The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

I peered through the crack in the window and saw darkness had already settled outside. "Dear God, how is my little boy doing?"

The entire day had been spent begging the heavens to keep my child safe. Liam must despise me by now. I had vanished without a single word of explanation. But desperation for my son's safety had consumed every rational thought. I was completely lost.

After Caleb had brought that sandwich and left, silence had blanketed the house. I assumed they had both gone out. But then came the unmistakable sound of a door creaking open, followed by muffled voices. They had returned. Lord, please shield me from whatever comes next.

"Here's your dinner." Mitchell cracked the door open just wide enough to shove a paper bag through before slamming it shut again.

I immediately pressed my ear against the cold wood. I had to discover what twisted plans they were hatching.

"Dani, something's not right. I keep trying to reach Cel and getting nothing," Caleb's voice carried through the thin walls.

"You need to dump that phone immediately," Mitchell's tone was sharp with irritation.

"Chill out, they'll never trace this number. We smashed Hazel's phone to pieces. They've got nothing," Caleb sounded almost casual about it. "So how long are we babysitting her?"

"Clairemont didn't give us a timeline. Just said to keep her breathing and don't leave a mark on her. She's our insurance policy to make sure that bastard Sterling jumps through every hoop we set up," Mitchell explained.

"I thought the kid was supposed to be our leverage?"

"No, the kid was just bait to reel in this woman. He's not even Sterling's blood, remember? Sterling only gives a damn about the boy because of her. If she disappears, he'll abandon the kid without a second thought."

They were completely unaware that Leo was Liam's biological son. I couldn't decide if this knowledge was a blessing or a curse. Clairemont's involvement should have raised red flags for me earlier. His hatred and jealousy knew no boundaries.

"I'm heading outside to get better reception and try Cel again," Caleb announced, and I heard the front door bang shut.

Minutes ticked by before the sound of heavy snoring drifted from the living room. This was my moment. I grabbed the paper bag and examined its contents. A sandwich and juice box. Simple fuel for what I hoped would be my escape attempt. I forced myself to eat every bite, knowing I'd need the energy.

The door suddenly swung open and Caleb stepped inside, sealing me in with him once again.

"Smart girl, finishing your meal," he said, moving closer with predatory steps. "You know what, Hazel? You're incredibly naive. You trust every person who crosses your path, believe every lie they feed you. Today was perfect proof. You followed every single command I gave without questioning a thing." Caleb reached out and ran his fingers through my hair. "You're absolutely stunning. I've been obsessed with you since our first meeting. I wanted to strangle that spoiled redhead rich boy who kept circling around you. Though it wouldn't have mattered anyway since you never saw me. But now you're trapped here with me, and we're going to be together for a very long time. So why don't we make this enjoyable? I promise you'll experience pleasure like never before."

"Please, Caleb, don't put your hands on me," my voice shook with rising terror.

"Come on, beautiful, I'm going to make you scream with ecstasy."

"Stay away from me."

"Not a chance." Caleb seized my arm and hurled me onto the thin mattress, his weight crushing down on me.

"Get off me, Caleb, get off!" My screams pierced the air.

The door exploded inward and Mitchell yanked his brother off me with violent force.

"Once Clairemont collects his money, you can do whatever sick things you want to this woman, but until then, keep your hands to yourself." Mitchell had Caleb pinned against the wall like a rag doll.

In that split second, opportunity presented itself. I launched myself upward and bolted through the doorway, yanking it closed behind me and sliding the bolt into place. Three gunshots immediately punched through the wooden door. My God, in my desperation to flee, I hadn't even considered they might be armed. The sound of them kicking and ramming the door spurred me forward as I burst out of the house.

No vehicles were visible anywhere around the property. I had no idea where I was or which direction led to civilization. A narrow dirt road stretched before me, bordered by thick brush on both sides. I decided to follow it as fast as my legs could carry me.

I had put considerable distance between myself and the house when I collided directly into a figure dressed completely in black. A scream tore from my throat instinctively. He grabbed hold of me, and I fought desperately to break free, but his grip was iron. Panic consumed me entirely. The man held me firmly while speaking in measured tones:

"Easy now, miss. I'm Sergeant Torres with the police department. You need to calm down. Are you Hazel Vance?"

"Y-y-yes," I stuttered, trying to control my breathing.

"Did you just come from that house back there?" I managed a nod. "Is anyone still inside?"

"The two men who took me. I managed to escape the room where they were holding me, locked them inside, and ran. They have guns." The officer immediately radioed for backup, reporting that he had found me and confirming the suspects were contained in the house.

"Come with me, Hazel. I'm getting you to safety." We walked for roughly fifteen minutes before reaching the main highway. Multiple police cruisers lined the road with their lights flashing, and officers were positioned everywhere. "Inspector, I've got the victim."

"Good evening, I'm Inspector Aurora. We've been searching for you, Hazel." The detective offered a reassuring smile as he approached. "How are you holding up? Did they assault you in any way?"

"No, they almost did. They only knocked me unconscious when they first grabbed me," I replied, still feeling disoriented.

"Understood. We need to transport you to the hospital for a complete medical examination and evidence collection, then we'll take your official statement before releasing you," the detective explained while guiding me toward one of the patrol cars.

"Inspector, is all of this really necessary? I'm desperate to know about my son."

"Just one moment." The detective pulled out his cell phone and initiated a video call. "Is Mr. Sterling available? I need him on video."