Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350 Christmas

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Cassian was reclining with his chin propped in one hand, watching her with a look full of wonder and affection. His admiration was so open that Elowen felt herself blush.

She touched her cheek, suddenly self-conscious. “Did I say something wrong?”

Cassian slowly shook his head, his eyes bright. “Not at all.”

After a pause, he said quietly, “I was just thinking… my Ella has grown up so much. You’re thoughtful, you consider every angle, and you stay calm no matter what. You really are the lady of this house now.”

She lowered her head, pleased and embarrassed at once. “That’s only because you taught me.”

Cassian laughed and didn’t deny it. Then he looked at her again. “But Ella… are you really not upset with Elara?”

She met his gaze plainly. “Why would I be? She’s just a girl.”

I’ve learned to let things go. Besides, if someone loves my stories, how bad can they really be?

She smiled, her tone turning lighter as she looked at him. “And I trust you. I know you’d never betray me or do anything to hurt me. If I’m sure of that, why should I worry about what anyone else thinks?”

Warmth filled Cassian’s eyes. He covered her hand gently with his own. “I promise, Ella. I would never betray you. I couldn’t bear to see you cry because of me.”

Over the next few days, Elara and her family stayed quietly in the guest house. There was little trouble.

And before long, Christmas Eve arrived.

The palace banquet would be held that night, but for now the morning was quiet and still.

Elowen woke at dawn, earlier than usual, too full of thoughts to sleep.

Cassian was still asleep beside her, his breathing even and calm, and she couldn’t resist being a little mischievous.

She inched closer and pinched the bridge of his straight nose. When he still didn’t wake, she reached out and threaded her fingers through the dark strands spread across the pillow.

Cassian still didn’t stir. In sleep, his face looked especially gentle in the soft early light.

At the sight of him, a playful impulse rose in her, and she leaned down and kissed him on the lips.

In the next instant, a warm hand closed firmly around her waist.

Cassian slowly opened his eyes. The last trace of sleep had already vanished from the deep darkness of them. They were clear now, reflecting her face.

His voice carried the rough, low edge of someone newly awake.

“You’re up early.”

Elowen didn’t look the least bit flustered. She simply shifted where she lay, settling comfortably against his chest, smiling up at

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Chapter 350 Christmas

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him.

“Cassian, it’s Christmas Eve,” she said brightly. “Let’s decorate the house together today. Hang garlands, dress the tree. What do you think?”

Cassian had grown up in the royal household. Customs like that were unfamiliar to him. He made a quiet sound of puzzlement.

“Hmm?”

Elowen propped her head up on her arm, her eyes sparkling.

“It’s what families do,” she said eagerly. “Back home, every Christmas Eve my parents would decorate the house with us. We’d hang wreaths and garlands, string ribbons everywhere, and bring in a fir tree to dress with ornaments and candles.”

Her smile widened as the memories returned.

“My brother and I used to climb up on stools to help hang everything. And there was always so much to do. Cleaning the house, baking sweets, preparing the Christmas feast…”

She leaned closer, clearly enjoying the recollection.

“Once everything was ready, we’d change into new clothes and gather around the fire. We’d snack on pastries and roasted nuts while we stayed up late together.”

Cassian listened quietly.

His gaze lingered on her face, and the look in his eyes softened little by little.

When he was a child, he and Alaric had loved Christmas.

The late king had always been busy. It was rare for him to visit them. But at the Christmas feast each year, they would see him. He might even smile and ask what they wished for in the coming year.

Once, when Cassian was seven or eight, he had flushed with excitement and said to his mother, “Mother, I love Christmas. I feel so happy.”

She had laughed softly and smoothed his hair.

“Do you really?” she asked. “A few words from your father make you that happy?”

Cassian had nodded earnestly.

His mother had rested her hand on his head and smiled.

“Then you would love the way ordinary families celebrate Christmas.”

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