Chapter 8 When Everything Unfolds

• Theo snapped out of his thoughts as Hazel called his name. Her voice broke the silence that had settled around them.
• "Theo?" Hazel asked, looking at him with a worried expression. "Why are you looking at me like that? You haven't even touched your food."
• Theo realized he had been staring at Hazel without actually processing anything. Awkwardly, he smiled and picked up his fork and knife. "Sorry, I just wasn’t paying attention," he replied softly.
• Hazel gave a faint smile and continued eating. However, in her mind, Theo’s words echoed. What her husband had said disturbed her feelings. Theo was right; Hazel had often backed down, even in situations that made her uncomfortable. Her silence and tendency to suppress her feelings often made people see her as weak and incapable. But did that really mean she was a coward?
• Hazel turned to Theo, summoning the courage to ask him a question.
• "Theo? Can I ask you something?"
• Theo turned to her, looking at her seriously but attentively. "Of course. Ask anything."
• Hazel was silent for a moment, taking a deep breath before asking, "Do you think… I’m a coward?"
• Theo looked surprised to hear her question. He had never imagined Hazel was thinking about this. Carefully, he sighed, choosing his words thoughtfully.
• "Hazel, you're not a coward. I have never seen you that way," he answered, gazing deeply into Hazel's eyes. "I just want you to change a little. Not completely, but just enough to stop people from underestimating you. You need to stand up for yourself when you feel it’s right, Hazel."
• Theo's words shook Hazel. It wasn't just her husband who wanted her to change; perhaps, deep down, she also wanted to become stronger. But she was afraid. What if this change made her lose the people she cared about?
• "I… I also want to change this habit, Theo. I don’t want people to keep thinking I’m weak," Hazel said softly, her gaze lowered.
• Theo looked at Hazel seriously. "You can, Hazel. You’re strong. You just haven’t realized it yet."
• Hazel fell silent, digesting her husband's words. Meanwhile, her grandmother, Vivian, sitting nearby, listened to their conversation with full attention, though she remained quiet.
• They finished their meal in silence. Theo then stood up to pay at the register, leaving Hazel and Vivian waiting outside the restaurant. After a while, Theo returned and quickly helped Hazel push her grandmother’s wheelchair toward the car.
• When they arrived at the hospital, Hazel asked Theo to wait in the waiting room while she accompanied her grandmother into the examination room. Theo handed over the payment for the appointment and then sat in the waiting room, scrolling through his phone.
• A few minutes later, Hazel and her grandmother came out. Hazel approached and said, “Theo, here’s the leftover money. I’ll transfer it back to your card.”
• But Theo stopped Hazel's hand as she was about to hand him the money. "Just save it, Hazel. Or use it for anything you need. I trust you with it."
• Hazel was silent for a moment, her heart racing at Theo's words. On one hand, she wanted to accept his offer, but her fear returned. She remembered the incident when her aunt, Erica, had forcibly taken her money before. She didn’t want that to happen again.
• "Theo, it's not that I don’t want to. But I'm still afraid that what happened yesterday will happen again," she said in a faint voice.
• Theo looked at her attentively, then said, "If that's the case, just give it to your grandmother. She surely knows how to take care of it."
• Hazel's grandmother, Vivian, shook her head gently with a smile. "Thank you, Theo, but it's better if you hold onto it for now."
• Theo paused, nodding in understanding. "Alright, we can talk about this later at home. For now, let’s get Grandma home first."
• Hazel smiled in relief, then helped Theo push her grandmother’s wheelchair toward the car.
• Theo, who was usually reserved, now seemed more attentive and protective toward Hazel. Before they left, he asked Hazel’s grandmother, “Is there anywhere else you’d like to stop by, Grandma?”
• Vivian gestured to Hazel that she didn’t need anything else. Hazel smiled and said, “No need, Theo. Grandma has plenty of food at home.”
• Vivian added with a smile, "Yes, Theo. We're even building a small restaurant next to the house."
• Theo smiled at this. “In that case, we’ll come by sometime. I’d love to try your family’s cooking.”
• Hazel and her grandmother exchanged meaningful glances and smiled.
• “When you both come by, I'll make something special,” Vivian said, her face lighting up with happiness.
• Theo smiled, then helped Hazel into the car. Once they were on the road, Hazel glanced at Theo sitting beside her, observing his every movement.
• They were still newlyweds, but Theo's sincere attention made Hazel feel she had chosen the right partner. Theo was caring and always there for her, making her feel safe by his side.
• “Would you like to stop anywhere, Sir Theo?” asked Thomas, their driver, while steering.
• Theo shook his head. “No need, just head straight to Grandma's house.”
• Thomas nodded, following Theo's instructions. Meanwhile, Hazel continued watching her husband, until Theo finally turned and asked, “What is it? Is there something you want to talk about?”
• Hazel stammered, then quickly shook her head. "No, I just… wanted to thank you. Thank you for helping with my grandmother's treatment."
• Theo gave a small smile, took Hazel's hand, and held it tightly. "Hazel, that’s already my responsibility as your husband. You don’t need to thank me for that."
• Hazel looked at their hands, feeling a sense of calm. “Thank you, Theo,” she said softly, looking at him with deep gratitude.
• Theo returned her smile, then gently brushed her hair. “You’re welcome. I’ll always be here for you, Hazel.”
• After a while, they arrived at Hazel’s grandmother’s house. Theo stayed in the car while Hazel helped her grandmother inside. She escorted her grandmother to her room, then prepared the medicine she needed to take.
• "Grandma, don’t forget to take your medicine, okay? So that your condition doesn’t flare up again," Hazel said, arranging the pills on the bedside table.
• Vivian smiled softly. “Thank you, Hazel. If it weren’t for you and Theo, I might not be able to stay active anymore.”
• Hazel smiled, her heart relieved to see her grandmother looking well. But she was curious. “Grandma, what were you doing earlier that caused your breathing issues?”
• Vivian lowered her head, then said, “I was cleaning up in the restaurant. Then suddenly, my breathing issues started up again.”
• Hazel sighed deeply. “If you know you’re allergic to dust, you should wear a mask. And don’t overdo it if you're tired, okay?”
• Vivian nodded and smiled gently. “Yes, Hazel. Thank you for your concern.”
• After ensuring her grandmother was comfortable, Hazel said goodbye and returned to the car. But before she could leave the room, the sound of footsteps came from the doorway.
• A woman stood in the doorway with a cold and displeased expression. She stared sharply at Hazel, observing her as if she were evaluating her every move.
• “Well done, Hazel. Taking Grandma out and leaving the restaurant unattended,” the woman said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
• Hazel was stunned, her eyes widening in shock as she realized who was standing before her.
• "Erica?"