CHAPTER 1
Hazel was running as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her chest. She had just caused a scene at the restaurant, and now the manager was chasing after her. She had always been a troublemaker, but this time she had taken it too far.
She turned a corner, almost colliding with a man who was walking down the street. She stumbled, almost falling to the ground, but he caught her by the arm, steadying her.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice deep and smooth.
Hazel looked up at him, taking in his chiseled jaw and dark hair. He was incredibly handsome, and she couldn’t help but feel a little flustered.
“I’m fine,” she said, trying to regain her composure.
The man studied her for a moment before offering her a hand. “Let me help you up.”
Hazel took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet. She could feel her heart racing, and she wondered if it was from the adrenaline of the chase or something else entirely.
“Thank you,” she said, still a little breathless.
The man smiled at her, and Hazel couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. She didn’t know why, but she felt like she could trust him.
“I’m Alex,” he said, holding out his hand.
Hazel took his hand, and they shook hands. “I’m Hazel.”
They stood there for a moment, neither of them speaking. Hazel couldn’t help but feel like there was a connection between them, but she didn’t know what to say.
Finally, Alex broke the silence. “Do you want to grab a cup of coffee with me?”
Hazel hesitated for a moment, not sure if it was a good idea. But something about him made her want to take the risk.
“Sure,” she said, smiling at him.
Alex returned her smile, and they started walking down the street together, towards the nearest coffee shop. Hazel didn’t know where this would lead, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Before they could walk into the shop her heart sank as she saw the security men from the restaurant running towards her. She quickly pulled her arm away from Alex’s grasp and started running in the opposite direction.
“I’m sorry,” she called back to him, not daring to look back. “I have to go!”
Hazel could hear Alex calling her name, but she didn’t stop. She didn’t want to drag him into her mess.
She ran as fast as she could, her legs burning with each step. She could hear the security men getting closer, but she refused to give up. She had always been good at running, and she was determined to get away.
As she turned a corner, she spotted an alleyway up ahead. Without thinking, she darted into it, hoping to lose the security men. She could hear their footsteps growing louder, and she knew she had to act fast.
She spotted a pile of empty boxes stacked against the wall and quickly climbed up, pulling herself onto the roof of the building. She crouched down, trying to catch her breath as she listened for any sounds from below.
The security men ran past the alleyway, not realizing she had climbed up onto the roof. Hazel let out a sigh of relief, knowing that she had successfully escaped.
As she sat there, catching her breath, she couldn’t help but think about Alex. She had left him without even saying goodbye. She wondered if she would ever see him again.
Hazel shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She knew she couldn’t afford to get distracted. She had to keep moving, keep running. She had caused enough trouble for one day.
Alex watched as Hazel ran away, disappearing down the street. He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He had felt a connection with her, but she had left without even saying goodbye.
He stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. He didn't know anything about her, except for her name. He didn't even know why she was running from the security men.
Shaking his head, Alex turned and started walking back towards his apartment. He had other things to worry about. He had a big project due at work, and he couldn't afford to get distracted.
As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder about Hazel. He had never met anyone quite like her. She was wild and unpredictable, and he had found himself drawn to her.
But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside. He had no time for distractions. He had a career to focus on, and he couldn't afford to get sidetracked.
By the time he reached his apartment, he had almost forgotten about Hazel. He threw himself into his work, staying up late into the night to finish his project.
As he finally crawled into bed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He had accomplished what he had set out to do, and he could finally rest.
He closed his eyes, letting his mind wander. But as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think about Hazel. He didn't know why, but he had a feeling that he would see her again.