07 * Since the office is quiet today , how about I take you out to choose a new ring ? Something grander to reward you for all the effort youve put in these past days .
Hazel frowned slightly , her instinctive response on the tip of her tongue .
She was about to decline when his phone buzzed , its screen lighting up with a message .
Ambrose glanced at it without a second thought , his expression shifting subtly .
He shot to his feet , already heading for the door .
But halfway there , as if struck by a fleeting memory , he turned back .
Leaning in , he pressed a 12:23 PM Running Away from Mariage , Leasing Deception and kiss against her forehead .
Sorry , love , Ive been caught up with so much lately I havent had the chance to give you the time you deserve .
I swear , to you once this hectic stretch is behind us , Ill make you the happiest woman alive .
Ill make it un In the ten years they had been together , Ambrose had never spoken with such tenderness to Hazel He understood that women often craved sweet words , but Hazel had always been the exception .
She was far too sensible , too independent , to need his coaxing .
Naturally , his efforts had always been reserved for Scarlett , the woman who thrived on attention , who could cry at the slightest slight and demand his comfort .
Yet now , guilt gnawed at him .
The growing unease over his neglect of Hazel had prompted this sudden attempt to treat her better , hoping to ease the weight pressing on his conscience .
But Hazel gave him nothing in return , no smile , no frown .
Her face was a blank slate , concealing any trace of emotion .
Once Ambrose left , Hazel walked to the bathroom , her footsteps steady but deliberate .
Slowly , methodically , she washed her face , rinsing away every trace of Ambroses fleeting touch as if cleansing herself of his presence Belated love .
Hollow compensation after betrayal .
Hazel didnt want any of it .
The days crept by, and soon , it was the eve of the wedding .
The calendar had thinned to just two fragile pages , one hanging by a thread .
Todays wish read , Have a family reunion dinner together .
For over twenty years , Hazel had carried this hope silently in her heart .
Yet , deep down , she knew it was a futile dream .
Her mother would never forgive her father , just as she could never forgive Ambrose , Refusing to linger on these thoughts , Hazel brushed on light makeup , slipped into her favorite white dress , and stepped out .
She watched a movie alone , ordered a couples meal for one , and rode the Ferris wheel in solitary silence .
When the Ferris wheel reached its peak , the sun dipped low on the horizon .
The golden hues of the sunset bathed the city she had known since childhood in a tender glow .
A soft breeze kissed Hazels face as she stretched out her arms , feeling as though her memories were unraveling and scattering into the evening wind .
As night fell , Hazel bought herself an ice cream and left the amusement park .
She sat on a nearby bench , savoring the cold sweetness while gazing up at the starry sky .
The stars above had always been her solace .
On those countless nights when she was cast out of her home , it was a younger Ambrose who had held her hand , lying beside her on the grass as they stared up at the heavens .
But none of that mattered now .
People came and went , but the stars never faltered .
No matter where she went , those same shimmering lights would always follow her , unchanging and eternal .
After finishing her ice cream , Hazel stood and began walking home .
The stars above twinkled softly as her phone buzzed with a message from Scarlett .
[ Dads sweet and sour fish is amazing ! Youve probably never had it right ? ) Hazel opened the attached video .
It captured a lively family dinner scene .
Ambrose and Scarlett sat at the G of the table , surrounded by festive red decorations .
Laughter echoed in the background as their families chatted about the upcoming wedding .

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Scarletts petty provocation didnt anger Hazel .
She had endured countless jabs like this throughout her life .
Instead , she found it absurd .
Wedding plans ? Whose wedding were they truly planning ? Hers or Scarletts ?