She’s My Responsibility

Staring deeply at Ava, Zac’s gaze slowly shifted from anger to calmness. Little by little, he walked fully into the area, his sharp eyes never leaving her figure. Everyone in the boutique had their eyes on Ava now, inwardly assuming that she was in serious trouble for attracting Zac’s attention. None could understand why Zac would stare at her in such a way—it could only mean impending scolding.

When he reached where Mia Dawson stood, Zac’s eyes crinkled slightly, narrowing into a piercing glare devoid of warmth.

“What are you doing here, Mia Dawson?” His voice was deep and sharp, his hands tucked nonchalantly in his trouser pockets, exuding a distant, commanding aura.

Lifting her chin defiantly, Mia retorted, “What do you mean, Zac? You might own this place, but I have every right to be here.” Her voice was firm, and her pretty face showed a touch of proud confidence.

Meanwhile, Hazel, who had been searching around for Ava, finally found her. She was about to scold her, but her attention shifted to the intense scene unfolding. Although she wasn’t surprised to see Zachary Gonzalez—knowing he was the owner of the boutique. 

Hazel wasn’t familiar with Mia Dawson and couldn’t help but wonder if she was perhaps Zac’s wife.

“Who’s that woman, Hazel?” Ava asked curiously once she noticed Hazel beside her.

“I’m not sure,” Hazel muttered, straining for a better look at Mia.

After a last fleeting glance at Ava, Zac spoke in a crisp, low voice, “Come with me,” and turned around sharply. 

Mia’s hands clenched into fists as she followed, clearly furious.

But before she could leave, she turned and roughly shoved the terrified staff member to the floor. A silent gasp rippled through the boutique, Ava included. Hazel’s eyes reddened with anger at the sight of the helpless girl on the floor.

“That was not nice,” Hazel said firmly, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Mia froze mid-step. Whirling around, she glared daggers at Hazel.

“Who are you to tell me what’s nice and what’s not? Do you even know who I am?” Her voice was like ice.

Ava tugged gently on Hazel’s hand, whispering, “Let’s just leave.”

But Hazel pulled her hand away, her fiery gaze locked on Mia. Ava knew that stubborn expression all too well—Hazel wasn’t backing down.

“I don’t care who you are,” Hazel said steadily, taking a step forward. “You shouldn’t treat people like that, no matter your status.”

The boutique staff held their breath, wide-eyed at Hazel’s boldness. No one ever spoke back to Mia Dawson. No one except, perhaps, Zachary Gonzalez.

Mia’s rage was nearly visible, her fists trembling. She sneered coldly.

“Do you even realize who you’re talking to?” She scoffed. “I’m Mia Dawson, heiress of Dawson Group, with companies all over the world.”

At the mention of the name, Hazel’s eyes darkened slightly, recognizing it. Dawson Group was a titan in the automobile and appliance industries. No wonder Mia’s face had seemed familiar.

Mia chuckled dryly, stepping closer.

“Seems you know now. Maybe you’d like to know my relationship with Zachary Gonzalez too?” she teased, her voice dripping with condescension.

Ava’s heart skipped a beat. She hated to admit it, but she was anxious to hear more about Mia’s relationship with Zac.

“You better mind your words next time,” Mia said coldly. “Because if you dare again, you won’t get off so easily.” Her glare was so intense that Hazel could almost feel the heat of it burning into her skin.

At that moment, Blake appeared at the entrance.

“Miss Mia, Mr. Gonzalez is waiting for you outside,” he said, carefully picking his words.

Without another word, Mia threw Hazel a final venomous glance and swept out, brushing past Blake with a disdainful glare.

—

Outside the boutique…

Standing beside his Ferrari, Zac had slid on a pair of sunglasses to avoid attracting more attention. His expression remained stoic, but inside, he was a maelstrom of emotions.

Back inside the boutique, he had wanted nothing more than to approach Ava—ask her how she had been, tell her she looked even more beautiful now—but his pride stopped him.

He clenched his fists at his sides.

Why do I have to see her again when I’ve been trying to forget her?

His mind flickered back to that night—the way Ava had spoken about some other guy. Was he her boyfriend?

Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he muttered, “What’s wrong with me?”

Resolving to forget about Ava, he turned his attention back to why he was there: Mia Dawson.

When Mia finally came out, Zac’s jaw tightened. She looked up at him, her smile casual, as if nothing serious had just happened.

“So, what’s up, Zac?” she asked nonchalantly, stepping closer.

Zac’s brows furrowed deeply.

“Is it ignorance or insanity?” His voice was a low growl. “How many times do I have to warn you to stay away from me completely?”

Mia tossed her hair back, feigning nonchalance.

“What do you mean stay away? Remember, your child is with me. It’s your responsibility to care for her. Since you can’t, you shouldn’t complain about the little things I do—shopping, jewelry, and the like.”

Zac scoffed, incredulous. Since when did my brother’s daughter become mine?

He shot a glance at Blake, who immediately averted his gaze, pretending not to hear.

Finally, Zac said coldly, “Bring her to my house tomorrow. From now on, she’s my responsibility.”

Mia’s face paled. Panic rose in her chest. This was exactly what she feared—being completely cut off from Zac.

“I can’t be apart from my daughter,” she protested weakly, dropping her gaze.

“She’s also my brother’s daughter,” Zac said sharply. Then without another glance at her, he opened the car door and got in, ending the conversation.

Left standing there, Mia bit down on her lip until it turned white, stomping her foot in frustration as Zac drove away without looking back.