Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 35

Hazel jolted, shaking her head vigorously.

"No, Mr. Thornton, that's not what I meant at all..."

Marcus arched an eyebrow. "Then go pick one."

Having no other option, Hazel braced herself and walked into the VIP section.

She strolled past rows of exquisite gowns, her eyes skimming over the delicate fabrics. Any random piece here cost tens of thousands, and the psychological pressure was overwhelming, leaving her mind in a chaotic mess.

She decided to just grab something at random and get this over with quickly.

She casually picked up a teal evening gown and walked into a fitting room. Just as she was about to undress, a devastatingly familiar voice pierced her ears, making her freeze completely.

She knew that voice entirely too well.

So well that, even in the quiet boutique, it instantly pierced her eardrums and struck straight through her heart.

Julian's gentle voice drifted over. "Evelyn, I bought you shares in a boutique."

Hazel's hands clenched violently, crushing the fabric of the dress she was holding.

The voice continued from the adjacent fitting room, clear as day, as if he were standing right beside her.

"I know you've always dreamed of opening your own clothing store. While I don't have the time to manage it, I decided to invest in one for you."

"Here's the contract. Sign it now. Make sure Hazel doesn't find out; I don't want it causing any unnecessary drama."

Hazel's breath caught sharply in her throat.

It felt as though an invisible hand was brutally squeezing her heart, the pain so intense she could barely stay standing.

Then, another voice answered.

Evelyn sounded impossibly soft, laced with deep emotion.

"Julian, how could I accept this? You've never even given Hazel something this expensive. How could you give it to me..."

Julian let out a soft laugh. "Hazel has no interest in running a business, and she wouldn't be any good at it anyway. But I know you'll succeed, because this has been your dream since we were kids. It's what you've always worked so hard for."

Listening to his words, Hazel felt as if she had been nailed to the floor.

She remembered telling Julian how much she wanted to open a tiny coffee shop, or maybe a florist. He had told her it was exhausting and unrealistic, so she never brought it up again.

She remembered flipping through fashion design magazines in front of him. He had told her it was just a way to burn money and that she should just stick to looking at the pictures.

She had thought he was just being practical. It turned out he simply didn't want to spend his money on her.

Evelyn's dreams were treated as valid ambitions, while her dreams were dismissed as unrealistic delusions.

From next door came Evelyn's touched whisper, "Thank you, Julian..."

Hazel parted her lips, her voice entirely hoarse.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thornton. This dress is a little tight."

Marcus said nothing, simply towering over her.

At that moment, Hazel looked heartbreakingly fragile, staring up at him with shattered vulnerability.

Her eyes were rimmed red, unshed tears clinging stubbornly to her lashes, refusing to fall.

Marcus's gaze turned uncharacteristically somber, swirling with heavy, illegible emotions.

He slowly crouched down in front of her, his long fingers catching her chin. The sheer dominance radiating from him instantly enveloped her entirely.

He looked at her, his voice low and dangerously intense as he articulated every single word.

"Hazel."

"You're with me now."

His thumb brushed lightly across her jawline, carrying an undeniable possessiveness. "Don't waste your attention on people who aren't worth it."

Hazel froze.

She stared at him. The striking eyes mere inches from hers held no trace of laughter; they were as dark and fathomless as a deep abyss.