Hazel tightened her arms around her. Tight.
Too tight.
Ixora breathed, hitched. The strain etched itself into every line of her body.
"H...Hazel," Ixora breathed.
"You are rich," Hazel began. "Pretty. Intelligent. Curvy. People's favorite. Stole my mum, and also the only man I've ever wanted."
Ixora's smile faltered as she broke the hug.
"Hazel," she muttered, almost unsure.
"Yes, Ixora Castellan," she said through clenched teeth, her hand going to her back pocket.
"You are a fool to think I wanted to be friends with you. I hate you with my blood, sweat and tears. I will make sure I rip you off everything you love. I stabbed my mother to death—" a slap flew across her cheek.
Her face turned the other way.
"You are lying! Aunt is still alive!" Ixora yelled, tears slipping down he
