Chapter 5

Elowen turned slowly, her heart pounding as her eyes met Caspian’s across the crowded lot. His piercing gaze narrowed in suspicion. She lowered her cap, tugging it further down her face, and adjusted her mask to obscure her identity. Her every instinct screamed at her to remain calm, even as her pulse quickened.

“Who are you looking for?” Caspian’s tone was measured, but the steel edge in his voice betrayed his unease.

Elowen hesitated for a beat, carefully schooling her expression. “I’m just looking for a friend,” she replied evenly, gesturing vaguely toward the far side of the lot. “I must have gotten the address wrong.”

Caspian’s sharp gaze lingered, scanning her face for cracks in her story. “Strange place to meet a friend,” he said, his voice low. “I could help you find them.”

“No need,” she said, her voice clipped as she took a deliberate step back. “I’ve got it under control.” Turning on her heel, she walked away, her pace steady despite the fire raging within her.

Sliding into her car, Elowen let out a shaky breath, gripping the steering wheel as the adrenaline coursed through her veins. She stole a glance at the mirror. Mrs. Thalassa was berating Elia with her signature venomous tone, her sharp words echoing in the evening air. A smile tugged at Elowen’s lips. Caspian’s family’s cracks were beginning to show perfect ammunition for what lay ahead.

FLASH BACK

As Elowen’s car sliced through the night, city lights streaked past in a blur, but her focus was trapped in the past. The rhythmic thrum of the tires faded as memories crept in, vivid and sharp.

Caspian’s face flashed before her a younger version, full of charm and deceit. Back in college, he’d been the picture of devotion. She remembered the quiet corners of the library where he’d lean in close, whispering encouragement as they studied late into the night. He’d show up with thoughtful gifts: a dog-eared copy of her favorite novel, the exact shade of lipstick she’d once admired but never bought. She’d catch him staring sometimes, his soft gaze making her heart flutter. How could she not have fallen for him?

The betrayal tasted bitter now, but then, she had been blind. She’d introduced him to her father, proud and full of trust, watching as Caspian charmed his way into her family’s confidence. She saw him now, sitting at her father’s bedside during his last days, a picture of perfect loyalty. And later, when grief drowned her, it was Caspian who coaxed her into signing over everything the company, the house, the legacy. She thought it was love. It was control.

Her grip on the wheel tightened. The lies. The manipulation. She’d let him take everything, piece by piece, until he didn’t need her anymore. He left her hollow, discarded, while he built a kingdom on what was hers.

The hotel loomed in the distance, but Elowen wasn’t the same woman he’d abandoned. She’d rebuilt herself, stronger, sharper. She was no longer a pawn in his game.

“Your time’s up, Caspian,” she muttered, the cold fire in her voice matching the gleam in her eyes. “Let’s see how you like losing everything.”

Later, at home, Elowen stood in the doorway of her son’s room, watching Leander scribble furiously on a piece of paper. The sight brought a rare softness to her features.

“Still awake?” she asked, stepping closer.

“I’m making plans, Mum,” Leander said earnestly, looking up. “I want to help you. You work too hard.”

Elowen knelt beside him, brushing a hand over his curls. “You already do more than you know,” she whispered, her chest tightening. “But for now, your job is to rest. Big plans need big dreams, don’t they?”

Leander nodded solemnly, climbing into bed. But as Elowen turned off the light, she couldn’t shake the weight of his words. Her children were her anchor and her driving force but they were also her vulnerability.

The next morning, Soren arrived as promised, his expression unreadable. “You ready?” he asked.

Elowen nodded, masking her nerves with an air of confidence. “Let’s get it done.”

Soren hesitated, his voice dropping as they approached the Lysander estate. “Calista’s running things today. She’s... intense. Just tread carefully.”

The name struck a nerve, but Elowen merely gave him a curt nod. She wasn’t about to be intimidated.

Inside the estate, Calista sat at Lysander’s desk, every inch of her exuding condescension. Her icy smile barely masked her disdain. “You must be Elowen,” she drawled. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Elowen met her gaze, unfazed. “I’m here to help you plan a wedding, not to entertain gossip.”

Calista’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before she leaned forward, her voice dropping. “Let’s get one thing clear you stay in your lane, or you’ll regret it.”

Elowen felt the warning in her bones but kept her composure. “Noted,” she said, her tone professional.

Meanwhile, Leander and Eulalia wandered through the mansion’s halls, their curiosity leading them to a large, empty boardroom. As Eulalia pushed open the door, they froze at the sight of Lysander sitting alone, papers spread before him. His sharp eyes snapped to them, irritation flashing in his expression.

“Who are you?” Lysander demanded, his voice cutting through the silence.

Eulalia cowered, but Leander stepped forward, his small frame belying his confidence. “Don’t yell,” he said simply. “It’s rude.”

Lysander raised an eyebrow, his annoyance giving way to intrigue. “What’s your name?”

“Leander,” the boy replied boldly. “And this is my sister.”

Before Lysander could respond, Soren burst into the room, flustered. “Sir, I apologize. I’ll…”

“Leave them,” Lysander interrupted, his gaze never leaving Leander. “I’ll take them back.”

When they reached the front hall, Elowen was stepping out of Lysander’s office. She froze as her children came into view flanked by none other than Lysander himself. His eyes locked onto hers, recognition dawning with a slow, deliberate intensity.

“Elowen,” he said, his voice low and measured. “It’s been a long time.”

The air seemed to thicken, her carefully constructed walls threatening to crumble.