Before Juliet could even respond, the woman stepped forward and enveloped her in a warm hug.
Juliet froze.
She had expected scrutiny.
Judgment.
Questions.
What she hadn't expected was immediate affection.
The older woman held her for several moments before pulling back and taking both of Juliet's hands into hers.
She was elegant in a quiet, effortless way, with soft features that mirrored Cassian’s structure. Her eyes were almond-shaped, calm and perceptive, carrying a natural warmth that made people feel immediately at ease.
A few fine lines at the corners only softened her beauty further, like someone who smiled often and meant it. Her dark hair was neatly styled, pinned back in a simple, expensive-looking clasp that matched the understated grace of her evening dress.
"My name is Eloise," she said warmly. "I've been wanting to meet you for so long."
Beside her, the distinguished man stepped forward slightly.
He stood tall with a composed, refined presence, with the same unmistakable features as Cassian: sharp yet balanced bone structure, a straight nose, and calm, steady eyes that observed everything without rushing. His hair was neatly combed back, salt beginning to thread through the dark. He carried himself like someone used to rooms going silent when he spoke, yet his expression now was unexpectedly gentle.
“And I’m Casper,” he said, voice calm and courteous. A faint smile touched his lips. “It’s nice to finally meet the woman our son won’t stop talking about.”
Juliet blinked.
She turned to look at Cassian.
Cassian looked entirely unashamed.
If anything, he looked faintly smug.
Eloise laughed softly at Juliet's stunned expression.
"My son rarely talks about anyone," she explained affectionately. "So believe me when I say we were very curious about you."
Juliet opened her mouth. Then closed it again. For reasons she couldn't explain, her vision suddenly blurred.
No one noticed at first.
No one except Cassian.
The moment he saw her eyes redden, his expression changed.
Immediately, he stepped closer.
"Juliet?"
His deep voice was noticeably gentler.
Juliet quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, blinking rapidly. "I don't know why I'm crying."
But she did know.
For years, she had desperately sought acceptance.
