28 Chapter 28 – Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
Chapter 28 – Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
Liam’s POV
Sleep eluded me completely that night. I found myself wandering through my apartment like a caged animal, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t quite organize. When dawn finally broke at five, I gave up on rest entirely and headed down to the building’s gym. The punching bag became my outlet, absorbing every ounce of frustration and confusion that had built up inside me. Each strike felt like a small release, though the underlying tension remained.
By seven, I was already at my desk, trying to channel this restless energy into something productive. The early morning quiet of the office felt like exactly what I needed. I decided to reach out to Albert Allen, knowing his reputation as an early riser who tackled his most important work before most people even had their coffee. Our conversation lasted longer than expected, and I found myself explaining the situation with surprising clarity. Hazel’s suggestion to contact him had been brilliant, and Allen’s enthusiasm was infectious when I mentioned her
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“Hazel has always been exceptional, he said warmly. “Her analytical mind and intuitive
understanding of complex situations saved my firm more than once. You’re lucky to have her on
your team.”
Just as I ended the call, my phone buzzed with a message from my assistant. She was requesting permission to arrive late because her babysitter was running behind schedule and her son couldn’t attend daycare. Without hesitation, I typed back encouraging her to stay home with him for the day. Her response came immediately, professional as always, insisting that her son’s fever had broken and that she trusted her babysitter completely.
The dedication in her message made me smile despite everything. She was clearly a devoted mother while maintaining her professional standards, a balance I found myself admiring more cach day.
“Starting your day early, kid?” Evelyn’s familiar voice broke through my thoughts as she entered my office. Her habit of calling Damian and me ‘kids‘ despite our being grown men never failed to
amuse me.
“Couldn’t manage any sleep, so I figured I might as well be productive.”
She studied my face with the practiced eye of someone who had known me for years. “You look exhausted. The company situation has you worried.”
“That’s part of it, but I’m confident we can control the damage. Hazel’s idea about contacting Allen was inspired. We have our meeting scheduled for tomorrow, and he’s genuinely excited to
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28 Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
help. He spoke very highly of Hazel, actually.”
“Who wouldn’t? That woman has something truly special about her.”
“She does. There’s something captivating about her presence.” I paused, then asked, “What brings you in so early?”
“I wanted to get ahead on the plans for evacuating the lower floor. But I sense something else is keeping you awake.”
Her knowing look told me she wouldn’t let this go. Evelyn had an uncanny ability to see through my defenses, and I knew resistance was futile.
“Evelyn, why didn’t you mention that Hazel has a son?”
“Because it wasn’t my information to share,” she replied without hesitation. “And why would that cost you a night’s sleep?”
“You know me too well to play innocent, Evelyn. You’re aware that Hazel has made quite an impact on me.”
“I’d
say it goes deeper than that, Liam. But what concerns you about her having a child?”
“It’s not that I have a problem with it,” I said, searching for the right words. “But it’s unsettled me in ways I can’t explain.”
“Wait until you spend more time with the boy.”
“I actually met him yesterday.” I recounted the entire hospital experience, including the doctor’s assumption about my relationship to them. Evelyn’s laughter filled the office when I reached that part.
“He’s incredibly bright and talkative. Very warm and welcoming. He actually reminded me of you. at that age, she said, which made me wonder if that explained the strange sense of familiarity I felt around him.
“He was pretty drowsy when I was there. The doctor said it was from the fever and medication.”
“So you didn’t really see his eyes clearly?”
“What about his eyes? If they’re anything like his mother’s, they must be striking.” Her question seemed oddly specific.
“They are beautiful,” Evelyn replied, but I sensed she was holding something back.
“Evelyn, what do you know about the boy’s father?”
“I know everything, but I’m not sharing that information. It’s deeply personal, and if Hazel wants you to know, she’ll tell you herself.”
28 Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
The mystery was driving me crazy. Was the father some kind of dangerous character? A criminal? I would have to contain my curiosity until Hazel decided to open up. This need to know was consuming me, and I couldn’t understand why it mattered so much.
Damian bounded into the office next, looking refreshed and wearing his trademark cheerful expression.
“Look at this, two of my favorite people starting the day early. How are we doing?” he said, planting a kiss on Evelyn’s hair.
“Your friend here is running on no sleep,” Evelyn informed him, immediately capturing his
attention.
“Liam, we’re going to handle the company crisis. Try to relax.”
“I know that. Damian.
“So what kept you up? Miss Hazel?” His teasing tone was unmistakable.
“Bulls–eye!” Evelyn chimed in with obvious amusement.
“Both of you, stop,” I said, though they continued grinning like teenagers. “She has a son.”
Damian’s expression shifted to surprise, and I found myself repeating the entire story again. When I finished, Damian gave me a serious look.
“What’s the issue, Liam? You’re not the type to judge single mothers. Please tell me you’re not going to do that to Hazel.”
“Absolutely not. I don’t care that she has a son. If anything, it makes her more remarkable, stronger. Raising a child alone requires incredible strength. Evelyn, you showed me how difficult that battle can be when you raised your daughters”
“Then I’m confused about what’s bothering you,” Damian said.
“So am I, but something about this situation is eating at me and I can’t figure out what.”
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation, and Hazel entered.
“Good morning! Liam, I just arrived. Thank you for being understanding about my delay.”
She looked tired, probably hadn’t slept much either. She really should have stayed home.
“Don’t worry about it, Hazel. How’s Leo feeling?”
“Much better, thank you. Children bounce back so quickly, thankfully.” Her smile was warm despite her obvious exhaustion.
“Hazel, you have a little guy? You have to introduce me, I’m an incredible uncle!” Damian announced, making everyone smile.
LIEB
28 Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
“I’m sure you are, Damian. How about this once he’s feeling completely better, we’ll have lunch at my place so you can all meet him. Just promise me you won’t teach my son to whistle at
women!”
“I can’t make any guarantees!” Damian winked at her. Absolutely impossible.
“Hazel, you’re not alone here. You have friends, so count on us for whatever you need.”
Her eyes filled with tears at his words, and she thanked him with genuine emotion.
Before everyone dispersed, I updated them on my conversation with Allen, mentioning how fondly he spoke of Hazel, which brought another smile to her face. I confirmed our Saturday work session at my house and told Hazel she didn’t need to attend.
“Absolutely not, Liam! I’ve never shirked my responsibilities, and that hasn’t interfered with being a good mother. I’ve already arranged everything with the babysitter, and Chl will be home tomorrow as well. My son will be well cared for, so I will definitely be working”
Her tone was firm and left no room for argument. My admiration for her grew even stronger.
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