"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 stood just inches from her, she was practically trembling. His cologne enveloped her, a strong, musky scent that made her feel like she was suffocating. He reached out, his hands gripping her waist. She flinched but didn't move. Their bodies were so close now that she could feel the warmth radiating off his skin.
Leaning in, Ryan's breath brushed against her ear as he whispered, "Get the maids to clean this mess up."
Then he straightened up, his tone turning cold again. "Your wedding dress will arrive soon. Pick the one you like. We're going to see my parents afterward."
And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving Iris standing there, heart pounding, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
"What was I thinking?" she muttered to herself. "I was so stupid. He's not interested in me. He's just... an asshole."
Iris collapsed onto the bed, the rush of adrenaline leaving her feeling weak. She noticed a dampness between her legs and cursed herself. "Damn it," she whispered, heading to the bathroom to clean up.
As the water ran, she couldn't shake the moment from her mind. The way he looked at her, the way her body betrayed her desire. It was infuriating. Why do I even care what he thinks?
After she finished, she grabbed her phone and dialed her mother.
"Hello, Mom. How are you doing?" she asked, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"I'm fine, sweetheart. How's work?" Her mother's voice was soft, but Iris could hear the tiredness in it.
"Work's... good. How are you feeling today?"
"I'm much better, thanks to you. I'm so proud of you, Iris."
Tears welled up in Iris's eyes, but she fought them back. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
After hanging up, Iris lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "You're the reason I'm doing this, Mom," she whispered to herself, before drifting into a restless sleep.
A knock at the door woke her. Groggy, she called out, "Hold on!" She quickly threw on some clothes. "Come in."
"Sorry to disturb you, Miss Iris," Sarah, the housemaid, said softly. "But the seamstress is here with your dresses.”
"Thank you, Sarah. Let her in."
A few minutes later, Iris stood in front of the mirror, trying on the wedding dresses. The one she picked clung to her curves perfectly, a vision of understated elegance. She looked at her reflection, half expecting to feel some sort of joy. Instead, there was only a gnawing emptiness.
"I'll keep this one," she said, dismissing the seamstress.
As she watched the others leave, a thought struck her. I'm really getting married. Even if it's fake... it still feels real.
Later that evening, Iris stood by the door, ready to go to Ryan's parents' mansion. She chose a designer dress from her limited collection, simple yet stylish. As Ryan entered the room, his eyes flicked over her, barely concealing his approval. They left together in silence.
At the Kendrick mansion, Iris was greeted warmly by Mr. Kendrick and his wife, Rose. The dinner table was set with a lavish spread.
"So, Iris," Mr. Kendrick began after they sat, "tell me, what do you do for a living? And who are your parents?”
Before Iris could answer, Ryan cut in smoothly. "She's a fashion designer. Her father passed away, and she has only her mother."
"Oh, I see," Mr. Kendrick replied, nodding.
"And how long have you two been dating?" Rose asked, her sharp eyes flicking between the two of them.
"Over five months now, Mom," Ryan answered quickly.
Rose raised an eyebrow. "Ryan, would you let your fiancée speak for herself?"
Iris, feeling a surge of nerves, cleared her throat. "He's right, Ma'am. I... I'm not much of a talker."
"I see," Rose said, not entirely convinced.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the conversation. "Eating without me?" Ivy, Ryan's sister, strode into the room with a dramatic flair. Her eyes immediately landed on Iris, and the disdain was palpable. "And what are you doing here?" she sneered.
"Ivy, be nice to your brother's fiancée," Rose scolded.
Ivy ignored her mother. "She can't possibly be my brother's wife. She's so... common."
Ryan's expression darkened. "Ivy, that's enough.
We're getting married, and that's final."
"You can't be serious, Ryan. You can't marry her!"
"I've made my choice. It's done," Ryan said firmly.
Rose exchanged a glance with Mr. Kendrick. "Are you sure about this, sweetheart?" she asked.
"Yes, Mom. You and Dad have always wanted me to settle down. Well, I'm ready now."
Mr. Kendrick sighed, running a hand over his balding head. "Very well, then. I'll inform our associates. But I still think you should reconsider an elaborate ceremony."
"No, Dad. I don't want anything big. Just a simple wedding."
"If that's what you want..." Mr. Kendrick trailed off, clearly not thrilled.
Ivy, meanwhile, shot daggers at Iris with her gaze. Iris did her best to ignore it, but the tension was thick. Once dinner was over, they headed back home in uneasy silence.
The grand hall of the estate echoed with the quiet murmurs of the few guests present. Iris walked down the aisle, her heart heavy, while Ryan stood waiting for her, emotionless in his sharp blue suit.
As the officiant spoke, Iris could barely focus. "Do you, Ryan, take Iris to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," he said, his voice flat.
"I... I do," Iris stammered, feeling the weight of her words.
"Welcome to the family," Mrs. Rose whispered after the ceremony. "But don't get comfortable. This won't be easy."
Before Iris could respond, Ivy leaned in close. "I'll make sure this marriage is hell for you," she hissed, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
Iris tried to steel herself. She can't actually hurt me... right? But the unease settled deep in her bones.
Suddenly, a scream from outside the hall shattered the air.
"What now?" Iris muttered, already exhausted.
Before she could investigate, Ryan grabbed her arm. "We're leaving."
"Why? What's going on?”
"Just... trust me. We need to go."
As they climbed into the car, Ryan's phone buzzed. He answered it, his voice low. "The marriage is done. What's next?"
An unfamiliar voice crackled on the other end. "We move forward. Keep her in line until you get control of the estate."
Ryan hung up, his face impassive. Before Iris could ask him about the call, the car screeched to a halt in front of the house.
As they entered the mansion, it was beautifully decorated for the newlywed couples, all thanks to Ryan's mother.
Ryan, not surprised by the decorations, left Iris and rushed into his room.
Sarah ran up to him minutes later, out of breath. "Sir... Iris... she's been arrested."
"Arrested? What are you talking about?" Ryan demanded, eyes narrowing.
Sarah trembled. "I... I don't know the details, but the police are here."
Ryan clenched his fists.
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
As she lay there, feeling both numb and raw, one thing became clear, she needed to reclaim her strength, to fight back against the circumstances that had trapped her. And she would start tonight, no matter the cost…..Ryan left for the office,His father had call him at the right time, providing a much-needed distraction from the iris.The image of Iris's face, with a mix of fear and contempt flashed in his mind, there was something about Iris that interest him, something that he couldn't quite place his hands on.Today, he was to be introduced to the new staff members and handle several critical contracts and proposals. The prospect of fresh faces in the office, particularly the rumored pretty new hires, added a layer of excitement to his day.He finally arrived at The Kendrick Empire, his chauffeur got down and opened the door for him, stepping into the glorious Empire, a reputable firm built on hard work, resilience, dedication and consistency. Owned by generation before Ryan and no
“A taste of her I must have,” he said to himself, smirking..Ryan settled into his leather chair in his office, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He slipped his hot coffee, burning a path down his throat, yet feeling numb to the thought dancing in his mind.The ringing of his office phone broke through his thought, he picked up the telephone, knowing who it would be before he heard the voice on the other end."Ryan, how's your day at the office going?" His father's voice was as commanding as ever, the authority in it wavering."Productive," Ryan replied, leaning back in his chair. "Met the new staff, handled some contracts. Everything is under control.""Good," his father responded. "I have high expectations, Ryan. The company needs strong leadership, especially now. Make sure you're focused."I am, Dad. You don't have to worry".There was a pause on the other end before his father spoke again. "And Iris? How is she settling in?"Ryan's grip tightened. "She's...