When the Contract Marriage Ended, He Stayed

Chapter 77: One Thing After Another

The hazy moonlight spilled over the brilliantly lit city from the dim night sky. Shadows of trees swayed like phantoms, and a gentle breeze added an eerie touch to the scene.

That strange feeling still clung to Hazel Hawthorne. She couldn’t shake the premonition of danger lurking in the darkness. She didn’t dare walk where there were fewer people, but even so, she felt danger closing in from all sides.

Hazel couldn’t help but quicken her pace. She hailed an empty taxi that was driving by. ’Getting back to the hotel might make me feel a little safer,’ she thought.

"The Creston Hotel."

Sitting in the back seat, Hazel texted Sharon Winters on WeChat, describing what she was feeling. "I really think someone was following me. It didn’t feel like protection—it felt like danger."

"Hazel, you’re definitely overthinking it. The streets are packed with people, why would anyone be following you? I think you probably haven’t been resting well lately. Are you hallucinating?"

’Hallucinating?’

Hazel didn’t think it was a hallucination. When she had stopped, she’d vaguely seen a figure quickly duck to the side. Although she couldn’t be sure, she trusted her instincts. It was better to be careful. This wasn’t Kenport, after all.

She was a stranger in a strange land here. If something happened, no one could save her.

"Hazel, don’t worry about it. You’ll feel better once you get to the hotel, really. I still think what you’re saying sounds a bit out there, but it’s always good to be cautious. A girl shouldn’t be walking around outside alone at night anyway."

Hazel couldn’t help but sigh. ’Could it really be my imagination?’

’Whatever. I’ll be at the hotel soon anyway.’

She glanced at the buildings outside the window. They were very different from the route she was familiar with. She couldn’t help but ask the driver suspiciously, "Driver, what road is this? I’m going to The Creston Hotel."

way." The driver’s voice was deep and low, making Hazel feel an inexplicable sense of panic.

driver in the rearview

wearing glasses. Just as she was studying him, he happened to look up. Their eyes seemed to meet in the rearview mirror, and in that instant, goosebumps broke out on Hazel’s

please pull over here. My friend is coming to pick me

corners of the driver’s mouth lifted slightly. Seeing that eerie smile in the rearview mirror, the hairs on Hazel’s body stood on end. The driver didn’t stop; instead, he accelerated, and the surroundings became even more

was terrified but forced herself to stay calm. She tried to speak to the driver evenly, "Sir, please just stop here. My friend is coming

ignored her as if he hadn’t

toward a place that grew more and more unfamiliar to Hazel. She

car door. ’I don’t know anyone in Freyburg, let alone have any enemies here.’ The door was locked. Just as she was about to roll down

of dizziness made her consciousness fade. She gripped the armrests, fighting through a splitting headache. The car door beside her was flung open, and a person in

"Who... who are you..."

said nothing. They produced a club from somewhere and struck Hazel hard on the head. Before she could finish her sentence, she plunged into

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「Kenport.」

nor returned to his villa. Instead, he was staying at his apartment near the office. He was still thinking about how to

a moment before

to be a big storm tonight. I’m a little scared to be

and stay home. If you’re

child. You know I can’t sleep at all when there’s thunder and lightning if no one is with me. Please come over and keep

"Tonight..."

pulled the phone away from his ear and saw a call coming in from

Before he could even speak, Holly’s anxious

many times, but I can’t get

chair, his expression grim. He asked in a low, serious

after nine tonight, and Hazel wasn’t here.