The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 73

73 The Grand Floral Apology

73 The Grand Floral Apology

## Hazel’s POV (1)

Monday morning arrived with its usual chaos. Leo had spilled orange juice all over his dinosaur pajamas, the coffee maker decided to malfunction, and I was running behind schedule. Despite everything, I was determined to maintain my composure.

“Bye, sweetie. Be good for Mrs. Garcia,” I said, kissing Leo’s forehead at the babysitter’s doorstep.

“Will Liam come play today?” Leo asked, his eyes bright with hope.

My heart squeezed. “Not today, baby. Maybe soon.”

I hurried to the office, my mind replaying Friday night’s events. Liam’s declaration echoed in my head: “I will never give up on you. I love you!” My friends had bombarded me with texts all weekend, demanding details and offering contradictory advice.

“Make him grovel,” Thea had insisted.

“Don’t punish him for loving you,” Chloe countered.

I wasn’t sure what to do. Part of me wanted to forgive him immediately, while another part feared rushing back would mean surrendering the independence I’d fought so hard to build.

“Morning, Hazel,” Evelyn greeted me as I rushed through the office door. “Mr. Sterling called. He’s in meetings downtown all morning.”

“Right,” I replied, trying to ignore the disappointment that fluttered in my chest. “Thanks, Evelyn.”

I busied myself with work, scheduling appointments and organizing Liam’s calendar. Dr. Reynolds’ office called to confirm my annual check-up.

“I’m sorry, but something’s come up,” I explained, glancing at the calendar. “Mr. Sterling has scheduled a late meeting that day. Could we reschedule for next week?”

I had just hung up when a commotion in the reception area caught my attention. Two delivery men struggled through the door, each carrying enormous floral arrangements that nearly obscured their faces.

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73 The Grand Floral Apology

“Delivery for Hazel Vance and Scarlett Chen,” one announced, barely visible behind a cascade of tulips.

Heads popped up from cubicles like prairie dogs. Whispers spread across the office as the men placed the arrangements on the reception desk. The flowers were spectacular -my vase overflowed with at least five dozen vibrant tulips in every shade of pink and

red.

“These can’t all be for me,” I said, heat rising to my cheeks as curious coworkers gathered around.

“Hazel Vance?” the delivery man confirmed, checking his clipboard. “And these are for

Scarlett Chen.”

Scarlett appeared beside me, her mouth hanging open at the sight of her equally massive bouquet of exotic orchids.

“There’s a card,” the man said, handing me a small envelope.

I opened it with trembling fingers:

*”Every tulip for every moment I’ve missed you. I’m not giving up. Never. – L”*

Scarlett read her own card and burst out laughing. “Apparently, the men conspired.

Mine’s from Damian.”

My phone buzzed with a text from Chloe: *Just got the biggest arrangement of roses I’ve ever seen. Noah’s gone insane. Please tell me you got flowers too?*

Before I could reply, Thea sent a photo of herself dwarfed by an enormous bouquet of lilies. *The boys are coordinating their groveling.*

“This is ridiculous,” I muttered, though a smile tugged at my lips.

“It’s romantic,” Evelyn countered, appearing at my side. “Though how you’ll get these home is beyond me.”

My phone rang. Liam’s name flashed on the screen.

“Excuse me,” I said, stepping away from the crowd to answer. “Was this really necessary?”

“Good morning to you too, beautiful,” Liam replied, his voice warm and amused. “I take

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73 The Grand Floral Apology

it the flowers arrived?”

“The entire office is staring,” I hissed, ducking into an empty conference room. “It’s

embarrassing.”

“It was meant to be impressive, not embarrassing.”

“Well, mission accomplished. Everyone’s impressed by your ability to clear out an entire flower shop.”

His rich chuckle sent unwelcome tingles down my spine. “I wanted to spoil you.”

“With what? Hay fever?” I countered, though my resolve was weakening.

“I miss you, Cat,” he said softly. “And Leo. How is he?”

The mention of my son disarmed me completely. The fact that Liam cared about Leo, that he’d asked about him first-it melted something inside me.

“He asked about you this morning,” I admitted, sinking into a chair. “He wanted to know if you’d come play with him today.”

A heavy pause followed. “I’d like that. Very much.”

I closed my eyes, conflicted. “Liam, I don’t know if—”

“Have dinner with me tonight,” he interrupted. “Let me drive you home. We can talk properly, without an audience.”

“I need to pick up Leo-”

“I’ll drive you both. We can grab takeout, eat at your place. No pressure, just… let me see you. Both of you.”

His voice held such sincere longing that my defenses crumbled further. “Okay,” I agreed softly.

“Good,” he said, relief evident in his tone. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Liam,” I added before he could hang up. “Your card said ‘I’m not giving up.’ What exactly aren’t you giving up on?”

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