The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

Restlessness consumed me after dinner. Chloe's strategy echoed in my mind like a battle plan. She insisted I needed to be relentless with my pursuit, flooding Hazel with small tokens of affection, persistent messages, and constant calls until she couldn't ignore my devotion anymore.

Her words carried the weight of certainty when she promised to orchestrate our reunion and coach me through winning back the woman who owned my heart.

I arranged for another tulip bouquet to be delivered to Hazel's doorstep. Chloe had revealed Hazel's weakness for flowers and their hidden meanings, advising me to make it a weekly ritual that would keep me present in her thoughts.

My new routine became sacred. Good morning texts at dawn, good night messages before sleep, and afternoon treats delivered to both women at their office. Chloe had mentioned Hazel's new workplace friendship, so I expanded my offerings to include this ally who might speak favorably of me.

I bombarded Hazel's phone throughout each day, calling three times without fail. Her silence never deterred me from leaving voicemails filled with apologies, pleas for mercy, and declarations of love that poured from my soul.

Thursday brought news that made my blood simmer with jealousy. Chloe had arranged Damian's lunch meeting with Adrian, positioning my friend for reconciliation while I remained exiled. According to Chloe, Hazel was already softening toward Damian, understanding his protective instincts were misguided loyalty rather than malice.

The injustice burned through me. Damian would see her face, hear her voice, while I was forbidden from even approaching. Chloe's stern warning rang clear - Hazel needed to forgive Damian first to pave my path back to her heart.

Anxiety clawed at my chest as I paced my apartment, waiting for Damian's return. Each minute stretched endlessly while I wore grooves in the hardwood floor, my mind spinning with possibilities and fears.

Damian's arrival sent me lunging toward him like a desperate man seeking salvation.

"Calm down, Liam, everything went perfectly," Damian announced, his grin infectious. "Chloe knows exactly what she's doing. I'm so relieved Hazel heard me out and granted her forgiveness."

"Thank God, Damian. Now tell me everything. How did she look? What did she say? I'm going insane not seeing her."

Damian settled into his storytelling, painting every detail of their encounter. Adrian had orchestrated the meeting at the mall restaurant where Chloe and Hazel were dining. His casual request to join them seemed natural, leading to comfortable conversation between the four of them.

"When we walked back to Adrian's building, I asked Hazel for a private moment," Damian continued with evident satisfaction. "She agreed, Liam. We sat in the lobby, and I laid everything bare. I explained how seeing you broken had clouded my judgment, how protecting you had made me act foolishly. I begged for her understanding and friendship."

My heart hammered against my ribs. "And she forgave you?"

"Completely. She said she understood protective instincts because she feels the same way about Chloe. Hazel has a generous heart, Liam."

Relief flooded through me like warm honey. "Chloe was right. If Hazel could forgive you, maybe there's hope for me too."

"She will forgive you," Damian said solemnly. "But the wound runs deeper with you. She needs time to heal, needs to see genuine remorse, and needs proof that your feelings are real."

My feelings were more real than my own heartbeat. Hope bloomed in my chest like spring after endless winter. Hazel wouldn't slip away from me.

Friday brought an unexpected call from Adrian that set my pulse racing. He mentioned weekend plans involving a Latin dance club with both women. Strangely, Chloe hadn't shared this information with me, which sparked my curiosity.

Adrian provided the venue details before delivering his masterstroke. "I've already mentioned inviting Damian to the girls, so your appearance with him would seem completely natural. You'll finally get to see Hazel."

The thought of sharing the same space as Hazel, breathing the same air, watching her move to music, sent electricity through my veins. Our social circles were already intertwining beautifully.

"This is your chance, Liam," Adrian advised through the phone. "Informal settings work better for reconciliation. I just hope you remember how to move on the dance floor since Hazel apparently loves dancing."

Confidence surged through me like liquid fire. "Dancing happens to be one of my many talents, Adrian."

Saturday couldn't arrive fast enough. I would see my woman again, and this time, I wouldn't let her escape without fighting for what belonged to us both.