The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

Damian and I gathered with Liam and Owen for an urgent conference. Liam had just finished a call with our Brooklyn clients, and the news required immediate action.

"The partnership has exceeded their expectations, but they want us there in person. They're ready to expand the contract, but only through face-to-face negotiations," Liam briefed us.

"When do we leave?" Damian inquired without hesitation.

"First flight tomorrow morning," Liam replied. "Owen will accompany us, and I believe Hazel should join this trip. These clients need to see our full team and understand our negotiation approach."

"Absolutely," Damian agreed. "What are your thoughts, Hazel?"

"Actually, I think staying here would be more strategic. These clients demand extensive documentation support, and you might need immediate access to files like the Denver situation."

"She has a point," Damian acknowledged. "Hazel's rapid information delivery saved us three days on the last contract."

"You're absolutely right," Liam conceded with a slight grin. "Hazel manages our operations while we handle Fresh Foster. Can you oversee everything during our absence?"

"Consider it handled, gentlemen," I confirmed. "How long should I expect you to be gone?"

"Minimum seven days," Liam estimated.

We dedicated the remainder of the day to travel preparations. Document compilation, schedule coordination, and operational briefings consumed our afternoon. The sun had disappeared behind Denver's skyline by the time we concluded our preparations. I offered my farewell wishes for their successful trip.

Only after returning home and settling Leo into bed did I notice my phone's silent mode. I reactivated the sound and scrolled through accumulated notifications.

The group chat showed Scarlett asking about my whereabouts, with Stella explaining my meeting-heavy schedule. Chloe had sent word about staying at Noah's place tonight. My parents had left a message requiring a quick response. Then I discovered Levi's message:

"Every second drags until I see you again. Missing you constantly."

His message brought warmth to my chest. Levi remained in Texas, yet maintained daily contact through messages and evening video calls. His consistency and humor never failed to lift my spirits. I prepared to respond when his incoming call interrupted my typing.

"Hello, stranger! How's the Texas experience treating you?"

"Gorgeous weather and endless sunshine. Completely meaningless without you here." Levi's charm never diminished.

"Then you must be suffering from severe boredom."

"Absolutely torturous!" His laughter carried through the phone. "How was your day, stunning Hazel?"

"Productive but exhausting. My phone stayed silent all day, so I missed your earlier message. I apologize for the delay."

"No apologies necessary. Are you completely drained?"

"Somewhat tired, why do you ask?"

"Because I'm currently standing at your building's main entrance, hoping to steal a few minutes with you."

"You're joking!" The prospect of seeing him sent excitement through my voice.

"Completely serious. But if timing isn't right, I completely understand."

"Come upstairs immediately. I want to see you too."

We disconnected and I rushed to change clothes, selecting white shorts and a flowing lavender tank top. I positioned myself by the living room entrance, anticipating his arrival.

The elevator doors parted to reveal Levi carrying multiple shopping bags, dressed in casual jeans and a fitted black shirt. His Texas tan enhanced his already striking features. His face illuminated when he spotted me.

"Hazel, you're being completely unfair to me."

"What exactly am I doing wrong?"

"Wearing those shorts. Your legs are absolutely breathtaking!" His compliment sent heat rushing to my cheeks.

"Stop being ridiculous, Levi!"

"I'd be ridiculous not to appreciate such beauty. How do you become more stunning each time I see you?"

"That's impossible." I rose on my tiptoes as he pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, then we moved inside.

"Please make yourself comfortable. Can I bring you anything?"

"Two wine glasses and a bottle opener. I brought Texas wine for us to share while we catch up. I promise not to overstay my welcome." Levi's thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me.

I retrieved the requested items from the kitchen. Upon my return, he handed me the glasses before presenting two elegant shopping bags.

"This bag contains something for Leo, and this one is specifically for you," he explained, indicating each bag clearly.

"Levi, your generosity overwhelms me. You shouldn't go to such trouble. Leo can discover his surprise tomorrow morning," I said, setting aside his bag while opening mine.

"I hope it meets your approval," Levi commented as he worked the corkscrew into the wine bottle.

I opened my bag and discovered an exquisite box inside. The contents took my breath away - a stunning cocktail dress with nude lining and sheer overlay, completely adorned with crystals, featuring a dramatic V-neckline and elegant long sheer sleeves. The luxury left me speechless.

"Do you approve?" Levi watched me with an expectant smile.

"It's absolutely magnificent, Levi. But I cannot accept something so expensive."

"Of course you can accept it. It's a gift with no strings attached. I'd be honored if you'd wear it tomorrow evening when you accompany me dancing. What do you think?"

"That sounds absolutely perfect," I agreed, accepting the wine glass he offered. However, guilt crept into my consciousness as I remembered recent events. "Levi, I know you're pursuing me seriously, and I've maintained honesty with you throughout our relationship."

"Yes, and your honesty means everything to me. But unless you've reconciled with that fool Sterling, I refuse to abandon my pursuit," Levi smiled confidently.

"Sterling and I remain completely finished. But something occurred that you deserve to know."

"Tell me everything. You know I want complete transparency between us."

"How do I explain this properly..." I hesitated, fearing Levi might judge my character harshly, so I selected my words carefully. "Several days ago, something happened between Liam and me."

"You had a vulnerable moment and slept together?" Levi's directness caught me off guard. I nodded confirmation. "That doesn't shock me whatsoever. Hazel, you've been completely honest about loving him still. What happened between you two seems natural, considering your history together."

"I feel terrible about this situation. He's engaged to another woman, and you deserve better treatment from me. I feel ashamed."

"Hazel, you're not ashamed or cheap. My feelings for you haven't changed one bit. You sleeping with Liam changes nothing for me, since you two aren't together officially. Besides, you're not committed to me, so I cannot demand exclusive loyalty from you. However, that doesn't mean jealousy isn't eating me alive inside."

"I'm so sorry for hurting you."

"Stop apologizing immediately. I shouldn't have stayed away for so long," he said with understanding. "But now, perhaps I can demonstrate that you could learn to love me." His fingers traced my face tenderly.

Setting both wine glasses aside and moving closer with deliberate care, Levi whispered when his face nearly touched mine:

"Hazel, may I kiss you properly?"

I swallowed nervously and nodded consent. Levi kissed me with characteristic gentleness, but underlying longing and passion burned beneath the surface. My lips trembled momentarily as his warm mouth claimed mine. His kiss conveyed hungry tenderness, allowing me to feel every emotion he harbored for me, every ounce of his deep affection. I surrendered to his kiss, which always tasted divine. His soft, skilled lips and his tongue moving expertly within my mouth, demanding to lead mine, left me drowning in conflicted emotions. My heart hammered frantically and, in that precise moment, Levi shattered my certainties completely.

"I felt your response, Hazel," he said with absolute certainty about his effect on me. "My chances just improved dramatically." He smiled triumphantly and kissed me again.

He positioned himself above me on the couch, our bodies molding together perfectly, and without spoken words, magical intimacy emerged, transporting me to complete bliss. Each movement of his lips against mine, each meeting of our tongues, made me float in an ocean of sensations. That kiss created perfect harmony between us. I tasted his wonderful, sweet lips and the delicious wine flavor, which carried me on an enchanting journey with someone I had grown to admire and care for deeply, and momentarily, I could forget everything else consuming my thoughts.

Levi and I remained entwined on that couch, exchanging kisses and gentle caresses, until he gazed at me and said:

"I should leave now. It's getting late and we both have work tomorrow." He sat upright and pulled me onto his lap, delivering another quick, tender kiss. "So, my beautiful woman, am I winning your heart now?" he asked with hopeful confidence.

"Levi, we're still exploring our connection. If you're asking whether we're officially dating, my answer remains no."

"Really?" he asked with amused surprise. "I gave you my absolute best effort and I'm still merely a friend?"

"Levi." I laughed at his playful protest. "I refuse to begin a serious relationship with you while harboring feelings for someone else. But I genuinely enjoyed our time together. Maybe we can share more intimate moments like this."

"Is that a promise?" Levi's face lit up with the most radiant smile imaginable. "Can I kiss you again right now?"

"Yes, absolutely. Including tomorrow evening, when you take me dancing and I'm wearing my gorgeous new dress," I teased him flirtatiously.

"I'm absolutely going to hold you to that promise!" He gave me another lingering kiss. "Now I really must go."

I slid off his lap and walked him to the door, receiving one final passionate kiss before he departed into the night.