The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 118

118 A Welcome Distraction

Levi: Great! 12:30? I can pick you up at your office.

I checked my phone. Two texts from Chloe assured me Leo was having a blast at his sleepover. At least my son was happy.

I sighed. “I’m not exactly in a good place right now. Wouldn’t be fair to him.”

The relief must have shown on my face because Stella squeezed my shoulder

sympathetically.

My phone buzzed again with a group chat notification.

“I hope it’s not too forward.” He gestured to his car. “I know you’re going through a tough time.”

I shook my head. “Work is distraction enough.”

Scarlett: I may have mentioned my brother was asking about you…

“Hazel,” he said gently. “Good to see you back.”

Maya: Girl, say yes. Those arms alone are worth it.

“Coffee?” she asked, already pulling me toward the break room.

The Sterling Group building loomed before me as I pulled into my parking spot. I took

a deep breath. One day at a time. That’s all I could manage.

“Why not?” Damian asked.

“Look at you, getting back on the horse,” Stella winked.

“Good news?” Stella peered over my shoulder. “Ooh, Levi! Scarlett’s hot brother!”

Scarlett: Plus he knows you’re heartbroken, so no pressure.

Damian was there, pouring himself a cup. He turned, his expression softening when he

saw me.

I sipped the strong coffee, grateful for the warmth spreading through me. “I want to thank you both for not treating me like I might break.”

118 A Welcome Distraction

“It’s just lunch,” I repeated, though a tiny spark of excitement flickered in my chest.

“You know what they say–best way to get over someone is to get under-

“Anytime.” Damian’s eyes held genuine concern. “Though preferably not under those circumstances.”

“Thanks for the invitation,” I said, suddenly shy. “This is a nice surprise.”

Me: Lunch sounds nice. What time?

Morning light filtered through my bedroom curtains, rousing me from a fitful sleep. I blinked at the ceiling, the memories of last night’s goodbye with Liam rushing back. My chest ached, but surprisingly, I felt… alive. The numbness had given way to pain–sharp and real.

“It’s lunch, not a marriage proposal,” Stella pointed out. “Besides, a handsome distraction might be exactly what you need.”

The morning passed in a blur of emails and reports. Working kept my mind busy, prevented it from wandering to Liam and whatever he was doing at his board meeting. Was he announcing his engagement? The thought made me nauseous.

I stared at the screen, conflicted.

I confirmed and slipped my phone into my pocket, my heart beating a little faster.

Amanda: A gentle rebound is therapeutic. Medical fact.

“He wants to have lunch,” I explained, uncertain. “I don’t know if I should.”

My phone buzzed with a text. I glanced down, surprised to see Levi’s name.

With trembling fingers, I typed back:

“It’s just lunch,” I said, mostly convincing myself.

His easy smile reached his warm hazel eyes as he approached. “Hazel,” he greeted me, leaning in for a brief hug. “You look beautiful.”

Maybe I could learn to smile/again, one lunch at a time.

After a quick shower, I chose a simple navy dress and applied just enough makeup to hide the evidence of my tears. I couldn’t change my circumstances, but I could face

118 A Welcome Distraction

them with dignity.

As I slid into the luxurious leather seat, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the side mirror. My eyes looked brighter than they had this morning, my cheeks slightly flushed. It wasn’t happiness–not yet–but it was something close to hope.

Chloe: GO! He’s gorgeous, kind, and clearly interested!

“That,” he said, opening the passenger door for me, “is exactly what I hoped to hear.”

A sleek silver sports car pulled up to the curb, turning heads as it stopped directly in front of me. The driver’s door opened, and Levi stepped out, looking like he’d walked straight off a magazine cover in dark jeans and a crisp blue button–down that highlighted his broad shoulders.

“There she is!” Stella’s cheerful voice greeted me as I stepped off the elevator. Her smile faltered slightly when she saw my face. “How are you holding up, sweetie?”

“So,” she continued, clearly trying to lighten the mood, “any plans to distract yourself?” I couldn’t help laughing at my friends‘ enthusiasm.

“God, yes.”

“See?” Stella pointed at my phone. “The committee has spoken.”

“I’m here. That’s something,” I attempted a smile.

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