Send Gift
28 Chapter 28 Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
–
28 Chapter 28 – Sleepless Questions and Unanswered
Mysteries
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.
“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
She looked tired, probably hadn’t slept much either. She really should have stayed home.
“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.
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.
“Liam, we’re going to handle the company crisis. Try to relax.
“Much better, thank you. Children bounce back so quickly, thankfully.” Her smile was warm despite her obvious exhaustion.
“Good morning! Liam, I just arrived. Thank you for being understanding about my delay.”
Her tone for argument. My admiration for her grew even
was firm and left no 1 stronger.
“He was pretty drowsy when I was there. The doctor said it was from the fever and medication.”
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
28 Chapter 28–Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
admiring more cach day.
“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 help. He spoke very highly of Hazel, actually.”
“Starting your day carly, 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.
Liam’s POV
“They are beautiful,” Evelyn replied, but I sensed she was holding something back.
Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries.
Damian bounded into the office next, looking refreshed and wearing his trademark cheerful expression.
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.”
“You know me too well to play innocent, Evelyn. You’re aware that Hazel has made quite an impact on me.”
“So you didn’t really see his eyes clearly?”
“So am I, but something about this situation is eating at me and I can’t figure out what.” 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 name.
“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.”
“Wait until you spend more time with the boy.”
Before everyone dispersed, I updated them on my conversation with Allen, mentioning
28 Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysteries
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.
–
“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!”
“She does. There’s something captivating about her presence.” I paused, then asked, “What brings you in so early?”
Her eyes filled with tears at his words, and she thanked him with genuine emotion.
“Because it wasn’t my information to share,” she replied without hesitation. “And why would that cost you a night’s sleep?”
“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.
“Your friend here is running on no sleep,” Evelyn informed him, immediately capturing his attention.
“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.”
“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.
Damian’s expression shifted to surprise, and I found myself repeating the entire story again. When I finished, Damian gave me a serious look.
“Couldn’t manage any sleep, so I figured I might as well be productive.”
“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.
“What about his eyes? If they’re anything like his mother’s, they must be striking.” Her question seemed oddly specific.
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.
28 Chapter 28–Sleepless Questions and Unanswered Mysterias
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.
“I wanted to get ahead on the plans for evacuating the lower floor. But I sense something else is keeping you awake.”
“Both of you, stop,” I said, though they continued grinning like teenagers. “She has a
son.”
“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.”
“Bulls–eye!” Evelyn chimed in with obvious amusement.
“Evelyn, why didn’t you mention that Hazel has a son?”
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation, and Hazel entered.
“I know that, Damian.”
“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.”
“Don’t worry about it, Hazel. How’s Leo feeling?”
“I can’t make any guarantees!” Damian, winked at her. Absolutely impossible.
“Hazel, you have a little guy? You have to introduce me, I’m an incredible uncle!” Damian announced, making everyone smile.
“Who wouldn’t? That woman has something truly special about her.”
“Evelyn, what do you know about the boy’s father?”
“Hazel, you’re not alone here. You have friends, so count on us for whatever you need.”
“I’d say it goes deeper than that, Liam. But what concerns you about her having a child?”
“Then I’m confused about what’s bothering you,” Damian said.
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. “So what kept you up? Miss Hazel?” His teasing tone was unmistakable.
Comment
View All
>
jd comment for the capDOE
Send Gift
