When the Contract Marriage Ended, He Stayed

Chapter 101: I Don’t Care What He Likes

What no one knew was that Hazel Hawthorne was also one of Aiden Xavier’s many admirers. She had simply buried her feelings deep inside. She understood very well what it took to stay by Aiden’s side longer, and she knew that voicing certain feelings would only lead to greater regret.

Was there any feeling more perfect than a secret crush? You could savor a one-sided love where all the pain and joy were yours alone. No one could give you false hope, and you would never have to feel utter despair.

Hazel Hawthorne sat in the office as if she were a different person. She remained quietly at her desk all morning, not saying a word even after finishing the design drafts Holly Shaw needed. Sharon Winters called out to her several times but got no response.

So, Sharon Winters went back to her own work and didn’t try talking to Hazel again.

A sudden message popped into Hazel’s view. She tapped on it and saw it was a text from Raina Lowell. Acting on a strange impulse, she opened it, only to find a photo of Aiden Xavier walking out of a bathroom, wrapped in a towel.

Hazel’s heart had already grown cold the night before, but seeing Raina’s provocative message now, she still felt a tremor inside. She quickly closed the message, not knowing how to respond to Raina.

’Last night, Aiden left our home to go find Raina. A man and a woman, alone in a room together...’ Hazel’s mind was already painting a vivid picture of what could have happened.

Agitated, she left the office and went to the outer balcony for some fresh air. Thankfully, few people ever came here. It was her go-to spot whenever she was upset.

Hazel stood at the edge of the balcony, her hands resting on the railing. ’The truth is, I really want to divorce Aiden right now. I don’t want to keep being provoked by Raina like this, especially when I have no way to even fight back.’

"Hazel?" A familiar, low voice suddenly sounded from behind, making Hazel jump. She whipped around to see Julian Sterling standing not far away with his hands behind his back, looking at her quizzically. "I thought my eyes were deceiving me."

"Mr. Sterling."

head, looking a little embarrassed as he walked over to Hazel’s side. "We don’t have

office,"

two of us here, and we’re friends. It’s fine to use my name. No one else

what to call him. Since he

me or something? Why do you always try to leave the second you see me? Did I interrupt you?" Julian

lines. He stated proudly, "It must be Aiden. He’s the one who upset you. Sigh, Aiden’s great at everything, except when it comes to matters

said, giving

really think that if you’re unhappy with him about something, you have to tell him. His emotional intelligence is so low, how else is he supposed to know what

nothing wrong between

"That look on your face tells me that’s not true." After a pause, he lowered

eyes, Hazel finally couldn’t help but retort, "You should take a look in the mirror. Your

subconsciously touched his face and muttered to himself, "Is it that obvious? But gossip about Aiden is always top-tier. Of course

actually standing here, patiently entertaining such a pointless conversation with Julian. Deciding she’d had enough, she ignored the fact that he was her boss and turned to

persistently pestering her with questions and trying to

up after just a few words. Aiden would never like someone like you. Look at how Raina acts around

straight at him, and said, enunciating every word, "Raina

I didn’t mean to compare

replied coolly, "What does that have to do with me? I don’t even like him, so I don’t care what

"..."

leaving Julian standing there, utterly flabbergasted. The corner of his mouth twitched, and he immediately called Aiden to rant about