AnUnexpectedVisitor
The soft hum of the Reeve mansion quieted as the afternoon light filtered through tall windows, casting gentle shadows on the marble floors. Elara had just returned from her department meeting, her heels clicking softly as she entered the foyer. She slipped off her blazer, her mind already cycling through the tasks for the next day.
A voice she didn't recognize echoed from the living room. Female. Polished. Familiar in the way polished things often are.
"...it's been years, and you still haven't changed, Killian."
Elara paused, her fingers tightening slightly around her file. The butler offered her a slight bow as he passed, but said nothing.
Curiosity-or perhaps instinct- drew her toward the sound.
From behind the large archway leading into the Reeve parlor, she saw them- Killian, standing near the window, his posture relaxed, and a woman seated on the edge of the cream chaise, legs crossed elegantly. She was beautiful. Long black hair swept into a low twist, eyes sharp with amusement, lips painted a shade of red that seemed deliberate than daring.
She was laughing.
And Killian was smiling.
It wasn't the smile he gave to the board or at family dinners. It was one of those rare, softened ones. The kind Elara had only seen in flashes- often when he looked at Asher or Lily.
"I'll never forget how you used to glare at me in class," the woman said with a smirk. "So serious, even as a boy."
Killian shrugged. "You were insufferable."
"Still am," she teased.
Elara stepped inside, her expression composed and unreadable.
Killian turned to her immediately, his expression sharpening- not guilty, just alert. "Elara," he said. "You're back."
The woman stood gracefully, her heels clicking against the marble.
"You must be Elara," she said,eyes sweeping over her in subtle assessment."Killian's wife."
Elara nodded, her voice calm. "Yes."
Killian added, "Vivienne Hart. We grew up together. Our families were close."
Vivienne extended a hand, smiling.
"Pleasure. I was practically raised alongside Killian. We caused enough trouble to last a lifetime."
Elara shook her hand briefly. "You must have stories."
"Oh, far too many," Vivienne said with a wink. "But I'm sure Killian's told you a few."
"He's private," Elara replied coolly.
Vivienne chuckled, a soft sound with an edge. "I was just telling him I'm back in the city for a few months. Business. Couldn't resist catching up with an old friend."
Killian checked his phone. "I have a meeting. Vivienne, you know the way."
"Of course," she said lightly. "I'll just say my goodbyes."
He gave Elara a brief glance before leaving the room.
Vivienne turned back, the politeness fading slightly from her face. "Married. That's a surprise."
"Life's full of them," Elara said evenly.
Vivienne's smile thinned. " He never mentioned you. Not once."
"It was a private arrangement."
"And yet you're here, in this house, playing wife."
"I am his wife," Elara replied. "No playing necessary."
Vivienne tilted her head. "Careful, Elara. Killian is.... complicated. He doesn't let people close unless they're useful."
Elara's voice was steady. "Then I'll remain useful."
Vivienne studied her a beat longer, then gave a slow smile. "You're not what I expected. But maybe that's what makes you dangerous."
Without another word, she picked up her handbag, turned, and walked out with that signature click of confident heels.
When the door shut behind her, Elara stood still for a long moment, then exhaled-just once.
This wasn't the first woman who thought she understood KillianReeve.
And it wouldn't be the last.