Chapter 2

That night, Grover didn't get much sleep.

He kept tossing and turning, got up twice to smoke out on the balcony, and made three trips to the bathroom.

By the time he got back to bed, it was already early morning.

Clarissa was up early, busy in the kitchen.

When the maid offered to help, she refused.

She made breakfast for two, and just as the fried eggs were ready, Grover came storming down the stairs and knocked the plate right out of her hands.

With a loud crash, the plate shattered on the floor, and all her hard work for breakfast was ruined.

Before Clarissa could even say a word, Grover grabbed her hand, practically losing it. "What did you say to Hazel? Do you even realize she almost got raped after leaving in the middle of the night?

"Clarissa, you're a woman too. How could you be so cold? I've told you before. I have zero feelings for Hazel.

"Why did you have to send her away while I was asleep? Were you really that impatient? Couldn't you wait until morning?"

Since their remarriage, Grover had never blown up at Clarissa like this.

Even when Clarissa accidentally messed up his research report, he never once yelled at her.

But for Hazel, he totally lost it.

Grover was so worked up that he didn't even realize his nails were digging into Clarissa's hand.

Clarissa bit her lip, pain flashing across her face as she pulled her hand free. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Since last night, I haven't seen Hazel. I definitely didn't send her away!"

"You are still trying to make excuses!" Grover snapped.

Without a second thought, Grover dragged her straight to the car.

He said, "You're coming with me to the hospital. I want you to apologize to Hazel!"

Grover's grip was so harsh that Clarissa couldn't help but frown in pain.

Grover floored it, blowing through two red lights before they finally pulled up at the hospital.

Before they even reached the hospital room, they could hear Hazel's frantic screams coming from inside.

She said, "Stay away. All of you, stay away. Don't touch me. If any of you come closer, I'll commit suicide!"

The door burst open. Hazel stood there in a hospital gown, her face as pale as a sheet, crying out to the crowd.

She was gripping a fruit knife tightly in her hand.

"Miss, please, don't get so worked up. Why don't you wait until your family gets here before we talk?" the nurse tried to calm her down.

Hazel screamed, "I don't have any family. My parents are dead. I have no one left. I almost got assaulted. What's the point of living anymore? I don't want to live anymore!"

Hazel was losing it. Just as the knife was about to cut into her wrist, Grover rushed forward and grabbed the blade with his hand.

Instantly, his hand was sliced open, blood pouring down his arm.

Hazel cried out, terrified and sobbing so hard she could barely speak, "Professor, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I can't go on anymore!"

Grover tried to soothe her. "Don't be afraid, Hazel. You're not alone. I'm here for you. I swear, I'll never abandon you again!"

Hazel said, "Really? You already left me once. How do I know you won't do it again? I'm terrified!"

Grover's heart broke for her as he pulled Hazel into his arms. The two of them held each other, crying their hearts out.

Even Clarissa was touched by the sight.

"Mrs. Porter!" Hazel cried out.

As Hazel was finally starting to calm down, she spotted Clarissa standing by the door.

She shoved Grover aside, rushed over to Clarissa, dropped to the ground, and clung desperately to Clarissa's pant leg, begging for forgiveness.

She said, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Porter. I never meant to come between you and Professor Porter. Please, don't try to hurt me. I know I messed up!"

"What are you doing? Get up!" Clarissa said.

Clarissa's face tightened in discomfort. She tried to shake Hazel off.

Hazel pleaded, "They said you sent them to warn me. Mrs. Porter, I am sorry. Please, my dad once did Professor Porter a favor. Don't hurt me. I'm begging you!"

"Hazel, what are you saying? Are you telling me Clarissa sent those guys after you?" Grover demanded.

He rushed over, yanked Hazel up from the floor, and glared at Clarissa, his eyes blazing with fury.

Grover shouted, "Clarissa, it's my fault for liking Hazel. She did nothing wrong. If you've got a problem, come at me. Leave her out of it.

"You are a high-class woman. How dare you pull something this cruel? That's way out of line!"

Before Clarissa could even react, Grover raised his hand and slapped her across the face.