I step into my family home, inhaling the familiar scent of my mother's cooking, the warmth of the place wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. My father is seated in his usual spot, a satisfied look on his face as he sips his evening tea.
"Dad," I say, dropping my bag. "You look… relaxed."
He sets his cup down and looks at me with a proud smile. "Why wouldn't I be? The mortgage debts are settled. We are officially debt-free."
I freeze mid-step, my breath catching in my throat. "What?"
"The bank confirmed it this morning." His eyes gleam with relief. "It's done, Celeste."
My heart hammers. "But how? When? I didn't…" My eyes dart to my mother, who gives me a knowing look.
"Cassian did it," she says simply.
My stomach flips. "What?"
"Your husband handled everything." My dad grins. "Didn't even tell you, huh? A fine man you married."
I stare, stunned. "He… paid off the mortgage? Without telling me?"
"Maybe he wanted it to be a surprise," my mother says, stirring her tea as if this isn't earth-shattering news.
I press my fingers against my temples. "But… I wanted to handle this myself."
"Sweetheart, does it really matter?" My dad's voice is gentle. "The burden is gone."
Before I can respond, Ray comes bouncing in, holding a new toy plane. "Uncle Cassian got me this! And a bunch of other gifts!"
My lips part, my heart clenching. "Did he now?"
Ray nods excitedly. "He's the best! Right, Grandpa?"
"Indeed." My father chuckles. "You've got a good one, Celeste."
I swallow hard, watching Ray's innocent face. Will he still adore Cassian this much when he learns the truth? When he finds out his 'Uncle Cassian' is actually his father?
The thought unsettles me, but I push it aside. The time for that truth will come.
Instead, I clear my throat. "I wanted to tell you all; I 'm returning to the palace."
My mother stiffens. "Already?"
"Yes."
She exchanges a glance with my father, concern clouding her face. "Are you sure? I just… I worry about you."
"Cassian and I are good, Mom." I squeeze her hand. "And I need to face it. The palace is my home now."
My father nods approvingly. "Then go, Celeste. You're in good hands." He steps forward and places a hand on my head in blessing. "May your path be smooth, and may your husband cherish you always."
I exhale slowly, absorbing his words.
Soon after, I head back to Wild Haven, expecting to find Cassian waiting. But when I arrive, the house is quiet.
I step inside, scanning the empty living room. "Cassian?"
Silence.
I frown. Where is he?
Something tells me whatever he's up to… it's going to shake my world again.
***
I snap my eyes open as soft, warm lips brush against mine. Cassian.
He's leaning over me, his deep gaze filled with amusement as I stir awake. "Did I wake you, my love?" His voice is teasing, rich with affection.
I stretch slightly, rubbing my eyes. "It's fine." I sit up, blinking at him. "Where did you go? You didn't tell me." My tone holds a slight grumble.
Cassian chuckles, the mischief in his eyes unmistakable. "It's a surprise." He tugs my hand, pulling me off the bed. "Come take a look."
Curious, I follow him outside, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as we step into the parking lot. Then I see it; parked like a gleaming beast in the moonlight. A sleek, black Range Rover Sport SUV.
I freeze. "Cassian…" My voice barely comes out.
He takes me closer and produces the key, dangling it with a smirk. "It's yours."
I gape at him. "What?" My heart races. "You didn't have to…"
"I wanted to." He places the key in my palm. "I want my wife driving something worthy of her."
I bite my lip, overwhelmed. I walk around the car, trailing my fingers along the smooth body, admiring every sleek line. "It's beautiful." I whisper.
Spinning back to him, I throw my arms around his neck, pressing my lips against his in a deep, grateful kiss. He holds me tight, his smirk widening against my lips.
"You're full of surprises this time." I murmur, pulling back slightly. "My father told me what you did for them."
Cassian shrugs, unbothered. "It was nothing."
I shake my head. "And then you're busy spoiling Ray too."
He chuckles, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I want my wife to be happy, comfortable, and focused on me. No distractions." His voice drops to a husky whisper.
I laugh, playfully nudging him. "Oh, so I'm supposed to forget everything else?"
"Exactly." He smirks.
I kiss him again, longer this time, before pulling him toward the house. "Come on, my generous prince. You owe me another surprise."
I take him to my bedroom, close the door behind us, drop the new car keys on the bedstool and slowly begin to undress him.
"I have all the time for my husband. I hope you don't start complaining when I don't give you a break." I whisper to his ear and suck on the earlobe.
He smirks wickedly and I see his eyes glitter with excitement. "That's never gonna happen". He says.
I unbutton his shirt slowly and give him some heated stares that always trip and melt him. The shirt is off. I unbuckle his belt and pull down his pants.
He's standing before me in his brief smirking in anticipation.
I finish the work by removing the last piece of clothes on him. I push him gently onto my bed. He laughs, shifts in and lies there looking at me with a deep lust in his eyes. He licks his lips, waiting.
With just one pull on my sleeves, my gown falls down to my leg. I pull down my panties in quick sultry moves and I stand bare before him while he runs his eyes all over me.
I climb up, lowering my body to kiss him and straddling him with my legs.