While Seb was out scouring the city for a ghost, Elara was busy building her kingdom within the walls of the Creed mansion.
She sat in the center of the grand hall, surrounded by plush toys, playing with little Seren. To any outsider, it looked like a picture of domestic bliss, but Elara's eyes weren't on the child, they were scanning the expensive crown molding and the antique furniture.
I belong here, she thought, her fingers absentmindedly stroking a velvet cushion. And it's time everyone knew it.
She had a plan. Being the "secret" woman was a role she was tired of playing. She needed to convince Seb that, for the sake of the baby she was carrying, and for Seren's stability, she needed to move in permanently. No more separate apartments. No more hiding in the shadows of Amara's memory.
