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 knees weaken with relief. She tiptoed closer, her eyes filling with tears. She gently took her mother's hand and kissed it softly. "Thank God you're okay, Mom..." she whispered, careful not to wake her.
But a question gnawed at her. Who called me?
Iris frowned, replaying the voice in her mind. It was my mother's voice. I'm sure of it... Or was I imagining things?
Exhaling deeply, she shook her head. I'm just stressed out. I need some sleep.
She left her mother's room, closed the door quietly, and went into her own bedroom. Pulling out a suitcase, she packed a few essentials for her new life-a job, an apartment, an arrangement. I'll be able to take care of Mom. But her thoughts were muddled with uncertainty as she drifted into sleep.
The piercing ring of her alarm shattered the stillness of the early morning. Groaning, Iris slapped the clock. "Stupid alarm," she muttered, her eyes barely open as she forced herself out of bed.
The shower was brief, cold enough to shock her awake. Wrapping herself in a towel, she heard her mother's voice calling from the living room.
"Iris, someone's here to see you."
Iris froze. This early? Who could it be?
"Coming, Mom," she replied, pulling on some clothes. Maybe it's Skylar, she thought. But no, Skylar always barged into her room without warning. Who else?
Curious, she left her room and walked toward the living room. As soon as she stepped in, her breath hitched. Standing there was one of Ryan's bodyguards-the one she had noticed the night before, lurking in the shadows of the club.
His voice was gruff and to the point. "Ma'am, Mr. Ryan is waiting for you in the car. Pack your things, we need to leave.”
Iris blinked in disbelief. "Ryan? Waiting for me? Now?"
"Yes, ma'am," the bodyguard said without emotion.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she masked her surprise with a smile. "Give me a minute."
She rushed back to her room, hastily stuffing her belongings into a bag. Before leaving, she stepped into her mother's room again.
"Mom, I... I got a new job," Iris began, the lie weighing heavily on her tongue. "That man outside is just the driver my boss sent to pick me up."
Her mother smiled, though worry flickered in her tired eyes. "A new job? You didn't mention anything."
"I know, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you last night, but you were already asleep," Iris said, her voice softening.
Mrs. Jessica reached out, gently holding Iris's hand. "Be careful, sweetheart."
"I will, Mom. I promise," Iris said, trying to sound convincing. "I'll visit on the weekend. And Skylar will be around to check on you."
Her mother's eyes softened with affection. "Don't worry about me. Just focus on yourself."
Iris leaned in and kissed her mother's forehead, the warmth of the gesture contrasting the cold fear building in her chest. "I'll make enough for your surgery. Soon."
The honk from outside shattered the moment. "I have to go, Mom. I love you."
"Take care, Iris," Mrs. Jessica said, watching her daughter rush out.
The bodyguard was waiting, holding the car door open for her. As she slid into the seat, the air turned icy.
Ryan's cold eyes met hers as soon as the door shut. "Don't ever keep me waiting again," he growled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"Spare me the excuses," he cut her off, his tone flat and dismissive.
Iris bit her lip, her nerves on edge. What have I gotten myself into?
The ride to Ryan's mansion was tense, the silence between them suffocating. She wanted to speak, to ask questions, but something about the look on Ryan's face warned her to stay quiet.
When they arrived, Iris was taken aback by the grandeur of the mansion. It was overwhelming, the kind of wealth that left people speechless.
Ryan wasted no time. "Stop gawking and follow me. We have a wedding to plan."
"A wedding?" Iris blinked in confusion. "I thought you were just going to put the ring on me and that was it. No ceremony."
Ryan's eyes darkened. "Are you telling me how to handle my business?”
"No, no, that's not what I meant-"
"I told you never to speak when I'm speaking," he interrupted, his tone laced with anger. "Do you want me to regret this decision before we even begin?"
Iris swallowed hard and shook her head. "No."
"Good. Then keep your mouth shut."
As they walked deeper into the mansion, Iris's mind buzzed with anxiety. She was starting to question whether she could handle whatever deal she had struck with this man.
Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into him.
"Watch where you're going!" Ryan snapped, turning sharply. "Are you blind?"
Iris felt her face flush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry... I didn't see-"
Ryan waved her off with a dismissive hand. "Just keep moving.”
They reached an ornate set of doors. Ryan pushed them open, revealing a grand room inside. Iris hesitated at the threshold, feeling a deep sense of unease.
"Come in and close the door," Ryan commanded.
Iris obeyed, her heart hammering in her chest. The room was lavish, filled with priceless art and rich furniture, but something felt off.
And then a voice came from the shadows.
"Ryan, you've brought in a harlot far too soon, don't you think?"
Iris froze. Her eyes darted toward the source of the voice-a woman stepped forward, elegant and intimidating. Her gaze was locked on Iris, a sinister smile curling at her lips.
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
Iris stood by the window, her hair disheveled and eyes red from crying. The room was a mess, a testament to her frustration and anger."What the hell is this?" Ryan demanded, looking around the room in disbelief.Iris turned to face him, her expression cold and unyielding. "What do you care, Ryan? It's just a room, right? Just like I'm just a means to an end for you."Ryan stepped closer, his frustration palpable. “Stop saying nonsense iris and come with me”.“Nonsense”? Iris laughed bitterly. "I heard you last night, Ryan. I saw you. You think I don't know what this is? You think I don't feel anything?”.Ryan chuckled, a cold, mocking sound that sent chills down Iris's spine. "What do you mean you saw me? And so what if you heard me?" he spoke sternly, his voice dripping with contempt. Iris's heart broke through her eyes, tears streaming down her face."Who was the girl last night, huh?" Iris questioned, her voice trembling."Are you by any chance questioning me?" Ryan barked, cuttin