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 lay on the massage table, her muscles melting beneath the skilled hands of the masseuse as she drifted into a state of blissful relaxation. The scent of lavender filled the air, soothing her senses as she let out a contented sigh.As the massage came to an end, Iris slowly sat up, feeling refreshed. She turned to thank the masseuse, only to find herself face-to-face with a friendly-looking woman standing nearby, Anya."Hi there! I'm Anya," the woman said with a warm smile, extending a hand towards Iris.Iris returned the smile, shaking Anya's hand warmly."Nice to meet you, Anya. I'm Iris," she replied, her voice soft and friendly.Anya's eyes twinkled with curiosity as she glanced over at Iris. "Are you enjoying your massage?" she asked, her tone laced with genuine interest.Iris nodded enthusiastically. "Oh. It was amazing," she replied, a hint of awe in her voice.Anya's smile widened, and a look of understanding passed between them. "I know, right? There's nothing quite like
As Carter followed Anya into the other room, a sense of unease gnawed at him, his mind swirling with confusion. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Anya's behaviour, especially given in front of her husband, Paul.As they entered the room, Anya turned to face Carter, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she closed the door behind them. Before he could react, she moved closer, her movements predatory as she closed the distance between them.Carter took a step back, his heart racing with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "Anya, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and discomfort.But Anya simply smiled, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine."Relax, Carter. I just wanted to have a little fun," she purred, her voice dripping with seduction.Carter's eyes widened in shock as he realized her intentions."But...what about Paul?" he stammered, his words barely a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the s
Iris sat on the edge of her seat, her attention divided between Paul's animated storytelling and the door leading to the adjacent room. Paul was recounting tales of his adventures abroad.As Paul spoke passionately about his travels, Iris found herself unable to fully immerse herself in his stories. Her eyes kept darting towards the connecting door, her mind consumed by thoughts of what could be happening on the other side."Iris, are you listening?" Paul's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present moment."Sorry, Paul," Iris replied, offering him a sheepish smile. "I'm just a bit distracted. Your stories are fascinating, though."Paul chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, I'm glad you think so. But is something on your mind?" Iris shook her head, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts.Iris hesitated, unsure whether to voice her concerns. But the longer she remained silent, the more her worry gnawed at her. "It's just... I can't help but wond
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
Iris leaned against the kitchen counter, nursing a glass of water and staring at the reflection of the moonlight on the tiled floor. The events of the evening replayed in her mind, but one moment in particular had stuck with her—the strange conversation with Grandma Martha after everyone had left the party.It had started innocently enough. They’d sat on the mansion’s balcony, sipping wine and gazing at the stars. Iris had felt relaxed for the first time all evening.“You’ve done well tonight,” Grandma Martha said, her voice softer than usual.“Thank you,” Iris replied. “I couldn’t have done it without your trust in me.”Grandma Martha smirked. “I trusted you because I knew you could rise to the occasion. And I must say, you’ve surpassed my expectations.”Iris blushed. Compliments from Grandma Martha were rare and hard-earned.They sat in silence for a while, the stillness of the night settling over them. Then Grandma Martha broke it with an unexpected question.“So, how is your marri
The grand ballroom radiated luxury, its intricate gold mouldings and cascading chandeliers reflecting the evening’s energy. The event Grandma Martha had been chosen to host was the highlight of the season, drawing in the most influential names in the city. Weeks of meticulous planning had culminated on this night, and Iris found herself at the epicentre of it all.As she stood near the entrance, greeting guests alongside Grandma Martha, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. The older woman was a picture of poise, her emerald gown shimmering as she extended polite nods and brief smiles to the city’s elite. Iris, on the other hand, felt like a child pretending to belong in a world far removed from her own.“You’re doing fine,” Grandma Martha said quietly, sensing Iris’s tension.Iris forced a smile. “I hope so. I just don’t want to mess this up.”“You won’t,” Grandma Martha replied with certainty. “Tonight is about showcasing what the Windsors can do, and you’ve done an exceptional jo
The warm afternoon sunlight bathed the lush gardens of the Windsor estate, casting golden rays across the pristine lawns. Carter leaned against a stone column near the main mansion, his phone in hand, half-listening to a podcast while keeping one eye on the driveway. He had just finished a meeting when the butler interrupted him with a request from his grandmother.“She wants me to what?” Carter asked incredulously.“Take a stroll with her in the park,” the butler repeated, his expression neutral.Carter sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don’t have time for a stroll. Tell her I—”“Carter Windsor,” Grandma Martha’s sharp voice rang from the entrance. She was already approaching, her cane tapping rhythmically against the stone steps. “You do not refuse me.”Carter straightened instinctively, pocketing his phone. “Grandma, I was just—”“No excuses,” she interrupted, her tone firm. “We’re going for a walk, and you’re coming with me. Let’s go.”There was no room for argument. Res
Carter sat in the living room, his leg bouncing anxiously as the soft ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to mock him. The house was quiet, too quiet, except for his own restless movements. The image of his grandmother’s sharp gaze lingered in his mind, the way she had looked at him and Iris after Loretta had been dragged away.“Nothing happens in this family without my knowledge.”Her words had been calm, but the implication had shaken him to his core.He ran his hands through his hair for what felt like the hundredth time that night, frustration bubbling just under the surface. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Grandma Martha knew about his and Iris’s sham marriage. If she knew, what would she do? Would she expose them? Cut him off? Destroy everything he’d built?“Carter?” Iris’s soft voice broke the silence. She stood in the doorway, her robe tied loosely around her waist, her hair slightly tousled as if she’d been asleep—or trying to sleep.He looked up, his expression strain
Carter sat across from Ollie in Hugh’s dimly lit apartment, the tension so thick it felt like the air could shatter. Ollie’s hands were trembling as he stared at his phone. The guilt was written all over his face, but he kept avoiding Carter’s eyes.“You’re not telling me everything,” Carter said, his tone low and cutting.Ollie flinched. “I am!”Carter leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. “No, you’re not. You said she has pictures, videos, and an audio recording. That doesn’t just happen by accident. What exactly did you do, Ollie?”Ollie shifted uncomfortably, looking to Hugh for some kind of backup, but Hugh just raised an eyebrow and waited.“I didn’t sleep with her,” Ollie finally mumbled.“Didn’t you?” Carter’s voice was sharp now. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re in just as deep as I am—if not worse.”“I didn’t!” Ollie snapped, his voice breaking. “We… we hung out a few times, okay? She recorded us talking and took pictures without my knowledge. I don’t know
Carter Windsor paced Hugh’s apartment, the tension in his shoulders evident. Hugh leaned against the kitchen counter, watching his friend with a mix of concern and intrigue.“You know,” Hugh began, breaking the silence, “you can’t keep letting this Loretta woman rattle you. You need to get ahead of her.”Carter stopped pacing and turned to Hugh. “You think I don’t know that? She’s holding fake pictures over my head, and if Iris ever sees them…”Hugh smirked, crossing his arms. “If Iris ever sees them, you’ll be in a hell of a mess.”“That’s not funny,” Carter snapped.“I’m not laughing,” Hugh replied calmly. “Look, we need a plan, and I think I know just the person to help us.”Carter raised an eyebrow. “Who?”Hugh grinned and pulled out his phone. “Jake. He’s still with the police, right? Let’s see what dirt he can dig up on Loretta.”About an hour later, Jake, their mutual friend from the police department, called back. Carter and Hugh were on speakerphone, anxiously waiting.“You g
Carter couldn’t shake the unease that had settled over him since Loretta’s visit. He’d noticed how she and his wife, Iris, had become inseparable lately, their laughter filling the house more often than his own conversations with Iris.One evening, as Iris set the table for dinner, Carter approached her, trying to mask his apprehension.“Iris, can we talk for a moment?”She looked up, a hint of concern in her eyes. “Of course, what’s on your mind?”“It’s about Loretta,” he began, choosing his words carefully. “I feel like you two have been spending a lot of time together.”Iris smiled, a touch of amusement in her expression. “Is someone feeling left out?”“It’s not that,” Carter replied, forcing a chuckle. “I just… I have a bad feeling about her.”Iris’s smile faded. “A bad feeling? Carter, she’s been a great friend, especially with everything going on with Grandma Martha.”“I know, and I appreciate that,” he said, his tone earnest. “But something doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t th
Carter leaned against the railing of the balcony, sipping his coffee as the morning sun bathed the garden in a golden glow. Below him, Iris and Loretta were seated at the patio table, their heads bent close together in animated conversation. Their laughter drifted up to him, light and carefree, and yet it sent a pang of unease coursing through him.He couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.Over the past few weeks, Iris and Loretta had become practically inseparable. At first, it had seemed harmless—Loretta was the nurse assigned to care for Grandma Martha, and Iris had taken it upon herself to help. She’d even invited Loretta to their mansion a few times, saying it was only fair to return the hospitality.But now, Loretta was at their home more often than she was at the grand mansion. She lingered during tea breaks, offered to help with household tasks that weren’t hers, and even joined them for dinner once or twice. It was as if she was making herself part of their l
The hospital security room was stifling, both in temperature and tension. Carter stepped in, scanning the scene before him. Iris sat rigidly in one chair, her arms crossed and a defiant tilt to her chin. Across from her, Charlotte dabbed at her nose with a tissue, glaring daggers at her cousin-in-law. Ollie paced furiously between them like a caged animal. “Finally,” Ollie barked when he saw Carter. “Get your wife under control.” Carter arched an eyebrow. “Excuse me?” “You heard me,” Ollie snapped, pointing at Iris. “She attacked Charlotte!” Iris shot to her feet. “She slapped me first! What was I supposed to do, just stand there and take it?” “Like a civilized person, yes!” Ollie roared. “You don’t just—” “Okay, that’s enough,” Carter interrupted, stepping between them. He turned to Ollie, his voice calm but firm. “You don’t raise your voice at her.” Ollie’s jaw clenched. “You’re seriously taking her side right now? You weren’t even here!” “I don’t need to be here to know she