My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 122

Elara’s POV

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Elara was curled up on the couch in the penthouse, half-watching some reality show on TV while scrolling through her phone. It was early evening, the sky outside turning that soft purple color that came just before

sunset.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Marcus.

Marcus: Board meeting running late. Probably won’t be home until 8 or 9. Sorry.

Elara: It’s okay. Be safe.

Marcus: I will. Love you.

Elara stared at those last two words for a long moment.

They’d been saying it more often lately, those casual “love yous” that slipped out at the end of texts or phone calls. She still wasn’t entirely sure if they meant it the way normal couples meant it, or if it was just something they said because it felt like what married people were supposed to say.

She set her phone down and pulled a blanket over her legs. The penthouse felt too big and too quiet when Marcus wasn’t here. She’d gotten used to his presence, the sound of him moving around in his office or the kitchen, the way he’d randomly come find her just to check in.

Without him here, the space felt empty.

Elara was debating whether to order food or try to cook something herself when the doorbell rang.

She frowned. They weren’t expecting anyone, and visitors usually had to be cleared by security first. She got up and walked to the door, checking the peephole.

Aurora stood on the other side, perfectly put together in a black expensive dress. Her hair was styled in loose waves, her makeup flawless, her posture confident.

Elara’s stomach immediately tightened with anxiety. What was she doing here?

She opened the door but kept it only partially open, her body blocking the entrance. “Hi.”

“Hi, Elara,” Aurora said with a bright smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Is Marcus home? I need to speak with him urgently about the Wellington deal. There’s been a development.”

“He’s not here. He’s at the office.”

“Oh.” Aurora’s smile faltered slightly. “That’s frustrating. I really need to talk to him tonight. The issue is time- sensitive.”

“You could call him.”

16:50 Mon, May 11

Chapter 122

58

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“I tried. He’s not answering. The board meeting, probably.” Aurora shifted her weight, her expensive heels. clicking against the floor. “Would you mind if I waited for him? I know it’s an imposition, but this really can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Every instinct Elara had was screaming at her to say no. To tell Aurora to come back another time, to handle her business emergency somewhere else, to leave Elara’s home and her husband alone.

But she also knew that would make her look petty and insecure. Like she was threatened by Aurora’s presence. Like she didn’t trust Marcus.

“Sure,” Elara heard herself say, stepping aside. “Come in.”

“Thank you so much. You’re a lifesaver.” Aurora walked past her into the penthouse, and Elara caught a whiff of her perfume. Something expensive and floral that probably had a French name.

Elara closed the door and followed Aurora into the living room. Aurora settled gracefully onto one of the couches, crossing her legs at the ankle in that elegant way women like her always seemed to do naturally.

Elara sat on the opposite couch, pulling the blanket back over her legs. She suddenly felt very aware of her appearance. No makeup, hair in a messy bun, wearing leggings and an oversized sweater. She looked like she was having a lazy day at home.

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