surveyed the chaos surrounding him, he recognized it was his own actions that had led him down this agonizing path.

***

Ranon and Hazel had arrived at the hospital for the checkup to know the gender of their baby.

However, what they didn’t anticipate was running into Aubrey and Arlo in the same place. The coincidence felt astonishing, and Hazel couldn’t help but whisper to herself, "What are they doing here?" Her eyes widened as she tried to process the situation.

On the other hand, Ranon appeared unfazed, placing a protective hand around Hazel’s waist as they navigated the hospital corridor. He offered Arlo a curt nod, dismissing the encounter without further engagement.

Yet, Arlo didn’t offer the same courtesy. He actually approached them, disregarding Ranon’s subtle gesture that said to leave them alone.

"I didn’t expect to see both of you here. Congratulations on your pregnancy." His gaze flickered to Hazel’s rounded stomach; his tone was light.

Meanwhile, Aubrey stood next to Arlo; her expression didn’t show her discomfort. She was very irritated when she saw Hazel, especially since she was still bitter about not being invited to the wedding and what happened in the auction months ago.

Yet, she maintained her composure, though she thought of her disdainfully.

"A honeymoon baby is very classic," Arlo said with a smile, but Ranon didn’t reciprocate the sweet attempt to engage in a long conversation.

But Aubrey jumped in with a pointed remark, "I don’t think that’s a honeymoon baby. I can see her bump. I think the baby was conceived before the wedding." Her voice dripped with feigned sweetness as she looked at both Hazel and Ranon, but her smile faltered the moment she locked eyes with Ranon.

The man’s expression was very scary and cold. Aubrey didn’t even realize it when she took a step back and slightly hid behind Arlo.

Meanwhile, Ranon didn’t even acknowledge Aubrey’s comment; instead, he kept his focus on Arlo, his voice steady as he asked, "I thought you lived in a different city. But you are using this hospital?"

"I heard the OBGYN at this hospital is top-notch," Arlo said, his tone too casual for Hazel’s liking.

Hazel could see from the way Arlo spoke that he had an ulterior motive; this encounter was not an accident, and Ranon seemed to know that too.

Ranon’s hand on her waist remained protective and stoic, seemingly unimpressed by Arlo’s friendly pretense. He was up to something.

Everyone involved in this conversation could feel the tension.

"That’s why I changed our appointment to here. I want to confirm whether it’s true or not since my fiancée has been having a hard time with her pregnancy."

The mention of the word ’fiancée’ scratched Hazel’s ear; it was a bitter reminder of how blind she had been to Arlo’s true character. The revelation that he was merely a coward sent a wave of disgust through her.

"Oh, I almost forgot, there is something important that I want to talk with you for a moment about the factory," Arlo suggested, motioning for Ranon to step aside with him. "Is it okay now?"

"Yes, it’s fine," Hazel replied before Ranon could. She knew that Arlo was trying to find a way to get to her to ask about River again, and she was more than happy to give him the opportunity.

Ranon frowned, but then he said nothing and kissed Hazel’s cheek before he walked away with Arlo following behind him.

Hazel was up to something, and he could tell that...