The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 91

91 Poolside Confessions and a Secret Plan

91 Poolside Confessions and a Secret Plan

Damian’s backyard was like something out of a luxury resort brochure. The expansive pool sparkled under the summer sun, surrounded by perfectly manicured landscaping and comfortable lounge chairs. If

I sat on the edge of the pool, my feet dangling in the cool water as I watched Liam and Leo splash around together. My heart swelled seeing them like this-Liam holding Leo securely as the little boy giggled and kicked his legs in excitement.

“They look good together,” Chloe said, settling beside me with two glasses of sangria. She handed me one with a knowing smile.

“They do,” I admitted, taking a sip of the fruity drink.

Leo shrieked with delight as Liam spun him through the water. “Again! Again!” he demanded, and Liam obliged, his deep laugh carrying across the yard.

“It’s uncanny how much they look alike,” Scarlett remarked, joining us by the pool’s edge. “Those eyes are a dead giveaway.”

I tensed. “It’s just a coincidence.”

Chloe and Scarlett exchanged glances but didn’t push the subject further.

“Ladies, I’ve got snacks!” Damian announced, setting down a tray loaded with fruit, cheese, and crackers. “Can’t let you get too tipsy on those drinks.”

“Thoughtful as always,” Chloe said, grabbing a strawberry.

While the men kept Leo occupied in the pool, the women retreated to a cluster of lounge chairs under a large umbrella.

“So,” Scarlett leaned forward conspiratorially, “last night’s game got pretty wild after you two left.”

“Do tell,” I encouraged, grateful for the distraction from my complicated thoughts

about Liam.

“Tyler and I ended up in Damian’s spare bedroom,” she confessed with a grin. “That man knows how to use his tongue.”

“Scarlett!” Chloe gasped, then laughed. “Actually, wait until you hear about me and Marcus. He cornered me in the kitchen and-”

“There are children present,” I interrupted, nodding toward the pool though Leo was well out of earshot.

“Fine, I’ll behave.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “But what about you, Hazel? That kiss from Levi looked pretty steamy.”

My cheeks burned at the memory. “It was nothing”

“Nothing?” Scarlett arched an eyebrow. “My brother’s been texting me all morning asking for your number.”

“Well, he can keep asking,” I said firmly. “I’m not interested.”

“Even though it gave you goosebumps?” Chloe teased.

I nearly choked on my sangria. “How did you—”

“I saw your arms when he kissed your neck. Classic goosebump reaction.”

“It was just… unexpected,” I defended weakly.

“And what happened after you and Liam left? He looked ready to devour you right there in front of everyone,” Scarlett pressed.

The memory of being pinned against his door flashed through my mind. “We talked,” I said vaguely.

“Talked? With your clothes on?” Chloe snorted.

“No comment.”

Both women laughed knowingly.

“But seriously,” Chloe’s expression sobered, “where do things stand with you two? Are you back together? Has he explained that night with Isabella?”

I sighed heavily. “He says nothing happened.”

“Do you believe him?”

“I want to,” I admitted. “But I can’t forget walking into his office and seeing them together on that couch.”

“You need clarity,” Scarlett said decisively. “Which is why you’re coming with us this weekend.”

I blinked in confusion. “What?”

Chloe nodded eagerly. “We’ve planned a girls’ getaway. Just the three of us, heading to your hometown.”

“My hometown?” I repeated, alarmed. “Why there?”

“Because,” Chloe explained patiently, “you need to face your parents, get closure on your past, and clear your head about Liam. All at once.”

“I can’t just leave-”

“Yes, you can,” Scarlett interrupted. “It’s just for the weekend. Leo can stay with his grandmother.”

“We’ve already booked the hotel,” Chloe added. “No arguing”

Before I could protest further, a dripping wet Leo ran over and launched himself into my lap.

“Mommy! I swim like a fish!” he announced proudly.

I wrapped a towel around his shivering little body. “You sure did, baby. You’re a

natural.”

Liam followed, water streaming down his sculpted chest. My mouth went dry at the sight.

“He’s fearless in the water,” Liam said, pride evident in his voice. “Just like his mom.”

Our eyes met, and for a moment, I could almost believe we were a real family-that all our problems could be washed away as easily as pool water from skin.

Damian called everyone over for barbecue lunch, and the afternoon passed pleasantly with food, drinks, and conversation. It was nearly sunset when people started gathering their things to leave.

“Remember, this weekend,” Chloe whispered as she hugged me goodbye. “Don’t breathe a word to Liam.”

I nodded, guilt already gnawing at me for the planned deception.

3/5

Leo had fallen asleep in one of the lounge chairs, exhausted from the day’s activities. Liam carefully picked him up, cradling him against his chest with practiced ease.

“I’ll drive you both home,” he offered as we walked to his car.

The ride was quiet, with Leo softly snoring in his car seat. When we arrived at my apartment, Liam carried Leo inside and helped me tuck him into bed.

We stood in the hallway outside Leo’s room, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words.

“Hazel,” Liam finally said, his voice low and urgent. “I need you to forgive me. Come back to the company. Come back to me.”

I crossed my arms protectively over my chest. “It’s not that simple, Liam.”

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