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 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 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
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
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,
“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
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
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 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