The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

The morning sun streamed through our apartment windows as Liam insisted once again on handling both Leo's daycare drop-off and my commute to work. His determination to maximize every moment with us had become his morning ritual.

"I want to soak up every second I can get with my family," he murmured against my ear as we gathered Leo's things.

At Tiny Steps Daycare, Mrs. Henderson greeted us with her usual warm smile. Her eyes moved between Liam and Leo, and that familiar look of recognition crossed her face.

"What a handsome father and son duo," she commented, studying their profiles. "Leo has your strong jawline, Mr. Blackwood. The resemblance is really quite striking."

Before I could open my mouth to clarify the situation, Liam stepped forward with that confident smile of his.

"Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. I see it too," he replied smoothly, his hand finding the small of my back in a possessive gesture.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Each time someone made these assumptions, Liam embraced them more fully. The way he claimed Leo without hesitation should have worried me, but instead, it sent warmth spreading through my chest.

The drive to Apex Galaxy passed in unusual silence. Liam's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than normal, his jaw set in that particular way that meant his mind was churning through something heavy. I could practically see the wheels turning behind those intense blue eyes.

As we approached the familiar glass towers of my workplace, he finally broke the quiet tension that had settled between us.

"Hazel, I need to ask you something, and I hope you won't shut me down." His voice carried a weight that made my stomach clench. "Last night, when your cousin and her husband were talking, they mentioned that you don't know who Leo's father is. I've been trying to push it out of my head, but I can't stop thinking about it."

My breath caught in my throat. Of all the conversations I'd been dreading, this one topped the list.

"Liam, we're literally pulling into Apex right now. This isn't exactly a parking lot conversation," I said, buying myself time as panic fluttered in my chest.

"I know the timing sucks, but it's been eating at me since last night. When I first found out about Leo, I asked Evelyn if she knew who his father was. She said only you could tell me because it was too personal." His knuckles were white against the steering wheel now. "I'm going to give Leo my name regardless. As far as I'm concerned, he's already my son. But I need to understand."

The vulnerability in his voice nearly broke me. Here was this powerful man, laying his heart bare in a parking garage.

"The truth is pretty straightforward, even if it makes me look foolish," I began, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I met Leo's father one night. We spent those hours together, and then he vanished like smoke. A few weeks later, I found out I was carrying his child."

Liam's jaw ticked, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

"He has no idea Leo exists. Even if I wanted to tell him, I wouldn't know how to find him. He disappeared completely, like our night together meant absolutely nothing to him."

"Does he know he has a son out there?"

"No, and honestly, there's no way for me to track him down. If I could find him, I wouldn't keep Leo from knowing his biological father. But that ship has sailed." The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

Liam reached across the console and captured my hand, bringing it to his lips. The gentle kiss he pressed to my knuckles sent shivers up my arm.

"You don't need to feel ashamed about any of that, Hazel. Leo has me now, and that's all that matters."

As he parked in front of Apex Galaxy, Liam moved with fluid grace to open my door. The moment I stepped onto the pavement, his strong arms circled my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. His kiss was deep and claiming, the kind that left me breathless and wanting more.

"When are you coming back where you belong? Working beside me?" His voice was rough against my lips.

I couldn't help but laugh, even as desire pooled low in my belly. "You're relentless."

"Give me until Friday to make my decision. But you have to promise that whatever I choose, you'll respect it."

"I can't make promises I might not keep, but I can wait until Friday." That devastating smile spread across his face, the one that made my knees weak. "Have the most incredible day, my angel. I'm going to be counting the minutes until I see you again."

"I'll be thinking about you too." I rose on my tiptoes for one more quick kiss before forcing myself to walk toward the building.

The morning flew by until a delivery arrived at my desk. A stunning arrangement of pink and white tulips sat among delicate baby's breath, filling my workspace with their sweet fragrance.

Felix's round face appeared over our shared cubicle wall, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Hazel, those flowers are absolutely gorgeous! Your boyfriend is head over heels for you. Do you think I'll ever find someone who loves me like that?"

"Felix, you're only twenty-two. You have plenty of time to find your person. Just focus on enjoying your life right now," I said warmly.

Scarlett's perfectly styled head popped up from the other side, her expression mischievous.

"Felix, honey, I could introduce you to some really sophisticated men. I know plenty of successful guys who would appreciate a sweet girl like you."

"Yeah right, like any high-class guy would give me a second look," Felix said, her self-doubt evident.

"Are you kidding? You're beautiful, Felix. You just need to see it yourself," I insisted.

"Why don't you come shopping with us after work? We could give you a complete makeover. Stella has an incredible eye for style," Scarlett suggested enthusiastically.

"But wouldn't your friends mind having a stranger crash your plans?" Felix's voice carried hope mixed with uncertainty.

"Trust me, the girls would love to have a new project. They'll treat you like their favorite dress-up doll," I assured her with a grin.

"Okay, if you're sure they won't mind, I'd love to come," Felix said, her excitement bubbling over.

"Perfect! Now let's grab some coffee before the afternoon rush hits," Scarlett announced.

Walking toward the break room, I pulled out my phone to text Liam.

"The tulips make my whole day brighter. I love you more than words can say."

His response came within seconds.

"You'll be getting fresh tulips every week for the rest of our lives together. I love you beyond measure."

Reading his message sent warmth flooding through my entire body. How had this man become so essential to my happiness in such a short time? The thought of life without him felt impossible now. Maybe soulmates really did exist, and maybe I'd finally found mine.