Chapter 5

IRIS

GET MARRIED?

I didn't know how to feel as he said those words but one thing was sure. What I was feeling right now was irritation and rage. How dare he come now and tell me this nonsense?!

“You know what, Gavin. You're so full of yourself. Yes, you might have my son with you and he would know already that I'm his mother, but it has nothing to do with you. Five years ago, you rejected me and I've got my pride as a woman.” I said through gritted teeth before turning to walk away, but he grabbed my arm firmly before I could leave.

“Please, Iris. Don't act this way…”

“What way?”I asked already feeling irritated. I tried to keep my voice in check so I wouldn't cause a scene here. A scandal was the last thing I wanted for the Green family right now. “I am just acting like a reasonable woman would actually act.”

Yanking my hand free from his grip, I walked over to Logan and Lyra where they were both standing and talking to each other.

My heart swelled with joy as I watched Lyra engage in a calm conversation with Logan, without her usual habit of constantly glancing around for me.

"Lyra, sweetie, it's time to go home," I called out to her, trying to sound gentle but firm.

She turned to me reluctantly, before taking Logan's hand and hiding behind him. "But I want to stay with Logan," she pouted with a childlike whine.

Logan, to my surprise, didn't seem to mind the idea of spending more time with Lyra. He stood his ground, a warm smile on his face, as Lyra peeked out from behind him. The sight of them together was almost too adorable to bear - my heart felt like it was going to burst but I hid my emotions to avoid any suspicion.

It pained me to think that I would have to leave Logan again, after just reuniting with him in person after all these years. The thought of parting ways with him, even temporarily, felt like a fresh wound.

I wanted to read a bedtime story to him, cuddle him up and make him feel the warmth of having a mother, but I couldn't do that. Having Lyra alone, the Green family had invincible knives against my throat.

“We'll call you, okay Logan?” I said while kneeling to his height and ruffling his hair. “Lyra and I have to leave now.”

“Can she come over to my house to play? She said you're not from this pack. I can ask daddy to make you come over here, because he's the alpha.” He said hurriedly, not wanting to let go of Lyra.

“I don't want that sweetheart. I promise you, Lyra will call and visit you, okay?” I gave him a reassuring smile, and he didn't seem like he was going to trust me, but he turned to Lyra instead.

“I'll call you?” He said to her and she hesitantly nodded before walking over to me and she hugged my leg tightly while looking back at her brother who waved gently. If only she knew…

“Thank you sweetheart.” I gave him a kiss on his forehead before lifting Lyra up and walking out of the venue. I didn't bother looking back at Gavin but I knew he was looking at Lyra and I till as we left.

Seeing the two of them say goodbye made my heart shatter into a thousand pieces but there was nothing I could do. Gavin wasn't just going to let me take him away from him without wanting something over the board in return.

**

I sat behind my desk tapping my pen against my pad doing nothing in particular. Since I returned from the gala two nights ago, I've been unable to get a good sleep due to worry.

I was worried about my own mental health even. “Can I come in?” Helen asked while peeping in through the door.

“You are in.” I said through gritted teeth and she walked over to me with a stack of papers in her hands. Seeing the incoming work, I cursed under my breath in frustration. “Shit!”

“You have guests.” Her voice accompanied the huge thud of papers on my table. “The family advisors want to have lunch with you.”

“I have a schedule you know…”

“They canceled all your appointments for today, by personally meeting the person you have an appointment with. Mr Heyman.” She said and I let out a groan before sinking deeper into my chair.

“Can't you just attend the meeting in my place?” The advisors were a pain in the butt and I don't know why the Green family had them in the first place. It would take more than just my protest to get them out of their position even though I am the head of the family now.

I reluctantly got to my feet and headed down into the huge dining hall. I was starting to regret the fact that I decided to work from home and didn't just spend my days in the office.

As I stepped into the dining hall, I could see the four advisors seated. They weren't the only ones present, but my mother and… father too. Seeing him here just made my mood sour immediately. “What is he doing here?” I asked Helen who patted my back gently.

“It's a meeting that would involve the last family heads.” Helen whispered to me and without greeting any of them, I headed towards my seat and let out a sigh as I sat down with Helen standing next to me.

“I see you've been lacking manners lately, Iris Green.” The first advisor, Old ma'am Jane, commented as I stared at all of them.

“I am busy trying to do a good job for the Green family. I have enough on my plate already, so whatever it is I had to cut off my work for, it better be worth my time.” I replied with my gaze falling on my father who didn't even bother looking in my direction and I wasn't worried.

“We know you have a daughter now, Iris. And as you requested, we shouldn't intrude in your personal life. But there is one thing you must know…” Old man Earl said, stealing glances at the others.

“You have to get married as soon as possible, Iris.”