Chapter 02

The world seemed to tilt, my knees threatening to give way beneath me. This couldn’t be happening. This had to be some kind of nightmare. But as I looked into Iris’s triumphant face and Alfred’s regretful eyes, I knew it was real.

“How could you?” I whispered, more to myself than to them.

Iris crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. “Because it’s about time I got what I deserve. You’ve always been the perfect one, the chosen one. Well, not anymore.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked back toward the house, leaving me standing there in shock. Alfred lingered for a moment, looking like he wanted to say something, but then he followed Iris without another word.

I watched them go, my mind spinning. Everything I had known, everything I had believed in, was a lie. My father’s legacy, my love for Alfred, my bond with Iris—it was all gone, ripped away in the cruellest way possible.

I sank to my knees, the gravel biting into my skin, but I hardly felt it.

It is all gone.

The realisation hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me gasping for breath.

I knelt there for as long as i could before i got into my car and drove off to my house.

Minutes later, I sat in the dimly lit sitting room just staring blankly at the wall.

The silence was

deafening, punctuated only by the

occasional hum of the air conditioner.

The

bed beneath me felt like quicksand, pulling

me deeper into despair with each passing

second.

Everything was gone. Everything I

had worked for, everything my father had

entrusted me with, had been ripped away

because of my own foolishness.

Ireplayed the scene over and over in my

mind: Alfred and Iris in bed together, their

cruel words echoing in my ears.

How had I been so blind? How could I have trusted

them so completely?

My phone rang and I picked it without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello sister.” Iris' voice echoed through the speakers and I flinched, “I am sure you are home now. Just wanted to remind you that the clock is ticking and we would not want to meet you on OUR property when we get there tomorrow. I am sure you would not want to be arrested for trespassing.”

“Iris..” I breathed “What did I ever do wrong to you? Why would you do this to me?”

She sighed, “I do not have anything much to say. I would spend less time whining and more time planning my next move if I were in your shoes. Also…your cars, everything - is now in my name”

She ended the call before I could say another word.

I collapsed on the sofa and let the sob out. I cried and cried until I was tired of crying.

I cried for my stupidity and blindness.

I cried for my life which was now over.

Then when my throat was sore and I was sure my eyes were all swollen I got up, went to the bathroom and stood before the mirror staring at myself.

What am I going to do?

Where do I start from?

I cant…i cant do this. I can't live with the pain, with the humiliation.

But then I decided that I am not going to live at all.

What was the point?

I have nothing to live for anyway.

Biting my lip, I undressed and stepped into the shower, making up my mind.

Iris have won, my life is over.

“I disappointed you, dad. I just hope that when we meet on the other side you will be able to forgive me.”

I took a shower and got dressed, in a little black sexy gown.

I looked like a sexy bitch.’

Yes I am going to end it all because there is no way I will be alive and watch Iris take over everything I worked for.

But I am going to have my moments first.

I am going to live the rest of the day with a bang.

So I called a cab, and asked it to drive me to the nearest bar.

I am going to allow myself to feel alive one last time in the best ways and most rebellious ways before.

**************

“You know, it is so unbelievable.” I yelled over the loud music blaring through the speakers in the club I had walked into.

The very handsome bartender, who I have been bothering with my sad life story, shook his head and leaned closer.

“Life is never fair, darling,” he said rolling his eyes, “And people tend to be big bitches.”

I snorted out a laugh which would have embarrassed me but I was too drunk to give a damn.

“I know,” I said and my thought went to my sister which triggered tears, and before I knew it was sobbing.

“Hey honey, come on! Do not cry…”

“I am sorry. It is just so unfair, you know? You work so hard, do everything you can and it is the people around you who end up bringing you down. How ironic is that?”

He shrugged, “Your enemies are closer than you think they are. That is why you have to always keep a sharp eye and wit. Trust no one.”

But that advice was too late because I already made the mistake of trusting way too much.

“Do not worry,” A deep voice came behind me making me jolt, “I will take care of her from here. Focus on your job.”

I turned around with a pout, which dropped immediately. I came face to face with the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.

All maybe it is the alcohol - but he is gorgeous nevertheless.

He had the kind of blue eyes you only read about in novels and his well chiselled face was so well framed by black hair - that had a few golden strands in them.

“Hello there,” he smiled and I grinned back.

Perfect dentition too.

“You are perfect.” I sighed dreamily, “So perfect.”

“Thank you. You do not look so bad yourself.”

I perked up, “So you think I am hot?”

“Sure. You are a beautiful gem, ma’am.”

I grinned at him, “Hot enough to have sex with?”

If he was shocked by my straightforwardness, he did not show it. All he did was smile gently and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Yes. But first we need to make sure that you are sober - I think you have had enough to drink tonight.”

“What are you? A reincarnation of my dead father? Come on, do not be such a big bore!”

The handsome man raised his brow, his smile still intact, “A bore, huh?”

I nodded, “That is what you are being right now, but we can quickly remedy that. Let us have fun. jJust grant me one night of good passion - my life is already a mess. Be that gentleman in shining armour and shine some light in my distress.”

I gave him the best seductive look I could come up with.

“You are drunk. I do not take advantage of drunk ladies, no matter how hot they are.

I shrugged, “I might be drunk sir, but believe me, I am of sound mind. Perfectly sound mind - so when i say i want you ro take me out of here and fuck me - i mean it. I, hereby give you full permission to take advantage of me.”

He looked troubled, very much so - but after a few minutes of contemplation he grabbed my hand, “Well damn it. Come with me.”

And I did - followed a stranger to his black car with zero hesitation.