Mag-log inThe rain poured softly over the sprawling gardens of the Velmore estate, the kind of gentle drizzle that brought both melancholy and nostalgia. The manor, timeless and grand, stood silent except for the rhythmic tapping of droplets against its glass windows.In the drawing room, Victoria Velmore sat upright on a velvet armchair, her posture as regal as the crown matriarch of the Velmores had always been. Her silver hair was styled impeccably, her presence carrying that quiet authority that once ruled the southern empire.She was sipping her afternoon tea when her phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made her pause.Aster Vellaria.It had been months since they last spoke."Victoria Velmore speaking," she answered calmly."Victoria," came the familiar voice — older, raspier, but still laced with elegance. "It's Aster. We need to talk… in person. It's about our grandsons."Victoria's hand froze over the teacup. "Lucian and Caelum?""Yes," Aster replied. "Before this turns into so
The night deepened over the Vellaria estate. The chandelier in Aster Vellaria's study flickered softly, casting golden light across the old portraits that lined the walls — each frame holding a piece of a dynasty built with both brilliance and blood.Aster sat by the grand mahogany desk, a cup of tea untouched beside her. She had dismissed all the servants hours ago. The house was silent, save for the ticking of the antique clock and the soft hum of the wind brushing against the curtains.The old matriarch's fingers traced the edge of a photograph — one that never failed to reopen old wounds. It was a family portrait, taken almost thirty years ago: Aurora and Catleya, her two daughters, smiling under the sun. Lincoln and Ledger Velmore stood beside them, dashing in their crisp suits. And in front, two boys barely a year apart — Lucian and Caelum — laughing together, unaware of the cruel twist that awaited them.Aster's eyes glistened as she whispered to the empty room, "History repeat
The morning after the gala, the entire upper circle of high society buzzed with one headline that outshone every other news story.> "Caelum Vellaria Confesses His Love for Caliste Winslow.""Velmore Cousins Rivals in Love?""Ex-Wife of Lucian Velmore — the New Lady of Vellaria?"The glossy tabloids printed it in bold letters. Online platforms exploded with speculation.Images of Caelum's confident smile at the gala flooded every social feed — his champagne glass raised as he announced, clear and deliberate, "If she will allow me, I wish to court Caliste Winslow — a woman of grace, brilliance, and heart."The room had gasped. Cameras had clicked like thunder.The crowd's stunned silence turned into murmurs that rippled through the elite like wildfire.And now, twenty-four hours later, the wildfire had become a storm.---Inside Velmore Corporation, whispers replaced professionalism. Even the polished marble halls seemed to hum with gossip.Caliste Winslow walked through the lobby with
The Vellaria manor was a piece of history itself ancient stone walls covered in ivy, corridors echoing with the quiet weight of prestige and power. At its heart sat Aster Vellaria, the formidable matriarch who, despite her age, commanded respect from every member of the bloodline.Her family had built empires.But they also destroyed hearts along the way.That morning, she sat in her sunroom surrounded by the fragrance of roses, reading the latest society magazine. On the glossy cover, she saw two familiar names printed boldly:Caelum Vellaria & Caliste Winslow.The headline read:"Rumors Spark Caelum Vellaria's New Muse or Something More?"Aster adjusted her glasses and sighed, her silver hair glinting under the light.So it had begun.Moments later, a soft knock echoed."Enter," she said.Caelum stepped in, looking sharper than usual, wearing his signature confident smile that never quite masked the seriousness in his eyes."Grandmother," he greeted, bowing slightly before sitting a
The next few weeks unfolded like a quiet storm.Subtle, yet deeply felt.Caliste went about her work with her usual grace, her professionalism unshaken. Yet beneath her calm demeanor, there was something else stirring — something even she couldn't ignore anymore.Everywhere she turned, Caelum was there — not intrusive, but constant, like sunlight streaming through cracks she once sealed shut. He never demanded her attention, yet somehow always had it. When she laughed, he was often the reason.And Lucian noticed.He noticed everything.---It started during a quarterly executive meeting.Caliste was presenting the upcoming luxury campaign — her voice steady, eyes focused on the screen — while Lucian sat at the head of the table, impassive as always.Caelum, seated across from her, was the only one whose expression was openly admiring.When Caliste pointed out her concept designs, Caelum leaned forward, a small, approving smile curving his lips. "That's brilliant," he murmured under hi
The following days in Velmore Holdings were abnormally calm after the public spat between Kyline and Caliste.Gossips had died down, but whispers still lingered in corners of the building. People spoke about the incident with a strange kind of awe — how calmly Caliste Winslow, the company's poised and composed creative director, handled humiliation in front of everyone. Some admired her. Others pitied her.Caliste, however, remained unfazed. Her focus was entirely on the campaign she was designing — a high-profile project meant to rebrand one of Velmore's luxury subsidiaries. The only thing she allowed to consume her thoughts was her work.Or so she tried.Because sometimes, in quiet moments, her mind would drift — to the past, to Lucian, to the son she could never acknowledge aloud. And recently, to a man who appeared so unexpectedly it almost felt like fate testing her resolve.Caelum Vellaria.---It began innocently.Their second meeting happened in the executive lobby a week late







