The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

The office door flew open, and Chloe stormed in leading a pack of fierce women behind her.

"What kind of mess have you created this time, Sterling?" Chloe's voice cut through the room like a blade.

"Chloe, please. Not right now," Liam's voice carried exhaustion and desperation.

"Oh yes, right now! I warned you not to hurt my friend." Chloe dropped beside me on the couch, wrapping protective arms around my shoulders. "Get out. Your boys are waiting in the lobby. We'll handle Hazel from here. Move!"

The fury radiating from her made Liam step back. He dragged both hands down his face, pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, and retreated. Through my tears, I saw my circle of support: Chloe, Stella, Thea, Scarlett, and Felix surrounding me like guardian angels.

"Stella called the moment everything went down. We dropped everything to get here," Thea explained softly. "Owen filled us in on what happened."

The warmth of their loyalty wrapped around me, but it couldn't stop the trembling in my chest.

"Everything's collapsing again," I whispered, fresh tears spilling over.

"Hazel, breathe. Liam made the smart choice sending Damian with that manipulative princess for proper testing. We wait this out together, okay?" Scarlett's hand found my knee, steady and reassuring.

We remained barricaded in Liam's office while time crawled forward. Liam had burgers and fries delivered, passing them through Stella at the door with strict instructions that we needed to eat to keep our strength up.

"Chl, we should go. Leo needs us. Miranda's been watching him all day," I said, my mind suddenly snapping back to my responsibilities.

"Relax, honey. I already spoke with Miranda. She's staying at my place through the weekend. Even ordered pizza for them because you know how my little guy goes crazy for pizza," Chloe soothed me.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Without all of you."

"Oh, you'd probably be stumbling around the city like a lost soul," Chloe quipped, trying to inject some lightness into the darkness. "Now eat something. Whatever happens, you can't fall apart. Leo needs you strong."

Thinking of my son gave me the push I needed. I managed a few bites of the sandwich, though it tasted like cardboard. The girls filled the silence with random chatter, working hard to ease the suffocating tension. I'd finally stopped the waterworks when we heard a crash from the reception area followed by raised voices. I forced myself not to react.

Liam returned looking like he'd been through a hurricane. His hair stuck up at odd angles, his eyes were bloodshot, and his shirt was wrinkled.

"Ladies, I need a moment with Hazel. Alone. And Chloe, before you start arguing, this isn't negotiable!" His tone brooked no argument, even from my fiercest defender.

Each friend hugged me tight before filing out. Liam settled beside me and captured my hands in his.

"My angel, this doesn't change anything between us..." he started.

"She's pregnant," I stated. No question needed.

"Yes, but that doesn't prove it's mine. Testing the baby's DNA while she's pregnant is too dangerous, and she's refusing anyway. We'll have to wait until after the birth," Liam explained carefully.

"I see," I said, meeting his desperate gaze.

"But nothing changes, Hazel. I love you," he insisted.

"Everything changes, Liam. A baby creates a permanent bond with that woman. She'll never leave us in peace. She'll constantly interfere and use that child to keep you tied to her because that's exactly the kind of person she is. We wouldn't survive it," I told him with brutal honesty.

"Hazel, I won't allow that to happen," he protested.

"There's more. I'm a single mother. I understand how desperately a child needs their father. Despite all my efforts and all the love surrounding Leo, I know he misses having a dad. I won't steal you from your child, Liam," I said firmly.

"What are you telling me?" His voice cracked.

"We're done. For good this time. You won't chase after me. You'll step up because you're an incredible man. You'll provide support and stability for your child." I kept my voice level even though I was shattering inside.

"You can't destroy me like this," Liam whispered, tears streaming down his beautiful face.

"I'm saving you. It's the right choice. You'll never be truly happy with me while your child is stuck with that unstable woman," I said, leaning in to kiss his lips one final time. "I'll love you until I die, but our love story ends here." I stood and walked toward the door. "I'll ask Adrian for my old position back at Apex Galaxy. Working together would only torture us both."

When I opened the door, our friends sat in the reception area looking as devastated as we felt. I approached Adrian directly.

"Adrian, you said I could return if things didn't work out."

"Absolutely, Hazel. Anytime you're ready," Adrian took my hand with a weak smile. "Take a few days to process everything. I'll reactivate your contract Monday, but you should give yourself time to heal."

"Absolutely not, Hazel," Damian jumped in. "We need you here."

"Damian, I can't keep working alongside Liam," I said without wavering.

"But you could work with Damian instead," Owen suggested thoughtfully. "We switch assignments. You assist Damian, I handle Liam. You'd barely cross paths."

"Owen, that's not fair to you," I protested.

"Hazel, it's the perfect solution. Please consider it!" Damian urged.

"Hazel, my company would welcome you back gladly, but staying here with Damian beats anything I can offer," Adrian admitted honestly.

"Girl, don't sabotage your career because Sterling screwed up," Chloe said bluntly. "Staying and switching with Owen makes the most sense."

"She's right," I said, looking at my friend. "But Owen shouldn't have to sacrifice for my mess."

"Don't be ridiculous, Pretty Woman. I don't mind babysitting Liam and making his life difficult," Owen said with a grin that actually made me smile.

"You all think this is the best plan?" I asked, and every head nodded. "I trust your judgment. You only want what's best for me. I'll start with you Monday, Damian."

"Hazel, take some time off," Damian suggested gently.

"No. Not even one day. I'll be here Monday at my usual time," I said with determination.

"By Monday morning, I'll have your office switched with Owen's," Stella promised, and I squeezed her hand gratefully.

"Now we're going to my place for an emergency girls' night to rebuild your spirit," Thea announced as we headed for the elevator. "Owen, you're on Liam duty at Damian's tonight."

"No problem, Thea. Liam needs support too," Owen agreed.