"It's my job," Hazel quickly uttered.
As she delved into selecting outfits for Francisco, Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Would he appreciate her taste?
Hazel realized she needed to adapt her behavior to fit the expectations of her new role.
For nearly an hour, Hazel wrestled with decisions. Meanwhile, Francisco, seemingly unfazed, tapped away on his phone. Hazel finally mustered the courage to break the silence.
"Sir."
Francisco looked up, his demeanor relaxed.
"I apologize for taking so long."
Francisco responded, "It appears that you have never bought anything for a man."
Hazel spotted a smirk on his face. He remarked again after standing up.
"Help me with dressing."
Suddenly, Hazel realized that they were alone in the room. Mrs. Karan had left, and even Francisco's guards had stepped back, leaving them in relative privacy. Through the glass, she could observe the vacant space around them.
"Hazel!"
Francisco's voice, smooth and soothing, made her to turn towards him. At that moment, her throat felt dry, and her heart raced.
Hazel began assisting Francisco in removing his shirt. As the fabric slid off, her gaze inadvertently lingered on his well-defined physique.
Glancing away, Hazel reached for a black shirt and a maroon tie, choosing the combination for him.
Hazel delicately touched Francisco's broad shoulders; she couldn't help but notice the multitude of old scratches on his back and chest.
However, what caught her attention the most was a striking tattoo... a snake... etched across his entire back.
Did the process of getting the tattoo hold any significance for him? The temptation to reach out and touch the inked artwork danced in her thoughts, but hesitancy held her back.
From the reflection in the mirror, Francisco observed Hazel's contemplative gaze. Breaking the momentary silence, he called out, "Hazel!"
Startled, Hazel responded quickly.
"Yes."
"Why did you choose black?"
"You'll appear more attractive in black, after all." Francisco didn't expect such honesty from Hazel but found himself appreciating her straightforwardness.
"I see."
"I didn't anticipate receiving this praise from you."
Hazel said as she averted her eyes, "It's true though."
As Francisco turned back towards her, he deliberately closed the distance, his presence emitting a seductive and pleasant scent that could entice anyone. Hazel blinked slowly and sighed deeply.
Then Hazel began buttoning Francisco's shirt, feeling his gaze lingering on her.
"Tie."
Hazel nodded. She accepted the tie from his hand.
His eyes remained fixed on her. She wore heels still, handling the tie was difficult.
In the midst of her struggle, Hazel couldn't help but think that if Francisco leaned in a bit closer, she might find it easier to knot it.
But suddenly Francisco leaned in. Hazel became startled. As his warm breath brushed against her cheek, she turned her focus toward him.
"You no longer need to struggle," Francisco reassured her.
Hazel hurriedly adjusted his collar.
After Francisco finished dressing, he checked himself in the mirror, Hazel standing in his immediate rear. His gaze shifted from his reflection to Hazel.
"Hazel, come here," he instructed, and she approached him. Without much preamble, he handed her a packet, stating, "Go change your dress."
Hazel was about to say something, but Francisco interrupted, "You have 5 minutes."
Accepting the packet, Hazel swiftly entered a changing room. The space was sizable, surrounded by large mirrors that reflected her every move. Taking a quick glance in the mirror, she efficiently dressed herself.
The gown she found in the packet featured a combination of black and maroon, mirroring Francisco's outfit. The colors blend seamlessly to create an elegant ensemble.
As Hazel stood ready to touch the mirror, a girl's voice surprised her from behind.
"Hello, ma'am!"
Hazel jumped in surprise, not expecting anyone else.
"I was brought here by Mr. Francisco to do your makeup. Don't be surprised."
"Ah, okay."
"Please take a seat. He gave me ten minutes," the girl said with a friendly smile.
Hazel promptly took a seat.
After a few minutes spent in the dressing room, Hazel emerged alongside the other girl. Francisco was engrossed in his phone and appeared unfazed as they approached.
"Sir," the girl called out, seeking Francisco's attention.
He glanced up, his piercing blue eyes scanning the two figures before him. Yet, it was Hazel who held his gaze.
Her long, curled, and plaited hair cascaded gracefully, framing her face elegantly. Two captivating eyes reflected a blend of uncertainty and allure, and her red lips added a touch of seduction.
Francisco couldn't help but be struck by her beauty.
Rising from his seat, he approached them, and the makeup artist discreetly stepped back, leaving the room.
For a brief moment, they engaged in a silent exchange.
After what felt like an eternity, a strong voice resonated in the room.
"Beautiful."
Hazel, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected compliment, averted her gaze, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Thank you, sir."
Her voice, a delicate whisper
Francisco's intense gaze lingered on Hazel before he gently took her wrist in his hand. Startled, Hazel looked up at him.
As Hazel glanced through the mirror, she saw Francisco standing behind her, his hands resting on her bare shoulders. The reflection created the illusion of a couple dressed in coordinated outfits.
A fleeting thought crossed Hazel's mind—of course, we're not a couple. Then why are we dressed alike?
Before she could dwell on her musings, Francisco's voice broke through her contemplation.
"Hazel, have you ever looked at yourself?"
Hazel's perplexed expression remained as Francisco, unexpectedly gentle, touched her neck and placed a pendant around it.
"Everything is perfect, isn't it?"
Hazel nodded as she looked at herself in the mirror. The unexpected tenderness from Francisco had left her momentarily speechless. She couldn't bring herself to step back from him, caught in the breathtaking moment with his chilly hands on her bare shoulders and his warm breath caressing her ear.
"Hazel, you are stunning."
Francisco's words echoed through the silent space. Hazel met his gaze through the mirror.
Hazel, realizing the need to break the spell, lowered her gaze and stammered, "We... we should go now." She felt Francisco's cold fingers tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"We should indeed."
After that, they departed for the party.