Chapter 2

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.