I needed to focus. I was not going to let another heartbreak determine who I was. From the start, I always knew that this love between Leigh and I was impossible, but I wanted to defile fate and the goddess. Now fate has given me a final blow. I can never get what I do not deserve. I do not deserve a Troy heir so I can never get him.Coming to this conclusion made it easier for me to try to move on. I do not care for what ever excuse Leigh would try to make. I cannot take him away, not while he's having a child. Even if he indeeds loves me, I cannot deny his child a perfect and complete family, because I love him too much to let his child hate him like he hates his father. So I had decided to move on.I steeled myself as I carried out my task. I was getting burned out. I might just quit. No. If I quit now, father will become worried. And I can't have him worry about me, not while we are still looking for Amelia's mate. Speaking of which, I brought out my phone and dialed her number. S
I fled Pack Master Alan's office, tears streaming down my face. His words cut deep into my heart like a double edge sword cutting through paper. "Leave Leigh alone." The words echoed in my mind. I already knew I had to let him go anyway, but hearing it from Master Alan made it final and a thousand times more hurtful.As I ran, my vision blurred. I stumbled, unseeing, through the hallway.Why did I fall for someone so out of reach? Someone I could never have. All my life, everything I had wanted was unattainable. My mother's warmth, the love of my father's wife, Archie's embrace and Leigh's whole heart. I could never get any of them.I just wanted to get away from here. As I turned a corner with my blurred out vision, I collided with a solid chest. His Hands grasped my arms, steadying me."Watch where you are going!" The familiar voice said curtly. I looked up to meet Travis cold unfriendly gaze. He saw my red rimmed eyes and his aggressive look turned to that of concern."Iris, wha
Soon, it was time for dinner. I got out of bed and rinsed my face with warm water. I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I patted my face lightly."You can do this Iris." I encouraged myself as I walked out of the room.I joined the other servants to help serve. But I couldn't bring myself to enter the dining room. The thought of facing Eleanor, Leigh, and Master Alan made my stomach twist.Miss Felice noticed my absence and approached me."Iris, aren't you supposed to serve dinner with the other girls?" she asked strictly."I feel a little sick and I do not want the Masters to notice." I lied.She stared at me with curious eyes but she later nodded understandingly."Stay here, then. I will call for you if I need you." She said and she turned to leave. I stood at the side, watching as the others served dinner. The clatter of dishes and laughter from the dining room seemed distant. Master Alan chatted with Eleanor and they laughed happily. Travis sat at the side and he just ate q
I woke to the familiar clang of the servant's bell, echoing through the corridors. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up, surprised to see Anne already dressed and ready."Good morning," Anne whispered, smiling.I nodded, impressed. "You're up early, actually you've been waking up early these past few days." I observed as I got out of bed.Anne's eyes seemed clouded for a moment. "I want to honor Gina's memory. She always made sure I was on time." She said in a soft but sad pitch.My heart swelled with emotion. Gina's passing still lingered, but Anne's determination and honour of her memory inspired me. Gina always told me not to mess with the Masters, so, to honour her just like Anne did, I have decided to forget that I ever had anything to do with Leigh. This was for the best.I took my bath and got ready for work. A servant knocked on our door and informed that Miss Felice had asked for a quick assembly before going to work."What could be the reason for this assembly? I hope no
I stood frozen as Eleanor crumpled to the ground, screaming at the top of her lungs."What are you doing, Eleanor?" I demanded, confusion etched on my face.But she continued to wail, drawing attention from nearby servants.Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind."What is going on here?"I broke into a cold sweat and Eleanor grinned as she kept up her act."I asked what is going on here?"I closed my eyes as I turned around as I planned to explain myself even if I know I might not be believed.With my heart racing, I opened my eyes and I was face to face with Travis.His eyes narrowed, surveying the scene.Eleanor's cries intensified, and she accused me, "Iris pushed me!""I..I didn't.." I tried to defend myself.Travis stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Eleanor."What are you doing, Eleanor? Get up." He said in an irritated tone and she frowned."I said she pushed me. Don't you care about your pregnant sister?" She yelled at him and he rolled his eyes."I didn't see any pushing. I
Today was the big day everyone has been anticipating. Except me of course. The day Eleanor and Leigh officially becomes mates.The Troy household was buzzed with activity. Servants scurried about, arranging floral garlands and polishing silverware.Servants buzzed about, racing against time to prepare for the grand wedding."Make sure everything is perfection." Miss Felice shouted orders.I didn't want to be a part of all the decorations so I requested I partake in kitchen duties instead. Miss Felice was hesitant, but she later granted me permission. It's not like I was going to poison Eleanor's cake or anything. Or maybe I should. Jeez! Get a grip Iris. You are not an evil person. I sighed as I kneaded the dough. I patted it roughly, this was me imagining Eleanor's and Leigh's stupid faces as I slapped it hard."Easy girl! You're gonna make it cry." Anne teased and I hissed. I had asked Leigh to give me space, and he actually did. Hell! I haven't even seen his shadow for the past
"Find Leigh now!" Master Alan thundered.His order sent a ripple through the household, as all the servants and staff scrambled to locate the missing groom. He was obviously not at home but we just had to pretend like we were searching."Make sure the guest doesn't suspect a thing." Miss Felice ordered. It would be bad if they got to know that the groom was no where to be found. The Rider's would certainly start a war as it would be a very big insult to them. After coming all the way to the Troy mansion, they would certainly not take it lightly.As we scurried around the house in our pretense of searching for the groom, master Alan's eyes fell on me."You!" he called out spitefully and I turned to him."Me?" I asked and before I could blink, he was already in front of me with his arms around my neck."Sir..." I muttered in pain."Where is my son you vixen? Where are you hiding him? Tell me now before I snap your neck!" He thundered. His grip was much more stronger that Leigh's the las
~ Leigh's POV ~I paced in my study, my mind racing with worry. Father had already picked the auspicious date for my mating ceremony with Eleanor. I refused to pick a date myself so he went ahead and did so himself, without informing me."Shit!" I cussed, as I slammed my fist on the table. I couldn't get the parternity test done because father had given strict orders to Dr Lee to not allow it. And when I tried to get Dr Eli involved, Eleanor refused to corporate. This made me all the more suspicious. And this issue with the missing Alpha's and forsakens was stressing me out. Archie Addams was still working on it, but the criminals seemed to know all of our plans, so it kept flopping. We have just been running around in circles. I needed a breakthrough with this case too.I was more worried because Iris had made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with me. She was hurt by this and I haven't had the chance to explain to her."I won't bother her again," I vowed to myself. "Not until
I floated in a void and it was hard to breathe. I struggled till I finally found my balance. "Here again?" I muttered to myself as I walked the familiar path and was met with the same woman that has been appearing in my dreams almost every night.I still couldn't understand what she was saying, but I knew it was something very important."Remember!" She whispered before a whirlwind blew me away and I woke up abruptly, panting heavily.I looked around and I found myself in the comfort of my own room. I sighed as I sat up and rubbed my eyelids with my palms. I tried to move, but I hissed in pain as I was still sore from last night's activity in the garden.I felt drained and tired, with my body still humming from the memories of last night's passion with Leigh. The sunlight streaming from the window seemed too bright, that I winced as I turned to look the other way. I stretched, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed, with my feet dangling in the air.I went to the bathroom
It was probably 10pm or something. I wasn't exactly sure because I drifted off to sleep after Anne tucked me in and I hadn't gotten up since then. The vibration of my phone woke me up."Ugh," I sighed as my head began to throb. I reached for my phone and saw an incoming call from Leigh. Immediately, I sat up before picking up."Hello." I said carefully."Iris." He said in the calmest of voice and my previous anger and dissatisfaction with him watched away as if it was never there."Can we meet up?" He asked."Now?," I glanced over at Anne's side and she was tucked in with her earpods in, probably watching a movie. "Okay." I said as I climbed out of bed.My movement alerted Anne as she turned her attention to me. "Going somewhere?" She asked taking one bud out of her ear."Yeah. I'll be back shortly." I smiled as I put on something simple but nice. I headed to his mother's garden. He didn't have to tell me that that's where he'd be before I could go, because I could probably read his
I haven't seen or heard from Leigh all day. I was really worried and unhappy about this. I would be going back home tomorrow, so I had hoped I would be able to at least speak with him today. I sighed as I made my way back to my room. Since he isn't picking up his call, I should probably go finish packing up and sleep for a while. I headed down the corridor when someone pulled my arms to the side. Shocked and alarmed, I turned back with my fist in the air, it could be another attack, but I was surprised to see Miss Clarisse."You..!" I said shocked. "What do you want?"Her eyes scanned me as she stared as my fist. "Oh, sorry, I thought it was someone bad." I laughed awkwardly as I dropped my hands and stood properly.She just stared at me without saying anything which greatly surprised me. "Uh, do you need anything?" I asked just in case, but she was awfully quiet, but the next thing she did greatly shocked me. She started sniffing me."Hey!" I pushed her off as she grabbed my arms ho
Who could this important guest be? I started on my way and followed the other servants to the entrance, curiosity got the better of me. Who was this important guest that had everyone scrambling?Upon arrival, we formed two precise single file lines, with guards at the front and Miss Felice leading the way."Who is the guest?" I asked the girl besides me."I don't know exactly, I just followed the others here. But it seems like someone important." She said."By the look of things, this guest would probably stay here since we have been asked to come welcome them." The other one by my side whispered."Yeah, true. This was also how we welcomed that snake Miss Eleanor." One said."Hey, don't call her that." I shot at her.She hissed in displeasure. "I can say what I want. And stop acting so noble." She spat.I turned from her because it was clear she only wanted trouble."Is it male or female? I just want to know." Another whispered and thus the gossips started."What if it's a woman? May
I felt myself floating in an endless void, I felt disoriented and I didn't know what I was doing here, or how I got to this place. My feet landed on the ground and my footing balanced."Hello?" I called out looking around, but my voice echoed back.I moved forward, searching for a reference point, but there was nothing, only emptiness. Suddenly, a figure materialized in the distance. A woman stood at the center, with her back to me."Excuse me," I said, approaching her. "Where am I?"She didn't turn it speak to me, but just stood with her back to me.I paused before going forward. "Sorry to bother you, I just want to know where I am. I am lost." I said to her while still approaching her.The woman turned to me suddenly. Our eyes met and familiarity struck me instantly, but I knew we had never met before."Who are you?" I asked as I was having this strange feeling.In a flash, the woman stood inches from me, but I could swear she was standing far away a few seconds ago.Her skin trans
Finally, me and the girls were done. It was a total mess in here. I couldn't help but wonder what sort of grown adult would mess with books and leave them scattered everywhere."I'm hungry, let's go find something to eat." One of the girls suggested and the other supported with a nod."I'll go handle something first before joining you guys." I said and they made fun of me thinking I was going back to talk to Leigh, but I was actually going back to find Miss Felice.I stepped out of the library, with my resignation letter clutched in my hand. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. I did tell her that I had nothing to say before, but now, Leigh thinks it's a good idea to stop working here.I headed straight to her office, hopefully she was in. I knocked softly and let myself in when I heard her say 'come in' from inside."Ah! Iris, what brings you here?" She said lifting her head from a pile of paper work in front of her. She was busy calculating all the expen
As I walked away, a force pulled me back in place. I spun around, startled for a brief second before I got my composure. Leigh stood before me, his eyes blazing anger."Shit!" I whispered to myself. For a moment, I wondered if he had seen me hug Chad. A misunderstanding was the last thing I wanted right now between us."Leigh, what's wrong?" I asked carefully, trying to sound calm."Are you still seeing him?" he demanded, his tone rough and my yes shone."What do you mean?" I backed up a little.He moved closer in an intimidating way. "I am asking if you are still going in between Chad and I?" He scowled and I bristled."How dare you," I snapped at him. "You have no right to say that to me. Do I look like some cheap harlot that double dates? Hell, we aren't even in a relationship." I shot at him immediately and his expression changed as he realized he just fucked up."Look I..." "If you are going to keep talking to me this way then you better leave." I cut him off. Why does he always
I should really stop entertaining this kind of conversations and exchanges to not give anyone a wrong impression or false hope. I do not know if he's serious about his advances or not, but I have to avoid him too."Iris," Miss Felice called out to me and I hurried to meet up with her."Madam?" I said and she had this look on her face that was hard to put into words. She just stared at me for a quick second before opening her mouth to speak."You are one lucky girl Iris." She said in a rather fond tone which greatly amazed me."Ah!" Was all I could say because I didn't know how to react. She moved closer to me and placed her hands on my shoulder."Leigh is a child I watch grow up. He knows nothing about love, but since he has chosen to love you, and the goddess also seems to be in your favour, I hope you do not disappoint him." She smiled softly and I nodded."Oh, I remember you said you had something to tell me. You can say it now." She said and the words got stuck in my throat. I did
"Okay father. But I have to process my resignation. I cannot just up and leave." I said trying to sound reasonable and thankfully he listened to me."Okay." He sighed. "In two days time, I will come to pick you up. By then, everything should have been sorted out right?" He asked and I nodded."Okay dear, I will return to the hospital now. Please stay away from trouble my dear child." He patted my head and I smiled as I hugged him tightly."Bye dad." I said and he hugged me back before going his way. As I watched him leave, I clenched the resignation letter I already had prepared in my pocket. I had wanted to leave because I thought I had lost Leigh forever, but that wasn't the case now. I wanted to stay. I finally have a chance. But now, father wants me back home. What was I going to do now?"Iris!" Anne called me as she rushed towards me. "Are you okay? I heard that you were involved in a fist fight? I hope you won? Is it true that Eleanor wasn't carrying Leigh's child? So no more U