The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Chapter 4 - A New Chapter in Haven Harbor

Hazel's POV

The sound of a spoon tapping against a champagne glass cut through the chatter in the small conference room. I turned to see Aiden Dalton, my boss of three years, standing with a proud smile on his face.

"Everyone, please join me in congratulating Hazel Vance on her graduation!"

Applause erupted from my coworkers. My cheeks warmed as they raised their plastic cups of sparkling cider in my direction. The small surprise party they'd organized touched me more than they could know.

"Thank you all so much," I said, fighting back tears. "Working here while finishing my degree hasn't been easy, but your support made it possible."

Aiden approached me with an envelope. "We're so proud of you, Hazel. But now that you've got your degree, I have to insist you start looking for opportunities in your field."

I frowned. "Are you firing me?"

He laughed. "Of course not! But you're overqualified for admin work now. You deserve better."

"But I love it here. The hours work perfectly with Leo's schedule, and everyone's been so understanding when emergencies come up."

Aiden placed his hand on my shoulder. "And we've loved having you. But you've worked too hard to settle."

I nodded, knowing he was right. My business degree with a specialty in marketing operations demanded more than filing paperwork and answering phones. Leo and I deserved better.

As the party wound down, I started clearing paper plates when my phone buzzed. Chloe's name flashed on the screen.

"What's up?" I asked, cradling the phone against my shoulder.

"Guess who just got off the phone with my dad?"

"Oscar? What did he want?" I asked, curious. Chloe's father had always been kind to me, especially after Leo was born.

"He wants to know if you're interested in interviewing for an executive assistant position."

I nearly dropped the stack of plates I was holding. "At his company?"

"No, better! At Sterling Group in Haven Harbor. Dad plays golf with one of their board members. Their CEO's assistant is retiring, and they need someone exceptional to replace her."

My mouth went dry. Sterling Group was one of the most prestigious corporations on the East Coast. "That's... that's way out of my league, Chl."

"No, it's not! You've basically been running Aiden's office since you started. This is perfect timing with your graduation."

"But Haven Harbor is three hours away," I pointed out. "I can't uproot Leo like that."

"Actually..." Chloe's voice took on that tone she used when she was about to reveal a surprise. "Noah just got offered a position at Haven Harbor Hospital. Senior PR coordinator."

I gasped. "Chloe! That's amazing! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was waiting for the right moment. And now it's here!" She paused dramatically. "I already found us an amazing furnished apartment with three bedrooms. One for you, one for me, and one for little Leo."

"Us? You want us to live together?"

"Of course! And before you ask, Noah already arranged to transfer his tech job to their Haven Harbor branch. We'll all be together!"

I sank into a chair, overwhelmed. "This is happening so fast."

"Sometimes fast is good," Chloe said softly. "Haven Harbor could be a fresh start for all of us. No more running into Ethan and Jessica at the grocery store. No more whispers from people who've known you since kindergarten."

She was right. Ever since Ethan had cheated on me with my cousin, and even more since I'd returned from that masquerade ball pregnant, my hometown had felt suffocating with judgment.

"When's the interview?" I asked, my decision already made.

"Tomorrow at ten. Video call with someone named Evelyn Reed."

My heart raced. "Tomorrow? That's so soon!"

"Fortune favors the bold, Hazel. This is your moment to shine."

The next morning, I sat at my kitchen table in my nicest blouse, hands trembling slightly as I waited for the video call to connect. Leo was with my parents, giving me the quiet I needed.

When the screen lit up, I was faced with an elegant older woman with light blonde hair twisted into a neat bun. Her smile was warm, putting me instantly at ease.

"Miss Vance? I'm Evelyn Reed, current executive assistant to Mr. Sterling. Thank you for making time for this interview."

"Thank you for considering me, Ms. Reed."

She chuckled. "Call me Evelyn, please. Now, Oscar Dalton speaks very highly of you, but I'd like to hear about your experience in your own words."

For the next forty minutes, I detailed my work experience, education, and skills. Evelyn asked pointed questions about my organizational methods, ability to handle pressure, and experience with confidential information.

"The position is demanding," she explained. "Mr. Sterling runs a tight ship and expects excellence. His schedule is packed, and you'll be responsible for managing it flawlessly. There will be late nights and occasional weekend work."

"I understand," I replied, straightening my shoulders. "I should mention that I have a three-year-old son. His care is my priority, but I'm committed to excellence in my work as well."

I held my breath, waiting for the polite rejection that often followed this disclosure.

Instead, Evelyn smiled. "I raised two children while working for Mr. Sterling's father. The company values work-life balance, within reason. As long as the work gets done exceptionally well, there's flexibility for family needs."

Relief washed over me. "That's wonderful to hear."

"Now for the practical details," she continued. "The salary is $85,000 annually with comprehensive benefits, including childcare assistance. You'd start next Monday, spending two weeks training with me before I retire."

I nearly choked. That was more than double what I currently made.

"That sounds... that would be amazing," I managed.

Evelyn studied me through the screen. "I've interviewed twelve candidates this week, Hazel. You're the only one I've offered the position to. Something tells me you're exactly what Mr. Sterling needs."

My eyes widened. "You're offering me the job? Now?"

"I trust my instincts. And Oscar Dalton doesn't recommend people lightly." Her blue eyes twinkled. "Will you accept?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Absolutely yes."

"Excellent. I'll email you the paperwork today. We'll see you Monday at 8 AM sharp."

After we disconnected, I sat in stunned silence for several minutes before calling Chloe with the news. Her excited screams almost shattered my eardrum.

Telling my parents was harder than I expected. We sat in their living room after dinner, Leo playing with blocks nearby.

"Haven Harbor?" My mother's voice quavered. "But that's so far away."

"It's only three hours, Mom," I reminded her gently. "And the opportunity is incredible."

My father took my mother's hand. "We knew this day would come, Serena. Hazel needs to build her own life."

"But what about Leo?" she asked, glancing at my son. "He's so used to being here with us while you work."

"Chloe found an apartment right near a highly-rated daycare center," I explained. "And the company offers childcare assistance. He'll be well taken care of."

"Who will watch him when he's sick?" My mother's eyes filled with tears. "Who will know that he likes his sandwiches cut into dinosaur shapes?"

I moved to sit beside her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. "I'll know, Mom. And I'll teach his caregivers. But this job means I can give him everything he deserves."

My father cleared his throat. "Your mother and I are just going to miss you both terribly."

"I know," I whispered, my own eyes welling up. "We'll miss you too. But we'll visit often, I promise."

Leo looked up from his blocks, sensing the emotional atmosphere. He toddled over and climbed onto my lap.

"Mama sad?" he asked, his extraordinary violet-blue eyes—so like his unknown father's—searching my face with concern.

"No, baby. Mama's happy," I assured him, kissing his forehead. "We're going on an adventure soon."

"Venture!" he repeated excitedly, making us all laugh through our tears.

My father stood and pulled me into a hug, Leo squished comfortably between us. "We're so proud of you, sweetheart. You've overcome more in three years than most people face in a lifetime."

"We just want what's best for you both," my mother added, joining our embrace.

In that moment, surrounded by their love, I knew I was making the right choice. Haven Harbor would be a new beginning for Leo and me—a place where we could build our future together, without the weight of the past holding us down.

The week flew by in a flurry of packing, paperwork, and tearful goodbyes. Before I knew it, Sunday afternoon arrived, and Chloe, Noah, Leo, and I stood outside our new apartment building in Haven Harbor.

"Home sweet home!" Chloe announced, unlocking the door with a flourish.

The apartment was spacious and bright, with large windows overlooking the harbor. True to Chloe's word, it was fully furnished with tasteful, comfortable pieces.

"This is way nicer than you described," I gasped, taking in the open-concept living area and gleaming kitchen.

"Only the best for my godson and best friend," she replied with a wink. "Leo, want to see your room?"

My son nodded eagerly, his little hand clasped in Noah's as they followed Chloe down the hallway.

"I painted it blue like the ocean!" Chloe called over her shoulder. "And there might be a surprise waiting for him!"

Leo's delighted squeal moments later confirmed her hint. I found them in a charming room with ocean-blue walls and a brand new train table in the corner. Leo was already pushing a wooden engine along the tracks, completely enraptured.

"Chl, this is too much," I protested weakly.

She waved away my concern. "The apartment's a steal—Dad knows the owner. And the train table is from all of us. Leo's birthday is next month anyway."

I hugged her fiercely. "I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do," she replied simply. "Now go unpack. Your first day at Sterling Group is tomorrow, and you need your beauty sleep!"

Later that night, after Leo was tucked into his new bed and Chloe and Noah had retreated to their room, I unpacked my final box. At the bottom, nestled in tissue paper, was a small wooden jewelry box I'd brought from my parents' house.

I opened it carefully, revealing the contents I hadn't looked at in over three years: a delicate gold mask, a dried rose, and a nearly empty bottle of expensive perfume—mementos from the masquerade ball that had changed my life forever.

I lifted the perfume bottle, removing the stopper to catch its scent—a complex blend of amber, jasmine, and vanilla that immediately transported me back to that magical night. The night I'd felt beautiful and desirable after months of heartbreak. The night I'd fallen into the arms of a stranger with mesmerizing violet-blue eyes—eyes my son now shared.

On an impulse, I dabbed a drop behind each ear. Tomorrow marked the beginning of my new life. A fresh start. A chance to prove myself at Sterling Group.

I placed the perfume bottle on my dresser instead of returning it to the box. Perhaps it was time to stop hiding these memories away. The masquerade ball had given me Leo—the best thing in my life. I wouldn't be ashamed of that night anymore.

As I crawled into bed, the scent of the perfume enveloped me like an embrace from the past. Tomorrow I would walk into Sterling Group wearing it, a silent reminder of my strength and the beautiful life I was building, one challenge at a time.