( 04 Every word felt like a dagger , cutting deep and leaving scars that would never fully fade .
For a moment , Hazel thought she had misheard , her mind struggling to grasp the weight of what Ambrose had just said .
How could such cruel , venomous words come from his mouth ? The man she had loved for so long .
She lifted her gaze , only to find Ambrose standing there , his body shielding Scarlett .
That familiar protective stance was too much to bear .
It mirrored the past , when Scarletts mother , Althea , had risen to the role of mistress , pushing Gianna , Hazels mother aside and subjecting Hazel to endless cruelty .
Zaccheus , Hazels father had turned a blind eye .
And each time , it was Ambrose , who lived next door , who rushed in to defend her He had always been the one to stand up for her , to demand justice , to pull her into his arms and offer comfort when the world seemed too harsh .
When Hazel doubted her worth , Ambrose would always be there , declaring , Hazel , youre the best person in the world .

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If they dont want you , I do ! No matter what happens , Ill always stand by your side and protect you .
But years had passed , and those youthful promises had crumbled into nothing more than hollow echoes .
Now , Ambroses desire to protect was no longer aimed at Hazel but at Scarlett , the one who had caused her so much pain .
Hazel tried with all her strength to hold herself together , but tears spilled over , unstoppable .
Her heart was a raw , aching wound , and no words came to her to defend herself .
Seeing her like this , Ambroses expression faltered , his guilt evident as his eyes avoided hers , instead landing on her bleeding feet .
Youre hurt ? After all these years , Ambrose still couldnt quite harden his heart against her .
He sighed softly , his words weighed down by regret .
Forget it .
Lets just say tonight was all nonsense … from being drunk .
From now on- There wont be a from now on , Hazel interrupted her voice barely a whisper .
What ? Ambrose sensed something had shifted within her , something he hadnt expected But with everything that had unfolded that night , Ambroses mind was consumed by thoughts of Scarlett , leaving him with no energy left to focus on Hazel .
Just as he was about to speak , Scarletts voice , shaking with sobs , pierced through the air .
* Sister , do you really hate me that much ? Forcing me to go abroad wasnt enough ; you want to drive me to my death , too ? Fine , Ill die , so I dont burden Brother Ambrose anymore ! Her words hit like a thunderclap , and before Hazel could respond , Scarlett ran toward the road .
It was late , empty streets , no cars in sight , but the panic surged within Ambrose , and he threw aside all hesitation .
He rushed after Scarlett , his only thought to reach her .
C In his frenzy , he collided with Hazel , sending her crashing to the ground .
The sharp gravel scraped against her bleeding skin , the sting of it almost too much to bear .
The blows to her body , the weight of everything , drained her completely .
She couldnt even summon the strength to cry .
Ten years of love , gone , wasted .
It had always been one sided .
A childhood sweetheart could never compete with an unexpected love .
12:23 PM c Running Away y from Manage , Leaving Droption Berbind She couldnt compete with the woman Ambrose had held in his heart all along .
After what felt like an eternity , Hazel struggled to her feet , dragging her injured leg as she limped back to her room .
Once inside , she tended to her bloodied feet , then , with one final glance , she threw away the carefully selected wedding decorations she had once hoped would mark the start of forever .
Her gaze fell on the wedding countdown hanging in the living room , and for a brief moment , she hesitated .
Then , with a resigned sigh , she ripped off the word wedding and , in her heart , silently replaced it with a countdown to her departure .
There was so much to pack .
The hours blurred together as she worked through the night , only falling into a restless sleep at four in the morning .
Barely three hours later , the shrill ring of her phone pulled her from her dreams .
Hazel , are you awake ? I ordered your favorite soup .
I wont be back today .
Lets push the wedding photoshoot to another day .
Theres an emergency at the company , and I really cant leave .
Hazel rubbed her aching temples , her voice hoarse as she replied , Alright .
Her quick agreement and perhaps the sadness she couldnt hide seemed to make Ambrose uneasy .
His tone softened as though he was uncertain of the distance growing between them .