Three years ago, Hazel Vance made a choice that changed everything. One night of passion with a mysterious stranger at a masquerade ball left her with more than just memories—it left her with a son whose rare violet-blue eyes are a constant reminder of the father she'll never find.

Now a struggling single mother, Hazel desperately needs the executive assistant position at Sterling Group. The salary could finally give her two-year-old Leo the life he deserves. But her new boss, CEO Liam Sterling, is nothing like she expected.

Demanding, brilliant, and devastatingly handsome, Liam has a reputation for being impossible to work for. Most assistants don't last a week. When Hazel refuses to be intimidated by his cold demeanor and sharp tongue, something shifts between them. The attraction is immediate and electric, crackling through every professional interaction.

But it's his eyes that stop her cold. The same striking violet-blue shade that stares back at her every morning when she looks at her son.

As the tension between them builds and the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, Hazel finds herself caught between her desperate need for this job and her growing attraction to the one man who could destroy everything she's worked for.

She doesn't know that Liam has been searching for the mysterious woman from the masquerade ball ever since that night changed him forever. And he has no idea that the composed, fiery assistant who challenges him at every turn is the same woman who haunts his dreams.

When the truth finally comes to light, will it bring them together or tear apart the fragile new life Hazel has built for herself and her son?

The day had been a whirlwind of wedding preparations, but every moment felt absolutely perfect. My friends had proven themselves to be incredible planners. In just one afternoon, we had secured everything needed for the ceremony - floral arrangements, catering service, live music, a string quartet for the vows, welcome gifts, the guest list, wedding cake, and most importantly, my dress. Since I wanted something intimate rather than elaborate, the planning moved quickly while still capturing exactly what I envisioned.


We had also coordinated with the officiant that Owen recommended, and met with Father Matthews about the ceremony. Initially, he hesitated to perform the blessing since Liam and I hadn't completed the traditional pre-marriage counseling program. However, Chloe worked her persuasive magic and convinced him to meet with us Friday morning for an abbreviated session. After that discussion, he agreed to provide the religious blessing we wanted.


Chapter 181 - Chapter 181 - Formal Blessing and Family Trad