Thiago Alejandro came out of the obstructing limousine, followed by Livia and Austin.

Cole and the rest froze in the car, and their blood literally became frosts in their systems.

More tears cascaded down Penny’s cheeks, and Katherine quickly held Cole’s hand beside him.

“What do we do, Cole? What do we fuçking do!” She shouted.

“Are you asking me right now? We’re surrounded!” Cole shouted back.

Thiago finally got to them and opened the car door by himself.

They all remained in the car like they didn’t see him, and Penny almost entered her seat at the back.

“Go first, Cole” Katherine pushed him.

“Seriously? You’re telling me to go die?” His eyes widened.

“He’s not gonna do that! Isn’t he a public figure? He might just wanna talk, and he has no business with Hazel so I see no reason to be scared” Katherine urged, and Cole gave her another look.

She nodded, and he finally stepped out, but he definitely didn’t expect what happened next.

Immediately his shoes touched the ground, Thiago collected a gun from one of his guards, and he shot him directly on the forehead, bringing him down lifelessly.

Cole fell in the middle of the road, and Katherine screamed out.

Penny began peeing herself in total shock as Katherine jumped out of the car.

“How dare you $h00t him!!! How dare you ki|| him!!!” She cried, but that was all she could say before she received her own share too.

Thiago planted a bullet in her chest, and she went down right beside Cole on the floor.

Left with Penny who’s now praying for the car to swallow her.

She remained in the backseat of the car, and it was Livia who opened the door for her.

“Step out” Livia muttered.

She came out shakily.

Thiago was about to give her her own share of the bullet when Hazel rushed into the circle with Natty and the rest

“No!!! No!!” She shouted, and Thiago shifted his eyes to her.

Her eyes almost fell off their sockets when she saw the bodies on the ground, and tears came out of her eyes again.

Thiago couldn’t take his eyes off her, and clearly, he saw his prints on her since almost everything she’s putting on is green.

His favorite color was green too, back then when he hasn’t been introduced to the dark mafia world.

He smiled slightly, but the smile went off when Hazel looked at him.

“Don’t $h00t her” she sniffled.

“What do you mean don’t $h00t her? Yunno I told you I had a bad hunch about her? So what if she’s your childhood friend? She betrayed you! She sold you out to Amber too according to research! Eminem hacked her phone just last night and we saw evidence of Amber’s transfer to her! What if Captain didn’t tell Lord Steel to watch over you? She’s a bîtch!” Natty said angrily.

“I’m so sorry!!! I’m so sorry Hazel!!! I promise I wasn’t in my right senses when I was doing all of that!!! I swear I wasn’t thinking!!! Please tell him to take the gun away from my face!!!” Penny cried, walking to Hazel.

She tried holding her, but Hazel stepped back, shaking her head.

“Hazel…

“I could have died if I wasn’t saved, do you know that at all?” Hazel sobbed, and Penny quickly went on her knees.

“I wasn’t thinking!! I swear I wasn’t thinking!!! Tell him to spare me I really don’t wanna die!! I don’t wanna….

Her pleads were interrupted when Thiago finally shot, but she was shot on her two legs, and she fell on her butt as her blood painted the road too.

“No!!!!!!!!!!! Arhhhhhh!!!!!” She cried out in pains, and Hazel shifted back from her again, gulping softly.

“She won’t be able to walk again even by miracle” Austin muttered with joy.

“You deserve it” Hazel muttered, and Natty took her.

They started walking to the car, and Penny’s cries filled the air, but Hazel didn’t turn back, not even for once.

*

AN HOUR LATER, TORRANCE ESTATE*

“Wait… you’re saying Maria is Thiago’s woman, and Hazel is his daughter?” Anna said, looking flabbergasted as she stood in front of Hugo in the living room.

“It’s all-over the internet, though Thiago himself hasn’t released a statement, but isn’t it clear? Why else would he ki|| two people and destroy two legs openly just because of her?” Hugo replied calmly.

“Seriously? Meaning they’re leaving this place now? They’ll stop being our maids?” Anna said, still not getting herself.

“Why are you restless? Shouldn’t you be happy for them? I don’t like Thiago cos of his bloody personality, but what can I do? Maria is a good person, she deserves happiness” Hugo replied, and Anna sat.

All that’s in her head is how she made mother and daughter kneel down the other day, and also…the fact that Hazel is Thiago’s daughter only means she’s richer than them right now, so she can have Kenzie to herself without any competition.

What the…

She stood and rushed upstairs.

“Anna!” Hugo called after her but git no response.

“What’s wrong with her?” He muttered.

*

SECOND MANSION*

“Cheers!” Natty shouted, raising her champagne glass.

“Cheers!!” Lee, Eminem and Hope replied, clinking their glasses with her.

They drank to it immediately, and Miguel just sat on the couch, watching them speechlessly.

“We need to thank Emi for his persuasive spirit, if he didn’t bring Austin and Livia here, then my girl wouldn’t have found her father…I still can’t believe she’s Thiago’s daughter! Man! She’s automatically the richest girl in this country as we speak! Gawd!” Natty said joyously.

“Little wonder he let us go the other time when Hazel talked to him on the road. I envy her, and I’m happy for her at the same time” Hope smiled.

“But I’m still shocked about Penny though. Who’d have thought?” Lee said.

“Don’t talk about that bad news, I’m just glad she won’t be able to walk anymore. She should sit with her parents” Natty waved it off.

Hope sat beside Miguel, and surprisingly, he didn’t shift or stand.

“This is new” she said.

“Why?” He looked at her.

“OMG you looked at me?” She blinked in shock, and he smiled slightly.

“Stop being dramatic ” he muttered, taking his phone.

Hope smiled.

“Captain hasn’t been calling and his line has been unreachable, aren’t you worried guys?” He asked.

“Worried about Ken? Oh please, he might just appear this evening like nothing happened, it’s his style… he’s fine” Eminem replied.

“Chips?” Lee asked Natty.

“Chips” she replied, and they rushed out of the mansion together.

“Ok, chips” Eminem said and joined them too.

“You’re not interested in chips?” Hope asked Miguel.

“Tennis” he replied, standing up

“Sure” she smiled, following him into the game room.

*

THIAGO ALEJANDRO’S CASTLE*

Hazel couldn’t even process anything with her brain when they arrived at the castle.

Not after what just happened at the Mart.

Two people died because of her, though she’s not feeling guilty or anything cos they deserve it, but Penny’s case is still shocking.

After Cole’s betrayal, she wasn’t expecting the next to be her … The girl who helped her a lot during her hardship days with her mum?

She still couldn’t wrap her head around it, and now her father suddenly showed up as a dangerous mafia?

It’s a lot to take in, but at the same time, she’s starting to understand some certain things like the power surge she felt while fighting Katherine, and how she caught the gun Kenzie threw to her.

Could she have been good because she’s a mafia’s daughter? Is it in her blood?

And then… Kenzie.

He better be fine wherever he is cos she went past the mad stage already, and now she’s worried-sick about him

She didn’t even have the time to ask Natty and the others about him, but she’s still expecting him though…

Isn’t he supposed to be arriving today? She’ll see

The elevator stopped at the penthouse, and she was led out with Maria.

Austin, Livia and Thiago were already waiting for them.

“Welcome home, girl!” Livia hugged her with wide arms immediately.

“You see, I made a deal with Austin over your gender, and I won. Now I got a partner in crime” she whispered in her ear before breaking the hug.

Hazel blinked in confusion..

“Oh…sorry my bad…I’m Livia Alejandro…your adopted senior sister” she smiled.

“And I’m Austin Alejandro…your adopted senior brother” Austin introduced, hugging her too.

“I’m glad you’re prettier than Livia” he whispered in her ear, and Hazel couldn’t help but smile big.

Immediately they broke the hug, Thiago stepped in and engulfed her in his arms, hugging her tightly like a treasure.

“Are you really…my dad?” She muttered, tears gathering in her eyes again.

“Do you need proof?” He broke the hug, and she shook her head.

“No, the people you ki||ed for me are enough proof. I’m just wondering why it took you so long to find us…we suffered a lot. Our sufferings only went down when we started working at the estate” she said, and the tears fell, but Thiago quickly wiped them.

“I’ll pay back for all the tears you and your mother shed in my absence, I promise. I promise, Hazel” he said, and she nodded once.

They hugged again, and this time, she hugged him back, shedding tears of joy.

“Welcome home, mum…” Austin hugged Maria who’s standing separately with tears of joy on her face too.

“You should ask for permission first…can we call you mother too?” Livia asked, and Maria widened her arms for them.

They both hugged her at once, and her tears continued flowing till Thiago came for her.

The two had to step back, and Thiago embraced her tightly, stroking her hair.

“Thank you …thank you for finding us” she sniffled.

“Dry your tears, Maria… you’re in your home now” he replied.

“I’ll show you to your room, Hazel Alejandro” Livia grabbed her hand, and before she could protest, she already took her upstairs.

Hazel nearly passed out when she entered.

It’s so fuçking big, and it’s in a shade of green, her favorite!

“How did you know I love green?” She muttered.

“Every single room in this penthouse is green, dad’s favorite color too” Livia replied, and Hazel smiled, rubbing her palm on the king-sized bed, the headboard, stand, the dressing table..

She opened the closet, and she gasped..

“We’ll go shopping with the maids tomorrow to get your wardrobe filled” Livia said behind her.

She opened the bathroom door, and she gasped again.

It’s bigger than her bedroom at the estate, and there’s a big bathtub awaiting her with several new facilities.

She sat at the edge of the bathroom and her eyes caught the dice bracelet on her wrist…

The one Kenzie gave her…

Her mind went to him automatically, and she almost started crying.

“Is it Kenzie? Do you miss him that much? What if he’s already continuing his trophy game in Italy?” Livia said.

“No. No he wouldn’t do that” Hazel stood.

“You trust him that much?” Livia replied.

“He made me into strong girl I am today. I’d still be as dumb as a doorknob if he didn’t come into my life Livia. He can’t just do that for me and turn his back…he won’t” she said.

“I know, just kidding… you’re Thiago’s daughter now, so he’d be dead if he breaks you” Livia winked, and Hazel smiled, then they hugged again.

“Dad already scheduled your eye surgery for tomorrow” Livia announced.

“Already?” Hazel broke the hug.

“Dad h@ťěs delay, and also…you should be able to see without lenses, girl. You’re Thiago’s daughter” Livia winked again.

“Stop saying that” Hazel chuckled.

“Why? I’ll ring it around the whole world! You seriously dunno how hard I prayed for a baby sister… Austin is so annoying and…

“And amazing ” Austin interrupted, coming into the bathroom.

“What are you doing here?” Livia smirked.

“Aren’t I allowed? She’s my sis too, duhh” Austin rolled eyes.

“We’re having a girl’s talk, so bounce” Livia rolled eyes too.

“Come here Hazel” Austin took her right hand.

“She’s not going with you” Livia took the left, and Hazel gasped as they began pulling her left and right.

“I’m in trouble” she muttered.

*

NEXT DAY, LUNAR HOSPITAL*

Hazel looked sad as she put on her hospital uniform with the help of Livia in the changing room.

She’d go for surgery in the next ten minutes, but she’s just not feeling herself.

How would she when Kenzie’s line is still unreachable, and he didn’t arrive yesterday like he should have.

She almost asked Thiago to book a flight to Italy for her last night, and it was another night of sleeplessness, thanks to Livia and Austin who kept her company.

She asked Natty and Eminem about it, but all they said was that he’s ok, but her gut feeling is telling her otherwise.

She finished wearing her uniform and got her phone to try his line again, but it’s still the same.

“Give me the phone, I’ll keep trying his line for you when you enter the theater” Livia said, taking her phone.

“Are you done?” Austin asked from the door, and she stepped out with Livia.

Maria and Thiago are waiting outside for her, and Maria stroked her face gently.

“Don’t worry, the doctors are good”

“I know, I’m not scared” Hazel nodded.

A stretcher was brought, and she lay on it, then Thiago held her hand.

“You’re my daughter, my blood. Always remember that” he said, and she smiled.

“Yes dad”

He stroked her hair, and the stretcher was wheeled into the theater.

*

A WEEK LATER, ITALY*

A Mercedes halted roughly in front of the international airport, and Kenzie rushed out of it, hanging his backpack on a arm just like when he arrived.

He used his face cap as he walked fast into the building.

He woke up just last night since he passed out a week ago, and he almost booked a night flight that night, but the Alpha family had to stop him cos of his health.

He actually passed out cos he forgot to bring his drugs along, and he didn’t take his pills that day.

His phone has been off… only gawd knows how much Hazel would have been worried sick.

If she cried, he’d literally beat himself about it… he’d h@ťě himself for making it happen…

But he doubts that though, cos he saw the news of everything that happened already.

Everything about Thiago being her father and whatnot…

He was restless till he went on board, and immediately the plane took off, he started tapping his armrest.

*

NEW YORK~CADENCE STUDIO*

It’s now Hope, Hazel and Amber in the band, and now it’s a peaceful place.

Amber became coolheaded after Katherine’s death, and it’s still surprising.

Hazel’s eye surgery was successful, her eyes are perfect without lenses.

It even made her more beautiful cos her real eye color came out.

The practice ended at exactly 7, and her maid picked her water flask and other things inside her bag, then she made to remove the knee pads from her knees.

“No it’s fine” Hazel quickly shifted back.

“You don’t like removing it after practice, did your boyfriend give it to you?” The maid smiled, and Hazel’s mind sank.

Kenzie is still unreachable, and it’s ki||ing her slowly.

What’s the use of finding her rich father when Kenzie is nowhere to be found?

She zoned out completely…

“Hazel” Hope’s voice made her turn, and Hope was about to talk again when Amber appeared, interrupting it.

“Hey” Amber smiled with a side of her face.

“Hey” Hazel replied.

“I… truly payed Penny to sell me your secrets, and my plan was to haunt you with them till you leave the band on your own or till Kenzie dumps you, but I had no plan to ki|| you…I know I’m witchy and callous, but I know when to stop” she explained, and Hazel sighed.

Her driver rushed in…

“Miss! We have to go now… it’s gonna rain I think” he announced.

“I’ll see you tomorrow ” Hazel waved at her, and Amber nodded.

“Let’s go” Hope pulled her hand out while her maid and driver rushed after them.

*

TORRANCE ESTATE, SECOND MANSION*

“Ok this is seriously getting out of hand. Lord Steel said Kenzie is doing well in Italy. Why the hell would he be in Italy and be unreachable? Why wouldn’t he call? It’s been a week and our break ends next week. We have to go back to school but…” Natty complained in front of the three guys including Lee.

“I still can’t believe you guys work for Lord Steel” Lee muttered.

“Get used to it” Eminem replied, and he nodded.

“You guys aren’t saying anything about Kenzie?” Natty raised her brows.

The guys kept quiet, and she went upstairs.

“Miguel, I know you’re hiding something” Eminem faced him.

“Don’t even start” Miguel replied.

“No, bro! Don’t bullshit me! What the hell is going on with Kenzie?” Eminem stood, and that same moment, Natty came back downstairs, hiding her hands behind herself.

“What’s up?” Eminem faced her.

“I went to Kenzie’s room just now and opened his drawer in search of a lighter for my cigar” she said.

Her body shook as she talked.

“And?” Eminem went closer.

“And I unintentionally found a hidden compartment in the drawer, and I found this!” Natty revealed her hand, showing the drug bottle.

“$h|t!” Miguel stood

Eminem snatched the bottle from her, and immediately he read the name on the body, the bottle fell from him, and the pills poured away, then he turned his face to Miguel.

“You’ve been hiding this from us? Miguel!!!!” Eminem shouted.

Natty sat on the table and buried her already teary face in her palms.

Lee picked the bottle, and when he read the name too, he shook his head.

“Tell me my brother isn’t gonna die…” He muttered, rushing to Miguel.

He grabbed his shirt.

“Tell me he’s gonna live!!!” He cried.

*

The rain started even before Hazel got halfway through her journey back home.

She’s at the back of the cozy escalade with the maid while the driver drove in the front.

Immediately the rain started, the maid got her a cardigan and even wore it for her…

“Thank you” she smiled, and her mind went to the night Kenzie saved her from the Laughlin couple.

It rained heavily like this that night too, and as she got the storm of the memories, a tear fell from her eyes.

“Are you ok, miss?” Her maid asked.

“I’m fine” she replied, wiping the tear discreetly before taking her phone.

She opened her texts sadly with the plan to go read their chats, but her eyes widened when she saw a text from him.

My Kenzie: What are you doing right now? I’m in front of your new castle… waiting.

Coincidentally, the driver arrived home that instant,…

“Stop the car” she ordered, and the man looked back.

“But it’s raining, I can’t…

“Stop the car!!” She shouted, and the man stopped it immediately.

She tried getting out of the car, but the maid held her back.

Without waiting, she bit the maid on the arm.

“Ahh!! Miss!” She shouted, letting her go.

Hazel literally flew out of the car, into the rain.

She gasped when she saw Kenzie really waiting in front of the castle, still hanging his black bag on his one shoulder.

He obviously came here straight from the airport, and he’s smiling handsomely.

She started crying like a baby as she began running madly to him.

Both the driver and the maid came out of the car too, watching the scene with dropped jaws.

Kenzie dropped his bag on the wet ground when she finally got to him, jumping on him like a kid.

Her legs tangled on his waist and her face went to his neck while his hands held her butt tightly as her scent surrounded him again.

Water lilies.

Fuçking water lilies.

“I missed you madly, i missed you…so much…I missed you douche” she cried, the rain almost drowning her voice.

“I love you… Hazel Alejandro” Kenzie whispered back, kissing her neck warmly.

TBC.