The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 84

84 The Forbidden Apple

84 The Forbidden Apple

The lobby of upscale restaurant Clean Slate glowed with ambient lighting that highlighted its modern elegance. I smoothed down my knee-length navy blue dress nervously, feeling both excited and anxious about tonight’s gathering.

“Stop fidgeting,” Chloe whispered beside me. “You look gorgeous.”

“I just feel weird,” I admitted. “Going out when things with Liam are so…”

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“Complicated?” Chloe supplied. “That’s exactly why you need this night out. No Leo responsibilities, no Liam drama, just adults having fun.”

I nodded, trying to embrace her perspective. After everything that had happened with Liam, I deserved a night of normalcy. The restaurant’s hostess approached with a welcoming smile.

“Reservation for Jennings?” she asked.

“That’s our group,” I confirmed.

“Perfect! The rest of your party is already here. Follow me.”

We trailed behind her through the elegant dining space. As we approached a semi-private area in the back, I spotted Levi standing up to greet us. His face lit up

when he saw me.

“You made it,” he said warmly, his eyes moving appreciatively over my dress. “You look beautiful, Hazel.”

The way he said my name-with such genuine pleasure-made me feel momentarily lighter.

“Thanks for inviting us,” I replied as he pulled out my chair.

The table was already buzzing with conversation. Scarlett sat beside Jason, laughing at something he’d said. Kyle was making dramatic hand gestures while Tom watched with amusement. There was an easy camaraderie among them that felt inviting.

“We ordered some appetizers for the table,” Levi explained, settling back into his seat beside me. “And the first round of drinks is on its way.”

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“Perfect timing,” Chloe said as a server arrived with a tray of colorful cocktails.

I accepted a berry-colored drink from the server. “What is this?”

“Blackberry whiskey sour,” Levi answered. “If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something else.”

I took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by the perfect balance of tart and sweet. “It’s delicious, actually.”

“Good,” he said, looking pleased. “I had a feeling you’d enjoy it.”

The appetizers arrived next-an impressive spread of bruschetta, calamari, and some kind of crispy potato dish with truffle aioli.

“So,” Kyle addressed the table, raising his glass, “to new friends and amazing company.”

We all clinked glasses, and the tension I’d been carrying began to dissolve as conversation flowed easily around the table. Scarlett regaled everyone with a story about a client’s ridiculous demands, while Tom shared anecdotes from his recent business trip.

“Hazel,” Jason called from across the table, “Scarlett says you’re incredible at your job. Any horror stories about working for the infamous Sterling?”

I nearly choked on my drink. Chloe shot me a concerned look.

“Um, it had its moments,” I answered carefully. “But I don’t think we should talk about work tonight.”

“Hear, hear,” Levi agreed, smoothly changing the subject. “Let’s talk about what everyone’s ordering instead.”

As we studied our menus, I felt Levi’s eyes on me. When I glanced up, he was watching me with an intensity that made my cheeks warm.

“What?” I asked quietly.

“Nothing” he replied with a small smile. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

The server returned to take our orders. When my turn came, I hesitated, unsure what

to choose.

“Do you trust me?” Levi asked suddenly.

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84 The Forbidden Apple

“What?”

“With your dinner order,” he clarified, his eyes twinkling. “I’ve eaten here before. I could order for you if you’re feeling adventurous.”

Something about his confidence was charming rather than presumptuous. “Sure, why

not?”

Levi turned to the server. “She’ll have the herb-crusted salmon with the citrus beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables.”

After the server left, conversation resumed around the table. I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks as Kyle and Jason traded outrageous stories.

“So,” Levi said, turning his full attention to me, “now that we’ve escaped the office interrogation-tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with work or being a mom.”

I considered his question. “I used to sing in a band in college.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Really? What kind of music?”

“Mostly covers. Some indie stuff,” I said, feeling suddenly shy about revealing this part of my past. “It wasn’t anything serious-just weekends at local bars.”

“That explains why Scarlett says you’ve got pipes,” Levi remarked. “Will we get to hear you at karaoke later?”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I hedged. “It’s been a while.”

“Come on,” he urged gently. “A talent like that shouldn’t go to waste.”

Our meals arrived, saving me from answering. The salmon Levi ordered for me was perfectly cooked, flaking under my fork.

“Good choice?” he asked after I took my first bite.

“Amazing,” I admitted. “How did you know?”

He shrugged, looking pleased with himself. “Just a hunch.”

Throughout dinner, I found myself repeatedly drawn into conversation with Levi. He was attentive without being overbearing, funny without trying too hard. It was refreshing and confusing, given my complicated feelings for Liam.

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84 The Forbidden Apple

“So,” Levi said as we finished our meals, “I have to ask. Are you seeing anyone right now?”

The directness of his question caught me off guard. “It’s… complicated.”

“With Sterling,” he stated rather than asked.

I nodded, not quite meeting his eyes.

“Look,” Levi said, his voice gentle but firm, “I’m not going to pretend I didn’t notice the tension between you two at lunch the other day. But I also noticed how he treated

you.”

“You don’t know the whole story,” I said defensively.

“You’re right, I don’t,” he conceded. “But I know what respect looks like, and that wasn’t

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