That familiar protective stance was too much to bear. It mirrored the past, when Scarlett's mother, Althea, had risen to the role of mistress, pushing Gianna, Hazel's mother aside and subjecting Hazel to endless cruelty. Zaccheus, Hazel's 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, you're the best person in the world. If they don’t want you, I do! No matter what happens, I’ll 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, Ambrose’s 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.