( 03 In the next breath , Ambrose , who had been silent up until now , stepped forward .
Without a word , he captured Scarlett in a lingering kiss , his lips pressing against hers with a passion that had been locked away for years .
Hazel couldnt hold back anymore .
Tremors wracked her body as tears streamed down her cheeks .
They had loved each other for ten years , yet every time Hazel had tried to kiss Ambrose , he turned away .
Back then , she had convinced herself it was his shyness , his reserved nature .
She never imagined that all his vearning all 12:23 PM Running Away from Mamage , Leaving Deception Behind the love he had buried deep inside , was meant for Scarlett .
They had shared countless nights together , tangled in the intimacy of the same bed , yet Ambrose had kept a piece of himself untouched , reserved for the one he truly loved .
Hazels nails bit into her palms , the sharp sting almost suffocating .
She cast her gaze downward , her eyes falling on the high heels that felt too tight , too heavy .
They were a gift from Ambrose for their engagement , sparkling crystal diamonds that caught the light like a thousand stars .
The shoes were as expensive as they were beautiful , a fairytale dream brought to life .
Hazel had fallen in love with them the moment she saw them .
But no matter how stunning they were , they were one size too small , and the pain from wearing them had left her feet bloodied and raw .
Without a second thought , she slipped them off and tossed them into the trash .
Shoes that didnt fit, no matter how dazzling , werent worth keeping .
And a marriage that didnt fit , no matter how much love it held , wasnt worth salvaging .
Just as she reached for her phone to call a cab , Ambrose appeared behind her .

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His voice sliced through the air , calling her name .
Hazel turned , meeting his gaze .
The moment their eyes locked , Ambrose released Scarletts hand , guilt flickering in his eyes as he noticed the bruise on Hazels face .
Youre sober now ? I didnt mean to hurt you .
I just wanted to snap you out of it before things went too far .
Hazel glanced at Scarlett , and Ambrose quickly added , Its not what it looks like .
Let me explain … Dont overthink it .
Scarlett had too much to drink .
It wasnt safe for someone like her to walk home alone at night , so I brought her back here .
Shes your sister , after all .
Its only natural for me to look out for her .
Besides , shes I a considerate girl .
She insisted on leaving early because she didnt want you to misunderstand when you came back .
Ambrose , usually a man of few words , suddenly became a fountain of excuses when it came to Scarlett .
Every sentence seemed to be a defense , a justification for her actions .
Hazel stared at him , the man she had known for over twenty years , and felt as if a stranger stood before her .
They had grown up together , childhood sweethearts through and through .
She had been by his side , supporting him through the grind of building his career .
How had she ended up as nothing more than a placeholder ? The question lingered in her mind , but she didnt want to seek an answer anymore .
In seven days , shed be gone .
She no longer had to endure it for the sake of family harmony .
Hazels eyes locked onto Scarlett , and the words she had kept buried for over a decade finally slipped free , tumbling from her lips like a long held breath .
Shes not my sister .
Shes the daughter of a mistress , and now shes a mistress herself ! The words hit like a thunderclap , shaking the room .
Scarlett didnt flinch , but Ambroses face twisted in fur The word mistress * seemed to strike a nerve , unraveling his calm facade .
He surged toward Hazel , his voice al roar that shattered his usual composure .
* Hazel ! What nonsense are you spouting ? Apologize to Scarlett right now ! Fatherless , motherless , no wonder your parents couldnt stand you .
Youre a bitter , vile person , and no one will ever love you .
You deserve this ! For ten years , Ambrose had never raised his voice at Hazel .
But for Scarlett , in the span of one day , he had shouted at her twice .
Every word he spat was like a blade cutting deep into the rawest parts of Hazels soul .