Until You Found Me

Oh, Hazel

Hazel's POV

~Two days earlier~

“Wow. How perfect,” I murmured sarcastically when the overhead announcement informed us of a last-minute delay in our flight. I should have just left earlier. I took my phone out and popped in my earbuds. Time to finish that movie.

Deep into the movie, I suddenly felt a light tap on my shoulder that jolted me. “Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed, gasping in surprise. “Sorry, sorry,” a handsome young man said with a polite smile. “But I think your flight is boarding soon.”

“For real?!” I glanced at the screen just as the announcement echoed through the terminal. “Thank you, thank you so much!” I exclaimed as I hurriedly gathered my stuff.

Making it onto the plane, I finally felt relief. I sank into my seat and closed my eyes. If I had missed this flight... that sweet stranger deserved a proper thank-you dinner, I thought. Maybe I should have asked for his name or number.

“What are the chances?” A soft, masculine voice pulled me back to reality, and I snapped my eyes open to see the same young man sitting next to me. “It’s you,” I said in surprise. "Oh my gosh, I was just thinking about you."

“You were?” he asked, looking amused. I mentally facepalmed.

"Oh. No! Not in a weird way!” I stuttered, forcing a laugh that sounded even more awkward than I intended. “I meant I’m just really thankful I didn’t miss my flight because of you." He nodded. “Sure. You're welcome. I’m Devon, by the way.” “Hazel,” I replied.

“That’s a beautiful name.”

“Thanks.” I quickly glanced out the window, secretly enjoying the compliment as the plane began down the runway.

“So,” he began, grabbing my attention again. “Visiting a friend in Montreal?”

“Want to take another guess?” I shot back with a playful smirk.

He chuckled. “Okay, it’s a boyfriend, then?”

“I wish,” I replied and we both laughed. “But no, it’s work-related. Just getting the lowdown for an upcoming article.” He nodded in realization.

“How about you? What brings you to Montreal?”

And just like that, we were off, the conversation flowing as naturally as the flying clouds outside. We shared stories, laughed about random things, and revealed little bits and pieces about ourselves. As we walked off the plane, I looked at Devon with a smile. “It was really great meeting you, Devon.”

“It was, wasn’t it? Maybe we should do this again. Like, properly, you know?” he suggested.

“Definitely,” I replied. I fished around for my phone to exchange numbers when I suddenly noticed the time. “Oh no! I’m late!” I exclaimed and immediately ran off. “Wait!” I heard Devon call out behind me, but in my haste, I quickly rummaged through my purse and pulled out my business card. “Catch!” I shouted, tossing it back at him. “Sorry, but I’m really late!” And with that, I dashed through the terminal.

My lateness won't be the death of me, I seriously need to do better. I scolded myself while checking my phone for the hotel details. Just then, I collided with a solid wall, sending me staggering back with a yelp. My box tumbled to the ground. “Ouch!” I looked up to find a frowning stranger glaring down at me. Oops. “I’m so sorry!” I quickly grabbed my box, embarrassed, but he just walked away without a word. “Rude much?”

“Room for Hazel Smith, please,” I said with a cheerful smile at the hotel receptionist. She flashed a bright smile back, “One moment, please!”

The lobby was stunning, with marble floors gleaming under warm overhead lights. That was one of the reasons I loved my job: getting to visit beautiful places and working on interesting stories that paid well.

“Hazel Smith?” the receptionist chimed, handing me the key card. “Have a wonderful stay!” “You too!” I replied cheerfully, about to head toward the elevator, but then it hit me. Wait! What?! I turned back around, grinning sheepishly. “I meant thank you!”

“Sure! Got it!” she replied with a chuckle. I facepalmed internally as I walked to the elevator, murmuring to myself, “Oh, Hazel. God help you.”

Once in my room, I took a deep breath. “Okay, seminar 30 minutes gone. Totally manageable.” I opened my bag and unpacked a pair of dark blue jeans, a crisp white T-shirt, and a soft sky-blue cardigan. I slipped on my loafers, opting for a simple yet polished look.

“Hi, I’m Hazel Smith from Inspired Living Magazine,” I practised in front of the mirror as I packed my braids into a high ponytail before heading out to the hotel's event hall.

As luck would have it, I hadn’t had the chance to get the interview I wanted. I left that day and resolved to get that interview the next day. Once I returned to my hotel room, I collapsed on my bed, tired. I figured a quick nap would recharge my energy before heading out for dinner. But as you can guess, it wasn't so quick. When I finally opened my eyes, hours had gone by. It was already past 6 PM.

I made my way down to the lobby. Just then, my phone dinged. It was a notification from i********:. “Absolutely gorgeous.” A comment from an anonymous account, the anonymous account.

I didn't have that many followers, and even fewer liked my posts. But this account had been a follower for a while and never missed any post. No chats, just likes and comments. I smiled and started typing out a reply. But before I could hit send, I suddenly found myself colliding with a solid wall. I stumbled backwards, my reflexes kicking in just in time to catch my phone before it fell to the ground.

Looking up, I was met with a pair of piercing blue eyes, icy and furious, boring into me. Oh no. Not again.

“I’m sor…” I began, but then the realization struck me. “You again?”