Chapter 4

"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.