The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 110

110 A Resolute Goodbye

Liam looked like he wanted to say a thousand more things, but he simply nodded again, defeat written across his handsome features.

The door burst open again. This time it was Owen, looking agitated. “They’re back. Damian just texted me. They’re heading to Liam’s office now.”

Damian nodded thoughtfully. “I could use someone with Hazel’s skills.”

“We don’t know for certain,” Damian answered. “We won’t be able to test paternity

until after the birth.”

I tried to laugh, but it came out as a strangled sob. “Not great.”

Understanding dawned on their faces.

He swallowed hard and nodded.

“I know,” I said quietly. “That doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

He recognized the determination in my voice and nodded reluctantly.

“You did the right thing,” she murmured, stroking my hair. “I’m so proud of you.” “I’m saying that if Isabella is pregnant with his child, I can’t be with him anymore.” Tears spilled down my cheeks. “I love you too. That’s why I have to let you go.” “We’re here,” Chloe announced, dropping her designer purse on my desk. Her eyes widened at the sight of my tear–streaked face. “Oh honey.”

Liam fell silent, the truth of my words sinking in.

The assistant opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it when she saw the determined looks on my friends‘ faces.

“No,” he said quickly. “Please don’t leave the company.”

I managed a weak smile. “Sounds perfect.”

“Because I know what it’s like to grow up without a father,” I whispered. “I would never want to be responsible for another child experiencing that.”

110 A Resolute Goodbye

Some principles weren’t negotiable. And not taking a father away from his child was one of mine.

“If Isabella is carrying your child, you need to be there for that baby. Fully and completely.”

“So what are you saying?” Amara asked carefully.

“That’s not what this would be,” he argued desperately. “There are ways to make it

work.”

“And drag an innocent child through that battlefield?” I challenged. “Is that what you

want?”

The words hit me like physical blows. Even though I’d prepared myself for this outcome, hearing it confirmed made my knees weak. Chloe’s grip on my arm tightened, holding me upright.

Chloe’s eyes

widened. “Hazel, no. Don’t make any rash decisions.”

“It’s not rash,” I said, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounded despite the turmoil inside. “I’ve been thinking about it all night.”

“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my friends,” I replied, my steadier than I felt.

I felt Chloe’s hand on my shoulder, steadying me.

voice

“I’m not talking about financial support or weekend visits,” I interrupted. “I’m talking about being a real father. Present. Involved. There for every milestone.”

His face crumpled. “Please, don’t say that.”

“Liam, I’m not making this decision out of anger or jealousy. I’m making it because it’s right. Because that child deserves a chance at having both parents in their life without constant conflict. And because…” My voice finally cracked. “Because I know what it’s like to be the child whose father was absent. I can’t be responsible for creating that situation for another little person.”

“We can fight her-”

“Why not?” Stella challenged gently.

110 A Resolute Goodbye

“Is it yours?” Stella asked bluntly.

“You should take some time off-” Liam began.

“I grew up without a father,” I continued, forcing the words past the lump in my throat. “I know what it’s like. I would never, ever be the reason another child experiences

that.”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “We’re all going in.”

I shook

my

head sadly. “You and I both know that if we stay together, Isabella will make your life and by extension, your child’s life – a living hell. She’ll use that baby as a

–

weapon against us at every turn.”

All eyes turned to him.

“Hazel could work directly for Damian,” Owen proposed. “And I could transfer to work for Mr. Sterling. That way, both departments maintain their functionality while minimizing… awkward interactions.”

“I see,” I said quietly.

As my

my friends guided me toward the door, I paused and looked back one last time. Liam stood frozen, his violet–blue eyes full of pain and longing.

The words hung in the air like shattered glass. Liam’s face paled.

“What happens now?” he asked quietly.

My friends exchanged worried glances.

“Goodbye, Liam,” I whispered.

“I called them as soon as I heard,” Stella explained, her voice gentle. “We weren’t letting you face this alone!”

Damian stood by Liam’s desk, his usual jovial expression replaced with solemnity. He nodded at us in greeting.

“Where is Liam now?” Stella asked, perching on the edge of my desk

Outside, in the hallway, I finally allowed myself to lean heavily against Chloe.

Liam was pacing by the window when we entered. He stopped abruptly, surprise

110 A Resolute Goodbye

flickering across his face at the sight of my entourage.

I shook my head. “It’s not that simple.”

“With Damian. They’ve been gone all morning.”

“But the timing… it’s possible,” Liam admitted, his violet–blue eyes locked on mine, pleading for understanding.

The walk to Liam’s office felt like marching to an execution. My friends formed a protective circle around me, Chloe’s arm linked firmly with mine. Owen strode ahead, clearing a path through the curious onlookers who had clearly sensed something was happening.

“That conniving bitch,” Chloe spat. “Is there proof?”

The fight seemed to drain out of him. He stood there, shoulders slumped, looking utterly broken.

Confusion clouded his features. “Of course I would be, but that doesn’t mean-”

“I love you,” he finally said, his voice breaking. “I can’t lose you.”

“Listen to me,” Chloe said firmly, crouching down to meet my eyes. “Even if she is pregnant, that doesn’t mean you and Liam are over. People co–parent successfully all the time.”

“I need to say something,” I began, my voice surprisingly steady. “And I need you to listen.”

“Hazel,” he said, his voice strained. He looked terrible – hair disheveled, tie loosened, dark circles under his eyes. “Can we talk privately?”

She rushed around the desk and pulled me into a tight hug. I collapsed against her, the dam breaking once more as fresh tears poured down my cheeks.

When we reached Liam’s office, his assistant looked up nervously. “Miss Vance, they just arrived. Mr. Sterling asked to see you immediately.”

“Girls‘ night,” Stella declared firmly. “Wine, ice cream, bad movies. No arguments.”

“Hazel, this changes nothing between us,” Liam insisted, taking a step toward me. “I meant what I said last night.”

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110 A Resolute Goodbye

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