Chapter 6 In The Shadow Of Lies

• "Grandma heard everything. Is that true?" Vivian asked.
• Hazel was silent, occasionally looking away. "Um, Grandma? Can we talk about this later?"
• "Hazel, how long are you going to stay there?" Theo called out loudly from inside the car.
• Hazel and her grandmother turned toward the source of the voice. "Yes, just a minute!" Hazel shouted back to make sure Theo heard her.
• "Grandma, get in," Theo said again.
• Vivian forced a small smile on her lips, glancing occasionally at Hazel.
• Hazel looked at her grandmother and held her hand. "Grandma, whatever happens, it's better if you stay silent and don’t get involved in their affairs, okay?"
• Vivian remained silent. A sharp sigh escaped her lips. "Alright. If you stay silent and refuse to speak up, then let me talk to your husband."
• Hazel stayed quiet. She then helped her grandmother into the car and got in herself.
• "What were you two talking about outside? Grandma, don’t be shy. Anyway, this is the first time Theo has helped you, right?"
• Vivian managed a small smile. "I just mentioned that, Theo. I'm sorry if I’m not used to it yet."
• Theo nodded, understanding how Vivian felt at the moment. "I’ll come by often so Grandma can get used to it, alright?"
• "Ah, that would be nice. So Grandma doesn’t forget that handsome face of yours," Vivian said with a small chuckle.
• Seeing this, Hazel laughed silently while shaking her head.
• The car drove at a steady pace. Inside, Hazel watched Theo and Vivian exchange stories, feeling warmth in her heart as they grew closer despite not knowing each other well.
• "Oh, really? Grandma is very upset with Hazel’s aunt. If we weren't family, I might have told them to leave."
• "Why is that?"
• "You should know, Theo. Hazel can't move freely there. She can't even chase her dreams. And, another thing, can you believe that card you gave my granddaughter was taken by them?"
• Vivian's words startled Hazel.
• Theo listened and looked at Hazel with a blank expression, as if he couldn’t believe his wife had lied to him.
• "Grandma? What ... are you saying?" Hazel tried to change the subject.
• Theo kept his gaze on Hazel, occasionally glancing at her legs. He was starting to think her injuries might be caused by her family.
• "Why did you lie to me?" Theo said with a disappointed look.
• Hazel was silent, clenching her hands in her lap to steady her nerves.
• "Hazel? I don’t want you to lie to me. That’s why I’m asking, so answer me honestly."
• Hazel wanted to answer Theo’s question. But why did it feel so difficult?
• "Is what your grandma said true? Answer me. Why didn’t you just tell me? What am I to you?"
• Hazel closed her eyes briefly. Before answering, she exhaled sharply. It seemed like the time had come. Though it was difficult, she was afraid of her husband’s anger.
• "I'm sorry," Hazel said softly.
• "Just sorry? I don’t want an apology. I just want you to be honest with me. Is that so hard?"
• Hazel nodded slightly. "Yes, I hid all of it. Aunt took it, and I was too scared to tell you," Hazel said, lowering her head. Vivian remained silent, watching the couple.
• Theo stood there, silent. "We’re only just starting this journey together, and you already dared to lie to me?"
• "Theo, if you hate me, that’s fine. That’s ... your right," Hazel said softly. "But, please help me just this once. For Grandma’s treatment," she continued, her face full of hope.
• Hazel’s eyes were glassy. She truly hoped for Theo’s help.
• Theo was silent for a moment, looking at Hazel intently. His feelings were mixed.
• "Theo, I’m sorry. I spoke out of line. Last night, I overheard everything in the room," Vivian took Theo’s hand. "Hazel isn’t at fault. She didn’t want to disappoint you because of her actions. That’s why my granddaughter stayed silent."
• Theo remained silent, glancing occasionally at Vivian’s hand. His gaze returned to Hazel, who now had her head lowered.
• Theo exhaled sharply. "Are all your injuries related to this issue? I’ll help you, too, if you answer me honestly," Theo said.
• Hazel looked up at Theo, her eyes now red from holding back the pain she felt. "If it’s true, then what?"
• Theo let out a quiet sigh. He turned away with a bitter smile. "You were injured, and I didn’t even know the reason. Am I not important to you, Hazel?"
• "Theo, that’s not what I meant." Hazel fidgeted with her hands, hoping her husband would understand her situation.
• "Theo, please forgive Hazel. She’s a good girl. She didn’t want to make you angry. And of course, she’s afraid of being scolded by you," Vivian interjected.
• Theo remained silent. Clearly, he was very disappointed by the deceit. But Hazel had her reasons.
• Another deep breath escaped Theo. "Alright, this is the first and last time. I don’t want you to lie to me again."
• Theo gently took Hazel’s hand. "I’m your husband; whatever your problem is, please, tell me. I was so worried about you yesterday."
• Hazel was silent, looking at Theo’s hand holding hers gently. Then, she looked at Theo with longing. Her heart felt calm, listening to her husband’s words.
• "Did you hear me?"
• Hazel snapped out of her thoughts, then nodded slightly. "I heard. Thank you, I won’t lie to you again," she said softly.
• Theo caressed Hazel’s cheek gently with his other hand. "I’ll hold you to that promise."
• Hazel smiled sweetly. Vivian felt warmth seeing the couple reconciled.
• "Hazel, you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Theo is here to protect you. Your husband really cares about you, don’t disappoint him and make him choose to leave your life."
• Both of them turned to Vivian. Hazel nodded, understanding. She was very grateful to be surrounded by two people who cared deeply for her, even though Theo was still new in her life.
• Hazel looked over at Theo, who was now sitting back properly.
• Before long, they arrived at the hospital. They got out of the car.
• Hazel pushed Theo’s wheelchair slowly, with her grandmother by her side.
• "It seems we’ll have to wait for a while. You go take a number over there. If it’s a long wait, we’ll come back later," Theo instructed.
• Hazel nodded slightly. "Grandma, wait here, okay? I’ll go get a number."
• Hazel walked toward the reception desk to take a number. After getting it, she returned to where they were.
• Suddenly, someone bumped into her shoulder, causing Hazel to lose her balance and fall to the floor. Hazel winced slightly.
• "Hey, watch where you’re going!"