FRAGILE PEACE
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, bathing the bedroom in a warm glow.
Elara stirred awake, instinctively placing a hand on her stomach.
The baby kicked gently.
She smiled.
Lucien was already awake, watching her like she might disappear if he blinked.
"Good morning, protector," she teased.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Doctor's orders. I'm on full-time husband duty."
---
Forced Rest
Elara sat on the couch later, flipping through business emails.
Lucien snatched her phone.
"No work."
"Lucien!"
"You're on maternity vacation," he declared.
"Wynn Media can survive without you for a few weeks."
She crossed her arms.
"I built that company."
"And you're growing a human," he shot back.
"More important."
She rolled her eyes but smiled.
---
The Mysterious Visitor
The doorbell rang.
Lucien tensed instantly.
"I'll get it."
A tall man stood outside, dressed in an expensive suit.
"Lucien Blackwood?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"My name is Ethan Wynn."
Elara froze.
Wynn.
"My father?" she whispered.
---
A Shocking Revelation
Ethan stepped inside nervously.
"I didn't abandon you," he said.
"Your mother took you away when you were a baby."
Elara's hands trembled.
"You let me grow up poor while you lived in luxury?"
His eyes filled with regret.
"I searched for you. But she changed your name."
Lucien watched silently.
"Why now?" Elara asked.
Ethan swallowed.
"Because Serena tried to contact me from prison.
She told me everything."
Lucien stiffened.
"She used you?"
"Yes," Ethan nodded.
"She wanted revenge through me."
---
Truth About the Heiress
Ethan pulled out documents.
"Elara… you are my only child."
Her breath caught.
"The Wynn fortune is yours."
Lucien looked shocked.
"Elara… you're the real heiress?"
She stared at the papers.
"All this time…"
---
Emotional Breakdown
Tears spilled down her face.
"I grew up feeling unwanted."
Ethan stepped forward.
"I'm sorry. I failed you."
Lucien wrapped his arms around her.
"You're not alone anymore."
---
A New Identity
That night, Elara stood on the balcony.
"So… I'm rich now," she joked weakly.
Lucien smiled.
"You were already priceless."
She laughed softly.