Ambrose agreed without a second thought, drawing Hazel into the center, her presence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest.
Just as the shutter clicked, Scarlett darted forward, stepping between them.
In the instant that Hazel lost her balance and tumbled to the floor, Ambrose’s heart lurched in panic.
“Hazel!” He cried, reaching out instinctively to catch her.
But Scarlett, ever the actress, burst into tears at that very moment.
Ambrose froze, just for a heartbeat. Three seconds of indecision. Then, with a swift motion, he turned to Scarlett.
He abandoned Hazel to crash against the sharp edge of the shelf, his hands gently pulling Scarlett into his arms, wiping away her feigned tears with a tenderness that sent a chill through Hazel’s veins.
“Don’t cry. Your sister has always been understanding. She won’t blame you,” Ambrose reassured Scarlett.
The others quickly gathered around Scarlett, their voices a chorus of comforting words as they pointed to the photos in the camera, attempting to lighten her mood with half-hearted praise.