Fated Encounter

Hazel’s POV

My name is Hazel. I was eleven when my world shattered.

One rainy night, my parents were gone—lost in a car crash. Since then, I’ve been raising my baby sister, Mira, the only light left in my life.

Our father’s sister, Aunt Lyla, took us in. But love? That’s not part of her vocabulary. She runs a shady nightclub and wanted me to work there too. I refused.

She never forgave me for that.

“Hazel! Get to work—now!”

Her voice pierced through the quiet morning.

I dragged myself out of bed, too exhausted for another fight, and reached for my clothes when a small, sweet voice called out.

“Good morning, Hazel.”

Mira. My heart softened instantly.

I kissed her forehead. “Morning, baby girl.”

She was only a toddler when our parents died. Now at thirteen, she’s wise beyond her years—sometimes more like my mother than my sister.

“Morning, Aunt Lyla,” I mumbled.

She hissed in reply and walked off. Typical.

“Don’t let her ruin your day,” Mira whispered with a smile.

I nodded, trying to stay strong for her. Deep down, I was scared. Scared of what would happen to us if I ever lost this job.

I held that smile in my heart as I hurried to the restaurant where I worked—Gold A, one of Seattle’s finest. It wasn’t my dream, but it paid the bills and kept Mira safe. That was all that mattered.

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At the Restaurant

I barely made it on time. Mia, my best friend, greeted me as I ran in.

“You’re late!” she teased. “Again.”

I grinned. “Don’t remind me.”

Mr. Tristan, our manager, wasn’t amused.

“You’re on thin ice, Hazel. VIP room—now.”

I sighed and hurried over. Inside, two men were seated.

One wore all black with a mask, eyes cold and unreadable. The other was handsome, confident—an air of danger around him.

“Coffee for the gentleman. Decaf for his friend,” I repeated mentally, nerves high.

As I reached the table, disaster struck.

My shaky hands slipped. Hot decaf poured all over the masked man.

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Alexander’s POV

I hated public places. But Raymond insisted we meet here.

I was barely listening when it happened—hot liquid splashing across my chest.

“What the hell?!” I shot up, furious.

The poor waitress—Hazel, I read from her name tag—looked mortified.

“I-I’m so sorry!” she stammered.

Her manager rushed in, scolding her in front of everyone.

Without another word, I stormed out. I didn’t have time for this nonsense.

“You could’ve let it go,” Raymond said, catching up. “Now she’s out of a job.”

I scowled. “I didn’t fire her. That was just her luck.”

But as I drove away, I couldn’t shake the image of her tear-filled eyes.

Why did they linger in my mind?

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To be continued…

#CEO Romance #Enemies to Lovers #Forced Proximity #Office Romance #Protective Hero #Orphan Heroine #Sweet Sister Bond