The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

Clairemont continued to be a nightmare. His latest tantrum concerned office renovations, yet he remained planted in his position like a stubborn weed. My patience had worn thin with this walking disaster. The audit was expanding its scope, dissecting years of financial records with surgical precision. Allen warned me this investigation could drag on indefinitely. Until then, I was stuck tolerating this insufferable fool.

The Fresh Foster contract consumed my entire day, confining me to my office like a prisoner. The deal was progressing smoothly, with clients expressing interest in expanding our partnership. However, their demands for extensive documentation kept Owen and me buried in paperwork. A business trip loomed on the horizon, but perhaps escaping this chaos would provide some relief.

"I return from a month-long business trip to find no welcome party? What kind of friends are you people?" Evelyn swept into my office with her characteristic humor. "Though I must say, this office renovation looks stunning."

"Evelyn! Thank God you're back. I've been counting the days until your return." I abandoned my desk to embrace the woman who had become my surrogate mother.

"Darling, I've missed you terribly. How are you holding up?"

"He's a complete disaster. A hollow shell of a man, stressed beyond measure, anxious, and prone to crying fits. Basically a heartbroken teenager who lost his first love," Owen announced, rising from his chair to join us.

"I can see the truth in that assessment. You look absolutely dreadful," Evelyn observed with brutal honesty.

"Evelyn, I need your wisdom. Help me navigate this mess. Damian advised stalling tactics, postponing the wedding as long as possible. I've managed to secure three additional months, but what purpose does it serve?" Desperation colored my voice.

"Listen carefully, son. Approach this situation like a business negotiation. Remain cold and calculating. Emotions will destroy you, just as they created this disaster. You allowed feelings to cloud your judgment, got intoxicated, made catastrophic decisions, and potentially impregnated that manipulative woman," Evelyn delivered her assessment with surgical precision.

"Additionally, you absolutely need that DNA test. I refuse to believe this child belongs to you," Owen interjected.

"Exactly my thoughts. But why does she continue refusing the test?" Evelyn demanded.

"She claims the procedure carries miscarriage risks and won't endanger the pregnancy. Besides, testing can only occur after the twelfth week anyway," I explained.

"Well, you've bought yourself time. She's approximately four weeks along now. You must persuade her to test," Evelyn insisted.

"Damian and I are exploring every angle because Liam becomes too emotional and loses his composure," Owen added.

"Tell me everything from the beginning," Evelyn commanded.

The next hour was spent briefing Evelyn on every sordid detail of this nightmare with Clairemont's twisted family, the company's precarious position, and the ongoing audit. Damian joined our impromptu meeting, and we ordered dinner to eat in the office.

Eventually, I needed to stretch my legs after spending the morning glued to my computer screen. My body protested the prolonged immobility. I headed toward the break room for coffee, but paused outside when I heard Hazel's voice. Uncertainty froze me in place as I debated whether to enter. She was engaged in a phone conversation, and I caught fragments of her words.

"Not at all, Levi. I understand you're incredibly busy. How was your business trip? I expected you'd be away longer." Hazel's voice carried genuine warmth. "Really? That's wonderful news." She paused, listening intently. "A gift for me? Oh, Levi, that's so thoughtful of you." Her laughter was musical as she absorbed his response. "Alright, Levi, when would you like to present this mysterious gift?" Another pause stretched between them. "Tomorrow works perfectly for me. Where shall we meet?" She was accepting another date with him. "No, you always surprise me beautifully, and I adore the places you select. Perfect. I'll see you tomorrow then. Take care." She disconnected the call, and through the door's gap, I glimpsed the soft smile gracing her lips.

Levi certainly didn't waste time pursuing her. But I wouldn't make his conquest easy. She might be dining with him, but thoughts of me would consume her evening. I drew a steadying breath and entered the break room calmly. I closed the door behind me and approached Hazel, who stood before the coffee machine preparing her drink. I positioned myself directly behind her, placing my hands on the counter on either side of her body. Hazel was completely trapped within my arms.

I inhaled her intoxicating perfume deeply. I pressed my body against hers, pinning her between the counter and my chest, my body responding immediately to her proximity as arousal stirred within me. I exhaled slowly and whispered against her ear.

"Another date with Levi, my angel? Is this how things will be? Here I am, dying from wanting you, while you're entertaining yourself with another man?" Jealousy consumed me entirely.

"Liam..." she breathed heavily, gasping as she felt my hardness pressing against her back.

"Tell me, my angel. Tell me if your body responds to him the way it does to me." I swept her hair aside and trailed kisses along her neck. I gently sucked her earlobe before continuing my assault of kisses, finally delivering a tender bite to her nape. Hazel was breathless beneath my touch.

"Liam, please, don't torture me like this. Can't you see how much I'm suffering because of you? But you're getting married, and I must find a way to move forward with my life."

A tear traced down her cheek, and I gently turned her head to kiss the path that tear had carved, stopping near her mouth. I gazed into her eyes and saw my own overwhelming love reflected in those stunning green depths.

"My angel, I don't know how to exist without you anymore."

I turned her to face me and kissed her with desperate intensity, love, and longing. It was a deep, consuming kiss. She melted into my embrace and responded with equal passion. Our lips were starved for each other. The need to be together was devouring us both. Our tears mingled as we kissed. When our lips finally separated, I held her tightly against my chest, stroking her hair as her head rested over my heart.

"My angel, I know I'm being incredibly selfish. Levi is a decent man. But I can't bear the thought of you with someone else. I managed to delay that cursed wedding for three additional months. That's sufficient time to convince that creature to undergo DNA testing. This child might not be mine, Hazel. Please, just give me this time."

"And what happens if the child is yours?" she sobbed against my chest. "We'll only have extended our suffering."

"Oh, my love... please forgive me," I pleaded desperately.

"I simply accepted a friend's invitation, Liam. It doesn't mean I'm pursuing a relationship with him. But I can't drown in this misery. I have a son who needs me," she attempted to explain.

"How is our boy? I miss him desperately. I want to see him," I asked.

"He misses you too. But it's better if you two don't meet anymore. I won't risk Clairemont and his daughter targeting my son. He's just a child. I'm terrified they might harm him." Her concern was justified.

"I understand completely. But can you tell him that I love him and miss him?"

"I will. He'll be so happy to hear that. Thank you." She pulled back slightly and placed her hand against my face. "I'll never love anyone the way I love you."

Hazel pressed a quick kiss to my lips and slipped from my embrace, leaving me alone with only her lingering perfume. I collapsed into a chair and like a broken child, buried my head in my arms and let the tears fall freely.

When I finally composed myself, I returned to my office. I retrieved my phone and sent a message to my Hazel.

"I just want you to be happy."

I attempted to resume work, but my mind had already fled to distant places.