Hazel's father arrived home late in the evening, exhausted from work. As he settled down for dinner, Amanda's mother smiled warmly at him, serving him the meal she had prepared. Unaware of her sinister intentions, he ate every bite.
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The Next Morning
The following morning, Hazel received a message that her father wanted to meet with her. She quickly got ready, both anxious and hopeful about what he had to say.
At the same time, her father was also preparing for their meeting, but as he buttoned his shirt, he noticed something unusual—his vision was becoming blurry. Blinking rapidly, he tried to clear his sight.
"Perhaps I should visit the hospital after my meeting with Hazel," he thought to himself.
As he stepped out of his room, Amanda's mother blocked his way.
"Where are you going without telling me?" she asked sweetly, though her eyes held something sinister.
He gave her a cold glance. "I have a meeting with an investor," he lied.
She leaned in close, whispering into his ear, "Make a wise decision." Then, she stepped back, flashing him a knowing smile.
A chill ran down his spine, but he quickly composed himself and walked out of the house.
----
Hazel and her father sat across from each other at a quiet restaurant. Hazel felt uneasy—this was the first time they had ever met like this, alone.
Her father cleared his throat. "I know this might feel a little strange," he began. "But before I say anything else, I want to apologize for everything."
Hazel's eyes widened in shock.
"I failed you as a father," he admitted. "I never gave you the love and care you deserved."
Tears welled up in Hazel's eyes, but she fought to hold them back. He finally realized his mistakes…
"I do not think you have offended me," she said softly.
Her father shook his head. "No, Hazel. I know you have every reason to hold a grudge against me. I was blinded by lies, and for that, I am ashamed. But I want you to know that I regret my actions."
Hazel took a deep breath. "I have already forgiven you."
A relieved smile formed on her father's face. "Thank you."
She hesitated before asking, "What made you realize the truth?"
He exhaled deeply. "I overheard Amanda and her mother talking… about how Amanda's mother stabbed herself and framed you. I also heard them planning to snatch Zamiel from you."
Hazel's heart pounded in disbelief. So that was how he found out…
"And now that you know everything, what do you plan to do?" she asked.
His expression hardened. "I want them out of my life. Amanda is not my daughter, and I will not let them manipulate me any longer."
He then told Hazel about Amanda's mother's cryptic warning that morning.
Hazel frowned. "They are after your company."
"I know," he admitted. But what he did not tell her was that he had already made his decision—Hazel would inherit his businesses, though he suspected she might not want them.
For the first time in years, they spoke like father and daughter. Both felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
As he left the restaurant, he decided to go to the hospital, as he had planned.
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At the hospital, the doctor conducted a series of tests before sitting down with him.
"A poison has been administered to you," the doctor revealed. "It is affecting your vision."
Hazel's father remained composed. He already knew the culprit.
The doctor handed him a prescription. "Take these medications and return in three days for further tests."
He nodded, already formulating his next move.
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The next day at Star Entertainment, filming continued. Hazel, as the director, was actively overseeing the set. However, she had been feeling weak for days. She assumed it was exhaustion and had not bothered to visit a doctor.
While giving instructions to the crew, she suddenly felt lightheaded. Her vision blurred, and before she could react—she collapsed.
The set erupted in panic. Crew members rushed to her aid and quickly transported her to the hospital.
When Zamiel received the news, he wasted no time. His heart pounded as he sped to the hospital.
Upon arriving, he saw the people who had brought Hazel in, their faces filled with worry. But what stunned them even more was how anxious Zamiel looked.
He barely had time to ask questions before the doctor stepped out.
"Who is responsible for her?" the doctor asked.
Zamiel stepped forward. "I am."
The doctor motioned for him to follow into his office. Once inside, Zamiel sat down, feeling a strange sense of dread.
Then, the doctor announced, "She is pregnant."
Zamiel's eyes widened in shock. His mind went blank for a moment as the words echoed in his head.
Pregnant…?
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