Chapter Two
“Good morni—”
Caitlin’s voice trailed off, hanging awkwardly in the air. Her eyes widened in shock. The man standing in the doorway made her breath hitch.
Arion McCallen. The man she had met the night before.
“I must’ve gotten the wrong unit,” Caitlin said hastily.
She spun around, panic rising in her chest. She barely took a step when—
“Wait.”
Arion grabbed her wrist. His grip was firm, unwavering.
“You can’t run away again... not a second time.”
“I—I can explain.”
Caitlin’s voice trembled, barely a whisper. But before she could say another word, Arion had already pulled her inside.
She stood frozen in the corner of the living room, head lowered, refusing to meet his eyes. Her heart pounded wildly.
Arion sank into the sofa, eyes locked onto her.
She looked different from the night before—her face bare without makeup, skin pale, dressed simply in a blouse and knee-length skirt that showed off her long legs.
“I didn’t know this apartment was yours,” she said after a long silence. “I was just covering for a friend. I shouldn’t have come.”
Her words rushed out, a flood of nervous energy. The more she spoke, the more she wished she could take it all back.
“I don’t care,” Arion cut in coldly. “You broke into one of the most private events the McCallen family has ever held. Then you disappeared—without a trace. That’s no small mistake.”
“I can explain... I really can.”
Arion looked up, his eyes sharp and unrelenting.
“Your name wasn’t on the guest list.”
Caitlin clenched her fists at her sides. “It was my boss’s wife who gave me the invitation. I didn’t know how serious it was. And you—” her voice rose slightly, “you pulled me back in when I tried to leave.”
Silence fell. Arion’s jaw tightened. His gaze narrowed, trying to sift truth from lies.
“So now this is my fault?” he asked, his voice low and intense.
Caitlin raised her chin. “I’m not blaming you. I just... I didn’t know who you were—until last night.”
Half of what she said was a lie. The other half? Honest ignorance.
Arion rose slowly to his feet, walking toward her with measured steps. His gaze never wavered.
“You know, Caitlin,” he said softly, “I’m used to people getting close because of my last name. But you? You snuck in, lied, disappeared—and now you're here acting like you have the right to explain yourself.”
Caitlin stood her ground. “You make me sound like a thief caught in the act. I was trying to avoid you.”
He stopped in front of her. A part of him knew she wasn’t entirely at fault. He had been the one who pulled her into that moment at the party. But his pride... his pride was wounded.
“I’ll give you five minutes,” Arion said, returning to his seat and folding his arms. “Then I want you gone. From this apartment. And from my life.”
Caitlin took a deep breath. Now or never.
“My name is Caitlin Humphries. I’m just a temp cleaner. My boss’s wife asked me to go in her place to that charity event. I... I didn’t know it was your family’s private gathering.”
Arion remained stone-faced. Caitlin pushed on.
“When I realized I wasn’t supposed to be there, I tried to leave. But you stopped me. I panicked. I thought I could just walk away and never see you again. But... fate had other plans.”
A faint crease formed on Arion’s brow. Was he confused? Or just intrigued?
“Don’t put too much faith in fate, Caitlin,” he said, voice softening. “This isn’t just about the party. It’s about how you barged into my life... and turned everything upside down.”
Caitlin frowned. “What chaos? We’ve only met twice. I haven’t—”
“You breached the security system I designed myself,” Arion interrupted. “No one should’ve been able to enter that ballroom undetected. But somehow, you did.”
Caitlin looked away briefly, then met his eyes again.
“I’m sorry. Maybe the crowd distracted your security team. But believe me—I never meant you any harm.”
She held his gaze, waiting for a reaction.
Arion said nothing. His mind spun with conflicting thoughts.
The more he tried to trap her in her own words, the more she unraveled his accusations with calm, rational replies.
“If you have nothing more to say,” Caitlin said quietly, “please let me finish my work. Once I’m done, I’ll be gone for good.”
Without waiting for a response, she pulled an apron from her bag, tied it around her waist, and got to work. She moved swiftly, efficiently—ignoring the man who watched her silently from across the room.
Two hours later.
Caitlin stretched her arms above her head, then scanned the now spotless apartment. She smiled faintly. Her work was done.
Time to leave—and vanish from Arion’s life once and for all.
“I’m finished,” she said, meeting Arion’s eyes. “There’s nothing left for me to do here.”
“Wait here. I’ll get your payment from my office,” Arion said, rising from the sofa and walking away.
Caitlin sat down on the edge of the sofa. But Arion didn’t return.
Minutes passed. Ten... then fifteen. He was stalling. Keeping her there longer than necessary.
Finally, Arion reappeared. He handed her a brown envelope.
“Your payment,” he said, eyes unreadable. “And a little extra.”
Caitlin stood up, slipping the envelope into her bag. “Thank you. I...”
Her words faltered. She looked at him for a long moment. Then quietly added, “Goodbye, Arion.”
She turned to leave.
But the doorbell rang.
Arion strode past her and opened the door wide. He froze.
From behind him, Caitlin could see the visitor.
A woman in her early fifties, elegant and striking in a graceful dress.
Caitlin instinctively stepped aside to let her in.
“Come in,” Arion said.
“Sorry for the surprise,” the woman replied, pausing when she noticed Caitlin.
Arion reached for Caitlin’s hand—this time, gently—and held it tightly.
“Caitlin, this is Harriet. My stepmother.”
Caitlin stared between them, confused and tense. The air turned thick with unspoken tension.
Then came the blow.
“Harriet, this is Caitlin,” Arion continued without missing a beat. “She is my lover.”
Caitlin’s eyes widened in disbelief. She tried to pull her hand away, but Arion held firm.
His sharp gaze turned to her—a silent plea and a warning rolled into one.
Don’t say a word.