Chapter 4 - The Rules of Love and War

Elara's POV

“What are you thinking about, Mum?” Noah’s small voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Nothing much, dear,” I said softly, smiling at him. “I was just remembering the day I gave birth to my lovely triplets. I love you, my children.”

“Mum,” Emily said, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “we know you’re going back to California, so we made some rules for you.”

“Rules?” I raised a brow, laughing lightly as she handed me a folded piece of paper.

“Yes,” Claire chimed in proudly. “These are the three golden rules — one from each of us. And don’t break any of them!”

I smiled as I unfolded the paper. Their tiny handwriting made my heart swell.

“The first rule,” I began, “says that I shouldn’t look at any other babies when I go to California.”

They all giggled.

“The second rule says… never give up on my job and keep working hard, as always.”

Then I paused. My breath caught as I read the last line.

“Why did you stop, Mum?” Noah urged.

I swallowed hard and forced the words out. “The third rule says… do not fall in love with that man again — our father.”

My voice trembled. The silence that followed was heavy.

I looked at their innocent faces, my heart tightening. They were too young to understand the full story, yet they knew enough. I had told them about their father — not to plant hatred, but to keep confusion or pain from finding them later.

“I understand,” I said quietly. “But Noah, Emily, Claire — Mummy told you this so you wouldn’t hear it from someone else. You can’t let hate fill your hearts. It’s not good for children to carry that kind of feeling, okay?”

Claire nodded, her voice soft. “We understand, Mum.”

“Me too,” Noah and Emily echoed together.

A small smile touched my lips. I reached out and ruffled their hair gently. “Good. That’s my strong little team.”

Just then, a servant appeared by the door. “Madam, Mr. Sullivan is asking for you.”

Mr. Sullivan — the man who had saved my life five years ago. The chairman of Spectra Minds Group. My mentor… and the only man who had treated me like a daughter since the tragedy.

I walked to the balcony where he sat in his wheelchair, the morning light spilling across his white hair. Despite being sixty-five, his eyes still held the sharpness time couldn’t dim.

“Please, sit down,” he said warmly. “Are your things packed? You’re leaving for California this afternoon, right?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Everything’s ready.”

He nodded and picked up his iPad, handing it to me. “I want to show you something.”

The image on the screen froze me.

“Do you recognize this?” he asked.

I blinked, my lips parting. “This… this is—”

“Yes,” he said, his gaze steady. “The upcoming World Fashion Show in California. Major companies from all over the world have been invited, including ours. I want you to represent Spectra Minds Group as our ambassador.”

My heart skipped a beat.

He leaned closer, his voice calm but firm. “You’ve spent five years chasing revenge, Elara. Consider this my gift to you — a chance to get justice for Finn. You can do whatever you need to… just don’t mess this up.”

His words sank deep. This wasn’t just an opportunity — it was fate giving me one final push.

“What about the kids?” I asked softly. “People might recognize them… especially Noah. He’s a mirror image of Ian. I don’t want Ian to find out about them.”

“Don’t worry,” Mr. Sullivan said reassuringly. “They’re my family now — my grandchildren. I took you in as my daughter, and you’ll always be mine.”

I couldn’t help the tears that pricked my eyes.

By two o’clock that afternoon, it was time to leave. The triplets came to see me off at the airport, their little faces full of reluctance.

“Mummy, think of us often,” Emily said, gripping my hand tightly.

“And don’t forget about us,” Noah added.

I smiled through the ache in my chest and kissed each of their foreheads. “I’ll never forget you, my loves. Be good and listen to Grandpa Sullivan.”

After giving the bodyguards instructions, I waved goodbye and boarded the plane.

As the aircraft lifted, I pressed my forehead to the window, watching the land shrink beneath me.

Ian… after five long years, I’m finally back. Let’s see what kind of surprise you’ll have when you see me again.

*******

IN CALIFORNIA

Years had crawled by — years painted with darkness, pain, and silent strength. But I survived. I rebuilt myself piece by piece, rising from the ashes of betrayal.

Now I was back with a mission — to conquer my past and push Spectra Minds Group to global dominance in the fashion world.

As I sat in the car, a glass of red wine in hand, I gazed out at the glowing skyline of California. “Five years,” I murmured to myself. “Just five years, and look how everything’s changed…”

*******

THE FASHION EVENT

The venue buzzed with energy. Designers, reporters, and celebrities filled the grand hall. Tonight’s show wasn’t just a launch — it was the event of the season.

Camila Vale — Ian’s secretary — strutted through the crowd, her lips painted crimson, her heels clicking like a ticking clock. She had been with Ian for five years. Or should I say… far longer than I ever expected.

Everyone whispered about her — not as his secretary, but as his girlfriend.

“There are so many domestic and international media outlets here tonight,” Camila said sweetly as she guided Ian around. “The publicity will be huge. I think sales for the new season are already secured. After all, we’re a luxury brand, and our target audience is—”

Ian barely nodded, his expression unreadable.

Before she could finish, her assistant, Laura, rushed over. “Ms. Camila, Mr. Vance, it’s almost time to let the guests in.”

Camila glanced at her wristwatch. “Alright. Go inform them.”

As Laura hurried off, Camila turned back to Ian — but his phone rang sharply. His brows furrowed.

“I need to take this,” he said curtly, already walking away.

“But the event—”

He didn’t even look back.

Laura soon returned, a playful grin on her face. “Ms. Camila, you’re amazing. How did you manage to get Mr. Vance so easily? You’re like a real girlfriend!”

Camila smirked, brushing an invisible speck of dust from her dress. “What are you still doing here?” she snapped. “Get back to work before I fire you instantly.”

Laura flinched and scurried off.

Camila straightened her dress, forcing a smile. She might have everyone fooled — but deep down, she knew something had changed.

Because tonight… Elara was back.