FATED"The walls between us"
901 Words
CHAPTER 14
(Hazel’s POV)
The next few days passed like a silent storm.
No outbursts. No drama. Just… distance.
Alexander didn’t speak to me unless it was strictly work-related. And even then, his tone was clipped. Detached. As if our accidental kiss never happened.
But it had.
And now, everything between us felt heavier — like we were both pretending nothing had changed, when in truth… everything had.
I kept myself busy. Drowned in schedules, meetings, emails. Focused on being the perfect assistant. Professional. Composed. Unshaken.
But every time he walked past me without a glance…
Every time his voice came cold across the room…
Something inside me cracked a little more.
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold it together.
---
Friday Morning – AW Empire Holdings
Rose walked over to my desk with an envelope.
“The AW Annual Charity Gala is tomorrow night,” she said warmly. “Mr. Wilson would like you to attend.”
I blinked. “Me?”
Rose gave a small smile. “You are his assistant. And he sent this along for you.”
She placed a sleek black garment bag and a small white box in front of me.
My chest tightened. Déjà vu.
Another dress. Another gala. Another night pretending not to feel something that was slowly swallowing me whole.
“Thanks,” I murmured.
“Hazel,” Rose added, pausing, “you’re doing great. He may not show it, but… he notices.”
My lips parted slightly, but I didn’t respond.
If he noticed, why did he keep pushing me away?
---
Saturday Night — The Gala
The car ride was painfully silent.
Alexander sat beside me in a black tuxedo that looked like it had been sculpted for him. Sharp jaw. Silver cufflinks. Unreadable expression.
“You look… presentable,” he said flatly, eyes never meeting mine.
I nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
The rest of the ride passed with nothing but the hum of the city and the pounding of my heart.
But nothing could have prepared me for the way people stared the moment we entered the ballroom.
Lights. Elegance. Champagne towers. Diamond necklaces. And whispers.
So many whispers.
“Is that his assistant?”
“She’s beautiful. But isn’t she a little… common?”
“I heard she’s living with him…”
I tried to ignore them. Straightened my shoulders. Smiled politely. Focused on breathing.
Until I saw him.
Damien Carter.
He was already watching me — like a wolf spotting prey. And within seconds, he was at my side.
“Well, Miss Hayden,” he said, voice silky. “Looking divine, as always.”
I forced a polite nod. “Thank you, Mr. Carter.”
He stepped closer, invading my space. “How about a dance? I promise I’ll behave this time.”
Before I could step back or decline, a firm grip wrapped around my wrist.
Alexander.
He appeared like a shadow — silent, sharp, and commanding.
“She’s with me,” he said, voice like steel.
Damien smirked. “Since when do you bring dates to galas, Alexander?”
Alexander’s expression didn’t change. “Since tonight.”
And just like that, he pulled me toward the dance floor, leaving Damien behind.
I barely had time to breathe.
---
The Dance
His hand pressed against the small of my back, the other taking my hand firmly.
We moved in rhythm with the soft music, surrounded by chandeliers and curious stares.
But all I could focus on… was him.
His breath near my temple. His closeness. His silence.
“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
I nodded. “Yes. Thank you… for earlier.”
He didn’t reply, but his jaw clenched slightly — like he was holding back something sharp. Or something tender.
“You should stay close to me tonight,” he said.
My heart skipped. “Why?”
He paused.
“Because I said so.”
I gave a small smile. “You’re not very good at expressing yourself, are you?”
His eyes locked onto mine. “No. I’m not.”
And for the first time… I saw it.
A c***k in the mask. A flicker of vulnerability.
And it terrified me.
---
Alexander’s POV
I shouldn’t have brought her.
I shouldn’t have let Carter touch her. Look at her.
I shouldn’t have noticed the way her dress hugged her waist, or how her eyes searched mine for something more.
But I did.
And when Damien leaned in again from across the room — I nearly lost control.
I excused myself and walked off, needing air.
Why her?
Why is it that in a room full of people, I can only see her?
---
Hazel’s POV – End of the Night
The ride home was quieter than usual.
But not cold.
Our hands rested just inches apart on the leather seat. Close enough to touch.
My fingers twitched.
His didn’t move.
But he didn’t pull away either.
And that — that meant something.
When we got home, he held the door for me.
Silent. But watching.
Always watching.
I walked ahead toward the hallway, unsure of what to say. Unsure if I wanted to.
All I knew was…
The walls between us weren’t just cracking anymore.
They were crumbling.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…
🔥 Next: Will Hazel let her guard down — or will Alexander shatter it completely?
- Writer
