Stanley had no intention of answering Fiora's question. Instead, he focused on Iris, searching for any cracks in her expression.He believed that there was no way Iris wouldn't feel upset seeing him with another woman.Fiora’s grip on Stanley's arm tightened, and her expression grew wary.Iris, sensing the tension, smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, and don't feel threatened. I'm just his ex-wife."Immediately, Stanley's expression darkened, while Fiora’s face paled. Fiora remembered that the first time she had dinner with Stanley, Iris was there too, seated at another table. She recalled how Stanley had occasionally glanced in Iris' direction, and when Fiora had asked him if he knew her, he had denied it.Also, they had bumped into her after having curry the other day. No wonder Iris had reacted the way she did after spilling coffee on Stanley."If you're already divorced, why are you still bothering him?" Fiora challenged. She believed that all three encounters with Iris were
Fiora knew she would have to put in extra effort moving forward. She must confirm their relationship quickly. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for what she anticipated would be a challenging battle for true love.Fiora, anxious about the possibility of Stanley running into Iris at the evening banquet, insisted on going with him. She made such a fuss that Stanley relented to save himself the headache.Inside the banquet hall, the soft lighting created a warm atmosphere, blending classical and modern art with exquisite wall paintings. Guests in elegant attire mingled, champagne glasses in hand, as laughter and the melodies of a live band filled the air. Stanley and Professor Aston were undoubtedly the banquet's center of attention. They were quickly surrounded upon their arrival.Fiora struggled to grasp the legal jargon being thrown around in their discussions, as she did not study law. After half an hour of forcing herself to listen, she could bear it no longer. She was a
"I'm getting on in years. I like attention now," Jason replied with a smile.Professor Sandler laughed even harder on the other end. "I know you're trying to expand her network. That’s kind of you." His tone then shifted slightly. "I owe you my thanks for mentoring her. If I had known she's such a hopeless romantic, I wouldn't have shown you her photos or tried to introduce her to you back then...""Let’s not dwell on the past," Jason interjected lightly. "I'm only mentoring her to make up for your regret."Because of Jason's unique identity, no one knew that he was Professor Sandler's student. Everyone thought that Iris was Professor Sandler's most prized student, but it was actually Jason.Jason was mentoring Iris, providing her with opportunities, and honing her skills in order to fulfill a wish of Professor Sandler’s. Of his two most talented students, one could not be made public while the other was a hopeless romantic. This prevented him from receiving the full professorship
Iris nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Yes, Professor Aston. Hello."Professor Aston nodded. "Stanley is over there."Iris moved closer to Jason and said, "I’m here with Mr. Just."Curiosity piqued, Professor Aston asked, "How did you get to know Jason?""She's currently my assistant," Jason answered on her behalf.Just then, a waiter passed by. Jason took a glass of champagne and offered it to Iris, which she accepted graciously. Jason took another glass for himself."She's working now?" one of the alumni asked Stanley. "Why isn't she working at your law firm?"Stanley's face darkened, resembling a stormy sky, casting an oppressive atmosphere that made those around him uneasy. Sensing the tension, the alumnus quickly fell silent. He decided to just watch the drama unfold.Professor Aston looked shocked. "Y-Your assistant?" He turned to Stanley, as if asking Stanley what's going on. Why was Iris Jason Just's assistant?Stanley approached, each step feeling heavy."Go over t
Stanley felt humiliated. He stared at Iris and asked, "Who are you going with?"Out of respect for their seven-year relationship, Iris didn’t humiliate him further. "We’re divorced, so we have nothing to do with each other anymore. I need to work. If you have something to say, we can discuss it after I get off work." This was the only dignity she could offer him. "Let's go, Mr. Just."Jason's eyes moved past Stanley disdainfully as he turned around.Stanley stood still, hands empty and frozen in place. The tension in the air was palpable, and no one dared to approach him.Professor Aston finally broke the silence. "What happened between you and Iris? How did it escalate to divorce?"Stanley had always thought that Iris was merely throwing a tantrum. He was convinced she would return to him eventually. They were each other's first love, after all. He knew how much she loved him.But now, he was struck with the painful realization that she wasn't throwing a tantrum; she was serious
Iris had bravely climbed out of the abyss, giving herself a chance to start anew. How could she turn back now?"Stanley, let's part on good terms," she stated calmly, devoid of any extreme emotions. If she had shown anger, blame, or hatred, there might have been a chance for Stanley to salvage the situation. But her calm demeanor signified that her heart was dead; she no longer held any hope for him.Stanley staggered back, nearly losing his balance. He leaned against the wall for support. "You promised to love me forever. You can't break your promise...""And you promised to love me, trust me, cherish me, and protect me, but you hurt me, tricked me, and deceived me instead. In our four years of marriage, I can honestly say I've never betrayed you, not even once. If I ever did, may I be cursed to a wretched existence and a painful death. Do you dare to swear such an oath? Have you ever done anything to betray me during our marriage?"Stanley found himself at a loss for words.
Stanley's expression darkened at Iris' words. "Is that how you see me?" he asked, hurt evident in his voice.Iris, unwilling to engage further, pushed open the door to her room.Once inside, she struggled to maintain her composure. Tears streamed down her face. The strength and calmness she displayed a moment ago was just a tough exterior she put up.She closed her eyes. In that moment, her love and marriage died completely, leaving no chance for revival.Outside, Stanley stood staring at the closed door for a long time. "You'll come back to me," he muttered to himself. He knew Iris' weakness. Even now, he still believed he had a chance.-The next morning, around six o'clock, Jason sent Iris a message: [We're going back at seven.]Iris had a restless night and only fell asleep in the morning. Her phone was on silent, so she missed the message. By seven o'clock, Iris was nowhere to be seen, so Jason could only knock on her door.Awoken by the knocking, Iris stumbled to open t
"I’m not interested in other men’s gifts," Jason said. For some reason, Iris thought she detected a hint of jealousy in his voice."Other men? I bought them myself when I went to the mall to buy clothes. I'm not a man." She looked genuinely puzzled. Why would he think the flowers were from a man?Then it dawned on her. "You thought Stanley bought these for me? He would never do that. Besides, we're divorced. We..."Jason had no intention of listening to her talk about Stanley. The word "we" was especially grating to his ear.Iris was baffled by the sudden change in his emotions. They were as unpredictable as the weather in June – sunny one moment, stormy the next."Ms. Glover," Denise walked over, interrupting whatever she still wanted to say."Denise, what brings you here? Are things going well?" Iris asked.Denise smiled. "Yeah, everything's good. I happened to be in the area, so I thought I'd come see you." She approached Iris, glancing at Jason who was heading upstairs. She
Brad arrived at Iris' house precisely at ten past seven. Holding the lunchbox, he rang the doorbell. Iris had just woken up, still in her pajamas, and wondered who could possibly be at the door this early. Sometimes, if she weren't driving, Brad would pick her up at around ten to eight. He wouldn't come this early.When she opened the door, she found him dressed in smart casual attire — a suit jacket, trousers, and white sneakers. In the past, he would wear cool attires like casual pants with a hoodie or a leather jacket, but after accompanying Iris to court on formal occasions, he had adapted his wardrobe considerably. Although he still felt uncomfortable in formal wear, he looked much more mature than before."You're here so early?" Iris asked, surprised."When you're busy, you never eat properly," Brad replied, entering without hesitation. He knew the passcode to her house anyway, so he made himself at home. He walked directly to the dining table. "Go freshen up and change yo
"Are you really going to take on that case, by the way?" Brad asked Iris.Iris asked him back, "Why shouldn't I?""This kind of case could go viral online and attract public scrutiny. I'm worried you'll face backlash. Many people these days lack critical thinking and just follow the crowd," Brad expressed.Iris responded firmly, "I'm a lawyer. I just need to fulfill my duties and do my job well. If I have to weigh the pros and cons before taking on every case..." she turned to him, adding, "What would be the point of doing this job?"Brad fell silent for a moment, then conceded, "Yes, you're right. Don't worry, I'll be at your side."Iris poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "I don't need you to be at my side. You need to go independent.""I don't want to," Brad said, sticking close to her, as if afraid of being left behind."What? Are you just going to cling to me?" she asked."Yes, I am," he chuckled."By the way, I need some fruits but I don't have time to go to the superma
Brad was right, Fiora knew that now. Yet her personality made it difficult for her to apologize and admit her mistakes. When Brad tried to take a sip of water, she snatched the glass from him.Brad looked at her, speechless. Fiora lifted her chin defiantly. "Whether he cares about me or not is none of your business."Brad wanted to ask her if her head had been kicked by a donkey. Instead, he said, "Alright, think what you want. I'm not your brother; I'm not gonna worry about you."Unintentionally, his words elicited a silent reaction from Iris, who lowered her gaze."My brother is overseas dealing with his heartbreak; he doesn't have time to worry about me," Fiora lamented. "I wonder if all the luck in our family has gone to the financial side. Is that why we're so unlucky in everything else? Half a year ago, my brother announced that he had a girlfriend. My mom had even met her and apparently really liked her, but then it all fell apart. My love life is rocky, and my brother's is
Iris said, "Just shut up and order."Brad obediently picked up the menu.Fiora watched the exchange, somewhat shocked at how readily Brad complied with Iris' command.Before this, she and Brad had looked down on each other, and their mutual disdain was evident. She had always thought Brad was too wild and could not be easily controlled, yet here he was, completely under Iris' command. She wondered how Iris had managed to subdue such a wilful young man, especially given Brad's less-than-ideal character.Having spent considerable time with Iris, Brad knew her preferences in food. He ordered the dishes he knew she liked, along with some of his own favorites, before turning to Fiora. "What would you like?""Anything," Fiora replied, prompting Brad to place a random order for her.While they waited for the food, Fiora broached the topic that lingered between them. "About what happened before...""Let's not dwell on the past," Iris interjected. To her, an apology from Fiora held littl
Iris didn't stop. She felt that they weren't acquainted so there was nothing to talk about.Fiora chased after her, tugging on Brad's arm as she ran past him. "Help me out."Brad thus followed behind her, saying, "If she doesn't want to talk to you, don't force her..."Fiora shot him an annoyed glare. Brad was speechless. Why did she glare at him? She was still the same spoiled brat."Wait, I'm not here to be your enemy," Fiora called as she caught up with Iris.Iris had to cross the street, but the continuous flow of traffic forced her to stop, giving Fiora a chance to catch up to her."I just want to apologize," Fiora said.Iris turned back in surprise. Those unexpected words caught her off guard. She did not expect it from Fiora at all.Why would Fiora suddenly apologize to her?"I know Stanley's married now. He married that evil woman," Fiora continued.Learning that Stanley had married Wendy had changed Fiora's opinion of Iris, but it wasn't until last night that she t
When Iris opened the door, she was shocked to see that it was Samuel. "What are you doing here?" she asked, puzzled.Samuel replied, "Mr. Just is not in the country. He asked me to check on you. Do you need anything?"Jason had seen Iris' message, but she had deleted it before he could listen to it. Concerned about her, had sent Samuel to check if everything was alright since he was abroad.Iris tightened her grip on the doorknob. Something stirred in the bottom of her heart. She tried to sound calm as she said, "I'm fine.""I'll be in the country all month. If you need anything, feel free to call me," Samuel said, handing her his business card. "Here's my contact."Iris hesitated for a moment before taking it."Are you sure you're fine?" Samuel asked, noticing her pale complexion.Though Iris had forgotten about her stomach pain because she was preoccupied with her thoughts, her complexion gave away her condition. She forced a nod. "I'm fine. Really."Samuel studied her for a
Iris walked out of the shop with the cake in hand. When she spotted Renee, she ignored her.Renee finally recognized the qualities Iris possessed when she compared Iris to Wendy — Iris was cultured, well-mannered, polite and respected her elders."Iris," Renee called out involuntarily.Iris merely looked back for a second before getting into her car.Renee stood frozen in a daze. If Iris were still her daughter-in-law, she mused, she wouldn't have to endure this humiliation. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of Wendy. She perceived Wendy as a devil. Wendy was the most evil person she had ever seen! She couldn't imagine how a person could be that evil.Yet, Renee never considered her own flaws while judging others.Renee's unexpected appearance did not make Iris feel anything. She entered a restaurant's private room with the cake. The private room was filled with Brad's friends. They were playfully teasing him, saying, "You don't race with us anymore. You barely even ha
Wendy stood up and gestured to the various luxury items she had purchased, sprawled across the couch. "Bring them up for me," she commanded, treating Renee like a servant."In your dreams!" Renee yelled back defiantly.Wendy leaned casually against the staircase railing, her expression filled with contempt. Cold and calculating, she resembled a predator, no trace of weakness remaining."Don't waste your breath with empty threats. You can't do anything to me. If anything happens to me, that video of you murdering someone will land in the police's hands. That boy will also receive a copy. When he learns who killed his mother after he grows up, there's no way he'll spare you. He'll send the Stein family into chaos. The video will also be leaked to the media, exposing your crime to the world. It'll become a scandal for the Stein family, and the family business' stocks will plummet as a result. And your dear husband, the person you care about the most? When he finds out that his lover di
Iris was in no mood to talk. Yvonne shook her gently, asking, "Do you want me to take you out to relax?""Not interested," Iris replied, looking visibly exhausted.When the takeout arrived, she only picked at her food, taking just a few bites before losing interest.It wasn't that the food wasn't tasty; she simply had no appetite.Yvonne received a phone call. She asked Iris if she wanted to join her. Iris declined."Then I'll see you next time," Yvonne said while getting up."Mmh," Iris responded absentmindedly.After Yvonne left, Iris packed up the food and decided to go to bed early.The day of the trial arrived as scheduled. Despite her best efforts, the trial proved challenging, and the outcome was not what she had hoped for. The client commented, "Honestly, it's better than what I expected. There's a big difference between five years and ten years. I'll reform well, show good behavior, and try to get released early."Iris remained silent. The outcome wasn't satisfactor