Iris_light

Five years ago, Elara Voss made one mistake—she fell for a stranger.
It was supposed to be one night. No names, no strings. But when morning came, he was gone, leaving her with two unexpected consequences—Olivia and Oliver, her twin children.
Now, Elara has built a new life, raising her kids alone while working as a top event planner. She's independent, successful, and determined to never look back.
Until Cassian Rhys walks back into her life.
Cold, ruthless, and powerful, he is the billionaire CEO of Rhys Industries—and the man she never wanted to see again. He doesn't recognize her at first… but when he does, the truth is only a breath away from being exposed.
Cassian doesn't believe in fate. But when he meets Olivia and Oliver, something about them feels strangely familiar. Too familiar.
And Elara knows it's only a matter of time before he puts the pieces together.
She must keep her secret.
He must uncover the truth.
And neither of them is ready for what happens when the past comes crashing back.

His House, My Rules

Elara Voss adjusted the cuffs of her blazer and inhaled deeply before stepping into the opulent lobby of the Celeste Grand Hotel.

The scent of polished mahogany, crisp linen, and old money filled the air. This was her battlefield. As the senior event planner, she had orchestrated everything from elite galas to high-stakes corporate mergers.

But tonight's event wasn't just another job.

It was hosted by Rhys Industries—an empire built by Cassian Rhys.

Not that it mattered. He was just another billionaire CEO. Nothing more.

"Mom!" A small voice tugged at her attention.

Elara turned to see her five-year-old son, Oliver, standing with his arms crossed, his dark eyes full of frustration. "Olivia won't stop calling me a baby!"

His twin sister, Olivia, smirked. "Because you are. You cried over a bug."

Elara bit back a sigh. "Olivia, don't tease your brother. Oliver, it's okay to be startled by things. Now, both of you behave. I'll be in meetings all night."

"Yeah, yeah," Olivia sighed. "No breaking things. No running. No—"

"Touching anything," Oliver finished with a grin.

"Exactly." She kissed their foreheads before sending them off with the hotel's childcare staff.

With that settled, she turned back to the ballroom doors. Behind them was a world of people who thrived on power, ambition, and ruthless deals.

She hadn't seen Cassian Rhys in five years. The last time had been a single night that changed everything. A night he didn't remember—and one she never forgot.

And he could never know what he left behind.

Elara took a steadying breath and stepped into the ballroom.

Cassian Rhys hated events like this—forced conversations, empty flattery, and vultures circling for favors. He preferred the control of boardrooms, the clarity of numbers. Not this.

"Everything is in place, sir," his assistant murmured.

Cassian barely nodded. He was already turning to leave when something—no, someone—caught his eye.

A woman, moving through the crowd with quiet confidence. Sharp eyes, a presence that didn't demand attention but commanded it anyway.

The woman from that night. The one he never forgot.

Chapter 1: Five Years Later