THE WOMEN HE LET IN

Cassian Trevelyan dragged Seraphina Elwood into his room, visibly upset. She looked him directly in the eyes. “What’s the problem? Did I say anything wrong?” she asked. “What do you mean by ‘the mansion is big enough to accommodate anybody’?” Cassian shot back. “You don’t even know those ladies.” “They’re your distant relatives,” Seraphina replied calmly. “That’s who you said they are,” she added. Cassian went silent for a few moments, unable to respond. “Or… is there something I should know?” Seraphina pressed further. “My love, I know,” he finally said, “but you should have discussed it with me first before agreeing to let them stay here.” Cassian Trevelyan and Seraphina Elwood had been in love for over fifteen years. Their story began in childhood. They were neighbors, classmates from nursery through university. Seraphina believed she knew everything about Cassian and his family. She trusted him deeply and had no reason to question anything—or anyone—he introduced to her, even platonically. They weren’t born with silver spoons in their mouths. Instead, they grew up supporting each other, driven by a shared vision of a better future. After university, they worked tirelessly to build something of their own—a tech startup. It was a mobile money wallet, and through divine grace and strategic planning, they attracted the right investors. Less than two years after graduation, they were already counting millions. Seraphina was the architect of their success. The idea, the pitch, the investor deals—all hers. But she chose to place Cassian at the forefront, trusting him to lead as the man in her life. What started as a simple money wallet evolved into a thriving microfinance bank—and eventually, a fully licensed bank used nationwide. The name Cassian Trevelyan began to echo across borders. Women dreamed of becoming Mrs. Trevelyan. What no one knew was the truth: Seraphina was the foundation of his empire. But Cassian never joked with her. He valued her above all. And finally, they tied the knot. Seraphina had always dreamed of raising her children in a spacious, comfortable home—a life far better than what her parents could afford. The mansion had been completed just months before their wedding, and they unveiled it online as their wedding gift to themselves. As always, Cassian received all the glory. People admired him for building such a masterpiece so his bride could move in right after their wedding. What a lucky woman, they said. No one knew who Seraphina truly was—or that she had been by Cassian’s side from the very beginning. No one knew she was the brain behind Cassian Banking. Barely two months after their wedding, two mysterious visitors appeared at their new mansion—Ann Warrick and Evangeline Cresswell. Seraphina wasn’t surprised when she opened the door to find two women smiling politely at her. “Hi, Mrs. Trevelyan,” they greeted in unison. “Mr. Cassian asked us to come.” “Oh yes—Ann and Evangeline,” Seraphina said warmly. Cassian had already mentioned they would be having visitors. “Come in. My husband told me about your visit.” The ladies exchanged a quick glance, mildly surprised. “I bet he tells you everything,” Evangeline said with a teasing smile. “Definitely,” Seraphina replied with confidence. She welcomed them wholeheartedly and ensured they felt at home immediately. “Take them to the VIP guest room—the one that’s just like the master bedroom,” she instructed one of the maids. “Wow, this place is heaven,” Ann whispered in awe as they walked through the hallway. “I swear, when did Cassian become this rich? Gosh, I remember when he used to beg me for ₦1,000 for lecture notes back in school.” “Such is life,” Seraphina responded gracefully. “Anyone can become a billionaire when they’re on the right track and doing the right thing. Feel at home.” She left them to settle in and enjoy their time in the mansion. That evening at dinner, they all sat around the table as Seraphina served the meal, assisted by the housemaids. Once everyone was settled, Evangeline couldn’t help but applaud Seraphina. “Now I see why Cassian chose you,” she said. “As wealthy as you are, you still find time to serve your husband’s meals.” “She even cooks for me when she’s less busy,” Cassian added proudly. “Some women won’t even go near the kitchen, not with all this wealth and the number of workers in this house,” Ann said. “Seraphina is a special gift from God to me,” Cassian concluded. “I do not joke with her.” After dinner, they gathered in the upstairs lounge for a light conversation. It was the perfect opportunity for Seraphina to ask the question on her mind. “So, what brought you to my husband’s house—and when do you intend to return?” she asked gently. “That’s a bit soon, Sera,” Cassian cut in. “Maybe we should give them a day or two to rest before asking questions.” “No need,” Ann said, her voice steady. “It’s better said early than late.” She turned to Seraphina. “I understand this might make you uncomfortable. But the truth is—we came because we need help. We already explained our situation to Cassian, and he asked us to come here so we could talk face to face.” “I’m not uncomfortable,” Seraphina replied calmly. “Cassian already told me you’re his distant relatives. Siblings from another family, right? He said you were there for him during his school days when he had nothing. He couldn’t turn you down when you asked to visit—especially after hearing how tough life has been for you both.” “Exactly,” Ann said. “This guy used to eat from my pot! God has really blessed him. I just hope he’ll bless us back too.” “He definitely will,” Seraphina said, smiling politely. “Every good turn deserves another.” Ann continued, “Evangeline and I have been close since university. After NYSC, we moved to Abuja to start a life—but things just kept getting harder, no matter how hard we worked.” “As we speak, we’re homeless,” Evangeline added. “Completely broke.” “We reached out to Cassian, and he told us to come and also promise to bless us before we leave.” Seraphina blinked slowly. “Oh… wow. Cassian only told me you were coming for a visit, I didn't hear about the help part.” she said. “Yes, a visit,” Cassian cut in quickly. “I was going to tell you the plan to help when they were already here. No one comes to a king and goes back empty, after all.” Seraphina smiled, though her mind was racing. “I don’t have a problem with it,” she said. “The mansion is big enough to accommodate anyone, for as long as they need.” “Thank you so much—we really appreciate it,” Ann said gratefully. But something didn’t sit well with Seraphina. This was the first time her husband—her longtime lover—had made a major decision without fully bringing her into the loop. That wasn’t like him. It felt… off. And there may be more to this than they’re letting on, she thought to herself. That night, in their bedroom, Seraphina sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her eyes distant and her expression unreadable. Cassian noticed the shift in her mood immediately. “Sera,” he called gently, walking toward her. “You’ve been quiet. Talk to me… Are you angry?” Seraphina looked up at him, her gaze calm but firm. “I’m not angry that you helped them,” she began. “But why bring them here, Cassian? What would’ve happened if you’d simply sent them some money and let them sort out their lives wherever they were? It would’ve been safer… easier.” Cassian exhaled, lowering himself beside her. “I understand,” he said, reaching for her hand. “But I also wanted to see them again. It’s been years, Sera. We were close back then, and when they begged to come… I just couldn’t say no.” He paused, searching her eyes. “They wanted to see the mansion, see how far I’ve come. It felt wrong to turn them away.” Seraphina sighed, her shoulders softening, though her eyes still held a hint of unease. “I get it. I really do,” she said. “And I’m trying. I won’t chase them out. I’ll treat them like VIP guests because they were once important to you.” Cassian gave a small, grateful nod. “Thank you, love. They won’t stay long. I promise.” “Two weeks,” Seraphina said firmly. “That’s enough time for anyone to rest and figure out their next step.” “Two weeks,” Cassian agreed. But unknown to them both, Ann and Evangeline had plans—plans that didn’t include leaving the mansion anytime soon.