04

IRIS’ POV.

“Dinner at the restaurant tonight?” I chuckled as I nodded, putting the documents aside before taking a deep breathe as I shut the laptop.

“Yes, husband.” Orchard extended his hand, letting me take it in mine as I smiled at him before we walked out of my office together.

Four years had passed since the night Orchard and I first met and we’d been “married” for around the same time.

A lot had happened in all this time and I was surprised to see that almost everything that had happened was good.

Orchard was the best thing to have ever happened to me after I lost everything and I could never stop being grateful for his existence in my life.

But, it was nothing but a marriage of convenience.

“I’m so grateful to have you in my life, Orchard. Trust me, I could never show it enough, so, at least let me say it.” I would usually tell him at the most random moment when thoughts of how lucky I was to have him came to mind.

“I’m even more lucky to have you, Iris. I mean, look at everything that happened since you came into my life. There could only ever be one you. You’re the best.”

Every single moment, he made me feel better about myself. He made me smile when I was sad, was like my sunshine after the rain, and most of all, his company was the one thing I enjoyed the most in the world. He was more than just a contract husband to me. He was my best friend. My confidante.

“Wine, your finest,” Orchard told the waitress and I couldn’t help but smile. “And whatever she orders for me.”

Despite being so busy, wealthy, and, popular, if I must say, he still knew the little things about me. What was he other than a walking green flag.

“Spaghetti bolognese for the man, please.” We both chuckled as the waitress took our orders before leaving.

“When we get back, I’d love to watch your interview. I learnt it’ll be airing tonight.” He nodded.

“Whatever you want, mi alma.” I blushed at his use of his nickname for me.

It had taken a long time before I came to smile again because of everything that had happened, but, he had been patient with me. He waited for me to be comfortable around him and ever since, I couldn’t recall a single week that I wasn’t full of smiles.

.

“Popcorn.” He handed it over to me as I crossed my legs on the couch. This was the first time I wasn’t with him when he went for his interviews, so, I was really excited to see how he did.

“His name is not new in the business world…” The interviewer began. “Known for his peculiar charms, fast rising popularity, talent, and skills, let us welcome City’s Choice special guest, the Director of Iris, Orchard Hector.” I clapped at the introduction alongside the audience as I turned to him, being all smiles.

The introductions were almost always my favorite part of every of his interviews.

After the whole introduction, he sat, after exchanging pleasantries with the interviewer.

“Your name has reached many of the biggest places in the business world, Mr. Hector. Your hotel “Iris” is globally recognized and you’ve risen to ranks in the elite circle of your age.” as they listed many of his achievements, I couldn’t help but smile. “Dare I say you’ve made—not waves but typhoon.”

I was so happy to be a part of everything. I couldn’t trade it for anything in this world.

.

“That was impressive.” I turned to him, and he nodded as he smiled.

Taking a closer look at him, I couldn’t help but notice that he looked lost. I’d noticed this for some time now, but, he claimed it was work, and, I could see it, but now, even after he had finished what stressed him the most, he still looked down.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’re lost in thought.”

He turned to me as he drew in a sharp breath. “I’ll be honest, Iris. I won’t beat around the bush.

I I felt my heart thump in my chest. This was such a serious way to start the conversation.

“What…what’s wrong?”

“Four years, Iris,” he hushed and realization dawned on me. He needed not to explain further for me to understand.

“Oh.”  He wanted me to leave. Abide by the clauses. “You want me to leave?”

“No, that’s the thing, four years was the duration for the contract. Now, you can leave and everyday I recall that you can, I feel uneasy. I’m scared and I sometimes wonder if it’ll happen so randomly, so, Iris, can you tell me now? Are you ready to call it quits?” He asked me, and I drew in a sharp breath as I ran my fingers through my hair.

Orchard had grown on me, no doubt. He was like the family I wanted to have so badly and all this time, even though I kept it at the back of my mind that this was all a facade, I never actually thought of when it would come to an end~ even though I knew it would.

“It hasn’t crossed my mind before. Can we do this later, please? I mean, we’ll be in San Jose in two days and that’s more important,” I retorted, my voice shaky.

“No, I want your response.”

“Honestly, I don’t think I’m ready to call it quits, but, I can’t give a definite answer. Not yet, at least.” I replied truthfully while he affirmed with a bitter smile.

“Whenever you’re ready, then.”

As I watched him excuse himself, I couldn’t help but stare back at the screen and just as I did, Dave’s face came on. I clenched my fists as I looked away. It’d been years, yet, I couldn’t say I had forgotten this bastard who caused me all this pain.

.

Arriving at the event, arms locked with Orchard, I smiled for the million flashes of cameras. “You’re good, mi alma. It’s not your first time,” Orchard assured.

Yes, it wasn’t my first time, yet I couldn’t help but feel uneasy everytime I was around so many cameras. It didn’t help that Orchard had become so popular.

Walking down the red carpet, I felt uneasy at the intensity of a specific brown eyes. Looking up to meet their gaze, my heart sank in fear. Dave fucking Rover!

The fear got replaced with hatred as I avoided meeting his gaze.

As I walked with Orchard, our eyes met once again, I saw something shift in his eyes.

Was that longing?