Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176 An Instant Connection

Finished

“Everyone, let me introduce you,” Kieran said, beaming. This is my sister, Quinn Hart. And this is my girlfriend, Hazel Mitchell.”

“Hi, Quinn,” Hazel said with a warm smile. “Kieran talks about you all the time. He’s told me how beautiful you are, but seeing you in person? You’re even more stunning than the photos. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hi, Hazel!” Quinn replied enthusiastically. “I just found out about you recently. But looking at you two together, I can tell you’re perfect for each other. You’re exactly his type. I hope you two stay happy together

forever.”

Quinn immediately took a liking to her brother’s girlfriend. Hazel seemed like a well-mannered, gentle woman-someone their mom would definitely approve of.

Quinn remembered the last time she’d gone home, her mom had brought up her relationship with Felix. Her mom had admitted she’d opposed it at first, thinking Felix was an unreliable guy. But that opposition had driven a wedge between them, costing her precious time with her daughter. She’d regretted it every single day since.

“Thank you, sweetie,” Hazel said, her eyes crinkling with joy.

“Alright, enough with the pleasantries,” Kieran cut in, grinning. “Let’s all sit down and eat. You just came from the studio-you must be starving.” He’d always been attentive to Quinn’s needs.

“Got it!” Quinn said, plopping into her seat like a kid. With her brother around, she could always let her guard down and act like the little sister she was.

Hazel watched Kieran dote on Quinn, a soft smile tugging at her lips. It was obvious how close the siblings were-how much Kieran cared about his sister.

She felt a twinge of envy, followed by a hint of sadness. You two have such an amazing bond,” she said quietly. “It’s nothing like my family dynamic at all.

“I have two older brothers by blood. But my parents have always favored them since we were kids. And my brothers? They never paid any attention to me, like I didn’t even exist.”

Her voice dropped as she spoke, the pain of her past evident in her tone.

Quinn frowned, her heart going out to Hazel. She’d never guessed that this elegant, gentle woman had grown up in such a tough environment. It was heartbreaking to hear.

“Why would they treat you like that?” Quinn asked softly

“I was born into a family that values boys over girls. And honestly? My birth was an accident,” Hazel explained, her voice flat. “From the day I came into this world, they never really cared about me. I used to argue with them all the time, asking why they’d even bothered to have me.

“They had the means to give me a good life. But instead they made every single day a struggle. I’ll never understand why.”

Quinn was stunned. She’d never imagined Hazel’s childhood could be so painful. She didn’t look like someone who’d grown up neglected.

“But then I met Kieran,” Hazel said, her face lighting up like a lightbulb. “He brought so much hope into my

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Chapter 176 An Instant Connection.

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life. He made me feel like my life could be different-like I could finally have something good. He’s changed everything for me.”

Her voice was filled with happiness, like she’d finally found her safe haven.

“It’s true-my brother’s a really thoughtful, gentle guy,” Quinn said earnestly. “You two are going to be so happy together. He’ll be your rock, your family. And I’ll treat you like my own older sister from now on.

“If you ever feel sad or have something on your mind, you can always call me. I’ll be there for you no matter what.”

Quinn wasn’t great at comforting people, and she couldn’t fully understand what Hazel had been through. But she knew she could offer her warmth and support. Soon, they’d be family-she wanted Hazel to feel loved.

“Thank you, Quinn,” Hazel said, her eyes glistening with tears. “We just met, but I already feel like we click. I really like your personality.”

It was one of those rare, instant connections-like they’d known each other for years.

They enjoyed a wonderful dinner, chatting and laughing the whole time. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful.

Quinn couldn’t stop thinking about Hazel’s story, though. Her heart ached for everything Hazel had endured. But it was okay-from now on, Hazel would have a new family who loved her. As long as she and Kieran were happy, Quinn would do everything she could to make Hazel feel at home.

Quinn had never experienced the pain of being discriminated against for her gender, but she could tell it had left deep scars on Hazel.

After dinner, they walked Hazel home together. Kieran had been swamped with work alongside Peyton these past few days, so he’d been staying with Peyton to get things done. He promised he’d come spend time with Hazel as soon as their work calmed down.

Hazel was incredibly understanding. She knew Kieran had important things to take care of, so she never complained or held it against him.

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Done with Cheater’s Coldness, Shine in Rival’s Arms