Chapter 106
“Why are you here?” Nathan’s voice sliced through the air as he confronted Ethan on the other side of the ward door.
An hour had elapsed since Ethan’s initial departure, he had gone to wrap up his role at the event. But he felt restless, an insistent need propelled him to return and check on the well-being of the twins.
A frown etched itself on Ethan’s features upon meeting Nathan at the door.
The frown deepened with the questions he was being asked.
Tension between them thickened.
Why’s this man still here, and with that attitude. Ethan wondered feeling pis sed with the other man’s probing.
Ethan’s irritation seeped through his words as he retorted, “Step out of the way, I’m not here for you.” Nathan, undeterred, maintained his defensive posture, suggesting Ethan should head home.
“Go home, Ethan,” Nathan persisted, arms crossed defiantly, as if guarding an invisible boundary. Ethan’s frustration simmered, teeth gritted, and he issued a terse command, “Out of my way.”
“Nathan, who’s that?”
From inside, Hazel’s voice cut through the tension, grabbing Ethan’s attention.
Nathan, attempting to handle the situation, offered, “I’ll take care of it, Hazel.”
However, she approached the door. The noise had piqued her curiosity, and she ventured out to check.
Ethan’s demeanor shifted when he saw Hazel, his gaze softening. “Hazel,” he called softly, a note of remorse in his voice.
As Ethan began explaining, “Hazel, I’m really sorry about earlier. I put Bella in her place and told her to go home, and then…” Hazel, worn out and drained, interjected, “Why are you here, Ethan?”
Nathan assured her, “He was about leaving.”
“I needed to be sure they’re okay,” Ethan explained, his plea evident in his eyes. “Can I see them?” he implored.
A firm “No” echoed from Nathan, maintaining his protective stance.
“Step out of the way, would you?” Ethan’s frustration laced his words, the tension palpable. Nathan, unwavering, stepped forward, delivering a firm suggestion, “It’s best you leave.”
Hazel, stepping in to defuse the escalating confrontation, intervened, “Nathan, it’s okay. I’ll take care of it.” Her request to Nathan was a subtle attempt to usher him away. “Can you get us some yogurt from the drink dispenser downstairs?” Hazel pleaded, her eyes signaling her desire for Nathan to leave.
Nathan, torn between protecting Hazel and confronting Ethan, looked at Ethan with a firm resolve, declaring, “No, I won’t leave

you here with him.” Despite Hazel’s plea, Nathan was hesitant to abandon her side.
I’ll be fine, just go,” Hazel urged, her voice a mixture of persuasion and assurance. Nathan sighed, finally complying with her request. As he passed by the door, a deliberate shoulder brush with Ethan attempted to convey his disapproval.
“I was really surprised when I saw what Bella had done. Hazel, I’m so sorry, Ethan pleaded, his regret audible. “I didn’t know she had hurt them; when I came in, it was already too late. He explained, seeking understanding from Hazel, who remained contemplative and silent.
“How are they? Can I see them?” Ethan inquired, a genuine concern etched on his face. All he wanted was to be with them, he desperately wanted to hug and comfort their little bodies.
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Chapter 106
Hazel, however, remained firm. “I don’t want you to. You shouldn’t be here; it’s late.”
“Hazel, please, are they okay?” Ethan persisted, his worry deepening.
“They’re fine, they’re just asleep,” she assured, but her gaze avoided meeting his.
Ethan tried to meet her eyes but she kept looking elsewhere avoiding eye contact
“Look at me, please,” he pleaded within, desperately seeking connection. Hazel’s gaze finally shifted, but it wasn’t towards his face. Instead, she noticed something by the side, the place where she had scratched Ethan earlier. To her surprise, the small injury hadn’t healed as expected.
The sight puzzled her. It was a minor scratch from their earlier confrontation, something that should have healed within minutes. Yet, the mark lingered, barely covered.
“Are you okay?” Hazel inquired, her brows furrowing with concern. Instinctively, her hand reached toward his arm to check the wound, but midway, she pulled back, holding her arm in place.
“Thurt you earlier. Are you okay?” she asked, avoiding direct
eye contact.
“Yes,” Ethan replied, a sense of relief washing over him. Hazel’s emotions were a mix of upset and anger, but beneath it, a lingering care still existed. seizing the opportunity, he decided to take a step further.
“Could 1 maybe get some water?” he asked, purposely making his voice h oa rse and then clearing his throat dramatically.
“Okay,” she replied, turning around and walking inside.
Taking advantage of the moment, Ethan quietly stepped inside the ward. As Hazel fetched the glass of water from the fridge, Ethan made his way directly to where the twins were peacefully sleeping.
When Hazel returned she found Ethan standing over the kids.
His gaze particularly fixed on Daisy’s bruised cheek. His hand reached out, stroking it tenderly, and she observed as he swallowed hard. The sight of the kids in pain clearly affected him deeply, his fists clenching and then unclenching. He threw his head back, running his hand through his hair, she watched him, knowing him well, it was a tell-tale sign he felt frustrated and helpless.
Her expression softened as she watched him. His attention then shifted to Liam, a small, tender smile forming on his face as he gazed at the sleeping boy.
“Brave boy,” Ethan mumbled, his admiration evident as he observed Liam. Memories flooded back to their first meeting at the airport, where the young boy had bravely confronted him in defense of his sister.
A smile played on Ethan’s l*ps, recognizing the incredible journey they had shared since that day. Reflecting on the unexpected impact these children had on his life, his gaze softened even further.
Just as Ethan immersed himself in these thoughts, Hazel unintentionally announced her presence by dropping the glass, drawing both of their attention.
That’s one brave little guy you got there.” He stated with a small smile.
Hazel couldn’t help but smile.
Earlier when Liam’s bruise was being looked after,
She had asked him if it hurt but he had similed and said if was his bruise of honor from protecting his sister.
“I’m the man of the family.” He stated,
Hazel laughed, tears streaming from her eyes.
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Chapter 106
“I’ll protect you too mom.” He said proudly stroking her face and cleaning her eyes.
Liam was indeed brave.
Hazel’s smile held a warmth that hadn’t been there before.
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