6

Selene’s POV

The morning came too soon, sunlight pouring through the window of the small cabin like liquid gold. I stirred awake to the sound of Ronan’s low voice as he spoke on the phone. His words were muffled, but his tone carried a weight of urgency.

When he hung up, I sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Ronan stood by the window, his silhouette outlined by the soft glow of morning light.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep.

He turned, offering me a small smile. “There’s a meeting with the board members. I need to head back to the city today.”

A pang of disappointment surprised me, but I pushed it aside. “That sounds important.”

“It is,” he admitted, walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. “But you’re coming with me.”

I blinked at him, startled. “To the city?”

Ronan nodded. “I’m not leaving you here alone. Besides, I want you to see where I live.”

There was something in his eyes—a quiet determination that made it impossible to argue.

---

The drive to Ronan’s mansion was a stark contrast to the peaceful forest we’d left behind. The towering trees gave way to sprawling highways, and soon the city skyline loomed ahead, all glass and steel against a pale blue sky.

Ronan’s mansion was nothing short of breathtaking. Set on a hill overlooking the city, it was an architectural masterpiece of modern design and elegance. The black iron gates swung open as we approached, and a meticulously manicured driveway led us to the entrance.

Two women stood waiting as we stepped out of the car. They wore simple but elegant uniforms, their hair neatly pulled back.

“Welcome back, Mr. Ronan,” one of them said with a polite smile.

“Thank you, Ivana,” Ronan replied, his tone warm but authoritative. “This is Selene. She’ll be staying here for now. Make sure she’s comfortable.”

The other maid, Lola, nodded and gave me a polite bow. “Of course, sir.”

“I need to head to the office,” Ronan said, turning to me. “Make yourself at home. Ivana and Lola will take care of anything you need.”

Before I could respond, he leaned in close, his voice softening. “Don’t overthink it. Just relax, okay?”

I nodded, though the idea of relaxing in a place like this felt impossible.

Ronan disappeared upstairs, and minutes later, he emerged dressed in a sharp suit that fit him perfectly. He looked every bit the powerful man I suspected he was, and it was a reminder of just how different our worlds were.

With one last reassuring smile, he was gone.

---

Ivana and Lola were kind, ensuring I had everything I needed. They showed me to a spacious guest room with a king-sized bed and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. It was beautiful but intimidating, like everything else in the mansion.

“Would you like something to eat?” Ivana asked as she set a fresh set of towels in the bathroom.

I hesitated. “Maybe just some tea.”

“Of course,” she said with a smile before disappearing down the hall.

I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to process everything. This place was like something out of a dream—or maybe a movie. The grandeur of it all made me feel small and out of place.

But before I could spiral into self-doubt, the sound of a car engine brought me to my feet. I moved to the window, peering out to see a sleek black car pulling into the driveway.

Who could that be?

I stepped out of the room, curiosity getting the better of me. The house was suddenly alive with activity. Ivana and Lola were rushing around, straightening cushions, adjusting vases, and muttering to each other in hushed tones.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Ivana froze for a moment before turning to me, her face pale. “You should go back to your room.”

“Why? Who’s here?”

Lola’s eyes darted toward the front door, where the sound of approaching heels echoed through the marble foyer. “It’s Mr. Ronan’s mother.”

The words hit me like a jolt. His mother?

Before I could process what that meant, the front door swung open, and she stepped inside.

She was stunning—tall and poised, with flawless skin and an air of authority that demanded attention. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant chignon, and she wore a tailored navy dress that accentuated her regal demeanor.

Her eyes swept the room, sharp and assessing, until they landed on me.

“Who is this?” she asked, her voice crisp and unwavering.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Ivana quickly stepped forward, her posture submissive. “She’s no one, ma’am. Just a guest.”

Mrs. Ronan’s eyes narrowed, her gaze flickering between me and the maids. “A guest, hmm?”

Before she could say anything more, Lola grabbed my arm and gently but firmly guided me down the hall.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered urgently. “Come on.”

“What’s going on?” I demanded, my heart racing.

“Just trust us,” Ivana said, her voice low. “You don’t want to upset her.”

They ushered me into my room and closed the door behind them.

“Stay here,” Lola said, her tone firm. “And don’t come out unless we tell you it’s safe.”

I stared at them, bewildered. “Why would I upset her? Who is she?”

Ivana hesitated, glancing at Lola before answering. “She’s Mr. Ronan’s mother. And she doesn’t take kindly to surprises.”

The weight of her words sank in as they left, closing the door behind them.

Ronan’s mother.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my thoughts racing. The way the maids had reacted to her arrival spoke volumes. This wasn’t just a visit—it was a warning.

But what did that mean for me?

---

The muffled sounds of voices carried through the walls, but I couldn’t make out what was being said. My stomach churned with unease. Was this why Ronan had been so insistent on bringing me here? Did he know his mother would be coming?

The questions swirled in my mind, each one more unsettling than the last.

I thought back to the moments we’d shared, the quiet strength he’d offered me. Was it all a lie? Or had he underestimated the situation as much as I had?

Either way, one thing was clear: being here wasn’t going to be easy.

And Ronan’s mother?

She was going to be a problem.