The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

"Chloe, I have to ask," I said while applying mascara in my bathroom mirror, "how exactly did you manage to get Noah to sign off on tonight?"

"Simple strategy, Hazel. I told him it was girls night out," Chloe replied, casually touching up her lipstick.

"And the part about the guys being there?" I pressed, catching her eye in the reflection.

"That's just a minor detail, honey. A very minor detail," she said with a dismissive wave. "Besides, I haven't forgotten how cozy Noah's been getting with Liam lately. And I definitely haven't forgotten about that shameless woman practically throwing herself at him at the Community Guild."

Her tone turned sharp at the memory, and I could see the fire in her eyes.

"You're absolutely ruthless, Chl," I laughed, capping my mascara.

"It's harmless fun, Hazel. We're just enjoying ourselves with some friends."

The taxi was already waiting when we stepped outside. We arrived at the restaurant just as Stella and Thea were getting out of their own cab.

"Ladies, we are going to absolutely destroy these men tonight," Thea announced with her trademark confidence. "We look absolutely incredible."

"Smoking hot is more like it," Chloe agreed, checking her reflection in the restaurant's glass doors. "Vi texted that they're already inside, so let's make our entrance."

The restaurant took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over tables draped in elegant gray linens with crisp white overlays. The chairs were upholstered in sophisticated black and white florals, and the aroma of French cuisine filled the air. The hostess led us through the dining room, and I watched the guys' faces light up as they spotted us approaching.

"Hazel," Levi said, rising from his seat with that devastating smile, "you manage to become more stunning every time I see you."

He pulled out my chair with practiced elegance, his fingers brushing mine as I sat down.

"Thank you, Levi. You're looking quite handsome yourself," I replied, allowing myself to appreciate how well his navy blazer fit his shoulders.

"I dressed specifically with you in mind," he said, leaning closer as he pushed in my chair.

The conversation flowed easily as we settled in. Levi was everything Liam wasn't - lighthearted, attentive, completely present in the moment. The guys had already ordered drinks, and when the wine arrived, it was perfectly chosen. Their childhood friendship was evident in their easy banter and shared stories that had us all laughing.

"So Hazel," Levi said during the main course, his green eyes studying my face intently, "this situation with Sterling - is it actually serious?"

"It's complicated," I admitted, taking a sip of wine.

"But is it the kind of complicated that's worth fighting for," he pressed, "or the kind where maybe you're not sure you want to fight anymore?"

His directness caught me off guard. I found myself being more honest than I'd intended.

"I'm completely in love with him, but it feels like there's always something going wrong between us."

"Hazel, I'm not going to pretend I'm not interested in you," Levi said, his voice dropping lower. "You're beautiful, intelligent, and I think we have real chemistry. I know you're confused right now, but what if you just let things develop naturally between us? No pressure, just see where it goes."

My heart skipped a beat at his boldness. This was exactly the kind of attention Liam never gave me - focused, uncomplicated, direct.

"Levi, you're an amazing guy, and I do enjoy spending time with you," I said carefully. "But my life is a mess right now. I won't lead you on when I don't know what's happening with Liam."

"Fair enough," he said, that playful smile returning. "But we can be friends, right? Lunch dates, drinks, all the things friends do. I promise not to read too much into it. And I'll admit, I do enjoy getting under Sterling's skin."

The mischief in his expression made me laugh despite myself.

"Yes, we can be friends," I agreed.

"Perfect. And as your friend, I'm always available when you need to teach Sterling a lesson," he said, raising his wine glass. "Or when you want to make him jealous."

"Dessert, ladies?" Gavin called out enthusiastically as our plates were cleared.

"Always," Thea replied, and I noticed she'd been completely absorbed in conversation with him all evening. Owen would lose his mind if he could see this.

"How about trying something different tonight, Hazel?" Levi suggested, his eyes twinkling. "Chocolate cake is safe, but why not be adventurous?"

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, intrigued by his playful tone.

"Trust me to surprise you?"

"I'm feeling brave tonight."

When the dessert arrived, I gasped. It was a work of art - golden pastry with perfectly arranged apple slices, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

"It's called tarte aux pommes," Levi explained, watching my reaction. "Classic French apple tart with vanilla ice cream. I thought you might like it."

I took a bite and couldn't suppress a soft moan of pleasure. The apples were caramelized to perfection, the pastry buttery and light, the ice cream providing the perfect cool contrast. I closed my eyes to savor the combination of flavors.

When I opened them, Levi was staring at me with an intensity that made my cheeks flush.

"This is incredible," I breathed, taking another bite.

"See? Trying new things can be surprisingly rewarding," he said, his voice carrying a double meaning that wasn't lost on me. "They say the apple is the forbidden fruit, Hazel. But it tastes pretty good, doesn't it?"

Before I could respond, Gavin's uncle appeared at our table.

"Finally, my nephew brings beautiful women to my restaurant instead of just his usual group of troublemakers," the older man said warmly.

"We're selective about our company, Uncle," Gavin replied with mock seriousness.

"Ladies, thank you for gracing my establishment with your presence tonight. I hope you'll return often, and don't wait for these boys to bring you."

"Now," Gavin announced as his uncle walked away, "it's time to showcase our musical talents at karaoke."

"I can't wait to perform," Scarlett said, practically bouncing in her seat.

As we prepared to leave for the next venue, I caught Levi watching me again, that same intense look in his eyes. For the first time in weeks, I felt desired, appreciated, completely seen. It was a dangerous feeling, and I wasn't sure I wanted it to end.