CHAPTER 12

Mrs. Cassiopeia’s gaze lingered on Leander a moment too long, her expression a curious mixture of longing and disbelief. Realizing Elowen had noticed, she quickly averted her eyes, a faint smile curling her lips. “Your son…he’s a handsome boy. He has a brightness about him, just like my grandson used to,” she said, her voice soft, almost wistful.

“Oh?” Elowen tilted her head as she handed the water bottle to Leander. Her son took it eagerly, gulping it down, and Elowen couldn’t help but smile. “Are you here with your grandson, then?” she asked, curiosity sparking in her tone.

The older woman chuckled, shaking her head. “I wish. He’s far too busy to join me for something as simple as a day at the park. I come here to soak in the joy of the children. Their laughter…it fills the silence of my days.” Her gaze strayed to the playground, her eyes crinkling as a group of kids shrieked in delight over a game of tag.

“That’s lovely,” Elowen said. She adjusted Eulalia’s hair, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “You must truly love children to visit often.”

“Oh, I do. They’re little bundles of life, aren’t they? So full of energy and dreams.” Cassiopeia paused, her smile faltering slightly. “But I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new to the city?”

Elowen nodded. “I’m just here for work a wedding planning contract. We’ll be heading back home once it’s wrapped up.”

“You’re a remarkable woman,” Cassiopeia said, her tone genuinely admiring. “Raising children and building a career it’s no small feat.”

“Thank you,” Elowen replied, though the compliment made her shift slightly.

Cassiopeia’s smile deepened, her eyes twinkling. “Where are you staying? Perhaps I could visit you and the children.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. We’re at a hotel,” Elowen said, trying to sound polite yet firm.

“Nonsense. Hotels are so impersonal! Why don’t you stay with me? My house is much more comfortable, and I’d love to help with the kids while you work.”

The offer was so sudden, so kind, that it left Elowen momentarily speechless. She hesitated, glancing at Cassiopeia, who looked so earnest, so eager to help. “I…I wouldn’t want to impose,” she said carefully. “My kids can be a bit of a handful.”

Cassiopeia laughed, the sound warm and light. “Oh, please. You wouldn’t be imposing at all. In fact, I’d enjoy it. And you’d get some much-needed free time.”

It was tempting. The woman radiated kindness, and Elowen found herself nodding despite her reservations. “Alright,” she said, though she added cautiously, “Can I see your place first, just to be sure?”

“Of course,” Cassiopeia said, her smile brightening.

Their conversation was interrupted by Leander, tugging Eulalia toward their mother. “Mom, Eulalia fell,” he said, his voice tinged with worry.

Elowen knelt quickly, scooping her daughter into her arms. “Where does it hurt, baby?” she asked, inspecting her tiny hands and knees.

Eulalia shook her head, her lower lip trembling. “I’m sleepy,” she murmured, resting her head against her mother’s shoulder.

Cassiopeia leaned in, her eyes softening as she looked at Eulalia. “She’s such a darling,” she said, her voice tinged with something deeper, something almost unspoken. “And so is your son. They’re beautiful children.”

“Thank you,” Elowen replied, though she noticed the peculiar intensity with which Cassiopeia studied the twins.

“Why don’t we take them to my place? It’s not far. They can rest there,” Cassiopeia offered again, her tone inviting yet gentle.

Elowen hesitated but eventually nodded. “Alright,” she said, lifting Eulalia into her arms.

Cassiopeia smiled triumphantly, pulling out her phone to call her driver. “Bring the car home. I’ll ride with our guests,” she instructed before sliding into the backseat of Elowen’s car.

The drive to Cassiopeia’s house was short, but Elowen’s jaw dropped as they approached the sprawling mansion. The gates alone were enormous, flanked by security guards who nodded as the car rolled in.

“That’s your house?” Elowen asked, glancing at Cassiopeia in disbelief.

“Home sweet home,” the older woman said with a grin, clearly enjoying the younger woman’s reaction.

When the car stopped, a small army of maids emerged, their uniforms pristine as they lined up to greet them. But their eyes lingered on the twins, their expressions a mixture of shock and curiosity.

Elowen’s protective instincts flared. “Why are they looking at my kids like that?” she asked, her voice sharp.

Cassiopeia’s smile didn’t waver. “Oh, don’t worry. They’re probably just surprised. It’s been a while since we’ve had children around here.”

Still uneasy, Elowen nodded and followed the maids inside, refusing to let the twins out of her sight.

Cassiopeia, meanwhile, excused herself, retreating to her study. Once there, she picked up her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she dialed.

When her grandson answered, his voice was groggy. “Grandma, it’s early. What’s going on?”

“Don’t you ‘early’ me, you nuthead!” she snapped, her voice low but fierce. “Why didn’t you tell me you have children?”

“What? I don’t have kids,” he said, sounding baffled.

“Then how do you explain the two children in my house who look exactly like you?”

The line went silent.