The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

After Liam and Noah departed, I tucked Leo into bed and returned to the living room where my parents waited. The evening air carried the familiar scent of my childhood home, but tonight felt different somehow.

"Why didn't you tell us about the troubles at your job, sweetheart?" Dad's voice cut straight to the heart of things, as it always did.

I settled into the worn armchair that had been my favorite spot since childhood. "I didn't want you both worrying about me. Besides, I had someone looking out for me who helped me land another position just as good."

"Liam mentioned you're working for his friend now, but that you might return to work with him eventually," Dad continued, his weathered hands folded in his lap.

"I haven't made that decision yet. We'll have to see how things develop," I replied, avoiding his penetrating gaze.

"Hazel, your happiness is all we care about," Dad said gently. "I have to say, I'm impressed with this young man. He has honorable intentions, shows responsibility and maturity. When he came here today, he was completely honest about his mistakes and took full accountability. He strikes me as a good man, and the way you look at him tells me everything I need to know about your feelings."

My father had always been perceptive, reading people like open books.

"Yes, Dad. He is remarkable, and I am completely in love with him," I admitted, the words feeling both vulnerable and liberating.

"Then don't let foolish pride stand in your way," Mom interjected softly. "Forgiveness heals the heart, darling. Remember that stubbornness never brought anyone lasting happiness."

"I'll remember that, Mom," I smiled warmly at her. "Speaking of the past, we encountered Ethan at the grocery store today. He looked absolutely terrible."

Mom's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "Oh honey, some people are blessings when they leave our lives. You truly escaped disaster with that one."

"What exactly do you mean?" Curiosity sparked in my chest.

"From what I've been hearing around town, his marriage to your cousin is completely miserable. They argue constantly, and her pregnancy has only made everything worse," Mom revealed.

"She must be getting close to her due date by now, right?" I asked.

"Yes, the baby is expected next month. They're having a boy," Mom confirmed. "Your cousin is completely useless around the house, refuses to work, and spends every waking moment glued to her phone scrolling through social media. Now that they're living independently, their problems have multiplied. The house is always a disaster, so your aunt goes over daily to clean and prepare meals."

"That would explain his wrinkled clothing and disheveled appearance," I observed.

"But he's also turned into a terrible husband," Dad added grimly. "He's developed a drinking problem and started cheating with other women. He got hired at my old company, and an acquaintance informed me he's been carrying on with the young receptionist there. She's apparently only eighteen years old. Your aunt's husband told me Ethan treats Jessica horribly. He doesn't physically abuse her, but he calls her fat, calls her degrading names, claims she slept around before him, even suggests the baby might not be his. Just awful, cruel behavior."

"Well, they're perfectly matched then. I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for either of them," I stated honestly.

Dad's expression grew more intense. "Did he ever treat you poorly, Hazel?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle, Dad. He's just a worthless person. Like Mom said, some people are blessings when they exit our lives."

I wished them goodnight and headed to my room. The day had been emotionally draining, but being surrounded by my parents' love filled me with contentment.

The following morning brought our usual routine. We rose early, and Leo accompanied Grandpa to milk the cow before helping Grandma collect fresh eggs. After breakfast, we gathered around the kitchen table for more conversation.

Noah's scheduled arrival was approaching when my aunt suddenly burst through the kitchen door, immediately launching into an attack.

"You're absolutely shameless, Hazel. You barely arrived in town and you're already chasing after Ethan. He's a married man who's perfectly happy with your cousin."

"Lower your voice in my home, Bonnie," Dad commanded immediately. "And don't you dare speak to my daughter with that tone."

"You're completely blind when it comes to your precious daughter, Arthur. She's nothing but garbage who got herself pregnant and doesn't even know who the father is, yet you still defend her behavior."

"That's enough, Bonnie," Dad warned again, his anger building visibly.

"I will not be quiet. This tramp went running after my son-in-law, throwing herself at him shamelessly, offering to become his mistress. What absolute trash. Ethan told Jessica everything that happened," my aunt continued spewing vicious insults.

"Listen carefully, Bonnie. Actually, don't call me your niece, because you're not my aunt. You're simply my mother's sister. But pay close attention to what I'm about to say. I never pursued that worthless excuse for a man you call a son-in-law. The truth is, your daughter was sleeping with him while he was still my boyfriend. But I'm eternally grateful she opened my eyes and helped me escape that piece of human garbage," I spoke with complete composure, though my voice carried ice. "As for my son's father, whether I know his identity or not is absolutely none of your business or anyone else's concern. I'm a grown woman, completely independent, and I support myself financially. I don't depend on anyone for survival, which means I live my life exactly as I choose."

I lifted Leo into my arms and started toward the door, then turned back to face her one final time.

"I don't owe you so much as a greeting, Bonnie, let alone any explanations about my personal life."

I embraced my parents goodbye, and Leo playfully stuck his tongue out at my mother's sister, causing me to exit the house with genuine laughter bubbling up from my chest.