IRIS"Well, here goes nothing."I took a deep breath, shut my eyes and hit the plastic piggy bank sharply with a small hammer. I opened one eye, then the other."Holy crow!" I cried as I spread out the bills on the kitchen counter.There was money here. Lots of it. How had I ever managed to save so much money in just under a year? I glanced at the clock. It was still hours before Ollie was due home, but what was that saying again?Time flies when you're having fun.And I was going to have a lot of fun buying my husband the best, most expensive wedding anniversary gift I had ever given him. I spent the next fifteen minutes straightening out the bills and counting them. As soon as I finished, I changed and headed straight for the most renowned jewellery store in the city. From the store's window, one could see the pieces they had on display, sitting on soft velvet cushions. I had window-shopped here more times than I could count. Now I actually had enough money to buy something.Getting
CARTER"Carter? Are you still there?"My grandmother's high-toned, querulous voice came floating over the phone."Yes, Grandma," I said. "I'm here."I had gone over to the little calendar kept on my desk. I ran my fingers along the dates twice to be sure. I wasn't mistaken. Today was a Friday. Every Friday evening, without fail, my grandmother went out with several of her friends to play bingo. Grandma was a creature of habit. So, what on earth had changed her routine? Why was she demanding to see me on a Friday? What was so important and urgent enough to disrupt her routine? And most importantly, what did I have to do with it?"I'm here," I said again."Then you heard what I said?""I did.""Good. Remember, this evening.""You're feeling well?" I asked.It had just occurred to me that perhaps something was wrong with her health, although her voice was as strong as ever."Of course I am. What else do I pay those overpriced doctors for? Don't keep me waiting, Carter."She rang off. I w
IRISWith a scowl, I shifted on the barstool and resumed contemplating my drink. Was I on the tenth or twelfth glass now? I couldn't remember. I didn't care either. I just wanted to get drunk enough to forget why I had come here in the first place. I threw back my head, gulped the drink, shuddered as it hit the spot and poured another.I stared right into the depths of the amber liquid in my glass and wished that I could somehow drown myself in it. Thoughts of ending it have been creeping up on me lately. Oblivion had to be better than this gut-wrenching pain I had to live with daily, right?"Hi, baby. Can I buy you a drink?" said a voice beside me.I squinted at the stranger as I tried to bring him into focus. He was tall, dark and wearing a peaked cap that obscured most of his features."No thanks," I said.He sat beside me and draped his arms around the back of my chair."Okay then. So what's a pretty woman like you doing alone at a club?"I shrugged. "I'm just having a night out."
CARTER"I have done what you asked," I said.Grandma Martha raised a brow. She took a bite of toast before she asked, "And what is that?""Getting a wife, of course. I have finally found the woman I intend to settle down with. I'm getting married to her in four days."She choked on her cup of coffee, spluttered and had a protracted coughing fit."Easy now," I murmured.The maid who had just served her tea immediately darted forward. She poured my grandmother a glass of water, dropped it in front of her and hovered uncertainty, her hands fluttering helplessly over Grandma Martha, who eventually twisted her fingers impatiently in her direction and shooed her away."You- what did you just say?" she said in a voice made hoarse by the coughing.I glanced at the glass of water at her elbow. "Maybe you should take that first before-""I'm fine. I'm fine. Did you just say you're getting married?""Yes.""In four days?""Yes."We sat in silence for a second, two, three. The corners of her mout
Iris could feel the cold stare from Ollie across the table. She instantly got cold feet about the whole idea, making her question the decision to marry Carter. What if Grandma Martha wouldn’t bless their union? Would she think of her as a whore instead? "Was it a wise decision?" A voice in her head questioned.Her mind raced with thousands of questions and unsettling thoughts about what people would say about her, a woman who had divorced her ex-husband and was now marrying his cousin.Feeling her unease, Carter softly ran his fingers over her arms, still within his grasp. Placing his hands on the small of her back, he guided her towards the dinner table with a reassuring touch.“Iris darling come sit beside me," Grandma Martha called for her in a sweet voice. Iris immediately felt intimidated by Grandma Martha and the wealth around her as she took the seat next to her. She was dressed in an expensive lace garment that fit perfectly. Her tennis bracelet twinkled under the grand cha
Iris couldn't still believe that she would marry Carter only after some days of meeting him. It felt surreal, like something out of a fairytale. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, savouring the moment before the whirlwind of the day ahead. "Don't worry, I’ll personally take care of every detail of the wedding," Carter reassured her. Those were indeed some piece of nerve soothing words to hear."Seriously?" She had whispered, unsure if he meant those words, her pupils dilating in genuine appreciation. Carter's eyes softened as he reached out to gently cup Iris's hand in his own, his touch a comforting anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty swirling around her."Absolutely," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity and determination. "I meant every word”.Iris's heart fluttered at the genuine warmth in Carter's words, a flicker of hope igniting within her. She searched his eyes, seeking reassurance in their depths, and found nothing but unwavering sincerity staring back a
Carter cleared his throat, his expression serious as he laid out the terms of their contract marriage."Alright, Iris, let's go over the ground rules," he began, his tone businesslike."First and foremost, no emotional attachments. This is strictly a business arrangement." "And if you break that rule, the consequences will be severe." Carter's eyes bore into hers, emphasising the seriousness of his warning. "We both have too much at stake to let feelings get in the way.""And remember, emotions have no place in this partnership."Iris couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of it all, knowing that their emotions were already tangled up in this mess."No emotional attachments? That's rich," she remarked, a wry smile playing on her lips as she met Carter's gaze."Considering we're about to pretend to be a married couple."Carter raised an eyebrow, his lip twitching in amusement. "Yes, well, we can't let our personal feelings get in the way of our professional agreement," he replied, h
As the first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, Iris stirred in her bed, her mind heavy with the weight of the previous night's events. She lay still, feigning sleep, unable to face the reality of the situation. She heard the faint sound of movement as Carter, with a tired sigh, rose from his makeshift bed on the floor, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room.With bated breath, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within her, Iris waited until she heard the door click shut behind him before she finally dared to open her eyes. Relief flooded through her as she realized she was alone at last. She let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of tension release from her muscles as she sat up in bed, the soft strands of her tousled hair brushing against her fingertips.But just as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and prepared to face the day, the door creaked open once again, and her heart skipped a beat as Carter stepped back into the room.Iris froze in
Grandma Martha’s birthday loomed a date that Carter dreaded more than anyone else. “She hates being celebrated, Iris,” he said, leaning against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed. His lips quirked in a mixture of amusement and resignation.Iris tilted her head, giving him an incredulous look. “Everyone likes their birthday celebrated, Carter. Even if they say they don’t.”He chuckled softly. “Not Grandma. She pretends she hates it, complains for weeks, and then ends up loving it once the day comes. It’s this…strange ritual.”“Well,” Iris said, standing a little straighter, “if she’s going to get a party, let’s make sure it’s one to remember.”From the moment the decision was made, Iris threw herself into the preparations. She wasn’t just overseeing things—she was involved in every detail. She picked out flowers from the market, tasted every dish on the menu, and even fixed the seating arrangements after Carter got them wrong.“Iris, this is too much. You don’t have to do all this,”
The city buzzed with life as Carter pulled up to Iris’s apartment in his sleek black SUV. The car glided to a stop, and he stepped out, smoothing his jacket with one hand while clutching a single red rose in the other.When Iris opened the door, her expression was a mix of annoyance and reluctance. She looked stunning in her red dress, her hair cascading down her shoulders, but her arms were crossed tightly over her chest.“For you,” Carter said smoothly, holding out the rose. “Though I have to admit, it pales in comparison to you tonight.”Iris rolled her eyes, though a faint smile threatened to betray her. “Flattery isn’t going to fix things, Carter.”He leaned against the doorframe, a playful glint in his eye. “Maybe not, but it’s a start. Shall we?”She sighed but grabbed her clutch. “Let’s just go.”The drive to the movie premiere was relatively quiet, but Carter wasn’t one to let silence win.“I know you’re still mad at me,” he said, glancing at her. “And you have every right to
Iris paced the living room, her heart racing. She couldn’t believe it. Her father—the man who had walked out on their family years ago—was outside Carter’s front door, demanding to see her. She turned to Carter, her eyes wide with panic.“Send him away,” she pleaded. “Please, Carter. I can’t do this. Not now.”Carter, tall and calm as ever, leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “Iris, you’re jumping to conclusions. Maybe he has something important to say.”She shook her head violently. “You don’t know him like I do. He’s only here because he needs something. Probably money. He always needs money.”Carter sighed. “I get it, Iris. But what if you’re wrong? What if he’s here to make amends?”She laughed bitterly. “Amends? My father doesn’t do ‘amends.’ He does chaos. He does destruction. Trust me, Carter, this will only end badly.”Carter pushed off the wall and walked over to her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. “Listen to him. Just for a few minutes. You’ll regret it if
“It’ll help us both,” she had reasoned late one night, as they sat in their modest apartment. “If you move into the estate, Grandma Martha will be thrilled. And if she’s happy with you, she’ll start warming up to me, too. Think about it, Carter. It’s a win-win.”Carter sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t care about her approval, Iris.”“I know,” Iris said softly, her hand resting on his. “But this isn’t just about approval. It’s about securing our place in the family. You know how much this inheritance drama weighs on her. Showing her you’re willing to be part of the family could mean everything.”He had to admit, that Iris had a point. Reluctantly, Carter agreed, and two days later, they packed up their lives and moved into the sprawling mansion on the family’s estate.Grandma Martha was overjoyed, her sharp eyes twinkling as she hugged Carter tightly. “I knew you’d come around, my boy. This is where you belong.”The move sent ripples through the estate. Ollie, Carter’s
The sleek black car pulled up outside the apartment, gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. Iris smoothed her dress nervously, her fingers fidgeting as she checked her reflection in the window. Spending an afternoon alone with Grandma Martha was already nerve-wracking, but the thought of being under her scrutinizing gaze for hours made her stomach churn.“You’ve got this,” Carter had said earlier, his tone calm but insistent. “Just answer her questions honestly. If you say no, it’ll only make her more curious.”“Why does it feel like I’m heading into an interrogation?” Iris had replied, half-joking.“Because you probably are,” Carter admitted with a wry smile. “But just be yourself. She’ll come around.”Now, as the car door swung open, Iris took a deep breath and stepped in. Martha sat inside, poised and regal, her sharp eyes missing nothing. Her tailored suit and pearls screamed authority, but there was a warmth beneath her composed exterior, buried under layers of propriety.“Ah, Iris,
As they entered, the atmosphere shifted to one of sophistication and glamour. The walls were lined with exquisite pieces, and Iris felt a thrill as she wandered through the racks, touching fabrics and admiring styles. Carter hung back, letting her explore. “I’ll just be over here,” he said, his hands tucked in his pockets, a relaxed smile on his face. Iris started picking out items, feeling more confident with each piece she held. A striking dress caught her eye—deep green with a silhouette that hugged the waist before flaring out gracefully. “What do you think of this one?” she called over to Carter. “A yes,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face. “You should try it on.”As Iris slipped into the fitting room, her heart raced with anticipation. The deep green dress shimmered against her skin, and she felt a wave of confidence wash over her. She glanced in the mirror, admiring how the fabric hugged her curves perfectly.“Hey, how’s it going in there?” Carter called from outs
Carter strolled back over from the restroom, casual air about him as he grabbed a seat across from Iris. “Hey, how’s the food?” he asked, taking a bite of his sandwich, his demeanour relaxed. “It’s fine,” Iris replied, trying to sound upbeat despite the tight knot in her stomach. “Just trying to soak in the atmosphere.” Carter shrugged, his tone nonchalant. “Good. Do you know that black card? It’s mine. Figured you might want to splurge a little.” Iris blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Wait, what? You’re serious?” “Yeah, it’s just a card. Use it if you want,” he said, waving it off as if it were no big deal. “I’m not going to be using it anytime soon, anyway.” “Thanks, I guess,” Iris said, her heart doing a little flip. “I mean, I could use a bit of fun.” “Just don’t break the bank,” he quipped with a half-smile before finishing his sandwich. Feeling emboldened by his casual offer, Iris took a deep breath and stood up, ready to dive into the shopping adventure. “Let’s see
Iris stood in the living room, the bright morning sun casting a warm glow on the newly arranged furniture. She caught the shock on Carter's face and her heart raced. Was he impressed or horrified?“Carter? Is this... too much?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly.He stepped closer, eyes wide as he took in the fresh paint, cosy throw pillows, and the eclectic mix of decor she’d carefully curated. “No, no! It’s amazing! I can’t believe you did all this by yourself!”Relief washed over her. “Really? You like it?”“Like it? I love it! How did you manage all this while I was snoozing?” He laughed, running a hand through his hair.Iris shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. “I might have gone shopping early... and maybe emptied my bank account in the process.”Carter’s smile faltered slightly. “Wait, what do you mean ‘emptied’?”“Just that I used the money I made from selling my watch. It was worth a pretty penny, but…” Her voice trailed off, a touch of uncertainty creepin
Carter stepped out of the hospital, the sterile scent lingering in his nostrils, but his spirits were surprisingly light. Iris, on the other hand, trailed behind him, her face pale and shadowed.“I can’t believe I crushed his—” Iris began, but Carter cut her off with a chuckle.“Hey, you didn’t crush his dreams. Just his... well, you know.” He grinned, trying to lighten the mood.Iris shot him a glare that could freeze the sun. “This isn’t funny, Carter. I just ruined his life!”“Come on, it’s a hilarious story in retrospect!” He nudged her playfully. “You should’ve seen the look on his face. Priceless!”Iris rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a faint smile. “That doesn’t make it okay.”“Alright, alright. Let’s just get you some sleep.” He handed her a small bottle of sleeping pills. “This should help.”The next morning, the sun streamed through the curtains, illuminating Iris as she brewed coffee. She had a determined look in her eyes when Carter stumbled into the kitchen, hair to