Eric immediately stopped Hazel. He knew how upset Hazel was by Bella and James's arrival, one after the other, without any shame or guilt. But Eric also didn't want Hazel to have bigger problems than before.

“Can't you just let me live in peace, James?! Why are you always so unhappy when Bella teases me?” Hazel snapped.

James remained silent, staring at Hazel, whose body was being held by Eric to prevent her from attacking. Honestly, he desperately wanted to hug Hazel, to apologize with all his heart, even though he knew he couldn’t be forgiven.

Meanwhile, Eric was worried that he was holding Hazel too tightly and might hurt...