I walked through the familiar hallways, heading towards my cousins' hospital room. It had become a regular part of my life to visit them. Jake Hart, a person with influential connections, helped locate my missing cousins. I felt deeply grateful to him, but I hadn't yet thanked him personally. 
As I approached their room, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The same doctor who had treated me at the Galvosa mansion was also looking after my cousins' recovery. I wondered if he stayed in touch with Denver, who was friends with him. It left me curious and wanting know of they had their connection until now.
It had been a while since I last saw Denver. Memories of his birthday celebration lingered, but there had been silence between us since then. Questions filled my mind as I thought about his absence.
"I'll go check on Mr. and Mrs. Golieza," I informed the police officers standing guard outside the room.
Jake had gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and protection of my cousins. They had been discovered on a dangerous island, where their well-being was at risk. Although they had managed to survive in that perilous environment, they still required treatment due to potential psychological effects from their ordeal.
"Ma'am, their parents have arrived," the young police officer said with sympathy. He was well aware of the tense relationship between our families, having witnessed the commotion whenever Carmienne and I visited, not to mention the presence of my uncle.
I gently scratched my eyebrow, contemplating the situation. "Oh, is that so? In that case, I'll make my way there," I replied with a smile, expressing gratitude to the officer. My intention was clear and it was to avoid any unnecessary conflict and minimize disturbances as much as possible.
Leaving the hallway behind, I strolled towards the hospital's adjacent garden, a designated space for patients seeking solace amidst nature's embrace. The atmosphere was imbued with a profound sense of peace, casting a soothing spell upon my weary soul.
The garden was alive with the sound of children's laughter and playful footsteps. Most of them were fellow patients, their faces radiating joy as they frolicked under the watchful eye of attentive nurses. Their carefree spirits ignited a spark of delight within me, and a smile naturally graced my lips.
Finding respite on a bench nestled beneath the shade of a tall tree, I reveled in the serene ambiance that enveloped me. The clock had struck four in the afternoon, and the sweltering heat of the day had gradually relinquished its grip. The sky above painted a breathtaking canvas of orange hues, evoking cherished memories of Denver whisking me away to the shore solely to witness the ethereal beauty of a sunset. Although those moments belonged to our early days, when marriage had yet to bind us, the tranquility of this garden mirrored the essence of that enchanting setting—a haven of serenity amidst the cacophony of the world.
"Hazie!"
I turned my head, alert to the familiar voice drawing nearer. It was a guy I immediately recognized, making his way towards me. His brown eyes locked onto mine, devoid of a smile. His rugged features appeared even more intense, his gaze penetrating and fixed upon me. It was a characteristic blend of intimidation and distance that he had always exuded. Finally, he reached my side and settled beside me, casually draping his arm over my shoulder. To my delight, it was none other than my cousin, Brian.
"Bri," I murmured, a soft utterance that conveyed both surprise and comfort. He greeted me with a gentle kiss planted upon my forehead, a gesture that affirmed our close bond.
"I overheard your voice earlier. You didn't come inside," he remarked, taking a seat beside me while maintaining his arm around my shoulder.
"I heard your parents are in there," I replied nonchalantly, my gaze fixed on him. Clad in a lab gown, he still managed to retain his good looks. His genes undeniably favored handsomeness. Brian and Xyxie are twins who were older than me, born in the same year as Carmienne.
"Still... I miss having you there," he confessed, his words laced with a tinge of longing. 
A smile graced my lips in response, opting to remain silent for a moment. I desired to delve deeper into our conversation. Over the years, we had developed endearing nicknames for one another. He affectionately called me Hazie, derived from my second name, a playful echo of Xyxie's nickname, which happened to rhyme with mine.
"Been pretty swamped with school work," I explained, hoping to provide some context for my absence. “Trying to build relationships with others.” I shrugged.
"Speaking of relationships, what's the deal with your best friend?" he suddenly inquired, catching me off guard. The mention of my best friend sparked a curiosity within him. "I've heard you got married. Is it Kian?"
A chuckle escaped my lips, surprised that he was aware of Kian's existence. They had never crossed paths, yet there was a subtle undertone of animosity in his mention of Kian's name. "No," I clarified, wanting to set the record straight. "Kian is just a friend. We actually met through Carmienne. They were schoolmates before."
"I'll make an effort to get to know him, Hazie," he stated with a serious tone. "I've been away for quite some time, and here you two are, already married."
I mustered a timid smile, barely perceptible. The way he framed it didn't place blame on my sister for the tragedy that had befallen. For a moment, I had believed that both of my cousins were lost to me, that all hope had vanished.
"You can still have a place in my life... in the future," I offered quietly. I meant it on my wedding.
"I know the sacrifices you and Carmienne have made, Hazie," he continued. "It wasn't her fault. It was an accident. I apologize for my father's actions—taking over your company and unjustly blaming Carmienne."
"It was also for the better. It was all for you," I uttered, smiling at him, reassuring that what he said was right. "We are family, Bri."
"You don't regret your marriage?" he asked casually, but that simple question managed to tear me up. It was so simple, yet I didn't even know how to answer it. I also craved answers. It made my heart crumple as if it were crushed in the palm of a strong man, gripped so hard that it was hard to breathe.
"I-I don't," I said, looking at the sky. "I was happy. I managed to be free, explore outside my comfort zone. I learned how to love and to be loved by someone I never expected to love me back."
I let out a sigh, my gaze shifting to meet his brown orbs. His eyes held a mix of concern and contemplation, as if searching for the right words. Brian had always been the listener, the one whom I confided in without hesitation. In times of joy and sorrow, he had been a steadfast presence, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. His support and understanding made him an invaluable confidant, someone I could trust with my deepest fears and secrets. In that moment, as his eyes met mine, I knew that he was ready to lend me his support once again, even if the weight of my emotions seemed insurmountable.
"I love my husband, yet we need to let go of each other," I smiled, a sad form of smile creeping onto my lips. "That made me realize everything and made me who I am today."
Bri's embrace enveloped me, his arms providing a comforting refuge from the storm of emotions raging within me. As he held me tightly, his touch seemed to soothe the ache in my heart, despite the tears streaming down my cheeks. In that moment, his presence served as a balm, offering solace amidst the turmoil of my thoughts.
The memories flooded back, vivid and painful. I couldn't help but reminisce about the time when Denver, the man I had loved with all my being. His voice carried a mixture of fear and concern, his worry for my safety palpable. He knew the danger that lurked within the world we had found ourselves tangled in, the ever-present threat of the opposing gangs and the risks I would face if I remained by his side.
Denver's plea to let go was not unfounded. It was a valid concern, a selfless act driven by a desire to protect me. I understood his reasons, acknowledging the genuine love that lay beneath his words. Yet, despite the rationality behind his plea, it didn't lessen the pain that surged through me.
To hear the person you hold dear, the one you've built countless dreams with, urging you to release your grip on the love you share is a bittersweet agony. It tore at the fibers of my being. While I grasped the necessity of his plea, the ache within me remained to the depth of my emotions and the wounds left by the act of letting go.
Brian is a safe space where I could pour out my sorrow. His presence was a reminder that I didn't have to face the pain alone. As his arms held me tight, I allowed myself to release the burden of my grief, finding a measure of healing within the warmth of his embrace.
"It will always be painful, especially if it's true, Hazie. You knew deeply that it was for the better."
I nodded within his embrace, feeling the warmth of his presence enveloping me. His hand gently ruffled my head, and that kind of relieved me, offering a small moment of comfort amidst the emotional turmoil. The reassurance in his touch reminded me that deep down, I knew it was for the better. 
Despite the ache in my heart, I was managing to move forward with my life. The challenges that came with the understanding that Denver and I needed space. It was a necessary step for both of us, a decision made in the hopes of finding clarity and growth. For the better, we had chosen to create some distance, allowing room for self-discovery and individual journeys to unfold.
"Let's head inside. My parents won't give you any trouble," Bri suggested, his voice laced with reassurance.
Uncertainty gnawed at me, causing me to hesitate. "You're aware of how they feel about me, Bri. They still harbor strong hatred."
He nodded, understanding the complexities of our familial dynamics. "I know, Hazie. But today is a special day. It's Carmienne's graduation, remember? She isn't here because of that. And besides, Xyxie would be thrilled to have you around."
Reluctantly, I relented, conceding to his persuasion. "Fine," I acquiesced, knowing deep down that family gatherings like these often brought mixed emotions and strained interactions.
We came to a halt when we spotted Mr. Galvosa outside the room, engaged in a conversation with the police officer assigned to watch over. Sensing my presence, he turned his gaze in my direction, his brows furrowed. With a small embrace, I approached him and greeted him.
"Uncle Dominic, what brings you here?" I inquired, breaking the silence that had stretched between our encounters. It had been a considerable amount of time since our last interaction, which took place when we departed from his grand estate.
"Jurius asked me to come. He had something to discuss with me," he replied, his eyes briefly glancing toward Brian, who stood beside me. "And who might this young man be?" he asked.
"I am Brian Golieza, sir. Sharmienne's cousin." Brian introduced himself, extending his hand for a shake. Recognition flickered across Mr. Galvosa's face, and I couldn't help but smile at the realization. 
"Ah, yes, I thought as much. You bear a striking resemblance to Jurius," Mr. Galvosa remarked, extending his hand to Brian and giving it a firm shake before releasing it. The recognition in his eyes confirmed the visual connection between them.
Brian voiced his concern, his tone hinting at a sense of professionalism. "Sir, it might have been more appropriate for my father to speak with you in his office or another suitable setting, rather than at the hospital."
Amidst Brian's comment, Uncle Dominic let out a chuckle. "Young man, there's no need to worry. I insisted on the meeting taking place here."
With that assurance, we entered the room, ready to engage in the conversation that Uncle Dominic had deemed necessary.
"Oh, gosh! Sharmienne?" we heard a squeal followed by a tight hug at my side. I immediately recognized it as Xyxie's embrace. I chuckled and hugged her back. "You came, Sha!"
"Of course! Carmienne couldn't make it because—"
"Yeah, it was due to her graduation," she interjected as I sense the disapproval in her voice. I simply smiled. "She did visit earlier, though, along with her husband."
We released each other from the embrace when Brian faked a cough, signaling that Mr. Galvosa was with us. Xyxie's eyes widened as she caught sight of the man standing among us.
"I remember you, sir," she squinted her eyes. "Are you Auntie Laurienne's ex-boyfriend?"
My mother's what?
"Xyxie!" Brian interrupted his sister, and I glanced at Uncle Dominic, who was staring at me. He sighed and was about to leave when someone opened the door behind us, revealing my parents and Uncle Jurius.
"What a surprise, Dominic!" Uncle Jurius was about to give a hug when Uncle Dominic stopped him with an intimidating look.
"What's the meaning of this, Jurius?" Uncle Dominic asked Uncle Jurius.
"We should tell you something, perhaps Laurienne should be the one to disclose it," Uncle Jurius suggested.
"Mom..." I whispered silently.
"Stop this, Jurius," my father's stern voice reverberated in the room. He glanced in our direction, making it clear that we shouldn't be here.
"It's perfect, Lucius. Your daughter is here. She should know about this," Uncle Jurius said, a smug expression appearing on his face. "Or should I say..." He burst into laughter, defying the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"Stop this, Jurius," my mom pleaded, clinging to my father's arm. Uncle Dominic looked in her direction, his eyes flickering with emotions upon seeing them.
"What's the meaning of this, Dad?" Brian asked his father.
"Something important that I need to attend to, son," Uncle Jurius replied. The smirk on his face remained, as if his plans were aligning with his desires. "What I wanted to inform you is that... it will be my son who will oversee the company. Not Carmienne nor Sharmienne."
"Dad..."
"I don't have a say in your family matters," Uncle Dominic said. "I should go—"
"Uh-uh." Uncle Dominic stopped him, interrupting Uncle Jurius. "You are, Dominic. You truly are."
He glanced at me, and his cunning smirk sent chills down my spine. His gaze suddenly turned serious, as if it could unleash daggers at any moment. 
"Because this girl right here..." He pointed at me. "Is not a true Golieza, but a Galvosa heiress." He turned to Uncle Dominic. "She's your daughter, Dominic Cameron Galvosa."