The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

We finished shopping and headed back home. Chloe carried several bags while I juggled the rest, both of us calling out to announce our return as we stepped through the front door. We had barely set the shopping bags on the kitchen counter when Leo came racing out of the living room, his voice ringing with pure excitement.

"Liam! You actually came!"

"Of course I came, little man. I've been missing you like crazy!" Liam's familiar voice reached my ears and my legs nearly gave out beneath me.

I spun around to find them locked in an enthusiastic embrace. Mom wore the biggest smile I had seen in months, while Dad looked genuinely surprised. Meanwhile, Chloe stood frozen with her mouth hanging open as Noah approached her with obvious hesitation.

"What exactly is this supposed to mean, Noah?" Chloe's tone was sharp and serious as she deliberately avoided embracing her boyfriend.

"We couldn't handle being separated from our girls any longer. Especially not from Leo here." Noah's response came too easily, too practiced.

"But I never told you where I was going," Chloe snapped, her anger clearly building.

"Come on, Chl. You and Hazel disappearing for a weekend together? There's literally only one place in the entire world you two would end up!" Noah's smugness was practically radiating from him.

Words completely escaped me. The shock had rendered me absolutely speechless. My parents quickly invited everyone to gather around the dining table. Liam walked over to me with my son still cradled in his arms and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

"Hello, my angel. I simply cannot stay away from you for extended periods." His whispered words came with that devastating smile of his.

Once we were all seated, my father immediately spoke up, poorly concealing his own amusement.

"Daughter, this young man has informed me that he wishes to court you properly. I barely had time to respond before he declared his intention to marry you without any lengthy engagement period."

The memory of my parents' courtship story hit me immediately. I jumped up, grabbed the nearest broom, and began chasing Liam away from the table. But before I could make any real progress, a small figure with striking violet eyes positioned himself directly between us.

"Mommy, please don't do that to Liam." Leo's little face was set in the most serious expression, causing everyone around the table to burst into laughter.

"That's absolutely right, buddy. Tell mommy that I care about her very much." Liam crouched down to Leo's level and whispered conspiratorially in his small ear while never breaking eye contact with me.

"Did you hear that, mommy? He really, really likes you." Leo repeated the message earnestly, and watching my son defend this impossible man was both adorable and infuriating.

I couldn't maintain my anger any longer and scooped Leo into my arms. Liam immediately wrapped both of us in his embrace.

"My angel, please don't be upset with me. I simply missed you both too much to bear."

"But Liam, I specifically asked you for some time and space." I attempted to hold onto my irritation, but it was rapidly dissolving.

"But it's already been an entire week. I've reached my absolute limit." Liam pulled us closer against him.

"Come on, sweetheart, put the poor man out of his obvious misery." Dad chimed in while Mom nodded her enthusiastic agreement.

"Yeah, Hazel, it looks like your clown has already assembled quite the fan club here." Chloe's observation sent everyone into fresh peals of laughter.

We returned to our seats while Mom bustled around serving snacks and refreshments. Liam and Noah had apparently arrived shortly after Chloe and I had left that morning, giving Liam ample opportunity to spend quality time with my parents. He had shared our entire story with them, explaining everything that had transpired between us, convincing them of both his remorse and his genuine love for me. My parents had clearly fallen completely under his spell.

"However, there is something that has been bothering me considerably," Dad said, his expression growing more serious. "And I feel compelled to address it directly. Hazel, how is it possible that Leo bears such a remarkable resemblance to Liam? Even down to that distinctive eye color?"

"Yes, Dad, they certainly do look similar, but Liam is definitely not Leo's biological father, if that's what you're trying to determine." I answered my father's unspoken question directly.

"Who ever said anything about biology?" Liam interjected suddenly, causing everyone to turn toward him in surprise. "I may not be his biological father, Arthur, but I fully intend to legally adopt Leo as my son the moment your incredibly stubborn daughter finally accepts my proposal. I love that boy deeply. From the very first moment I laid eyes on him, something just clicked that I cannot even begin to explain properly."

"Well, that decision ultimately belongs to Hazel alone, but I am genuinely pleased to hear that you care about properly taking care of my grandson and not merely pursuing his mother." Dad stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Though you two really do share an uncanny resemblance."

My parents extended dinner invitations to Liam, Noah, and Chloe. While the men engaged in increasingly animated conversation, Chloe and I retreated to the kitchen to help Mom with the meal preparations.

"Honey, your boyfriend is absolutely gorgeous and incredibly charming," Mom commented while chopping vegetables.

"Yes, he certainly is, Mom. And he's genuinely wonderful with Leo." I could feel myself practically glowing as I spoke.

Throughout our dinner preparation, Chloe entertained Mom with detailed stories about our current life in Haven Harbor. Mom was completely delighted and laughed heartily at every anecdote Chloe shared. Dinner itself continued in the same atmosphere of warmth, laughter, and perfect tranquility. Being home felt absolutely wonderful.

"Liam, are you completely certain you wouldn't prefer to stay here with our family tonight?" Dad asked after we had finished eating.

"Thank you tremendously for the generous offer, Arthur, but since I arrived without informing Hazel of my plans, I have already made arrangements to stay at Noah's family home. It would be quite impolite to impose on his parents' hospitality." Liam's response was perfectly courteous and respectful. "However, I would absolutely love to accept your hospitality on my next visit. I would be honored to stay here with all of you in this peaceful and absolutely beautiful place."

"Consider our home your home as well, young man!" Dad declared cheerfully.

"Arthur, Serena, are you absolutely certain you cannot join us for lunch with my family tomorrow?" Chloe asked with obvious disappointment.

"Unfortunately, we cannot, dear. We are expecting other visitors tomorrow. Perhaps another time would work better. But Hazel will definitely accompany you." Mom graciously declined the invitation.

"Well then, we should probably head out now. We will pick up both you and Leo around ten tomorrow morning, Hazel." Noah announced as he stood from the table.