Iris didn't know what to say. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," she said quietly.Ryan nodded. "Let's just focus on getting your mom better."The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of activity. Her mother was transported to the hospital, and the medical team prepared for the surgery. Iris and Skylar stayed by their mother's side, praying for a miracle.As the surgery began, Iris sat in the waiting room, her nerves on edge. Ryan sat beside her, offering silent support. Hours later, the doctor emerged from the operating room. "The surgery was a success," he announced. "Your mother is stable and will need close monitoring, but she's going to be okay."Tears of relief streamed down Iris's face. "Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much."Ryan squeezed her hand gently. "She's going to be okay, Iris."For the first time in what felt like forever, Iris allowed herself to hope. "Yes, she is. And maybe, just maybe, things will start getting better.”Back
"Sarah, please call me when he gets back. Here's my number." She handed Sarah a card.Sarah took it with a nod. As Bella left, Sarah quickly picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, sir. There's something I need to tell you……."Bella, confused and angry, He isn't at the office nor is he at home. She stopped by a bar to clear her mind with a drink. She needed to figure out her next move.Bella's mind replayed every interaction she’d had with Ryan, each moment stoking her determination.She would not be sidelined so easily. This pregnancy was her trump card, and she intended to use it to secure her place in Ryan’s life once and for all.Back inside the mansion, Sarah closed the door with a satisfied smile. She twirled around the empty house, pleased with how she had handled Bella’s intrusion. At the hospital, Iris sat by her mother’s bedside, her hand gently resting on Jessica’s. The room was filled with the soft beeping of medical monitors and the faint scent of antiseptic.
Her thoughts are a whirlwind of anger and desperation. “I need to act fast,” she muttered to herself. “I can’t let Iris ruin everything I’ve worked for.”She gulped down her drink, her mind formulating a plan. Sarah, having finished her call, continued her duties, the secret conversation weighing on her mind. She knew that the information she had shared could have significant repercussions, but she also knew it was the right thing to do.As night fell, Ryan and Iris remained by Jessica's side, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Unbeknownst to them, the storm brewing outside the hospital walls threatened to upend their fragile peace.Meanwhile, Bella’s mind was a whirlwind of schemes and plans. She needed to ensure that Ryan accepted the pregnancy, but she had to do it in a way that would guarantee he would choose her over Iris. Days turned into week with still no word from Ryan, and Bella grew increasingly anxious. She had expected Ryan to reach out to her and k
“Bella, what are you doing here?” he asked, his tone guarded..Bella pushed past him, stepping into the foyer. “We need to talk, Ryan.”Ryan closed the door behind her, his expression unreadable. “Alright, what’s this about?”Bella took a deep breath, steeling herself. “I’m pregnant, Ryan. And it’s your child.”“I’ve taken multiple tests. There’s no doubt about it.” Bella said her voice steady.Ryan ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. “This… this changes everything.”Bella stepped closer, her eyes pleading. “Ryan, I know this complicates things, but we need to figure out what to do. We can’t ignore this.”Ryan sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I need some time to think, Bella. This is a lot to process.”Bella’s heart sank, but she nodded. “I understand. But please, don’t take too long. We need to make a plan.”Ryan nodded, his mind clearly elsewhere. “I’ll call you soon, Bella. I promise.”As Bella left the mansion, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in h
“Oh, Ken, stop comparing my daughter to that whore. She has class and taste, unlike Iris.”“Honey,” Mrs. Rose said, walking close to him and holding his hands, “we’re supposed to be happy and celebrate. We finally get what we wanted. You can finally release the empire to Ryan.”Mr. Kendrick looked at his wife, not knowing what else to say. “This isn’t right, Rose,” he said finally, going back to his newspaper.“Don’t worry, honey. Leave it to me,” she said, picking up her phone and walking out of the room. Once she was outside, she dialed a number. “Hello, I have a job for you. Don’t fail me this time.”Bella couldn’t shake her excitement as she drove home. Her plan was unfolding perfectly.Later that evening, Mr. Kendrick sat alone in his study, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. The news of Bella’s pregnancy had shaken him to his core. He couldn’t understand how his son could be so reckless, even within the confines of a contracted marriage.Mrs. Rose entered the room quiet
“Never!” Ivy exclaimed. “I despise Iris. I’d never go soft on her.”“Good,” Mrs. Rose said. “By the way, what’s been keeping you so busy lately?”Ivy’s face lit up. “After the fashion show, a lot of top brands were amazed by my designs. They offered me collaborations. I’ve been busy. Soon, I’ll be the number one fashion designer and model in the world.”Mrs. Rose beamed with pride. “You’re so hardworking and focused. I’m proud of you. But I have to ask you something important. At the show, you showcased many amazing pieces, which you said you drew yourself. We both know you can’t draw or sketch. So how did those designs come about?”Ivy’s eyes widened, clearly uncomfortable. “Well, Mum...” she began, struggling to find the right words.Mrs. Rose leaned in, her eyes narrowing. “Tell me the truth, Ivy.”Ivy sighed, realizing she couldn’t lie her way out. “Okay, Mum. I didn’t design those pieces myself. I hired a talented designer to create them. I knew I needed something extraordinary t
“I need to face her sooner or later.”Skylar nodded. “Do you want me to come with you?”I shook my head. “No, I need to do this alone.”As I left the hospital and headed to the Kendrick mansion, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.Betrayal, anger, fear, and a glimmer of hope all fought for dominance. I had no idea what awaited me, but I knew I had to be strong.Mrs. Rose greeted me with a cold smile as I entered the mansion. “Iris, thank you for coming.”“What do you want, Mrs. Rose?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.She motioned for me to sit. “We need to discuss the future. Specifically, your future in this family.”I felt a chill run down my spine. “What do you mean?”Mrs. Rose leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Bella is pregnant with Ryan’s child. You understand what that means, don’t you?” My heart sank. “I understand.”“Good,” she said, her smile widening. “Then you know that it’s time for you to step aside. Ryan needs to focus on his future with Bella and the
“You’re not mad at me?” Ivy asked, relief evident in her voice.“Mad? No way. I’m proud of you, dear.”Ivy sighed with relief and smiled.“Now, let’s focus on getting Ryan to marry Bella,” Mrs. Rose said, her eyes gleaming with determination.“Mum, isn’t that too fast? Ryan hasn’t made a decision yet. Shouldn’t we let him decide?” Ivy suggested.“No, dear. We’ll decide for Ryan. He’s too confused to make the right choice. Bella needs to move into his house. I’ll go shopping for my grandchild later.”“Mum, isn’t it too soon to shop? We don’t even know the baby’s gender yet,” Ivy pointed out.“It doesn’t matter. I’ll buy for both genders, just in case they’re twins,” Mrs. Rose giggled.Ivy shook her head, smiling. “You’re something else, Mom. I have an appointment at 4 PM, so I can’t go shopping with you.”Mrs. Rose pouted. “I thought you’d come with me.”“No way, Mum. I have things to do. Bye,” Ivy said, kissing her mother’s cheek before leaving.Mrs. Rose picked up her phone and called