05

IRIS’ POV

“Let’s cheer for having a wonderful fundraiser this year,” the MC cheered and as we clinked glasses, there were rounds of applause.

“My wife, Iris.” I smiled as I shook hands with the man.

There were so many people who wanted to meet me at this event and I couldn’t say I was surprised. I mean, Orchard was a hot name, so, everyone wanted to meet him and his wife who he always talked about and always shouted out to in his speeches whenever he won awards.

“Shall we steal your wife for a moment, Mr. Hector? Your business talks seem to bore her.”

One of the businessmen’s wives asked as she slowly gilded me away.

Orchard raised his brow, trying to confirm from me and when I nodded, indicating I’d be fine, he agreed to let me go. I wasn’t sure about being away from him, but I was actually starting to get bored with what the other businessmen were saying. They weren’t even having business talks.

“Hello, everyone. Introducing Iris, Orchard Hector’s beautiful wife. We all have to admit that she’s beautiful. He sure has an eclectic taste.” She told the other women as she nudged at me and I couldn’t help but force a smile before nodding as I took a sip of my drink.

“Nice to meet you all.” I responded.

No, it wasn’t nice to meet them. Especially the ones who were staring at me with what I didn’t want to believe was envy.

“I remember trying to link my daughter up with Orchard. They even went on a blind date together, but…” She clicked her tongue, flipping her hair behind her as she eyed me. “I guess Orchard had other people in mind. He seems to have good taste, I hate to admit.”

“Not really good taste if he’s going for someone’s leftovers, is it?” I heard someone call from behind me as they grabbed my shoulder, turning me to face them, and, on turning, I rolled my eyes at who was behind me.

“Tiffany…”

She chuckled as she put her hands around me, turning me to face the others. “Doesn’t life suck? I mean, from one rich man to another, huh, Sis?” She chuckled again before taking her hands off me.

“You should get an award, don’t you think? I mean, moving on so fast and—”

“And what is it to you, Tiffany?” I turned to her, passing my glass to the nearest waiter. “Why do you care?”

“I wonder what kind of man would even accept you. Are you just there to warm his bed?”

“I wonder what kind of organization would still want to cooperate with you knowing you’ve successfully managed to make me lose interest in working with your company.” Turning, it was to see Orchard and one of his business partners.

He turned to the man. “Take it from here. Make sure she’s terminated.”

He walked to me as he put his hands around me. “Does anyone else have anything to say to my wife?” He asked as he stared at them and taking a look at every one of their faces, I could see the fear in their eyes.

I slowly pulled him closer by the shirt before making him lean in. I scolded in a hushed tone. “Isn’t it a little too much? Getting her terminated?”

As if trying to prove a point and express sovereignty, Orchard responded loudly, gaze locked with mine. “Anyone who disrespects my wife will get whatever they deserve. I won’t back down.”

I sighed, knowing he’d successfully terrorized an entirety of elites.

Turning to Tiffany, I tucked my hair behind me. “Don’t call me ‘sis’, because I am back for what’s mine, Tiffany. I am going to get back every single thing you stole from me and I’ll make sure I do so while you watch.” I told her before winking and walking away.

I could feel the fear. They would have never expected me to be able to make such a comeback while I was away, but I did. I would get back everything that had been stolen from me and I would make sure they all paid for what they did to me.

.

Nervously caressing the glass, I did my best to look away. I had excused myself from Orchard because I felt he was in a very important meeting, but now I was starting to regret it as in all this time, I could feel his eyes on me. The man who had hurt me couldn’t stop staring at me and I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

I took a deep breath. Screw it. I had to get out of here.

Just as I made to walk away, I felt someone grab me, pulling me back to themselves and I gasped, the glass coming out of my hand as it crashed to the ground and raising my head, it was none other than Dave. I turned, wasn’t he on the other side just a moment ago?

“What on earth are you doing, Dave?” I asked him as I pushed him away.

Sizing me up, Dave chuckled with a flirty tone. “Charming dress, Iris. Did you wear it for me?”

“Get away from me. I want nothing to do with you.” I said, and just as I turned, he grabbed the hem of my dress, shaking his head.

“Listen, Iris. I know I screwed up,” Dave began but I cut him off.

“Screwing up is signing the wrong documents, Dave! To go after my stepsister while being married to me—” I yelled—“is an act of war!”

“What’s going on here?” That was Orchard, as he put his hands around me. Relief washed over me once again.

“I have no idea. He just came and….”

“You have no idea?” Dave got off his feet as he scoffed. “Scared of telling him I’m your husband? That….”

“Ex husband,” I corrected and earned a scoff.

“So, what? I ought to stay—what, ten feet away because you somehow...”

I raised my hand, flaunting my ring in his face before sighing. “I’m married now, Dave. Whatever happened between us—it’s in the past. Don’t create a scene here.”

“A scene? Oh, I sure as hell am going to create one if you don’t stop pretending, Iris. Don’t act like you’re happy in this marriage. You might be happy as a person, but your husband, or him being your husband, is definitely not the reason you’re happy .” Dave inched closer to me.

Just as he made to speak again, Orchard stepped in, putting him away. “Take a step closer and I will end you. Respect yourself and run to Daddy, Mr. Rover,” Orchard warned and chills ran down my spine.

Four years and I’d never seen Orchard this terrifying, cold steel in his voice.

“Answer me, Iris. Are you happy with him? Tell me! Are you…” Dave’s tantrums were cut short as he began to wheeze.

I looked up to see Orchard’s hand wrapped tightly around Dave’s neck, restricting his airflow. “I warned you, Mr. Rover. Do not test my fury.”

People were closing in on us. Terrified, I ran to Orchard’s side and tugged on him to free Dave.

“He won’t approach me again, Orchard. Let him go!” I got no reaction as Orchard’s hand cruelly tightened more, choking Dave further.

“Orchard!” I screamed as Dave’s eyelids began to close. “You’re gonna kill him!”

Orchard’s countenance shifted from cold to even colder as he dropped Dave to the ground, his bloodshot eyes terrifying as fuck.

I helped him out of the scene and ushered him along as I recalled what Dave said. Was I truly happy?

I was happy, but was I happy with Orchard being my husband?

Lost in thoughts as I watched men drag Dave away, a reporter grabbed me from behind. “You were married before you got together with Orchard Hector?”