The Shadow Hunter's Contract

CHAPTERTWO

HAZEL

Tonight, the Blake family is throwing a big party, to celebrate the company's golden jubilee.

All their business partners, families and friends were invited.

I didn't like too much attention, so I wore something simple.

I entered the hall like quiet luxury.

I wore a floor-length v-neck evening gown in champagne silk that draped perfectly over my frame. The deep v-neck was tasteful and regal, catching the golden lights of the jubilee. Minimal diamond jewelry, a soft updo, and nude heels completed the look. I wasn’t there to outshine anyone.

I was there to celebrate golden years of my best friend’s company. And also the anticipated surprise.

A few business partners approached me and we exchanged pleasantries and just then she came in.

She came as family. The backbone of LYTE.

Mrs. Juliet Blake, Jason's mother.She glowed in a soft round neck evening gown in blush pink. Simple, classy, radiant. The round neck gave her elegance without trying too hard. You could see it in her eyes at the golden jubilee - nostalgia, pride, love. Because empires are built on love too and tonight she was honoring fifty years of her husband's legacy.

She walked towards me with a big smile plastered on her face. “My dear, you came.”

“I couldn't miss it for the world.”

“You look gorgeous, dear.”

“I am glad I didn't overly dress, you wouldn't have gotten all that attention”

She laughed hard “Well, thank you very much.”

“I see you ladies are enjoying yourself’s” Jason said as he approached us.

He was wearing a tailored suit, which aligned with his broad shoulders and a champagne necktie.

“Of course we are” I said

He gave his mother a kiss then gave me small hug. “Oh look at you two,you look so good together”

“Oh Juliet you didn't have to say that out loud, it is very evident” Mr Blake said as he walked towards us from the group of men that were chatting behind

“Father” Jason called softly as hugged his father “Congratulations”

“You kept it to this day,so this is your day” Mr Blake said proudly

“Ok, so when is the big surprise coming” Mrs Juliet said

“A surprise” I asked

“Jason said he has a big surprise for you”

“Not now Mom, soon though” he said as his gaze shifted to the group of people coming in. Damon.

He walked in. His intertwined with Rosa's, together with My father and the woman he calls a wife walked in with their faces beaming with smile.

Jason picked a glass of wine,before he walked to the front of the congregation to make a toast.

“Tonight, we celebrate fifty years of this company,fifty years of ambition, challenges, victories, and memories. But through all the success, there has always been one person who has stood beside me, believed in me, and known me beyond the title of the CEO.” applause began but suddenly stopped when He walked towards me holding a small ring box.

Someone whispers “Is that a ring”

Cameras immediately turn towards us.

“You have been my best friend, my constant, and one of the most important people in my life. So tonight, the night this company celebrates it's golden jubilee, I want to begin another chapter, one that has nothing to do with business but everything to do with us.”

He dropped the glass of wine. “Hazel Morgan will you marry me?” he said. He dropped on one knee holding the box with both hands.

Gapses could be heard. Small mourmurings could be heard.

“Wait ….wasn't she engaged eight months ago?” the guest around started asking quietly “Is this why the engagement ended?”

“How is this even possible, And how you choose tonight to do this? Are you doing this to make me jealous or something?” Damon said furiously

“No. I choose tonight because she deserves a moment that belongs to her, not to what you did to her.”

“She doesn't love you. You're just person who was there after I left.” He said with a scoff on his face. “Ask her weather she would've chosen you if I hadn't left.”

I froze.

My fingers tighten slightly, I took a slow breath while the room became almost completely silent.everyone turned towards me to hear my response.

I turned towards him and gave a small, almost humorless smile. “You think this is about you, do you?” My eyes became glasy but I refuse to let the tear fall. “I trusted you.defended you. I have you everything I thought mattered.”

I turned towards Jason who was still holding the ring. “But somewhere along the way I realized, you didn't take everything from me.” I stepped closer to Jason and took his hands “Tonight is about choosing what comes next.”

“Yes.” I said as

I took the ring from Jason.

Damon I will make you pay for everything you did to me.