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"You can't, I don't want you to break down on me, that's why we're leaving now "

"No!" I argued, startling Hazel who had been staring at us this whole time.

In as much as I was chilled to my bone , I didn't want to leave.

That if we want to let everything go, the only way to be free from our demons was the place it all began .Where we might both find our salvation.

"We are already here, I'm fine, I promise"

I ignored his warning look, I knew he wouldn't do anything to startle Hazel, he didn't look too happy about it but he finally succumbed.

I took another once over at the huge intimidating mansion.

Although it was quiet and serene ,I wouldn't be fooled to think that this place wasn't fully secured.

We past by some men I guessed to be bodyguards.

They gave him curt nods as we approached, the moment we stepped inside we were ushered inside by a middle aged man who greeted Hayden with recognition, his gaze traveled from me to Hazel and widened just a fraction.

"Come in, it's high time, your old man has been waiting "

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Chapter SIXTY THREE

GRACIE

A huge mahogany desk separated us from the middle aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Hayden, though his eyes were not as deep as Hayden's, by what I presumed was due to age, the sides of his hair were streaked with grey, he stood tall , just about a few inches below Hayden.His presence demanding power despite his advanced age.

His gaze followed us as we made our way further inside the huge study .

My stomach tightened with just a hint of nervousness as he completed the distance between us, his gaze focused on all three of us

"Father " he acknowledged with a slight nod of his head .

I don't think he realized Hayden had spoken , his attention was solely fixed on Hazel who stared right back at him in open curiosity .

I saw a hint of softness in his gaze which slowly transformed into a small smile ,that alone set me a little at ease.

"Hello dear child " He spoke for the first time since we entered.

"Hello" she replied in the sweetest voice

"Come over here child " He beckoned extending his arms, Hazel looked up at me in that moment, her gaze seeking for approval, I reluctantly let go of her arms as she slowly made her way over to him.

He scrunched down a little to her level, his gaze flickered with something I knew to be wonder ,amazement and.......compassion even.

His palms cupped her features affectionately , Hazel didn't seem to mind the contact as she spoke.

"Are you my grandpa?daddy said we were coming to visit you "

"For sure I am and I've been wanting to see you very much child "The corners of his eyes cracked merrily as he spoke..

My gaze met Hayden's in that moment and lingered, he'd been right after all that his father was very eager to meet Hazel, they both seemed to be getting along well, but I still couldn't say the same about me as of yet.

As if on cue he straightened up back to full height, this time his attention was sorely fixated on me , his gaze wasn't friendly, but it wasn't hostile either.It was a relief when his gaze directed to Hayden, that was until he spoke.

"Can you leave us both for a moment , I want to speak to her....in private " he dragged out the last part.