Another week had passed, and within this time period, Hazel had mustered up the strength to have a family meeting regarding the contract, and of course, Valentina was there to explain things further.

Mia was disappointed at first but began to understand her motives. She knew Hazel always acted rash whenever she'd struggle with something, but she never knew the extent of how far she'd take it.

Since Teagan already knew, she had kept her mouth shut and respected her sister's truth to tell about the contract, although at times she tried her best to defend both Valentina and Hazel from her mother's upset behaviour.

In the week, Hazel and Valentina's relationship has never been stronger as their love was now not bound by a contract or secrets, consequently, both had no doubts, or so Valentina believed.

A deadline was needed to be met whether the two wanted it or not. Valentina wanted her life to revolve around Hazel and her family, no matter the cost or consequence. Hazel of course felt the same, but she was more stressed about what she was going to do before the contract ended, which was less than a week now.

"What're you doing out here?" A mellow voice called from behind Hazel.

Turning around to be met with the eyes of her lover, Hazel absentmindedly smiled. "Nothing really. I just felt like a nightly swim."

Continuing lights shone below the water's surface, reflecting coloured lights around its exterior as it laid upon Valentina's face.

"Can I ask you something?" Hazel muttered slightly above an audible whisper, her shy nature becoming more prominent than her confident side.

Confused at her sudden shyness, Valentina sat at the edge of the pool, her feet submerged in the warmth of the water. "Of course. Go on."

Hazel took a deep breath before she ushered herself to continue. "Do you love me?"

The question caused a crease in Valentina's brow as she was taken back by her response. With silence falling upon them for a few seconds, Hazel felt the need to continue.

"Because I know I do." She muttered, afraid of the look on her lover's face, so she decided to play with the water around her and she explained further. "We both know romance isn't exactly what we thought would happen between us. A-and I understand if you don't feel the same about me but I-"

"-What makes you think that?" Valentina questioned, the blonde looking towards the woman.

Hazel moved closer to the edge of the pool in which her lover sat. "Nothing, Val, I just-" She cut herself off before her words would come out wrong.

"-I'm scared," Hazel mumbled after she looked up to meet Valentina's eyes once more. They glistened with hope and concern. "I only have a few more days with you, and I don't want this to end because of a contract I signed three months ago."

The blonde had caught the brunette's hand in hers. "You're the one thing good I have left in my life. I don't want to hold you back, but I don't want to lose you at the same time."

A soft smile laid upon Valentina's lips. "You could never lose me." She whispered, her body slowly submerging itself in the water as she clothes began to flow underneath her.

Still with their hands interlocked, Valentina and Hazel were standing near the edge of the pool. Their eyes reciprocating each emotion they ever felt for each other.

"I love you, Hazel. And nothing would change that." Valentina continued as she put her forehead on Hazel's.

There was a moment of comfortable silence which was spent embracing each other before Hazel had leaned back and had taken Valentina's lips on hers.

The kiss was passionate enough for Valentina's knees to weaken and her hands to wrap around her neck as she deepened the kiss. She moaned as her feet began to move backwards until she had hit the wall behind her, and she felt her body become engaged by Hazel.

At this moment, no doubts were set in Hazel's mind, not even a contract arrangement.