Hazel

Chapter 42

Hazel POV

Waking up the next morning, I was met with a colossal headache. My many attempts to reach Aiden left me increasingly worried.

Carefully avoiding Chloe, who was still nursing her hangover, I got ready for my doctor's appointment. The plan was to check on Aiden before I left, but time slipped away, and I found myself running late, so I hurried to the hospital.

At the reception, I mumbled my name and waited until Dr. Urban's office beckoned me inside.

"Hey, Hazel, how are you doing?" he greeted as he walked in.

"Surviving. What's the verdict?" I asked.

"Hazel, I hate to say this, but it looks like it's back," he revealed. The words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I zoned out as he continued. "I'm going to draw some blood for a quick test. Is that ok with you?" he asked, snapping me back.

"Oh, yeah, sure," I replied.

"The nurse will draw your blood and set up a CT and ultrasound. I want to see you here on Wednesday to discuss your treatment options," he informed me.

"Sure," I whispered, still grappling with the reality of it all.

Post-blood draw, ultrasound, and CT, I left the doctor's office. Lost in thought, Dr. Anderson grabbed my arm.

"Hazel, are you okay? I was calling out to you," he said, concerned.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I brushed him off.

"What were you doing in Dr. Urban's office?" he asked.

"I had an appointment. We can catch up later," I deflected, making a hasty exit.

"Hazel, are you sure you're okay?" he persisted.

"Yes, excuse me," I said, putting some distance between us.

As I walked away, my phone rang, and it was Arlene, Mr. Jameson's secretary.

"Hey Hazel, done with your appointment?" she inquired.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Aiden called. He's not feeling well and won't be in today. He mentioned you could take the day off too," she shared.

"Okay, thanks, Arlene. I'll see you tomorrow," I said before hanging up.

Feeling numb, I needed to go home. I needed Aiden. I needed to talk to him. I knew he was angry, but I hoped he'd listen to me.

In a daze, I somehow made it home. Heading up to Aiden's apartment, I knocked, receiving no response. Unlocking the door, I entered, calling out for him.

Aiden emerged from his room, wearing only boxers. "What are you doing here?" he said, avoiding eye contact.

"Aiden, I know you're mad right now, but those pictures aren't real. I just... I really need to talk right now," I pleaded, my voice cracking, tears filling my eyes.

His expression softened, "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Look, it's just..." I began, but my words halted as Stacy walked out in her underwear, hugging Aiden.

"Stacy, stop," Aiden said, pushing her away.

"Oh, come on, honey. I just wanted to hear what your secretary here wanted to say," she taunted, smirking at me.

"I guess no explanation is needed now," I said, turning away and leaving. "Hazel, wait," I heard Aiden say, but I quickly closed his front door and ran to my apartment.

Opening the door, Chloe greeted me. "Hayz, is that you? Did you forget something?" she asked, walking out of her room.

Seeing my distressed state, she ran to me. "Hazel, what's wrong?" she questioned, worry etched on her face.

"Hazel," she said after my silence lingered. "Hayz, you're scaring me."

"I, uh, I don't even know where to start. Yesterday, Aiden thought I was cheating on him. He had some photoshopped pictures of me kissing Dr. Anderson. He was drunk, so I went to see him today, and I found him in bed with Stacy," I disclosed in a monotone.

"That bastard, I'm going to rip..." Chloe started, but I raised my hand to stop her.

"I'm not done, Chloe. Today, I had a doctor's appointment, and he told me it's back," I revealed as a tear ran down my face.

"What?" Chloe's eyes widened, and she shook her head. "No, don't tell me..."

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Chloe. My cancer is back."