Author: Isla Fox © WebNovel Chapter 1: The Unwanted Invitation I kicked the door shut with my heel, balancing grocery bags in both arms while fumbling with my keys. Another exhausting day at the temp agency, another night of microwaved dinner and reality TV. The familiar weight of routine settled on my shoulders as I dropped the bags onto the kitchen counter. "Hazel, darling! There you are!" I nearly jumped out of my skin. My mother's voice came from the living room, where she definitely hadn't been when I left this morning. I peeked around the corner to find both my parents seated on my modest sofa like royalty visiting a peasant's hut. "Mom? Dad? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" I asked, my heart still racing. My father, Arthur Vance, straightened his already impeccable posture. "Your superintendent let us in. We've been waiting for almost an hour." Of course Mr. Jenkins would let them in. My parents had that effect on people-making them feel simultaneously honored and terrified. "You could have called," I said, trying to keep the irritation from my voice. "We did, twice," my mother, Serena, replied, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her designer skirt. "You didn't answer." I glanced at my phone. Two missed calls. Great. "What's so urgent that you needed to ambush me at home?" I asked, noting how my father's eye twitched at the word "ambush." My mother's crimson-painted lips curved into what she probably thought was a warm smile. "We have wonderful news!" She extended a cream-colored envelope toward me. Even from a distance, I recognized the elegant gold embossing. My stomach dropped. "I don't want it," I said flatly. "Don't be ridiculous, Hazel," my father chided. "Take the invitation." "I don't need to read it to know what it is." I crossed my arms. "Jessica and Ethan's wedding invitation. The answer is no." My mother's smile faltered. "Hazel Elizabeth Vance, this childish grudge has gone on long enough. Jessica is family." "And Ethan was my boyfriend for three years before I caught them together in MY bed!" The memory still burned, raw and humiliating. "That was nearly a year ago," my father dismissed with a wave of his hand. "People make mistakes." "A mistake?" I laughed bitterly. "Dad, they were engaged six weeks later." My mother stood, approaching me like I was a spooked horse. "Darling, sometimes love is complicated. Jessica and Ethan realized they were meant to be-" "In my bed? While I was at work supporting him through law school?" The anger I'd suppressed for months surged through me. "And now you expect me to celebrate their 'love'?" "We expect you to be mature," my father countered, his voice taking on that familiar authoritative tone that had intimidated me since childhood. "The Thornes and Vances have been family friends for generations. Your absence would cause an unnecessary scene." "So I'm supposed to smile and toast to their happiness? Watch them dance their first dance as husband and wife? All to keep up appearances?" My voice cracked. My mother placed the invitation on the counter. "Yes, that's exactly what you'll do. Because you're a Vance, and Vances handle difficult situations with grace and dignity." I felt tears threatening. "What about loyalty to your daughter? Does that matter at all?" My father stood now, towering in my small apartment. "Enough dramatics. You'll attend the wedding. You'll be pleasant. And you'll finally put this unpleasantness behind you. This discussion is over." I stared at them, these people who shared my blood but couldn't understand my pain. "Get out." "Excuse me?" My mother's eyes widened. "I need you to leave. Now." I held the door open, my hand trembling. They exchanged looks of disapproval before gathering their things. My mother paused at the door. "The wedding is in three weeks. We expect you to be there." Her voice left no room for argument. When they were gone, I slid down against the closed door, finally letting the tears flow. I grabbed my phone and dialed the only person who'd understand. "Chloe? Can you come over? It's an emergency." Twenty minutes later, Chloe burst through my door, arms laden with wine bottles and ice cream. "What happened? You look terrible," she said, immediately pouring two generous glasses of red. I wordlessly handed her the invitation. Her face darkened as she read it. "Those spineless, image-obsessed-" She cut herself off, taking a deep breath. "And they ambushed you here?" I nodded, accepting the wine glass. "They said I have to go. That I have to smile and pretend everything's fine." "Screw that!" Chloe set down her glass with a thud. "You are absolutely not going to that wedding." "But my parents-" "Your parents can shove their family loyalty where the sun doesn't shine," Chloe snapped. "They clearly don't understand the concept when it comes to their own daughter." I sipped my wine, grateful for her fierce protectiveness. "What am I going to do? They won't take no for an answer." Chloe's eyes suddenly lit up-a dangerous sign I'd known since childhood. "When's the wedding date?" She snatched the invitation again. "July 16th," I said miserably. Her smile grew wider. "That's the night of the Sterling Masquerade Ball." "The what?" "Only the most exclusive event of the summer! Masks, gowns, champagne-and most importantly, zero chance of running into your backstabbing cousin or spineless ex." She grabbed her phone, typing furiously. "My family's company always gets invitations. I was planning to skip it, but now…" "Chloe, I don't know…" "Haven't you always wanted to feel like Cinderella for a night? To escape your life and be someone else entirely?" Her eyes shone with excitement. "One night of magic instead of misery. You deserve that much." "My parents will never agree to it." "Leave them to me," Chloe said with a mischievous grin. "I'll tell them it's a networking opportunity that could land you a permanent job. Career advancement is the one excuse they might accept." Over the next three weeks, Chloe's plan took shape. She convinced my parents with a masterfully crafted lie about potential employers at the ball. She dragged me shopping for a gown that cost more than my monthly rent-a stunning red number that made even me do a double-take. She even arranged for professional hair and makeup. On the night of July 16th, I stood in front of my mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The red dress hugged every curve, my usually unruly black hair now cascaded in perfect waves down my back, and the golden mask adorning my face highlighted my green eyes in a way that made them seem almost otherworldly. Chloe appeared behind me in the mirror, resplendent in midnight blue. "You look incredible. Ready to have the night of your life?" The weight of the day-of knowing Jessica was walking down the aisle at that very moment-suddenly crashed over me. Panic seized my chest. "I think I'd better stay," I whispered, hands trembling. "I'm not in the party mood." comment 0 comment SEND GIFT Chapter 2: A Reckless Night with a Stranger "Absolutely not, Hazel Vance. You are coming with me." Chloe grabbed my hands firmly, locking eyes with me through our masks. "No more hiding. No more crying over people who don't deserve your tears." I glanced at my reflection again, barely recognizing myself in the shimmering red dress. The golden mask transformed me into someone else-someone bolder, someone who didn't carry the weight of betrayal on her shoulders. "One hour," I conceded. "Then I'm coming back here and drowning my sorrows in ice cream." "Sure, whatever you say." Chloe's smile told me she had no intention of sticking to that timeline. The Sterling Masquerade Ball was nothing short of magnificent. The historic Hamilton Hotel ballroom sparkled with thousands of twinkling lights. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd of masked dancers. Everyone looked mysterious and elegant, swirling around in designer gowns and tailored suits. "Drink this," Chloe handed me a flute of champagne. "And that one, too," she added, pushing another into my free hand after I downed the first. The bubbles tickled my throat, sending a warm wave through my body. For the first time in months, I felt the tension in my shoulders begin to loosen. "There's Mark from accounting," Chloe waved across the room. "I need to say hello. Will you be okay for a minute?" "I'm a big girl," I laughed, already feeling lighter from the champagne. "Go network." Left alone, I wandered toward the dance floor. The music washed over me, and I closed my eyes, swaying slightly. When was the last time I'd just let myself enjoy something without overthinking it? "You look like you could use a dance partner." The deep voice startled me. I opened my eyes to find a tall figure standing before me. His black mask covered the upper half of his face, revealing only a strong jawline and sensual lips. What caught my breath, though, were his eyes-an intense violet-blue that seemed to glow beneath his mask. "I wasn't planning on dancing," I replied, surprising myself with my flirtatious tone. "Plans change." He extended his hand just as the orchestra transitioned to a slower song. "One dance won't kill you." Something about his confidence made me place my hand in his. He pulled me close, one large hand settling at the small of my back. Heat radiated through the thin fabric of my dress. "You're not from around here," he said, expertly guiding me across the floor. "I'd remember you." "Quite confident for someone who can only see half my face." His lips quirked into a smile. "The important half." The champagne had emboldened me. "And which half is that?" "The half that's smiling at me now." We moved together as if we'd danced a thousand times before. His hand burned against my back, drawing me incrementally closer with each turn. "What brings you here tonight?" he asked, his breath warm against my ear. "Escape," I admitted, the word slipping out before I could stop it. "From what?" "My life." The champagne had loosened my tongue. "Just for tonight." His eyes darkened, pupils dilating behind his mask. "I understand escape." The music swelled around us. My head felt light-from the champagne, the spinning, or his proximity, I couldn't tell. "I need some air," I murmured, placing a hand on his chest to steady myself. Without hesitation, he guided me away from the crowd, down a dimly lit corridor. We stopped near a tall window, moonlight streaming through the glass. "Better?" he asked, his voice lower than before. I nodded, my back against the cool wall. "Thank you." "For what?" "Making me forget," I whispered. Something shifted in his expression. In one fluid movement, he stepped closer, crowding me against the wall. "Let me help you forget a little more." His lips crashed against mine. The kiss was hungry, desperate. My body responded instantly, arms winding around his neck, pulling him closer. His tongue slipped past my lips, tasting of expensive whiskey and desire. "Tell me to stop," he murmured against my mouth, large hands gripping my waist. "Don't stop," I gasped. That was all the permission he needed. His mouth trailed down my neck, teeth grazing sensitively over my pulse point. I moaned, not caring who might hear. His hands slid down to cup my backside, lifting me against the wall. "Wrap your legs around me," he commanded. I obeyed, locking my ankles behind his back. The new position brought the hard evidence of his desire firmly against me, separated only by layers of fabric. He groaned, grinding his hips forward. "Is this okay?" he asked, his breathing ragged. "Yes," I hissed, digging my fingers into his shoulders. "Please." What happened next was a blur of desperate movements. He pushed my dress up around my waist. I fumbled with his belt. In moments, he was positioned at my entrance, pausing only briefly to search my eyes for final confirmation. I answered by pulling him forward, gasping as he filled me completely. The feeling was exquisite-stretching, burning, satisfying in a way I'd never experienced before. He began to move, setting a relentless pace that had me biting my lip to keep from screaming. "Look at me," he demanded, one hand cupping my face. "I want to see you." I forced my eyes open, meeting that intense violet-blue gaze as he drove into me again and again. The connection was electric, intimate beyond the physical act we were engaged in. "You're so beautiful," he groaned, his rhythm faltering as he approached his peak. His thumb found the sensitive bundle of nerves at the apex of my thighs, circling with expert precision. The dual sensation pushed me over the edge. My vision went white as waves of pleasure crashed through me. I felt him follow seconds later, his body tensing as he buried his face in my neck, muffling his release. We stayed locked together, breathing heavily, neither willing to break the spell. Slowly, he lowered me to my feet, steadying me when my legs threatened to give out. "That was…" he started, then shook his head, apparently at a loss for words. "Yeah," I agreed, smoothing my dress back down. He adjusted his clothing, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't do this. Ever." "Neither do I," I admitted. "I'd like to know your name," he said softly. Before I could answer, his phone rang. The harsh sound shattered our bubble. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. His entire demeanor changed in an instant. "I have to take this," he said, already answering. "Hello? What? When?" The color drained from his face. "I'll be right there." Without another word, he turned and sprinted down the hallway, disappearing around the corner. Just like that, he was gone. I leaned against the wall, reality slowly seeping back in. What had I just done? I'd had sex with a complete stranger whose name I didn't even know, against a wall at a charity ball. This wasn't me. I never did things like this. Yet I couldn't bring myself to regret it. I found my way back to the ballroom, spotting Chloe immediately. She took one look at me and her eyes widened. "Where have you been? And why do you look like you just…" Her mouth formed a perfect O. "You didn't!" "Time to go," I muttered, grabbing her arm. Later that night, sprawled on my couch with Chloe, I recounted every detail of my encounter with the mysterious masked man. "His eyes were incredible, Chloe. This intense violet-blue I've never seen before. And the way he touched me…" I sighed, still feeling the ghost of his hands on my skin. "Sounds like you had the perfect revenge hookup," Chloe grinned, refilling our wine glasses. "Much better than watching Jessica and Ethan say their vows." "It was incredible," I admitted, feeling my cheeks flush. "I've never done anything so reckless." "Sometimes reckless is exactly what you need." Chloe clinked her glass against mine. "To new beginnings and mysterious strangers!" I laughed, taking a sip. "To one perfect night." Chloe tilted her head, studying my expression. "Wait, there's just one thing I need to ask… You guys used protection, right?" The wine glass nearly slipped from my fingers as stark realization hit me like a truck. My mind raced back through the heated encounter-the desperation, the passion, the complete abandonment of reason. "Oh my God," I whispered, my blood turning to ice. "We didn't." comment 0 comment SEND GIFT Chapter 3: A Son with a Stranger's Eyes "I can't believe I was so stupid!" I paced back and forth in Chloe's apartment, tugging at my hair in frustration. "Who does that? Who has unprotected sex with a complete stranger?" Chloe sat on her couch, watching me wear a path in her carpet. "Hey, it was a mistake. We all make them." "Not like this!" My voice cracked. "What if I have an STD? What if I'm…" I couldn't even say the word. Pregnant. The possibility hung in the air between us. "First things first," Chloe said, grabbing her phone. "Let's schedule you for testing." Two weeks later, we sat in a sterile waiting room at the clinic. My leg bounced nervously as I stared at the bland artwork on the walls. "Hazel Vance?" A nurse called my name. Chloe squeezed my hand. "Want me to come with you?" I nodded, too anxious to speak. The doctor was kind but direct as she reviewed my test results. "Your STD panel came back negative," she said, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank God," I breathed. "However," she continued, glancing down at her chart, "your pregnancy test is positive." The room tilted. I heard Chloe gasp beside me. "There must be a mistake," I whispered. "I'm afraid not," the doctor said gently. "Based on the date you provided of your encounter, you're approximately six weeks pregnant." I don't remember much of what happened next. Chloe drove me home in silence. My mind raced with impossible scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. "What am I going to do?" I finally asked as we sat on my couch. "My parents will disown me." "You don't know that," Chloe said, though her voice lacked conviction. "They just got over the humiliation of my ex cheating with my cousin. Now I have to tell them I'm pregnant from a one-night stand with a man whose name I don't even know?" I buried my face in my hands. "Whatever you decide to do," Chloe said firmly, "I'm here for you." I spent the next week in a daze, barely functioning. My options swirled endlessly in my head. When I finally gathered the courage to tell my parents, I felt like I was walking to my execution. "Mom, Dad, I need to talk to you," I said that Sunday evening, my voice trembling. They sat across from me at the dinner table, concern etched on their faces. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" my mother asked. I took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant." The silence that followed was deafening. My mother's fork clattered against her plate. My father's face drained of color. "Who?" he finally asked, his voice tight. "Someone I met at the masquerade ball," I admitted, tears streaming down my face. "I don't know his name. I don't know anything about him." My mother stood abruptly and left the room. I heard her bedroom door slam shut. Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. "I'm sorry," I whispered to my father. "I'll pack my things." "Pack your things?" My father's brow furrowed. "Why would you do that?" I looked up, confused. "Because you're kicking me out. Because I've disappointed you again." To my shock, my father moved to my side of the table and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Hazel, you're my daughter. Yes, I'm surprised, and yes, this isn't what I wanted for you. But kick you out? Never." I sobbed against his shoulder, relief and gratitude overwhelming me. "What are you going to do?" he asked gently when my tears subsided. I pulled back, wiping my eyes. "I don't know. I've been thinking about all my options, but…" "But what?" "But every time I think about… not having it… something inside me rebels." I placed a hand over my still-flat stomach. "I know it's crazy, but I think I want to keep this baby." My father nodded slowly. "Then you'll stay here. You'll finish your degree. We'll figure it out together." "But Mom…" "Your mother will come around," he assured me. "She loves you. She just needs time." He was right. After three days of strained silence, my mother approached me in my bedroom. Her eyes were red from crying. "I've been praying," she said, sitting beside me on the bed. "And I've realized something. This baby is my grandchild. Whatever circumstances brought it into existence, it's innocent and deserving of love." Fresh tears sprang to my eyes as she pulled me into her arms. "Thank you, Mom," I whispered. "We'll make it work," she promised. The next few months were a blur of doctor's appointments, morning sickness, and university classes. My body changed, stretching to accommodate the growing life inside me. Chloe stayed by my side, accompanying me to every checkup, holding my hair back when morning sickness struck, and defending me fiercely against campus gossip. "Will you be my baby's godmother?" I asked her one afternoon as we folded tiny onesies. "Just try to stop me," she grinned, then grew serious. "Are you sure you don't want to try finding him? The father?" I shook my head. "He was a stranger at a masquerade ball. All I know is that he has unusual eyes. How would I even start?" News of my pregnancy eventually reached my ex and my cousin. Jessica wasted no time spreading rumors. "I heard she doesn't even know who the father is," she'd told mutual friends loudly at a café where she knew I was studying. "Like mother, like son or daughter, I guess." Ethan had simply stared at my growing belly, a smug smile on his face. "Couldn't keep your legs closed, could you, Hazel?" Chloe had nearly punched him before I pulled her away. "They're not worth it," I'd told her, though the words stung. At my twenty-week appointment, the technician smiled as she moved the ultrasound wand over my rounded belly. "Would you like to know the sex?" she asked. I nodded eagerly, Chloe squeezing my hand in excitement. "It's a boy!" the technician announced. "A boy," I repeated wonderingly. "I'm having a son." "What will you name him?" Chloe asked as we drove home. I thought for a moment. "Leo," I decided. "It means 'lion.' I want him to be brave." My pregnancy progressed normally until my thirty-seventh week, when my water broke unexpectedly during dinner. My father drove frantically to the hospital while my mother sat in the backseat with me, timing my contractions. Fourteen hours later, exhausted beyond belief, I heard my son's first cry. It was the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard. "He's perfect," the nurse said, placing him on my chest. I gazed down at his tiny red face in awe. He had a tuft of dark hair and my olive complexion. Then he opened his eyes, and my breath caught. Violet-blue. The exact same unusual shade as his father's. "Oh my God," Chloe whispered beside me, clearly recognizing the distinctive color from my descriptions. "He has his eyes," I murmured, tracing a finger along my son's cheek. In that moment, the reality of what I'd done-and what I'd gained-hit me fully. This tiny person was half me and half a stranger I would likely never see again. "Hello, Leo," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I'm your mom." As I held my newborn son, his father's eyes staring back at me, I knew my life would never be the same. But looking at his perfect little face, I couldn't bring myself to regret a single moment that had brought him to me. comment 0 comment SEND GIFT Chapter 4: The Scent of a New Life "You're really going to do this?" Aiden Dalton, my boss at the small accounting firm where I'd worked throughout college, leaned against the doorway to his office. I looked up from the files I was organizing. "Do what?" "Move across the country for a job you interviewed for over video chat." He crossed his arms, his face a mix of concern and pride. "It's not just any job, Aiden. It's at Sterling Group." I couldn't keep the excitement from my voice. "The salary alone will change everything for Leo and me." Aiden nodded, his expression softening. "You deserve it, Hazel. You've worked harder than anyone I know, balancing school, this job, and being a single mom." I felt tears threatening. The past two years had been the hardest of my life. Between raising Leo, finishing my degree, and working part-time, I'd barely had time to breathe. "Thanks for understanding," I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Oscar Dalton doesn't pull strings for just anyone, you know," Aiden remarked. "Chloe's dad must think highly of you." I smiled, thinking of my best friend's father. "I still can't believe he mentioned me to his connections at Sterling." "Well, believe it," Aiden said. "Oscar said they need someone exceptional, and you're the most exceptional person I know." Back at my apartment that evening, I packed while Leo napped. My tiny two-bedroom could barely contain the boxes scattered across the floor. The doorbell rang, and I opened it to find Chloe balancing a pizza box and a bottle of wine. "Thought you could use dinner," she announced, sweeping past me into the apartment. "You're a lifesaver," I groaned, taking the pizza. "I haven't even thought about food." Chloe grabbed two glasses from my kitchen. "How's the packing going?" "Slowly," I admitted, gesturing to the chaos. "I keep getting distracted by old photos and random memories." "Well, that's what the wine is for," she said, pouring us each a glass. "To drown the nostalgia." I laughed, accepting the drink. "To new beginnings." "And to Haven Harbor," Chloe added with a sly smile. I narrowed my eyes. "What aren't you telling me?" Chloe bit her lip, her excitement bubbling over. "Noah and I are coming with you!" "What?" I nearly spilled my wine. "Are you serious?" "Dead serious," she nodded enthusiastically. "Noah got a job at Haven Harbor Memorial Hospital, and I've already lined up some photography gigs there." I launched myself at her, hugging her fiercely. "I can't believe you kept this from me!" "I wanted it to be a surprise," she laughed, hugging me back. "Did you really think I'd let my godson move across the country without me?" "This changes everything," I said, wiping away happy tears. "Leo will have his godmother nearby." "And you'll have someone to watch him when you're working late for your fancy new boss," she added. Later that night, after Chloe left and Leo was tucked in bed, I called my parents to share the news about Chloe and Noah. "That's wonderful, honey," my mother said. "It'll be so much easier having friends there." "I know," I agreed. "I'm still nervous, though." "You've overcome so much already," my father's voice came through the speaker. "This job is exactly what you've been working toward." "Your father's right," my mother added. "We're so proud of you, Hazel." The day before our departure, I said goodbye to Aiden at the office. "I can't thank you enough," I told him. "For keeping me on when I was pregnant, for being flexible with my schedule-for everything." "You earned it," he said simply. "Now go show Sterling Group what you're made of." I hugged him tightly. "I will." The morning of our move dawned bright and clear. Chloe and Noah arrived in their SUV, ready to caravan with me to Haven Harbor. My parents stood in the driveway, my mother holding Leo. "Are you sure you don't want us to keep him until you're settled?" she asked, cuddling my son close. I shook my head. "We'll be fine. The apartment is already furnished, thanks to Oscar's connections." "And we'll help with Leo," Chloe added, coming to stand beside me. My father pulled me into a hug. "Call us when you get there." "I will, Dad," I promised, feeling the familiar tightness in my throat. My mother passed Leo to me, her eyes wet. "Be careful, sweetie." "Always am," I assured her, buckling Leo into his car seat. With final hugs and promises to visit soon, we set off. In my rearview mirror, I watched my parents grow smaller, standing arm in arm in the driveway of the home where I'd grown up. The drive took three days, with overnight stops at hotels where Leo charmed everyone he met. By the time we reached Haven Harbor, exhaustion had set in, but so had excitement. "This is it," Chloe breathed as we drove through downtown. "Our new home." Haven Harbor was beautiful-a picturesque coastal city with modern buildings nestled among historical architecture. The Sterling Group headquarters dominated the skyline, a gleaming tower of glass and steel. Our apartment building was in a trendy neighborhood close to the harbor. The doorman helped us unload, and we took the elevator to the tenth floor. "Home sweet home," I murmured, unlocking the door to apartment 1008. The space was stunning-open concept, with large windows overlooking the harbor. The furnishings were modern but comfortable, clearly chosen with care. "Oscar Dalton strikes again," Chloe whistled, taking in the view. "He really went all out." "I'll never be able to thank him enough," I agreed, setting Leo down to toddle around his new home. Noah brought in the last of our bags. "Chloe, we should let them rest. We can help unpack tomorrow." After they left for their own apartment two floors down, I gave Leo a bath and put him to bed in his new room. He fell asleep instantly, exhausted from the journey. I unpacked one special box that night-the one containing memories from the masquerade ball. Inside was my mask, carefully preserved, and the perfume bottle Chloe had given me that night. I opened the bottle and inhaled deeply. The scent was exotic and intoxicating-jasmine, amber, and something uniquely spicy I couldn't identify. It instantly transported me back to that night, to the mystery man with the violet-blue eyes. Leo had those exact same eyes. On impulse, I spritzed the perfume on my wrist. Tomorrow would be my first day at Sterling Group. My first day working for Liam Sterling, the notoriously demanding CEO. I needed all the confidence I could get. Looking around at my new apartment, at my sleeping son, at the opportunity before me, I felt a surge of determination. This was our fresh start. A chance to build something better. I placed the perfume bottle on my vanity and made a decision. I would wear it every day in my new life-a small act of reclaiming the night that had changed everything. Little did I know, that simple decision would set in motion a chain of events that would reconnect me with the stranger from the ball-the father of my child. comment 0 comment SEND GIFT Chapter 5: A Beast for a Boss Hazel's POV My alarm blared at . I rubbed my eyes and glanced at the ceiling of my new bedroom. Today was my first day at Sterling Group. My stomach knotted with anxiety as I slipped out of bed. I tiptoed to Leo's room, smiling at the sight of my son sleeping peacefully. His dark curls framed his cherubic face, his long eyelashes resting against his chubby cheeks. Those rare violet-blue eyes were hidden behind closed lids. I pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before heading to the shower. The hot water helped calm my nerves, but not by much. By 6:15, I was dressed in a tailored navy pencil skirt and a cream blouse. Professional but not stuffy. I wanted to make a good impression. Leo woke as I finished my makeup. "Mama!" he called from his room. "Good morning, little man," I cooed, lifting him from his crib. "Ready for a big day?" He babbled excitedly as I changed him and got him dressed. At two years old, Leo was my entire world. Every sacrifice, every late night, every struggle had been worth it for his smile. After a quick breakfast, I gathered my purse, briefcase, and Leo's bag. The daycare Chloe had recommended was only two blocks from Sterling Group headquarters. "Let's go meet your new friends," I told Leo as I buckled him into his car seat. The daycare was bright and welcoming. The director, Mrs. Chen, greeted us warmly. "You must be Hazel and Leo," she said, extending her hand. "Chloe called ahead. She speaks very highly of you both." I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Thank you for fitting us in on short notice." Mrs. Chen waved dismissively. "Any friend of Chloe Dalton is welcome here. The Dalton family has supported our center for years." I made a mental note to thank Chloe-again-for using her connections to help us. "Leo will be in our toddler room," Mrs. Chen explained, leading us down a cheerful hallway. "Ms. Ramirez is the lead teacher." An enthusiastic young woman greeted us at the classroom door. "Hello, Leo! Would you like to come play with us?" To my surprise, Leo reached for her without hesitation. "He's usually shy with new people," I said, watching in amazement as my son joined the other children at a play table. Ms. Ramirez smiled. "Children can sense when they're in good hands. He'll be just fine." "I'll pick him up at five," I promised, kissing Leo goodbye. He barely noticed, already absorbed in stacking colorful blocks. I arrived at Sterling Group headquarters with fifteen minutes to spare. The lobby was impressive-all marble floors, glass walls, and modern art. A security guard directed me to the executive floor. The elevator whisked me to the 30th floor. The doors opened to reveal an elegant reception area where a woman in her fifties sat behind a sleek desk. "Hazel Vance?" she asked, standing to greet me. I nodded. "Yes, ma'am." "I'm Evelyn Reed," she said warmly. "Welcome to Sterling Group. I've been looking forward to meeting you." Evelyn had kind blue eyes and platinum blonde hair styled in a chic bob. She exuded competence and grace. "Thank you," I replied. "I'm excited to be here." She gave me a tour of the executive floor, pointing out conference rooms, the break room, and various offices. "Mr. Sterling is out of the office this morning," she explained. "He's at a breakfast meeting downtown." I tried not to show my relief. Meeting my new boss could wait. Back at her desk, Evelyn walked me through the filing system and calendar protocols. "Mr. Sterling is very particular about his schedule," she warned. "Double-book him at your peril." I took detailed notes. "How long have you worked for him?" "I've been with the Sterling family for twenty-five years," she replied. "I watched Liam grow up. Started working for him directly after his parents passed away three years ago." I remembered reading about the helicopter crash that killed William and Eleanor Sterling. The tragedy had made national headlines. "That must have been difficult," I said softly. Evelyn's eyes clouded. "It changed him. He was always driven, but after losing them…" She trailed off. "Well, that's why I'm careful about who I recommend as my replacement." I shifted in my seat. "Why are you leaving?" "My daughter in London is expecting my first grandchild," she explained, her face brightening. "It's time for me to start a new chapter." As the morning progressed, Evelyn showed me the ropes with patience and humor. By lunchtime, I felt marginally less overwhelmed. "You're a quick learner," Evelyn remarked approvingly. I smiled. "Thank you. I'm trying my best." Her expression turned thoughtful. "May I ask you something personal?" I tensed. "Of course." "Oscar Dalton mentioned you're a single mother," she said carefully. "That can't be easy with such a demanding position." I straightened my shoulders. "It's not. But I'm determined to give my son the best life possible." "His father isn't in the picture?" I hesitated, then decided honesty was best. "No. He doesn't know about Leo." Evelyn's eyebrows rose. "Oh?" "It was…a brief encounter," I admitted. "I don't even know his real name." To my surprise, Evelyn didn't look judgmental. "Life rarely follows the path we expect, does it?" "No," I agreed. "But I wouldn't trade Leo for anything." She patted my hand. "You're going to do just fine here, Hazel." After lunch, Evelyn had a doctor's appointment. "I'll be back in a couple of hours. Feel free to familiarize yourself with Mr. Sterling's files in the meantime." Once she left, I called Chloe to check on her meeting with the daycare director. "Everything's set," she assured me. "Leo's enrolled and they love him already. How's the new job?" "So far, so good," I replied. "I haven't met the big boss yet, though." "The infamous Liam Sterling," Chloe said dramatically. "Dad says he's brilliant but intense." "Evelyn seems wonderful," I added. "I think-" The phone on Evelyn's desk rang, cutting me off. "I should go," I told Chloe quickly. I hung up and reached for the office line. "Mr. Sterling's office, this is Hazel speaking." "Where the hell is Evelyn?" a deep, irritated male voice demanded. I sat up straighter. "Ms. Reed has a doctor's appointment. May I help you?" "Who are you?" The voice was curt, impatient. "Hazel Vance, sir. I'm the new executive assistant." A scoff came through the line. "Since when does Sterling Group hire assistants without my approval?" My face flushed with indignation. "I was hired through proper channels, sir. Mr. Dalton recommended-" "I don't care who recommended you," he snapped. "Tell Evelyn to call me the moment she returns." I gripped the phone tighter. "May I ask who's calling, please?" There was a pause. "Looks like I'm your boss!" he barked before the line went dead. I stared at the receiver in shock. Had I just spoken to Liam Sterling? My hands trembled as I set the phone down. When Evelyn returned, I immediately recounted the call. "He sounded furious," I finished, my voice shaking. "He didn't even give his name, just said he was my boss and hung up!" To my surprise, Evelyn laughed. "That's Liam, all right. Always in a hurry, always irritated." "But he made it sound like he didn't know I was hired!" I protested. She waved dismissively. "He approved your paperwork last week. He's just being difficult because his meeting didn't go well." "How do you know?" "He only barks like that when he's frustrated," she explained. "Don't take it personally." I bit my lip. "Maybe this job isn't the right fit after all." Evelyn looked me squarely in the eyes. "Nonsense. You're exactly what this office needs." "But he was so rude!" "Liam Sterling is many things-brilliant, demanding, occasionally unreasonable," she said. "But he's fair, and he values hard work above all else." I wasn't convinced. "I don't know…" Evelyn smiled mysteriously. "You two are going to get along great! You'll tame the beast, I'm sure of it." I stared at her in disbelief. Tame the beast? Based on our brief interaction, Liam Sterling wasn't a beast-he was a monster. And tomorrow, I would have to face him in person.