The neon lights flickered, casting an ethereal glow over the dimly lit club where Iris worked as a stripper. As she moved her body to the rhythm, her thoughts drifted like the swirling smoke hanging heavy in the air. But something tonight felt different. A heated gaze pierced through the usual crowd of men, pulling her attention toward a figure seated in the shadows.
It was rare to see someone so young, so composed, in this place. Most of the men that came here were older, their gazes lingering with more desperation than allure. But this man... he was different. His dark brown eyes held a dangerous edge, framed by chiseled features and slicked-back hair. He was hard to miss.
Iris felt his eyes fix on her, watching her every move. Confusion crept over her as he motioned for mama peepee to come over, he whispered into her ear.
She nodded in understanding and walked towards the stripping pole where Iris was dancing, and whispered into her ear.
She walked towards him, and got to where he was seated.
"Hello, sir. How can I be of service tonight?" Iris asked, keeping her tone professional, though her curiosity buzzed beneath the surface.
"Sit," the man ordered sternly, his voice cold and clipped.
Iris hesitated, caught off guard by the abrupt command. "I... I should sit?" she asked, her voice wavering.
"Don't ask dumb questions. I said sit."
Her pulse quickened as fear slid down her spine. She sat, clutching her hands tightly in her lap, her mind racing with questions. Who was this man? What did he want with her?
Without wasting a second, he pulled out a sleek black folder and a pen, shoving them across the table. "I have a proposal for you, and I need an answer now," he said, his tone as sharp as a knife.
"A proposal?" Iris frowned. "What kind of proposal?"
His lips curved slightly, though there was no humor in his smile. "Marry me."
Her heart stopped. "What?" Her voice came out in a strangled whisper.
"Marry you? Are you out of your mind? I don't even know who you are! You can't just-"
"Be quiet," he cut her off. "Listen carefully. The marriage will be a contract. One year. No strings attached. After that, you're free to go."
Iris's mind spun. "This is insane! You can't just come in here and throw something like this at me. I'm a stranger! Why me?"
"You need money. I need a wife," he said simply, as if it were the most logical exchange in the world. "I can pay you a million dollars. No games."
Her mouth dropped open. "A... a million dollars?"
Ryan leaned back, sipping casually from his drink. "Yes. A million dollars, and you'll never have to see me again once the contract is up."
For a moment, Iris was speechless. A million dollars. That kind of money could change her life. Her mother was sick, with no insurance and mounting medical bills. Iris could finally pay for her surgery, and maybe-just maybe-start her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
But... marry this stranger? What was the catch?
She stared at him, the temptation gnawing at her. "How am I supposed to believe this is real? For all I know, you could be some kind of psycho. I don't even know your name."
"Ryan Kendrick," he said smoothly, the name sliding off his tongue like a well-rehearsed line. "And trust me, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."
Iris's breath caught in her throat as two massive men, dressed in black suits, emerged from the shadows behind him, their faces hidden behind sunglasses despite the dim lighting. She sank lower in her seat, feeling their presence like a silent threat.
"I'm not here to kidnap you," Ryan continued, his voice eerily calm. "If I wanted to, I could have you taken without anyone noticing. But that's not why I'm here. I'm offering you a choice."
Iris swallowed hard, her palms sweating. "I can't do this," she whispered, shaking her head. "This is insane."
Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure about that? Think about your sick mother. How long do you think she has without proper care?"
Her heart dropped into her stomach. "How do you know about my mother?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Ryan's gaze remained steady. "I know everything about you, Iris. Your mother is sick. You're behind on rent. You've been working here just to make ends meet. This marriage will solve all of that. All you have to do is sign the contract."
Iris stared at the papers in front of her, her vision blurring as her thoughts spun wildly. She wanted to say no, but the weight of her mother's illness was crushing her. A million dollars could save her. It could save both of them.
Her hand shook as she picked up the pen, her heart hammering in her chest.
Ryan watched her intently. "Sign it, and everything will change. Your problems will disappear."
Iris closed her eyes for a moment, her mind racing. Was she really going to do this? Was she going to marry a stranger for money?
She opened her eyes and, with a deep breath, scribbled her signature at the bottom of the contract.
"Good girl," Ryan said with a smirk. He snatched the papers and handed them to one of his bodyguards. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Be ready by noon."
Before Iris could say another word, Ryan stood up and strode out of the club, two girls on either side of him. The world around her seemed to blur as the weight of what she had just done crashed down on her.
What had she just agreed to?
Still reeling, Iris was shaken from her thoughts by her friend Skylar bounding over, her face flushed with excitement.
"Hey girl!" Skylar grinned, leaning over the table. "What was that all about? I saw you with the Ryan Kendrick. Oh my God, you're so lucky! I've always dreamed of talking to him, even if just for a second. He's so-"
"Skylar," Iris interrupted, her voice hollow. "I'm getting married."
Skylar blinked. "What?"
"I said... I'm getting married. To Ryan Kendrick."
Skylar stared at her, her mouth hanging open in shock before she burst out laughing. "Good one, Iris! Seriously, what did he say to you? What kind of deal did he offer?"
Iris shook her head. "I'm not joking. It's... a contract marriage. One year. For a million dollars.”
Skylar's laughter died in her throat. "Wait... what? A contract marriage? Are you... insane?"
Iris buried her face in her hands. "I didn't have a choice, Skylar. He offered me a way out of this mess. My mom... she needs surgery. I need the money."
"But... but Iris," Skylar stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Ryan Kendrick? He's not just anyone. His family is loaded. You're walking into a world you don't belong in. Do you even know what you're getting into?"
"No," Iris whispered. "I don't."
Skylar shook her head, pulling Iris into a tight hug. "This is crazy. You're crazy. But I'll be here for you, no matter what."
Tears welled in Iris's eyes as she hugged her friend back, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her brow furrowing at the unknown number flashing on the screen.
"Hello?" she answered.
A weak voice crackled through the line. "Iris... help me..."
Her blood ran cold. "Mom? Mom!?"
The line went dead.
Iris hurried out of the restroom and into the changing room, quickly switching out of the skimpy lingerie and sky-high perspex heels. Her heart pounded-she couldn't shake the sense of urgency. She fumbled with her clothes, yanking them on, and bolted out of the club. Her mind raced, thinking about her mother. She wasn't in great health, and Iris couldn't ignore the gut-wrenching fear that something was wrong.She tried her mother's phone again. It went straight to voicemail."Pick up, pick up..." Iris muttered, her hands trembling as she dialed again. No answer.Without wasting any more time, she flagged down a cab and gave the driver her home address. The trip felt like an eternity. Her thoughts spiraled-what if something had happened? Who was going to call her then? No one but her.When she finally arrived at the house, she practically threw herself through the front door. "Mom?" she called out, rushing into her mother's room.Her mother lay there peacefully, asleep.Iris felt her k
Ryan stood frozen for a moment before letting out an exasperated sigh. "Ivy, what are you doing in my room?"Ivy smirked, leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed. "Hello, big brother. That's not a good way to welcome your little sister. Won't you even give me a hug?" She pouted, her tone playful but sharp.Ryan forced a smile. "You know you're always welcome, Ivy, and I missed you. But I wasn't expecting you in my room this early."Ivy gave a dramatic roll of her eyes. "I got back last night. Went to see Mom and Dad first thing. Came here this morning, thinking you'd be at the office, but then I saw you coming in with... her."Her eyes darted toward Iris, who stood quietly beside Ryan, looking slightly uncomfortable under Ivy's cold gaze."Who is she, Ryan?" Ivy's voice was dripping with disdain. "Your newest plaything?"Ryan stiffened, shooting Iris a quick, apologetic glance before answering. "Ivy, this is Iris, my.... my fiancée."Ivy blinked, her face falling in disbelie
"I know you're a stripper, but you should still have some dignity left in you," Ryan's voice dripped with sarcasm as his gaze swept over Iris from head to toe.He sauntered away from the shattered glass on the floor but couldn't resist stealing another glance. Her breasts were firm, her skin smooth, and her neatly shaved body almost... tempting."Oh my God, I'm sorry!" Iris scrambled for the towel lying on the bed, wrapping it around herself as quickly as possible. "You could at least knock before coming in!""You scared me," she added, her voice a mix of embarrassment and anger.Ryan, his expression unbothered, crossed his arms. "I don't need to remind you, this is my house. I can enter any room I like, however I want."The lingering image of Iris's naked form was still fresh in his mind, making it hard to focus. He took a few steps closer, slowly but deliberately. Each step caused Iris's heart to race, her pulse quickening, making her feel both anxious and exposed.By the time he st
Ryan sprinted down the stairs, Sarah's words echoing in his mind. "Ma Ivy came in with some policemen to get her arrested..." He barely heard the rest, rushing to see for himself.As his feet missed a step, Ryan plummeted to the ground, his body crumpling at the bottom of the staircase."Sir Ryan!" Sarah screamed, running to his side.Ryan groaned in pain, his words barely audible. "My he...hea..." His voice trailed off as his vision blurred, and his eyes fluttered shut."Ryan! Ryan!" Iris cried as she rushed to him, cradling his head. "Someone, please call an ambulance!" Her voice cracked with panic. "Sarah, now!" she screamed, her hands trembling as she held Ryan close."This is all your fault!" Ivy stormed into the room, eyes flashing with anger. "Get away from him, you-" She shoved Iris aside, her voice laced with venom. "Ryan, wake up! Please!"The sound of the approaching ambulance pierced the tense air, and the EMTs quickly loaded Ryan into the stretcher. Iris made a move to en
“Dad, what do you mean by that?” Ryan’s voice trembled with growing frustration. “You told me I had to get married and be responsible, which I’ve done. So, what’s this nonsense you’re saying now?”Ryan’s irritation was met with a calm, unyielding look from Mr. Kendrick. “I never said the empire wouldn’t be handed over to you,” Mr. Kendrick said evenly, leaning back in his leather chair. “What I am saying is this: your marriage must last over two years, and you must have a child before the empire is handed over. That’s the condition.”Ryan blinked, his heart racing. "What?""You heard me, Ryan." Mr. Kendrick's voice remained steady. "A marriage of two years and a child. Then, and only then, will you get control of the empire."Ryan's face twisted in disbelief. "Are you even listening to yourself, Dad? That wasn't the agreement. I did what you asked-I'm married! Why are you changing the terms now? Why are you depriving me of what's mine?"He paced the room like a caged animal, his mind
"Oh my God!" Iris screamed, curling up on the floor like a frightened child. "It's me, Ryan, please don't kill me!" Her body trembled violently as she cried, her hands shielding her face."Iris?" Ryan called, his voice colder than she'd ever heard it before. He lowered his gun slightly. "What the hell are you doing in here? Are you trying to steal from me?""N-no!" Iris stammered, still shaking. "I swear I wasn't! I just... I was bored, and I-""I said, get up!" Ryan barked.Iris jolted to her feet, her head bowed in submission, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. Her legs felt like they might give out at any moment, but she forced herself to stay standing. The weight of Ryan's gaze and the sight of the gun in his hand sent waves of terror through her body."Follow me," Ryan commanded, turning toward his room without looking back.With no choice, Iris followed him silently, each step feeling like it could be her last. When they entered his room, Ryan shut the door behind the
Mrs Jessica was rushed to the emergency room, Iris wasn't allowed inside she could be seen restlessly walking to and fro, Skylar arrived at the hospital and immediately Iris ran into her arm's,at the sight of her “Hush now girl, your mom is going to be fine”, Skylar consoled me.“I don't want to lose my mother, she's all I got” Iris mumbled amidst tears.“We won't lose her Iris, please calm down okay”? “Okay sky”, Iris replied.After sitting for some hours, the doctor came out.“Miss Iris… the doctor called“Yes doctor, can I see you in my office”?“Sure doctor”.Skylar moved back about to sit, when Iris motioned to follow her.She held Skylar's hand and the doctor led the way.They got into an office which was a comfortable and well-lit space designed for confidential discussions with patients. There was a desk where the doctor sits to review medical records and discuss treatment plans. There were two chairs for patients, opposite the doctor, creating a relaxed environment for ope
Ryan took her to his room ripping off her clothes on the way, he placed her on his bed naked, still rough kissing her, she helped him remove his clothes as she could feel his bare chest, not ready to dig into her immediately, he tortured her with pain of pleasure, biting her hard nipple which lead to soft moaning….Iris, unsure of where the noise was coming from, walked passed the room and paused on Ryan's door as it was left open..She couldn't believe her eyes. Iris was dismayed, a sting of pain pierced through her heart. Her legs immediately felt heavy to move, as she was weak to her knees, she managed to drag her feet to lean on the wall and she moved slowly to her room, climbed her bed and curled up herself as hot tears fell from her eyes.“Iris, why are you crying? Why do you care if he's with another woman? Have you forgotten you are only married to him based on a contract”?.“So what the tears all about”? She questioned herself, not knowing what answers to give.“But why do I