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 chandelier positioned just above the dinner table. Grandma Martha gestured with four fingers towards the butler. "James, please, let us begin," she said, her tone a soothing melody. Iris couldn't help but feel out of place among the opulence, her modest attire starkly contrasting with Grandma Martha's elegance. The aroma of the gourmet meal filled the room, making Iris suddenly aware of her growling stomach. With the first course served Iris made an effort to engage in the conversation around her, pushing aside her discomfort. She reminded herself that she was here to have dinner with Grandma Martha, not to feel inadequate in comparison. "So Iris," Grandma Martha started, " How did you and Carter meet?" Iris had to mentally review the fabricated story Carter had coached her on to avoid any missteps. " Yes Iris, we would be delighted to know how you met my ever-so-charming cousin," Ollie said with a sarcasm laced in his voice. Ollie's eyes bore into her from across the table, a silent threat hanging in the air as he awaited her response. "Well," Iris started, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "Carter and I crossed paths back in college. I was in fashion school and he would help with some of my projects. We went on a few dates and there was something between us, but life got in the way, and we lost touch." Pausing to collect her thoughts, she continued, "It wasn't until recently when we happened to run into each other at a jewellery store near Bukney Street." Carter's eyes softened as he picked up the thread of the story. "Yes, when I saw her again, it was like no time had passed at all. The feelings I had for her came rushing back as if they had been waiting patiently all these years." Iris swallowed hard, her conscience pricking at the necessity of the deception. But the memory of Ollie's mocking smirk fueled her resolve. She knew she had to play her part in this charade, for better or for worse. "It was a strange coincidence," Iris began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within, "but it felt like fate brought us back together." Carter nodded in agreement, his eyes meeting Iris with a silent understanding. Together, they wove their tale of chance encounters and rekindled love, each word carefully chosen to paint a picture of romance and destiny. As Iris spoke, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at deceiving Grandma Martha, whose warmth and kindness were evident in every word and gesture. But the thought of Ollie's stunned expression spurred her on, a reminder of the stakes at hand. And so, with each carefully crafted sentence, Iris and Carter played their parts in this intricate dance of deceit, hoping against hope that their performance would be enough to convince those around them, even as their hearts ached with the weight of their lies. As Iris spoke, she could see Grandma Martha's eyes soften with understanding. A sense of relief washed over her, lifting the burden of her lie ever so slightly. Grandma Martha smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with approval. She reached out and squeezed Iris' hand, silently acknowledging the bond between them. Ollie struggles to control himself as he keeps glaring at Iris. His frustration simmered just beneath the surface, his eyes narrowed into thin slits as he shot daggers at Iris across the table. With each word she spoke, his disdain grew palpable, threatening to spill over into the carefully constructed facade. Unable to contain himself any longer, Ollie interjected with a snide remark, his tone laced with thinly veiled sarcasm. "Oh, how convenient," he sneered, his lips curling into a derisive smirk. "Running into each other at a jewellery store, of all places. Quite the romantic coincidence, wouldn't you say?" His words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the table as the other guests exchanged uneasy glances. But Ollie, emboldened by his bitterness, pressed on, determined to chip away at Iris's facade. "And here I thought true love was supposed to be a bit more... spontaneous," he quipped, his gaze never wavering from Iris' face. "But I suppose a chance encounter in a jewellery store will have to do." The tension in the room was palpable, the atmosphere charged with an undercurrent of animosity. Meeting Ollie's gaze with a steady, unwavering stare, Iris took a deep breath, grounding herself in the present moment. She refused to let his negativity tarnish the evening or undermine her newfound place at the table. With a calm yet firm voice, Iris addressed Ollie directly, her words measured and deliberate. "Ollie," she began, her tone steady and composed, "I understand that you may have your doubts, but Carter and I are genuinely grateful for the chance to reconnect." With that, Iris completely shifts her focus and attention to Grandma Martha and Carter. Grandma Martha's voice carried a gentle warmth as she spoke, her eyes shimmering with genuine admiration as she directed her attention towards Iris. "You know, dear," Grandma Martha began, her tone soft but sincere, "you remind me so much of myself when I was your age." Iris's eyes widened in surprise, touched by the unexpected comparison. "Really?" she replied, her voice tinged with curiosity. Grandma Martha nodded, her gaze softening with memories of days long past. "Yes, indeed. It's the way you carry yourself, with such grace and poise, even in the face of uncertainty. There's a resilience in you, a quiet strength that I admire." Iris felt a swell of gratitude at Grandma Martha's words, a sense of validation washing over her like a warm embrace. To be compared to someone as wise and revered as Grandma Martha was a true honour. Grandma Martha continued, her words carrying a hint of nostalgia. "And your passion for fashion," she added, "it reminds me of my love for gardening. There's a certain beauty in creating something from nothing, wouldn't you agree?" Iris nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, absolutely," she replied. "There's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing something to life with your own hands." Grandma Martha's words not only boosted her confidence but also improved her self-esteem overall. Carter's gaze softened as he intertwined his fingers with Iris's, a subtle gesture of affection and reassurance. Turning to Grandma Martha, his eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and gratitude. "I knew you would love her, ma," Carter murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "She's everything I could have hoped for, and more." "When I saw Iris in the jewellery store, I felt a spark I thought had died ages ago," Carter's striking blue eyes bore into Iris's. Iris noticed a strange glimmer in his eyes as he stared at her. This man must be a pro at acting! She thought. But deep down, she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her at his touch. Maybe there was more to Carter than she had initially thought. Maybe there was a hidden depth to him that she hadn't seen before. Iris felt a flicker of excitement at the thought of getting to know him better. She had now gotten distracted, Carter wouldn't want her any longer after the wedding. Her thinking her relationship with him would bloom was just mere delusion. Even though Iris is a sight to look at and would make any man swoon over her, she just wouldn't think that Carter would want her in the long run. "I've had enough of these lies and pretence!" Ollie banged the table furiously whilst getting up. Rage clouded his eyes," Ma are you going to allow this peasant to sit at this table with us?" "Language young man!", Grandma Martha scolded her grandson. "Ollie, please sit back down. There's no need for such disrespectful behaviour.", Carter said through gritted teeth, "You better apologise to my future wife". Confusion is evident on Ollie's face as he processes Carter's words. "Now you've decided to be quiet, I must warn you to respect Iris", Carter said stepping closer to Ollie with each word, "She's a soon-to-be member of this family and I wouldn't want you harassing her in any way". Carter and Ollie now stand face to face, Carter's imposing size and posture along with his intense gaze made Ollie feel intimidated. "Have I made myself clear?" Carter said with a stern voice through gritted teeth. "The wedding is in four days, make sure you have your best tux on cuz," Carter patted his shoulders as he took brisk strides to his seat.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
Iris's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Carter beside her, his demeanour calm and collected despite the recent confrontation.Determined to unravel the enigma that was Carter Barclay Windsor, Iris made a split-second decision. Carter's gaze followed her movements, his brow furrowing in mild curiosity as she approached the water's edge. He watched silently as she paused for a moment, her eyes locking with his before she plunged into the cool, refreshing depths with a splash.Iris relished the sensation of weightlessness as she submerged herself underwater, the cool liquid embracing her, muffling the sounds of the outside world. As she surfaced, gasping for breath, Iris's heart raced with anticipation, and she stole a glance at Carter, hoping for a reaction.To her surprise, he remained unmoved, his expression unchanged as he watched her from the safety of the poolside. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes, a mysterious glint that eluded her understanding. Iris bit her l
Carter sat on the balcony of their honeymoon suite, the soft sea breeze ruffling his hair as he stared out at the endless expanse of ocean stretching out before him. His laptop lay forgotten on the table beside him, the glow of the screen a stark reminder of the work that awaited him back home.With a heavy sigh, he picked up his phone and dialled one of his trusted business partners, hoping for a brief respite from his honeymoon."Hey, man" he greeted, his voice laced with weariness."Hey, Carter! What's up?" came the cheerful response on the other end of the line.Carter hesitated, unsure of how to tell his colleague that he rather be at work than on his own honeymoon. "I was just...thinking about work," he admitted reluctantly. "I know we're supposed to be on our honeymoon, but I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind.""There's so much I have to do and so many people counting on me"There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before his partner spoke again, their v
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."