The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

By the end of the workday, I needed to call Liam and break the news that our evening plans were officially canceled.

"Vera, perfect timing. I was just thinking about you. Everything alright?"

His voice always made my heart skip a beat, even through the phone.

"Hey, handsome. Everything's great, but I have to cancel tonight."

"My girlfriend is standing me up? This requires an explanation."

I could practically hear him pouting through the phone, which made me smile despite myself.

"It's girls' night. We're hitting the mall and then everyone's crashing at my place for a sleepover."

"So I'm condemned to spend the evening missing you instead of holding you? I'm starting to think your friends are plotting against me," Liam complained with exaggerated drama.

"Use this as an opportunity to hang out with your own friends. They're probably in the same boat. We'll make up for it tomorrow," I laughed.

"Fine, but only because I'm terrified of crossing your little army."

"Army?"

"Absolutely. You women operate like a military unit with perfect coordination and battle-ready tactics. I'm not brave enough to challenge that," he said, making me burst into laughter.

"Just promise me you won't let Levi and his crew crash your party."

"Relax, it's strictly a female operation."

After we hung up, his usual afternoon snack delivery arrived right on schedule. He'd started including Felix in these deliveries ever since she joined our team and became part of our tight-knit group.

At the mall, we introduced Felix to Thea, but surprisingly, Stella already knew her well.

"Wait, how do you two know each other?" Chloe asked, clearly intrigued.

"Felix used to work at that high-end makeup boutique, and Adrian was constantly lurking around there, pretending to shop while actually watching Stella at the clothing store next door," Felix explained with a grin.

"Then she convinced him to buy this incredibly expensive makeup collection with everything imaginable - creams, perfumes, the works. He presented it to me last Saturday like it was the crown jewels. It must have cost him a fortune," Stella said, shaking her head in amusement.

"You should have seen his expression when the cashier rang up the total," Felix added with a mischievous smile. "But now I've got this amazing job that pays well, and I absolutely love it."

"Adrian is absolutely shameless," Scarlett declared, laughing. "But listen up, ladies, Felix is our new mission now that Hazel has forgiven Liam. We're going to transform this beauty completely. I've already promised to set her up with someone from our circle - you know, gorgeous, sophisticated, and devastatingly attractive like our men."

"And you already have someone specific in mind, don't you?" Thea asked knowingly.

"Definitely," Scarlett's eyes practically sparkled with mischief.

"So Felix, do we have complete creative control over your makeover?" Stella asked with barely contained excitement.

"Just don't damage my braces," Felix replied. "Everything else is completely fair game."

"Felix, sweetie, can't your orthodontist switch you to removable braces? Your teeth already look perfectly straight," Chl said, gently lifting Felix's chin to examine her smile.

"My next evaluation appointment is scheduled for next month," Felix explained.

"Not anymore. We're moving that appointment to this week," Chloe announced with authority.

When Chl mentioned rescheduling Felix's appointment, something nagged at the back of my mind, like I was forgetting something important. But that thought vanished completely when Stella dragged us into the dress boutique.

Our girls' night exceeded all expectations and was absolutely magical. "Project Felix" had evolved into a full-scale mission that was guaranteed to succeed spectacularly. We conquered the dress shop, lingerie boutique, shoe department, and makeup counters. We scheduled appointments for nail treatments, hair styling, facials, and waxing sessions. Chl would handle the dentist appointment and personally accompany Felix to insist on switching to removable braces.

We left the shopping center practically buried under shopping bags, but we were transforming this girl into an absolute knockout, as Thea proudly declared. Back at my apartment, we turned Felix into our personal makeover doll, experimenting with different makeup looks. It was the perfect girly night filled with laughter and bonding.

The following day, Liam appeared at my office to take me to lunch.

"I couldn't handle being separated from you any longer, my angel," he said, wrapping me in his arms.

"I missed you desperately too." "How was your evening?" "Absolutely fantastic. What about yours?"

"The typical routine. The guys, whiskey, and poker at Damian's place."

"I found it fascinating that you guys included my brother and his friends in your game night, Liam," Scarlett said, appearing behind him with a knowing smirk.

"What exactly do you mean?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"We invited Levi and his entire crew to join our poker game. All to keep that particular group far away from our women! The guys are actually pretty decent, the only issue is they want what belongs to us," Liam replied with a grin, making us laugh at their obvious jealousy.

"You're telling me you invited them specifically to keep them away from us?" I asked in complete disbelief.

"You know the expression, my angel, better safe than sorry!" Liam's grin widened considerably.

Thursday arrived, and we girls headed to the beauty salon during our lunch break, which triggered immediate protests from our boyfriends who wanted to take us out for romantic lunches. But we explained that we wanted to look even more stunning for them, which immediately pacified their complaints.

The entire week had been absolutely perfect. Everything was progressing smoothly at work, Liam spent every night at my apartment except for girls' night, which was incredible. Leo was becoming increasingly fascinated with Liam, practically attaching himself to him whenever possible.

But Friday arrived, and I had finally reached my decision. I had already discussed everything with the girls on Tuesday, and they completely supported me. Then I had conversations with Morris and Adrian.

When Liam arrived to pick me up, I suggested dinner, and he was immediately enthusiastic about the idea. We chose an incredibly romantic bistro with dim lighting, flickering candles on every table, and soft instrumental music creating the perfect intimate atmosphere.

We finished our main course, and Liam ordered our signature chocolate dessert. Before the waiter could bring the cake, I decided to speak.

"I've reached a decision."

"Really? About what specifically?" He asked with genuine interest, clearly not understanding my reference.

"I promised I would give you my answer today."

His eyes immediately lit up with recognition, and I could see a hint of nervousness creeping in. He looked directly into my eyes and asked:

"Are you returning to the company?"

"Yes, I'm going to work alongside you again," I said with a smile.

His eyes overflowed with pure joy. He leaned over and gave me a passionate kiss.

"You've made me the happiest man alive. When do you start?"

"Monday." I watched his smile grow even brighter. "Now, ask the waiter to box up that cake to go, because we're going to enjoy it at your apartment," I said in my most seductive tone.

He immediately signaled the waiter, followed my instructions, and requested the check. We left the restaurant with him pulling me close by the waist, walking with obvious urgency.

"I want to enjoy my dessert as soon as possible," Liam whispered in my ear as he fastened my seatbelt.