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's breath caught in her throat.

Of all the people in this city, of all the hotels and events she had managed, why did it have to be him?

The man she never expected to see again. The man who unknowingly left behind two children. Her children.

She had been careful for five years. She had changed cities, stayed away from high-profile circles, and never spoke about that night. Yet here he was, walking straight toward her with that unreadable expression.

Elara turned on her heel. Avoid him. Stay calm. Disappear into the crowd.

A deep, smooth voice cut through the noise of the ballroom.

Her spine stiffened. She knew that voice. Too well.

Elara forced a polite smile and turned, lifting her gaze to meet his. "Mr. Rhys. Welcome to Celeste Grand."

His eyes flickered with something—recognition, confusion, interest—before his expression returned to its usual icy indifference.

"You know my name," he said. "Have we met before?"

Her stomach twisted. Of course, we have. You just don't remember.

She smiled smoothly, as if the question didn't shake her to the core. "I make it my job to know my clients."

Cassian studied her. His gaze was intense, assessing. As if trying to place a memory just out of reach. "Interesting. I rarely forget a face."

Elara's fingers tightened around her event tablet. Don't react. He can't know.

"I assume everything is in order for the gala?" he asked, shifting his focus.

"Of course. Your team will find every detail to your satisfaction." Professional. Distant. Safe.

Cassian nodded, but his gaze lingered. "Good. I don't tolerate mistakes."

Elara didn't flinch. "Neither do I."

A slow smirk crossed his lips—brief, barely there, but it sent a flicker of heat and warning through her. "Then I expect a flawless evening, Miss Voss."

Without waiting for her response, he walked past her, disappearing into the crowd of elite guests.

But the way he had looked at her—like he was trying to remember something—it was only a matter of time.

And when that time came, she wasn't sure if she was ready.

Chapter 2: Recognition