ElaraI get ready for class. I wear a backless dress and heels. I carry my new bag and go outside. I find Lou waiting for me in the living area, wearing an impeccable suit as usual." My lady," he bows." Good morning, Lou. You don't have to drive me to uni. I can call a cab while I wait for my car," I tell him. He scowls." A cab? No, my lady. I can't allow that," he insists on taking my bag. Lou leads me to my husband's private garage. There are so many different types of cars. He has a fine taste in cars. Lou picks a sedan and opens the door for me. I drop my gaze to my phone when it beeps. Solena asks where I am, or if I'm attending school today. I text her back.We reach the school parking lot, and he opens the door for me." Shall I walk you in, Lady Crawford," Lou asks. Lady Crawford. It has a good ring to it. His words suddenly made me feel better. The slight heartache I felt earlier vanishes. I smile at him," No, I'll wait for my friends and we'll go in together," I say. He o

Elara His sister, his elder sister. The words resound in my head. My husband is calm. He is so at peace. " I didn't know you had a sister," I say gently. He sighs and gulps his drink. " Her name is Eloise. You remind me of her," he says, scowling. Eloise, I practice her name on my tongue. " Reminds you of me?" " Yes. She's fierce, stubborn... Really stubborn," I smile as he continues to point out our similarities. " Are you two close?" I ask. " We used to be," Zuriel signals for the waiter to come, and he does. He asked for a stronger drink. The waiter leaves, and I stare at my husband, waiting for him to tell me more. After a moment of silence, he continues. " Eloise was my biggest bully, yet my strongest defender. She protected me from my father's harsh punishment," His father. Zuriel had never mentioned his father. He doesn't even bear his name. Crawford is his mother's surname. I wonder what happened. Harsh punishments, he said? Was his father abusive to him? However

River had nothing to say, closing and opening her mouth. I had her. What reason does she have to stay with us when she stated it hurt to see us together? She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and bats her lashes at my husband. I growl but cover it with a cough. " I'm scared I'll be lonely there. I'm used to staying in the penthouse with you, and the servants are just good to me," she says. I narrow my gaze at her. "There are literally so many people there. How could you be lonely? And you're clearly hurt seeing us together," I snap. " Well, I will tame my emotions better. I will, I promise what happened tonight won't repeat itself," she promises, this time looking at me. I take in a soft breath and lean towards my husband, who holds me kindly. " I'll talk to my therapist about it, and we'll see what she advises," she says. I glance up at Zuriel. His handsome face shows concern. I nod to River. " Let's go. You need to rest," he tells me. We bid goodbye to River and leave t

I knew the moment the words left my lips, that I messed up. I could have controlled my emotions better. Zuriel stills in me and raises his head from my neck. " Never repeat those words to me again," he whispers. It is like a bridge that has been made between us just crumples. He gets out of me and sits on the edge of the bed. I sit upright, my gaze on his bare back. He runs a hand through his locks. Several times, I open my mouth to speak but I don't produce words. " I - I- it just came out. I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice shaking. He turns his head to me and without saying a word, puts on his pants and shirt before leaving the room. " Fuck, Fuck!" I scream as the door shut. I feel tears well in my eyes. Zuriel was cold towards me after I confessed, even though it was a mistake. Why doesn't he like to hear it? I lie in bed awake, hoping he'll come back. He didn't. The next day, I woke up bright and early. I scanned the room to see if Zuriel had come after he left, but there wa

Elara I woke up late the next morning. I slept on the floor. My whole body was sore. I exhale and get ready for my day. Zuriel didn't come back to the room after he left. Is he with River? I wonder. I feel hurt in my heart at the thought of that. I look in the mirror. My eyes are big and red, a clear sign I cried a lot. This morning, I decided I wouldn't let what happened with Zuriel last night affect me. He wants to live separately, fine by me. I take a long hot shower to relax my muscles and then fix my messy hair and makeup. I wear a floral white sundance dress and sandals. Tonight is the night my family and friends come for dinner. I start by confirming with them if they'll attend. I call Khai. It's been a while since we spoke. " Hello," he answers the phone gruffly. " Bad mood?" " No, I'm busy. What is it, Elara," " Are you coming for dinner tonight?" I ask. He stays silent for a moment. " I can't make it. Bryon is visiting, and it's not right to leave him alone," h