Bewitched His Soul

They had completed their meal, and Enzo left a huge tip, as he was very satisfied with the service. Most importantly, Hazel had enjoyed and savored the meal.

Enzo was talking on the phone while Hazel walked towards the exit. As soon as she opened the door, her face became pale, as if she had seen a ghost, and quickly, shut the door. Hazel turned back and did not notice Enzo was behind her, so she hit her nose on his solid chest.

"Ouch!" Hazel rubbed her nose, hissing in pain. Enzo ended the call and kept the mobile in his coat pocket.

"How can you be so careless?" Enzo asked. Since he worked out regularly in the gym, he had developed a strong muscular frame, while Hazel was like a delicate flower who withered under a harsh touch.

Enzo pulled her hands down and said, "Stop rubbing. It will turn redder." The pain had reduced a little bit. Hazel poked her finger in his chest and complained, "What do you eat? Your chest feels like it's made of steel."

Enzo chuckled and replied, "If I am not strong, how can I protect you?" 

"I am not a child. I can protect myself," Hazel scoffed.

"Oh really," Enzo mocked her and, without warning, pinched her waist.

"Hey! You are so evil!" Hazel hit his hand and rubbed the area where he pinched her.

"See, you are so delicate and cannot withstand a little pain. What will you do without me?" Enzo raised his brow, for which Hazel rolled her eyes.

"By the way, why did you close the door?" Enzo asked.

Hazel got nervous and avoided looking into his eyes. Enzo gave her a curious gaze and knew she was hiding something. She was too transparent and never knew how to conceal her emotions. He walked past her and opened the door. Hazel stood rooted to the spot, fiddling with her fingers.

"Let's go," Enzo called her impatiently. She slowly took a step towards him and as soon as she stepped outside the room, she looked around as if she was looking for someone.

They had just taken a few steps when Hazel heard familiar voices and hid behind him.

Enzo noticed she had clutched his coat tightly, and he looked in the direction where the noise was coming, spotting a group of girls. He observed them carefully, and noticed they all looked around Hazel's age. By their attire, he could tell they were also college students. Enzo guessed Hazel might know them. They might even be her friends or classmates.

He was silent until all the girls left the venue and then turned towards Hazel. "Who are they? Why are you hiding from them?" Enzo asked sternly.

"No.. one," Hazel stammered.

"You know I don't like lies. Either way, I will find out, so you should tell me everything," Enzo warned.

"They are my classmates," Hazel answered when she saw Enzo would not leave the place without getting his answers. Enzo had both the hands in his trouser pockets and glared at her to continue.

"They will see us," Hazel stated.

"So what?" Enzo frowned, not knowing what she meant.

"Then they will talk," Hazel said.

"What are all these riddles? Just say it clearly," Enzo scowled, as he had no idea why she was so troubled.

"My classmates might see us and think we are together. They would gossip and spread rumors all over the college," Hazel explained.

"Hazel, people will always have something to say. It does not mean we cannot enjoy our life. And why should he bother about someone else's opinion? We hardly know them," Enzo said.

"You do not understand," Hazel said helplessly.

"Then help me understand," Enzo said, but after a second, something flashed in his mind.

"Are you ashamed of me? Is that why you were hiding from everyone?" Enzo hissed.

Hearing her silence, his fury increased. He was Lorenzo Santoris, people boasted when they had conversations with him. Women were happy if he even spent one night with them. Beautiful and sexy women flocked around him and did crazy things to get his attention. And here she was, the only woman who has him wrapped around her little finger felt he was not up to her standard?

"Did you come to the college gate early so that your friends will not see me?" Enzo asked.

Hazel bit her lip, further confirming his suspicion. She sat in the corner seat nearest the door so that she could walk out of the class as soon as the bell rang because she had run to stop Enzo from entering the college campus.

"Dammit!" Enzo fumed.

"I am not ashamed of you. You have mistaken my intention," Hazel murmured when she saw the blazing fire in his eyes.

"Explain to me then." Enzo tightened his fists.

"After you break up with me, my classmates will talk behind my back, and it won't be good. You may get away with anything, as everyone worships you. My dad is very strict, and he will be angry as he had made it clear that I was not supposed to date until I complete my education," Hazel said.

"And why do you think I will break up with you?" Enzo snapped.

"Don't think I am unaware of your terrible reputation. You have so many female friends. You play with them and then break their hearts," Hazel accused him.

Hazel has seen on TV and magazines how they depicted Enzo as a ruthless businessman who always had a new woman on his arm every few months. Once he gets bored with them, he discards them like tissue, and those women confessed they were still in love with him and did not mind getting back together. 

Enzo might have said he loved her, but he never specified for how long. She did not know his true intentions and thought he might dump her like his previous women. She may be different from his ex, so he was interested, and for the time being, he wants to have fun in his normal routine.

Enzo was dumbfounded when he heard her reasoning. He never thought she believed the useless tabloid news and doubted his sincerity. She had this notion that he had been playing with her and their relationship might end any day.

"Hazel, listen to me carefully. I will not repeat this again. I have never been with all those women. You know we all belong to aristocratic families, so people are always interested in our personal lives. The media makes use of this and publishes fake news. If I say hello to a woman, they will write that we are dating. Some women do not deny it because it makes them popular, and it boosts their career," Enzo slowly explained, as if he was talking to a child.

"Oh," Hazel felt lost in his eyes and nodded her head.

Enzo put his hands on her waist and pulled her towards him. "I am in love with you. By doubting my intentions, you are pointing fingers at my character. You have grown up with me. So you should know that I will never make false promises to any woman, especially to you. I've had a soft spot for you even before I even realized my feelings. I have never been so sure about anything in my life as I am about you," Enzo said as his eyes filled with love.

"You only love me?" Hazel had both her hands around his neck.