Chapter 4 How Do You Compare to Cheryl?

In a daze, Hazel heard rustling sounds nearby. She forced her eyes open, still groggy, and saw two unwelcome visitors standing before her.

She frowned, struggling to lift her weak limbs, weakened by hunger.

"What do you want?" Hazel asked.

She didn't believe for a second that these two were here out of sympathy, planning to let her go.

Sure enough, Randy shot her a look of disgust, one hand in his pocket, looking down at her from above. "Cheryl, I told you Hazel is ungrateful. You're too kind-hearted, thinking of checking on her. If it were up to me, I'd do what Mr. Anderson said and keep her locked up for a while."

Cheryl nudged his arm, her voice disapproving. "Randy, what are you saying? Hazel was just upset with you. You two have been together for so many years; it's not something that can just end like that. She made a mistake, but it was understandable, and it was because of me. I had to come and apologize."

Her voice was soft, and Randy's eyes softened with pity. He quickly comforted her, "Cheryl, don't say that. It's not your fault she can't control herself."

Then he glared at Hazel again, his voice filled with anger. "Look at what you've done! Even now, Cheryl is thinking about you, but all you do is to envy her! Get over here and apologize to Cheryl!"

Hazel looked at the couple in front of her, feeling nothing but disgust.

Her eyes were cold as she looked away disdainfully. "Apologize? In your dreams!"

"You!" Randy exclaimed.

"Randy, we have nothing to do with each other anymore. You and Cheryl can do whatever you want, just stay out of my sight. You make me sick." Hazel stood up, her body weak but her resolve strong.

Randy saw the sarcasm in her smile and felt something slipping away inside him.

How could this be?

Hazel used to care about him the most, always revolving around him, impossible to shake off. What had changed today?

He frowned, feeling inexplicably irritated.

Cheryl noticed the complex emotions in his eyes, a flash of jealousy crossing her face.

She then lowered her arm, covering her face as she spoke, "Hazel, I know you're still angry. I didn't mean to ruin your wedding. I've always seen Randy as my big brother, and the thought of him getting married just..."

She took a deep breath, and when she looked up again, her eyes were filled with tears, her voice choked with emotion. "Hazel, if you don't like it, I can stay away from Randy. I just hope you two don't fight because of me."

Before Hazel could respond, Cheryl turned to Randy. "Even though Hazel did something disgraceful at the wedding, I understand her. She must have just found someone to pretend. Randy, you should comfort Hazel. If you say you'll cut ties with me, she'll forgive you, and you can still be together."

Tears fell as she spoke, looking reluctant but resigned.

Randy's heart ached, and he hugged her, whispering comfort. "Cheryl, what are you saying? How could I ever abandon you?"

He turned to Hazel, his voice low and threatening. "Hazel, we've given you a chance. Just issue a statement saying you only pretended to marry that guy to spite me, and hand over the formula. Maybe I'll give you another shot. Otherwise..."

"Really? You'll give me another chance?" Hazel felt nauseated by their closeness but forced herself to play along.

Randy's face twisted with disgust, his chin lifted arrogantly. "Of course."

"But I've already submitted the marriage papers. How will you give me a chance?" Hazel's smile widened as she watched their expressions change.

Randy's eyes widened, fury blazing. "What did you say? You actually married him?"

Cheryl looked equally shocked.

They had planned for so long, thinking Hazel's attachment to Randy would make her bluff.

But she had actually done it!

Hazel was pleased with their reactions and unceremoniously told them to leave. "If there's nothing else, I'll see you out. And tell Keith, if he wants the formula, he'll have to kill me first!"

Her words were firm, her face pale and weak, but her back straight.

Randy's eyes darkened as he watched her turn away. Suddenly, he grabbed her shoulder, his eyes red with rage. "Hazel, you're lying, right? You love me too much to betray me!"

Hazel felt dizzy from his shaking and pushed him away. "Randy, are you crazy?"

He didn't answer.

She looked closely and saw him staring at a small red mark on her shoulder, likely from scratching unconsciously.

She quickly covered it with her shirt, her face uneasy.

Cheryl's voice, sickly sweet and feigned surprise, rang out. "Hazel! How could you do this to Randy?"

Hazel's heart skipped a beat, and before she could explain, Randy lunged at her, throwing her to the ground. "Hazel, you're so cheap! Cheryl still speaks well of you, but you've been with your lover all along!"

"Randy, what are you talking about?" Hazel was panicked, enduring the pain from the fall, trying to protect herself and escape.

But Randy pinned her down.

The sound of fabric tearing filled the air.

Randy's face twisted with rage and jealousy. "Hazel, he's just a cripple? Can he satisfy you?"

Hazel realized what he intended and struggled harder, her words sharp. "Of course he can, and he's much better than you!"

"Is that so? Hazel, you're so disobedient." Randy laughed, clearly unhinged.

Hazel felt a chill down her spine, desperately trying to protect herself.

Cheryl watched with glee, continuously provoking Randy. "Hazel, you're so shameless. Randy is so amazing, yet you went behind his back for another man, and a cripple at that. You're really desperate."

Hazel had no time to argue, retreating to a corner, trying to snap Randy out of it. "Randy, didn't you say you'd stay faithful to Cheryl? What are you doing now?"

Before she finished, Randy grabbed her ankle, dragging her towards him.

He tore her shirt open and slapped her hard. "Bitch, how dare you compare yourself to Cheryl?"