Chapter 4
But it didn't take long before someone started stirring up trouble.
A purple-haired fangirl crossed her arms, her lips curled in a snarky pout as she spoke sarcastically.
She said, "Keith, if you're gonna date someone, can't you at least pick someone normal for once? That bitch's video is blowing up all over the internet!"
She held up her phone, flashing the video to the crowd.
Hazel's heart sank again.
Someone scoffed. "How could she ever be worthy of Keith?"
"She posted that video herself. Isn't she just shameless and trashy?"
"If she's like this in public, who knows how many old guys she's hooked up with in private? She's disgusting!"
The cruel words pounded into Hazel like crashing waves, flooding her chest and mind.
She wanted to speak up, but it felt like her voice didn't matter at all.
They were right. She was dirty. So dirty, so filthy.
Even when dirty socks and some nasty-smelling liquid were hurled at her, Hazel didn't even want to dodge. She just stood there, numb.
She felt like just giving up, letting everything fall apart.
But Keith suddenly wrapped Hazel in his arms, shielding her from the flying filth and insults.
Hazel's first reaction was to pull away, desperate to escape.
But Keith locked her in a firm embrace, refusing to let her go. He whispered softly, "Don't be afraid."
He raised an eyebrow, walked forward, and without a word stared coldly at the people gossiping. Murderous intent filled his expression.
One sharp-eyed guy caught the shift in the air and elbowed his friend, who was still glued to his phone.
The friend glanced up at Keith and shuddered. If Keith wanted, he could send him straight to the ICU with one punch.
He grudgingly put his phone away and quietly warned the people next to him.
One by one, the whispers faded out, and things quickly quieted down.
Keith flashed a faint smile. "Good."
He grabbed the purple-haired girl's phone and pulled up the video.
He felt like his heart was being shredded into a million pieces.
He hated how unfair life was. He hated himself for being so powerless.
But right now, Keith clenched his fists so hard his palms nearly bled, swallowing his rage and acting like nothing happened as he returned to Hazel's side.
Keith tried to sound nonchalant as he asked, "Is that really you in the video? Judging by last night, you seemed just as pure as the rumors say. Was he just not up to the task, or is the whole video a sham?"
The fans froze for a moment, but as soon as they realized what was happening, the male fans lost their minds.
"That's Keith for you. He's amazing at everything!" one of them shouted.
"Damn, he's fast!" another guy cheered.
The female fans were devastated. Back when girls tried to give Keith a bottle of water, he'd shut them down with a single glare.
But now, things were heating up between him and this infuriating woman at lightning speed. It was obvious he was completely addicted to her.
Once the chaos died down, Keith took Hazel's hand and led her out of the boxing arena. They hopped on his bike and cruised along the river.
"Sorry, I didn't mean for them to misunderstand," Keith said. His voice was thick with heartache, guilt, regret, and anger all tangled together.
Hazel nodded quietly. She replied softly, "I understand. It's okay."
Every circle had its own rules.
In the underground boxing scene, being strong was the only thing people respected. It didn't matter what kind of strength one had.
Hazel held Keith tightly around the waist, resting her head against his strong back.
The warmth of his body mixed perfectly with the cool night breeze.
There was still a trace of sweat on him, but it wasn't unpleasant at all.
If anything, it made Hazel feel even more relaxed. She closed her eyes and started humming one of those old tunes from her school days.
Through the rearview mirror, Hazel caught a glimpse of Keith's smile. It was just like the first time she'd ever seen him.
It was a little goofy. But damn, it was good-looking.
Hazel wanted to stay like this forever. But she knew it was just wishful thinking. She had nowhere to run.
"Ms. Payne, please come with me. Mr. Stanton is waiting for you," Tyrone said.
He opened the car door and motioned Hazel inside.
Hazel clenched her fists quietly.
'Already? They tracked me down this fast? Is there no escape? No,' Hazel thought.
Her leaked video and photos were all over the internet now. Hazel had nothing left to lose.
She shook her head, stubborn and determined.
"No. Just leave! I'm never seeing him again!" she said, her voice firm.
Tyrone's face twisted with uncertainty. He hesitated for a while and said, "Ms. Payne, Mr. Stanton really cares about you. Maybe... even more than he realizes.
"All these years, he's never once spent the night at his own family home. The video's already been taken down!"
He pulled out his phone and showed her. All related tags had been removed.
Tyrone wanted to say that Aaron had gotten Hazel a birthday present every single year, handled everything for her behind the scenes in her acting career, shut down any director who tried to take advantage of her, and did countless other things for her…