Chapter 12 The pianos final notes hung in the air , a haunting resonance that seemed to linger in the room . Maurices fingers had danced over the keys with a mastery that left me breathless . As the melody of Dance of the Vampires faded , I turned to him , my voice barely a whisper . Youre a vampire . Maurices lips curled into a knowing smile . I see youve figured it out . Figured it out ? I echoed , confusion lacing my tone . I always thought you were human . He shrugged nonchalantly , as if the revelation was no big deal . Ive been hiding among humans for centuries . The piano shop owner is just one of my many identities . I also run several wineries , a music bar , and even a manor house . I was stunned . How did you know I was in danger ? Maurices eyes twinkled with enigmatic amusement . I had a suspicion , but I cant reveal everything just yet . Some things are better left unsaid . Before I could probe further , the café door swung open , and in walked Lorcia . Dressed in luxurious jewelry and holding a bouquet of flowers , she carried herself with an air of superiority . Her gaze fixed on me as if she were surveying a rival . I need to talk to you , she declared , her tone clipped . I exchanged a glance with Maurice , then nodded . Sure , lets talk . We settled into a cozy corner of the café . Lorcia picked up her coffee , her hand squeezing the handle made a point of cocking a finger with a diamond ring on it , noticing my gaze going there , she smiled and said Huh , this diamond ring was custom made for me by Lorik who went to a fine jewelry shop .. She made an arrogant face and continued My dear Lorik said if I like this ring so much , he will have it customized for the wedding from the shop Then Lorcia pretended to be surprised and looked at my hand Oops , why dont you have a ring on your hand ? It cant be that Lorik never acknowledged your Luna status and never even gave you a ring , right ? I raised an eyebrow . Ive received plenty of gifts from Lorik too . Papte A Lorcias eyes narrowed with annoyance . These are different . Lorik personally selected them for me . Her condescension grated on me , but I remained calm . Thats nice , I said , trying to keep my tone neutral . She didnt let up . Grabbing the bouquet , she held it up . These flowers are my favorite . Lorik gets them for me every day , even though I mentioned them only once . A surge of jealousy twisted inside me . Lorik had never given me such thoughtful gifts . I had always believed his lack of romance was due to his busy Alpha life , not because he didnt care . Lorcias show of affection felt like salt in an old wound . Noticing my discomfort , Lorcia pressed on . You know , Lorik and I have always had a special connection . Weve shared so many intimate moments . I could tell she was deliberately trying to provoke me . Im not interested in hearing about your relationship with Lorik , I said , standing up . I need to get back to work . Lorcias grip tightened around my arm . Youre not going anywhere until you promise me she insisted , her voice sharp . You cant break my love for Lorik again I sarcastically replied Lorik and I are not divorced and you are the one who is destroying other peoples families Lorcia condescendingly wrote out a cheque and said arent you here for the money , now Ill give you double and dont let me see you in Silvermoon . I sneered and threw the cheque in her face . She felt insulted and angrily rushed up trying to scratch my face with her nailss . Before I could react , a figure emerged from the side . With a swift motion , he landed a punch square on Lorcias face . She stumbled back , stunned, and the café erupted into chaos . Lorcias attacker was revealed to be none other than Dalia , Loriks sister , who had always been kind to me . Dalia , with anger blazing in her eyes , confronted Lorcia . Our family treated you well . When Lorik was injured , you ran off , trying to become Luna of another tribe . Now that hes better , you return , clinging to him . You should be ashamed . Lorcias face was streaked with tears , but she was defiant . I was forced by my family to leave , she cried out . Dalias anger didnt subside . We dont believe that ! You abandoned us when we needed you most ! After I Let Go My Alpha , He Knelt in Regret 12 1 % Shapter Moments later , Lorik burst into the café . His eyes scanned the scene , settling on Lorcia , who was now showing him her bruises and the damaged flowers . Shirley did this , she accused , her voice Jaden with dramatic distress .. Shirley scratched my face and threw flowers at my face because I offered the money to help her but she is just so jealous Loriks gaze turned to me , his eyes hard with expectation . Whats going on ? I opened my mouth to explain , but before I could utter a word , the café door swung open once more . Maurice strode in , a huge bouquet of flowers in hand . He moved with an effortless grace that drew everyones attention . With a charming smile , he addressed the room . She wont be able to look at these for you . After I Let Go My Alpha , He Knelt in Regret 12.6 % hapter 14 In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. With a compelling narrative that intertwines sweet romance with contemporary challenges, "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" stands out as a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Cassandra's quest for love and acceptance in this captivating novel. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a world where past mistakes collide with present desires, promising a gripping narrative that will leave readers yearning for more.