Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 61

Hazel Garrison pushed open the guest room door. The curtains were open, letting the moonlight spill across the nightstand.

A metallic glint caught her eye.

Walking over, she saw a pocket watch resting on the surface. The lid was wide open; it was impossible to miss.

Inside rested a photo of a radiant girl, maybe eighteen or nineteen, with her hair in a ponytail and eyes curving like crescent moons, brimming with youth.

Hazel paused. This must be the girl Zachary Ward loved.

She tried to picture what a cold, distant man like Zachary looked like when he was in love.

All she could conjure was his usual icy demeanor. A small smile touched her lips. To melt a heart like his, this girl must have been truly special.

She picked up the watch, gently snapped it shut, and cradled it in her palm.

After tucking it away to return to him tomorrow, she drew the curtains and headed back to her own room.

The next morning, Hazel was jolted awake by her phone buzzing. Blinking against the harsh glare of the screen, she squinted at the sender.

It was Julian Hayes, with two messages.

The first, sent at three in the morning, read, "Honey, I love you."

Hazel found it almost laughable. A soft scoff escaped her lips, her gaze turning frosty.

She recalled a forum post she had read ages ago: when a man did something guilty, he compensated by being overly affectionate, whispering sweet nothings he rarely said before.

It was a self-fulfilling prophecy, playing out right in front of her.

She scrolled down to the second text.

"Why did you just leave yesterday? No matter how harsh my mom gets, she's still our mother. She used to say those things and you handled it fine. Why the sudden attitude?"

Staring at the screen, she realized this was the real Julian talking. Any trace of a good mood instantly vanished.

Letting out a heavy breath, she locked the screen, rolled over, and buried her face in the pillow.

She used to endure it because she loved him. Now that the love was gone, why should she take it?

Ignoring the texts, she tossed the phone onto the nightstand and got up to wash up.

When she stepped out of her room, Dr. Queenie Finch was already bustling in the kitchen. The dining table was set with warm oatmeal, a few side dishes, and a plate of freshly toasted sandwiches, still steaming.

"Hazel, come have breakfast." Queenie walked out carrying two bowls of oatmeal, offering a warm smile. "You'll feel awful and out of focus if you work on an empty stomach."

A rush of warmth filled Hazel's chest as she sat down. "Thank you, Professor Finch."

She took a sip of the oatmeal. The rich, comforting flavor spread across her tongue, soothing the chill in her stomach.

Zachary paused. He looked down at the watch in his hand, his thumb lightly grazing the casing before his guarded posture finally relaxed.

Carefully slipping it into his pocket, he forced out a stiff, "Thanks."

Without another word, he turned on his heel.

Watching him walk away, Hazel let out a soft chuckle.

Well, that was more polite than usual. At least he said thank you. Shaking her head, she didn't dwell on it and made her way to the Institute.

Several unfamiliar cars were parked outside the Institute, making the entrance much busier than usual. As soon as she walked in, she heard the buzz of gossip echoing down the hallway.

"Apex Holdings just opened a new research division, and they're poaching tech talent from us!"

"Are you serious? It's Apex! Anyone who gets picked is set for life."

"It's totally true. Insider word says the standards are brutal, though. Only the top-tier researchers even have a shot."

"Isn't it obvious? They're definitely picking Dr. Vance. She secured the investment this time, so it's practically guaranteed."

A group of people were clustered together, talking animatedly.

Seeing Hazel walk by, someone gave her a quick nod before returning to the gossip. "It has to be Dr. Vance. She's a legacy hire with serious backing, and she has the skills to match. She handled that data crisis all on her own last time."