JOY BEFORE THE STORM
Morning light spilled softly into the room as Hazel adjusted the sleeve of her dress, her reflection staring back at her—strong, radiant, and glowing with a quiet kind of happiness she had never known before.
Lucian stood behind her, his hands resting gently on her waist, his eyes fixed not on the mirror—but on her.
"You're glowing," he murmured.
Hazel smiled softly, placing her hand over his. "It's your fault."
The hospital was calm, filled with soft voices and steady footsteps.
Hazel lay back as the doctor carefully performed the check-up, the faint sound of a heartbeat echoing through the room.
For a moment—everything else disappeared.
Lucian froze.
His entire body went still as that tiny, rhythmic sound filled the air.
"Is that…?" he asked, his voice lower than usual.
The doctor smiled. "Yes. Your baby is strong and healthy."
Hazel turned her head, tears already forming. Lucian didn't speak—he simply reached for her hand, gripping it tightly, as if anchoring himself to that moment.
That sound…
It changed something in him.
Later, outside the hospital, Lucian pulled her into a firm embrace, his chin resting lightly on her head.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Hazel blinked. "For what?"
"For giving me a reason to live differently."
The boutique buzzed with energy as Hazel and Mira moved from rack to rack, laughter echoing between them.
"This wedding is going to be elite," Mira said, holding up a shimmering gown. "You can't show up looking like a regular CEO—you need to look like a legend."
Hazel laughed. "Relax, Mira. I'm not the bride."
"Exactly," Mira replied. "Which means you have freedom to outshine everyone."
They picked dresses, heels, jewelry—each piece more stunning than the last.
Hazel chose elegance.
Mira chose boldness.
Together—they were unstoppable.
The venue was breathtaking.
White roses lined the aisle, chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the entire atmosphere radiated luxury and grace.
Ivy Clarke stood at the altar—transformed.
Not the cold queen of the university…
But a woman who had grown, softened, and chosen love.
Hazel and Lucian entered together, turning heads effortlessly.
Whispers followed them.
"Them…"
"They're stunning…"
"That's Lucian Black…"
Lucian's hand rested possessively at Hazel's waist, his presence commanding yet protective.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
Hazel nodded. "More than okay."
The ceremony was beautiful—soft vows, quiet tears, and genuine smiles.
When Ivy's eyes met Hazel's briefly, there was gratitude there.
And peace.
Later that evening, after the celebration had begun, Hazel stepped outside with Mira for some fresh air.
The night was cool, calm… peaceful.
"I didn't think life would ever feel like this," Hazel said softly.
Mira smiled. "You fought for it. You deserve it."
They began walking slowly along the quiet street, laughter fading into comfortable silence.
For once—there was no tension.
No fear.
Just peace.
Until—
A car engine roared in the distance.
Mira frowned slightly. "That's… fast."
Hazel turned—
And her heart dropped.
The headlights were coming straight at them.
Too fast.
Too direct.
Too intentional.
Behind the wheel—
Selena Moore.
Her face twisted with rage.
With madness.
With something completely unhinged.
"You ruined EVERYTHING!" she screamed, her voice barely audible over the engine.
"Hazel—MOVE!" Mira shouted.
Time slowed.
Hazel's hand instinctively moved to her stomach.
Her baby.
The car lunged forward.
Mira shoved Hazel hard—
And everything went black.