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

Cassian wasn't a man who ignored his instincts.

And right now, they were telling him one thing—Elara Voss was hiding something big.

He sat in the back seat of his car as it cruised through the city, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. Across from him, Theo scrolled through a tablet, gathering the information Cassian had asked for.

Finally, his assistant looked up. "Elara Voss. Thirty years old. Originally from a small town, moved to the city six years ago. No known romantic relationships, no scandals, no major debts."

Cassian narrowed his eyes. Six years ago. That would mean she had gotten pregnant shortly after moving here.

"She has two children," Theo continued, "but there's no record of their father. The birth certificates list 'Father Unknown.'"

A slow, cold realization crept over him.

Two children. Five years old. A woman he couldn't remember but felt like he should.

He had been careful his whole life. He wasn't reckless. He didn't make mistakes.

His mind flickered back to a night blurred by whiskey and exhaustion, the vague memory of soft laughter, warm skin, and a woman who had disappeared before morning.

Cassian exhaled slowly. "Find out everything about her past. I want to know where she worked, who she was close to, and if she ever had a connection to me."

Theo hesitated. "You think the kids could be yours?"

Cassian didn't answer right away. But deep inside, he already knew.

Elara paced the living room of her apartment, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Across from her, Olivia and Oliver sat on the couch, looking guilty.

"You both know better than to run off like that," she said, her voice strained.

"It was my fault," Oliver admitted. "I wanted to see the ballroom."

Olivia sighed dramatically. "I told him it was a bad idea."

Elara rubbed her temples. "We talked about this, remember? We can't just go wandering around. Especially at events like this."

Oliver frowned. "Why? Mr. Rhys seemed nice."

Her stomach dropped. "What do you mean?"

"He looked at me funny," Oliver said, tilting his head. "Like he knew me."

She forced a smile. "He was probably just surprised to see kids at the event, that's all."

Oliver didn't look convinced, but Olivia was already pulling him toward their room. "Come on, let's get ready for bed."

Elara waited until they were gone before sinking onto the couch, her hands shaking.

Cassian wasn't a fool. If he suspected something, he would find the truth.

She had kept her secret for five years. But now, it was slipping through her fingers.

And she had no idea how to stop it.

Chapter 6: Digging for the Truth