Spectacular Man

After spending a long while in the kitchen, Emma finally emerged, holding plates in both hands. She looked exhausted. It had been so long since she prepared a meal herself. Cooking had always been Ava’s responsibility. But now, with Hazel around, Emma felt the need to play the role of a doting mother—at least for appearances.

The aroma of the food drifted into the living room where Ava and Hazel sat. Ava’s stomach rumbled so loudly that it made Hazel glance over. Smiling, Hazel retracted her hand holding the ice pack and raised an eyebrow.

“Come on, let’s go have dinner. Then we’re heading out,” she said, getting to her feet.

Ava frowned slightly as she slowly stood up. She was drained, and the thought of going out seemed impossible with how heavy her body felt. She hadn’t eaten a single bite all day.

“Where are we going, Hazel?” Ava asked, reaching up to touch her cheek. It was cold and damp from the ice pack.

Hazel, grinning like a child who’d just gotten a lollipop, linked her arm with Ava’s. “You’ll see,” she said playfully, refusing to give away the surprise.

They made their way to the dining room, where Hazel pulled out a chair and motioned for Ava to sit. Ava smiled warmly. She wasn’t surprised. Hazel always treated her like a little sister, even though they were the same age—both having turned twenty just a few months ago. The love Hazel had for her was obvious to everyone. But even so, Ava never used that affection as leverage against her family. No matter how distant or cruel they could be, they were still her family.

Everyone had now gathered at the table. Even Charlotte came down from her room. Sulking or not, she would never miss one of Emma’s meals—her cooking was impeccable. But her distaste showed in the way her eyes flicked toward Ava, who was devouring her food hungrily. Hazel chuckled and patted Ava’s back.

“Slow down, girl. The food’s not going anywhere.”

Ava looked up sheepishly and realized everyone was watching her. She quickly swallowed and focused on her plate, flushed with embarrassment.

Soon, dinner was over. Dylan was the first to leave the table. Charlotte stood and turned to head upstairs when Hazel’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Charlotte, come put the dishes away.”

Her steps froze. She clenched her fists, her nails digging painfully into her palms. The sting pulled her back to reality. Slowly, she turned back to the table, her expression tight.

“This is my house, Hazel,” she said with false calm. “And if anyone should be cleaning up, it’s Ava.”

Ava had already risen to clear the dishes, but Hazel reached out and stopped her.

“I’m not disputing that this is your house, Charlotte,” Hazel said coolly. “But Ava’s hurt. Can’t you be decent for once and take care of it?”

Her tone cut through the room like ice—mocking, firm, and unapologetic.

Emma, who had been silently simmering, stood up and moved to gather the dishes herself. The last thing she wanted was Hazel’s temper flaring up again.

But Hazel stepped in.

“No, Aunt Emma. Charlotte will do it. And if she doesn’t…” She turned to Ava with a smile. “Then she won’t be coming out with us tonight.”

Charlotte’s expression shifted instantly. Her gaze snapped to Hazel, her lips parted. “Where are you going?” she asked softly, the anger drained from her voice.

Hazel raised her chin, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. “To celebrate Ava.”

She was now standing face-to-face with Charlotte.

“So?” she added. “Are you in or not?”

Charlotte hesitated for only a second before moving to clear the dishes. Emma and Ava exchanged stunned glances as they watched Charlotte disappear into the kitchen.

All for an outing, Emma thought bitterly. Hazel had her wrapped around her little finger.

“Come on, Ava. Let’s go get ready,” Hazel said cheerfully, grabbing Ava’s arm and tugging her upstairs.

Ava smiled faintly as she allowed herself to be pulled along.

Once inside Ava’s room, Hazel tossed her white purse and phone onto the bed and made a beeline for the closet.

“My baby has to look extra pretty tonight,” she mumbled, rifling through Ava’s clothes with focused intensity.

Ava chuckled and dropped onto the bed. She knew Hazel wouldn’t find anything she liked—her closet was filled with basics: jeans, sweatshirts, baggy tees.

As Ava lay back and stretched out, her hand brushed against Hazel’s phone. She quickly sat up and picked it up, curiosity sparking.

She opened the browser and rubbed her forehead, trying to recall the name that Layla had been practically chanting earlier.

Zac… Zac!

A wide smile curved her lips as she typed it in.

Dozens of “Zacs” filled the screen, but the first picture was unmistakable.

She clicked.

Zachary Gonzalez. A multi-billionaire. The youngest CEO of Gonzalez Corporations. His company had taken over the Texas business scene and was expanding overseas.

Ava’s jaw dropped. She had sensed something powerful about him earlier… but a billionaire? The youngest one in Texas?

She scrolled further, looking for more. But oddly enough, there were no personal details. No age, no family, no relationship status—nothing.

Suddenly, the phone was snatched from her hands.

She gasped, only to find Hazel standing over her, looking mildly annoyed.

“What were you looking at that you didn’t even hear me calling you?” Hazel asked.

Ava blinked, still dazed.

Hazel glanced down at her phone—and her face lit up instantly. “Ooooh,” she sang, grinning. “Zac, huh?”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “You know him?”

Hazel scoffed. “Who doesn’t know Zachary Gonzalez? Young, rich, and ridiculously hot. He’s like… every woman’s fantasy.”

Ava’s mouth hung open. She was the only one who hadn’t heard of him, apparently.

Hazel caught the stunned look on her cousin’s face and narrowed her eyes.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen him before? He’s always on the business channel. Headlines. TV.”

Ava lowered her gaze. “He came to the coffee shop today.”

Hazel blinked. “Who?”

Ava pointed to the phone. “Him. Zachary Gonzalez.”

For a moment, Hazel was quiet. Then she burst into laughter.

“Ava! That’s impossible. Zachary Gonzalez? In your tiny coffee shop?” Hazel grinned and shook her head. “You must’ve imagined it.”

But Ava’s expression didn’t waver. She wasn’t mistaken. The man she’d seen today—his presence, his eyes—was the same man staring back at her from Hazel’s phone.