The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 38

38 The Office’s New First Lady

38 The Office’s New First Lady

Hazel’s POV (1

Morning sunlight streamed through my kitchen window as I bustled around making Leo’s breakfast. My body hummed with leftover pleasure from the night before, and I

couldn’t stop smiling.

“Mommy, why are you so happy?” Leo asked, tilting his head.

I ruffled his dark hair. “Because I’m with you, silly.”

Leo giggled, shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth. Those violet-blue eyes-so like Liam’s-sparkled with childish delight. I pushed away the unsettling thought Chloe had planted. Pure coincidence. Had to be.

My phone buzzed with a text from Liam: “Outside whenever you’re ready. No rush.”

My heart skipped. He was picking us up for work and daycare. Like we were a… family.

“Guess who’s here to drive us today?” I asked Leo.

“Liam?” Leo perked up instantly.

It amazed me how quickly my son had taken to him. One evening together, and Leo acted like Liam hung the moon and stars.

“Yes, Liam. So let’s hurry up.”

“Can I bring my red car to show him?” Leo asked, already scrambling down from his

chair.

“Sure, baby.”

Ten minutes later, we stepped outside. Liam leaned against his sleek black car, looking devastating in a charcoal suit. His face lit up when he saw us.

“Good morning,” he said, bending down to Leo’s level. “Hey buddy, how are you today?”

“Look at my car!” Leo thrust the toy forward proudly.

Liam took it with exaggerated reverence. “Wow, this is awesome! Ferrari 458, right?

Great choice.”

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38 The Office’s New First Lady

Leo beamed at the recognition. My chest tightened watching them. This felt so right, yet terrified me at the same time.

Liam straightened up and pulled me into a gentle kiss. “Morning, beautiful.”

“Morning,” I whispered against his lips.

The drive was filled with Leo’s chatter from the back seat while Liam patiently answered each question about cars, buildings, and random clouds that caught my son’s attention.

After dropping Leo off, Liam reached for my hand as he drove toward the office.

“He’s amazing, Hazel. Smart, curious, kind. You’ve done an incredible job with him.”

Pride swelled in my chest. “Thank you. He really likes you.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” Liam squeezed my hand. “I want to be part of his life, if you’ll let

me.”

My throat tightened with emotion. “You really mean that?”

“Every word.” His eyes briefly left the road to meet mine. “I meant what I said yesterday. I want us to be real. No hiding.”

Anxiety prickled beneath my skin. “Even at work?”

“Especially at work.” He brought my hand to his lips. “I’m not ashamed of us, Hazel.”

“But people will talk. They’ll think I slept my way to the top or—”

“Let them talk.” His voice was firm. “Anyone who matters knows your value has nothing to do with our relationship.”

I bit my lip, unconvinced. “It’s just… I’ve worked so hard to be taken seriously.”

“And you’ll continue to be. I won’t let anyone disrespect you.” He pulled into his reserved parking spot. “Trust me?”

I nodded, drawing strength from his certainty.

“Good.” He leaned over and captured my lips in a kiss that made my toes curl.

We walked into the Sterling Group building hand in hand. The security guard’s eyes / widened slightly, but he recovered quickly with a respectful nod.

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38 The Office’s New First Lady

“Good morning, Mr. Sterling, Ms. Vance.”

In the elevator, Liam kept his arm around my waist. My stomach churned with nerves as the numbers climbed.

“Relax,” he murmured against my hair. “It’s going to be fine.”

The doors opened, and we stepped onto our floor. Heads turned. Whispers erupted. Heat rushed to my face as we walked past the cubicles toward Liam’s office.

“Mr. Sterling! Your coffee,” Bianca called, hurrying up with Liam’s usual morning drink. Her eyes darted between us, lingering on our joined hands.

“Thank you, Bianca.” Liam took the cup without releasing me.

“Ms. Vance, there are some messages on your desk,” she said, her tone professionally neutral though her eyes gleamed with curiosity.

“I’ll get to them right away,” I replied, trying to sound normal.

Liam pressed a kiss to my temple. “Meeting in twenty minutes. Don’t be late.” The playful wink he gave me made my heart flutter.

As soon as he disappeared into his office, Bianca pounced.

“Oh. My. God.” She grabbed my arm, pulling me aside. “You and Mr. Sterling? For real?”

“It’s… new,” I managed, wondering if this would be my day now-fielding questions and defending my relationship.

“Details! I need details!” She lowered her voice. “Is he as intense in bed as he is in meetings?”

“Bianca!” I hissed, scandalized.

“Sorry, sorry.” She didn’t look sorry at all. “But seriously, this is huge! You’re like… the office’s new first lady!”

I cringed at the title. “Please don’t call me that.”

“Too late. That’s what everyone’s already saying.” She glanced around conspiratorially. “Watch out for Rebecca from Accounting. She’s had her eye on him for years.”

Great. Office politics and jealousy-exactly what I feared.

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38 The Office’s New First Lady

“I should get to work,” I said, desperate to escape.

At my desk, I forced myself to focus on emails and meeting preparations. But the weight of stares and whispers made my skin crawl.

An hour later, Liam called me into the conference room where Damian, Evelyn, and Owen sat around the table.

“Close the door, please, Hazel,” Liam said, his expression unreadable.

My stomach dropped. Was this an intervention? Had he changed his mind already?

I closed the door with slightly trembling hands.

“I wanted to inform you all officially,” Liam began, standing to join me, “that Hazel and I are in a relationship.”

Relief flooded through me at his direct approach.

“No shit, Sherlock,” Damian laughed. “The way you two have been eye-fucking for weeks, I’m surprised it took this long.”

“Damian!” Evelyn scolded, but her eyes twinkled. “Language.” She turned to me with a warm smile. “I’m thrilled for you both. Truly.”

Owen nodded, pushing his glasses up. “Congratulations. Though HR might want a

disclosure form.”

“Already handled,” Liam said, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Any concerns?”

“Just one,” Damian said seriously. “Hazel, are you sure you want to saddle yourself with this workaholic? I can offer a much more entertaining alternative.”

Liam growled playfully. “Back off, Knight.”

I laughed, tension finally leaving my shoulders. “I think I’ll take my chances with him.”

“Your loss,” Damian winked.

“Let’s celebrate!” Evelyn suggested. “Lunch in the executive dining room?”

I hadn’t expected such easy acceptance. The tight knot in my chest loosened as we shared a casual, friendly lunch filled with teasing and laughter. For the first time, I felt like I belonged in Liam’s world.

12.06

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