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
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