The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 143

143 A Bittersweet Farewell

143 A Bittersweet Farewell

Levi took my hands in his, his eyes kind. “I think we both know what this conversation is about.” (1)

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

We both laughed nervously.

“I have a friend who works at the lab. The results came back negative. She’s not carrying Liam’s baby–she never was.”

I stroked his hair, fighting back fresh tears. “Soon, baby. Soon.”

Leo nodded seriously, accepting my answer with the simple trust of a child. We spent the rest of my day off building forts with blankets and watching cartoons. As he napped beside me on the couch, I gazed at his peaceful face–so much like Liam’s.

He smiled one last time. “Goodbye, Hazel.”

Tears filled my eyes. “I never meant to hurt you.”

I showered quickly and threw on a simple sundress, my mind racing. How would I tell him? What would I say?

After he left, I called Chloe and Scarlett, tears streaming down my face as I told them what happened.

“No, he doesn’t. But pretending to love him when your heart belongs to someone else? That hurts him more.”

“Mommy!” he shouted, throwing his arms around my legs.

My breath caught. “We do?”

“For what?”

“One hundred percent sure, Liam just got the results this morning” She paused. “Hazel, he still loves you. He never stopped.”

“I feel terrible,” I admitted. “He’s moving across the country because of me.”

“Hazel-” he started.

143 A Bittersweet Farewell

My phone rang again. Levi’s name appeared on the screen. My stomach twisted with guilt.

I wiped away a tear. “I don’t deserve your understanding.”

“You deserve happiness, Hazel. We both do.” He sighed. “I got a job offer in California. I’m going to take it–fresh start for both of us.”

“I’m breaking up

with you,

Hazel.”

When he pulled away, his eyes were sad but resolved. “Be happy, Hazel. That’s all I want for you.”

“He’s moving because he needs space,” Scarlett corrected gently. “And because that job is a great opportunity. Don’t take that away from him by blaming yourself.”

We sat on my couch, an awkward silence between us.

I sat up straight in bed, suddenly wide awake. “What? How do

“Levi-” I said at the same time.

you know?”

We talked for a while longer before I heard my front door open. My nanny, Mrs. Rodriguez, came in with Leo. He immediately ran to me.

“Hazel, you need to end things with my brother,” Scarlett continued gently. “I love Levi, but I see how you look at Liam. You’re running from your destiny.”

“You first,” I offered.

Her words hit me hard because they were true. I’d been hiding behind the safety of Levi’s affection, afraid to face my real feelings.

“Thank you,” I murmured against his shoulder.

“Mommy, where’s Alexander? I miss him.” His innocent question made my heart ache “Tell him to come play with me, Mommy.”

“I know that.” He squeezed my hands. “You’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. That’s why I’m doing this—because I care about you enough to let you go.”

One door had closed today with Levi. But maybe, just maybe, another one was about to open.

143 A Bittersweet Farewell

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Groggily, I reached for it and saw Scarlett’s name flashing on the screen.

I closed my eyes, emotions washing over me. Relief, confusion, hope–they all battled

inside me.

“It’s okay,” he interrupted gently. “You can’t help who you love. And you love Liam Sterling.”

“I know,” I whispered. “But Levi doesn’t deserve to be hurt.”

The doorbell rang precisely twenty minutes later. Levi stood there with a small smile, looking handsome in jeans and a blue button–down shirt. I invited him in, my heart heavy.

“He broke up with you?” Chloe asked in disbelief…“Damn, that man is a saint.”

“Yes! I went on the swings and the slide and we fed ducks!”

“I leave next week.” He brushed his thumb across my cheek. “Don’t cry for me, okay? We gave it a shot. Sometimes things just aren’t meant to be.”

He stood up, and I walked him to the door. We hugged tightly.

He smiled sadly. “Don’t look so shocked. I’ve seen the way you look at him. The way you don’t look at me.”

“For being you. For making this easier than I deserve.”

“Hello?” My voice was thick with sleep.

“Hi,” I answered softly.

I blinked in surprise. “You’re breaking up with me?”

He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips–our last kiss. It was sweet a tender, a goodbye rather than a promise.

“Levi, I-”

Mrs. Rodriguez smiled. “He was very good today. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Ms.

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