~Sunshine~

Ben did not give up hope and made another proposal to Diana.

"Then would you bother if I dropped you off at home?"

Ben's proposal was sweet. But Diana's lips were tightly sealed. She knew Ben was her colleague but every time she could not just reject him.

'What's wrong if I go on a date with him? I have no real relationship with Max. Going on a date with Ben can't hurt...' Diana contemplated, glancing at Ben. Finally, she agreed to his proposal.

"Then let's leave."

As they were about to depart, Max's voice unexpectedly echoed, calling out to Diana.

"Diana!"

They quickly made a U-turn. Diana, caught off guard by Max's sudden appearance, found her thoughts lingering on him even as she stood there with Ben.

Diana raised an eyebrow at Max's audacious claim. She maintained her composure and responded to Max with a calm tone, "Why are you here?"

A smirk played on Max's lips as he confidently moved closer to Diana. He replied in a playful manner, "Of course, I am here to pick up my girlfriend."

Ben, who was present in the room, narrowed his eyes at Max's statement. His gaze shifted to Diana, waiting for her response.

Max's demeanor shifted to a more serious tone, and he pleaded, "Okay, my love. I know you are angry with me, but now please forgive me."

Calling Diana 'my love' didn't sit well with Ben. He interjected, addressing Diana.

"Diana!"

Max turned to Ben, and with a stern expression, he stated, "Mr., can't you see we are talking?"

Max shot a sharp gaze at Ben, but Ben seemed unfazed by Max's attempts to intimidate him. Ignoring Max, Ben continued to speak to Diana, "Diana can talk."

Max's eyebrows shot up in disbelief as he observed Ben's audacious behavior. He was prepared to voice his thoughts, but Diana swiftly intervened, she was well aware of Max's temper and wanted to avoid any conflict.

"I'll talk to you later, Ben. I have to leave now."

Diana asserted, her words aimed at preventing a potential confrontation between Max and her friend at the workplace.

Ben, however, was persistent, insisting.

"But, Diana!"

"Ben, I promise I'll explain everything later."

Diana assured him, her urgency evident.

Max, overhearing their conversation, felt a surge of anger building up inside him. He clenched his jaw, struggling to contain his emotions.

Diana's promise to talk to Ben later, right in front of him, struck a nerve.

Unable to restrain himself, Max abruptly grabbed Diana's hand and pulled her away from Ben, leaving the other man calling out in protest.

"Max! Are you crazy?"

Diana exclaimed, her anger evident in her tone.

Max, however, remained silent, his grip firm as he hauled her away from the scene.

Diana continued to protest, "Max!"

"Hey, why are you dragging her like that?"

Ben's voice echoed, concern evident in his tone as he hurriedly approached to assist Diana.

Max, turning sharply at Ben's words, shot him a cold, piercing gaze. In a frigid tone, he retorted, "Listen, she's my responsibility, not yours. Don't you dare teach me what I should do or not."

The force of Max's words struck Ben, freezing him in his tracks. Max, without any hesitation, grabbed Ben's collar, emphasizing the severity of his warning. With a push, he shoved Ben aside, continuing to drag Diana with a rough grip.

"Max!"

**

Hazel trailed after Francisco, her eyes wide with awe as they entered the magnificent mansion. The opulence of the surroundings left her breathless, and she couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur that surrounded her. The air carried a scent of luxury, and Hazel felt like an outsider stepping into a world she had only dreamt of.

The mansion was a spectacle of wealth, adorned with priceless artifacts and extravagant furnishings. Hazel couldn't help but notice the numerous maids bustling around, their movements synchronized in a choreographed dance of service.

As they ventured deeper into the mansion, Hazel's gaze darted around, taking in the intricate details that adorned the walls and the polished floors beneath her feet.

Moving slowly upstairs, Hazel continued to follow Francisco, her steps echoing in the grandeur that surrounded them. However, as they approached Francisco's bedroom, an unexpected hesitation gripped her.

Francisco turned back, his dark eyes catching Hazel's hesitation. Sensing her reluctance, he halted, giving her a questioning look.

"Is everything alright?" he inquired, his voice a low murmur that cut through the stillness.

"Why are you not coming?"

Hazel said in a startled manner, "Do I have to come?"

Francisco, seemingly unperturbed, had his hands tucked inside his pants pocket, his gaze giving her a side look. There was an undeniable allure about him, an attractiveness that extended beyond the opulence of the mansion.

"If a lovely girl is standing in front of my bedroom door, it will be really unpleasant," Francisco replied, his words carrying a subtle invitation that lingered in the air. Hazel, pursing her lips in response, felt a flutter of discomfort beneath the veneer of composure she tried to maintain.

"Sir, I am free to stay out here or wait for you in the drawing room," Hazel spoke, her voice a delicate balance of politeness and assertion.

Francisco, listening to her words, remained silent for a moment. The weight of the unspoken hung in the air, and Hazel wondered if she had unintentionally entered into a delicate dance of power dynamics.

After a contemplative pause, Francisco called for a maid. The response was swift as a maid appeared within minutes, ready to fulfill his command.

"Yes, sir," the maid acknowledged, her demeanor poised and respectful.

"Escort my important guest," Francisco said in a calm tone, his gaze lingering on Hazel for a moment longer than necessary.

"Yes, master," the maid responded with a deferential nod. She then turned her attention to Hazel and added, "Please, follow me, ma'am."

Hazel cast a fleeting glance back at Francisco, attempting to muster a smile. He stood there, a silent observer, his thoughts a storm brewing within. As Hazel left the place under the guidance of the maid, Francisco's mind echoed with unanswered questions.

"Did you really forget me, Hazel? Whatever it is, I need to learn more about you."

Continue.