Chapter 14
Iris's heart sank. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you need to play your part better," Ryan said, his tone harsh.
"My father is watching us closely, and you're not convincing anyone that this marriage is real.
"Iris felt a surge of anger. "How can I, when you treat me like a piece of shit. You barely acknowledge me, and even when you do, it's to mock ans make fun of me.
"Ryan stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "You knew what you were getting into, Iris. This is a just contract, and nothing more, stop getting things into your head.
"You play your part, and I'll play mine."Iris took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "Fine. I'll do better. But you need to do better too.
"Ryan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "don't worry about Iris. I'll make sure we're convincing. "Starting from tonight, you'll join me at the Kendrick Foundation Gala. You'll smile, you'll laugh, and you'll be the perfect wife in the eyes of everyone.
Understood?"Iris nodded, feeling defeated. "Understood."
The day of the gala arrived, and Iris felt like she was preparing for battle. She wore a stunning red gown, her hair styled in loose waves. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she could barely recognized the woman staring back. She looked like she belonged in this real world, but it was all a facade.
Ryan was waiting for her downstairs, looking every bit the perfect gentleman in his wine tuxedo. He offered her his arm, and they walked to the car in silence.
The ride to the gala was equally quiet, each lost in their thoughts.The gala was held at a grand hotel, the ballroom filled with Houston's elite.
As they entered, all eyes were on them. Ryan's grip on her arm tightened, a silent reminder to play her part."Smile," he whispered through gritted teeth.
Iris forced a smile, greeting the guests with a warmth she didn't feel, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. It was exhausting, and Iris felt like a puppet, her strings pulled by Ryan's every move.
During the dinner, they were seated with several of Ryan's business associates. The conversation was dull, centered around investments and mergers. Iris tried to keep up, but her mind kept drifting to the life she had left behind, the dreams she had abandoned.
At one point, she excused herself and went to the ladies' room. She leaned against the sink, taking deep breaths to steady herself. Her reflection looked tired, the spark in her eyes dimmed.
"Get it together, Iris," she whispered to herself. "You can do this."As she returned to the ballroom, she noticed Ryan talking to a stunning blonde woman.
Her heart clenched as she watched them laugh together, their familiarity a stark contrast to the cold distance between her and Ryan.Jealousy and frustration bubbled up inside her, but she pushed it down.
She had to stay focused, had to keep up the act. She approached them, putting on her best smile."Hello," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Bella turned, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Hi you must be Iris. You look…lovely."
"Thank you," Iris replied, feeling the sting of her condescension.
Ryan placed a hand on the small of Iris's back, a gesture that looked affectionate but felt like a warning.
"Ryan honey, I will see you around,"she said slightly planting a soft kiss on his cheeks before leaving, rolling her eyes at iris obviously pissed.
Ryan nod his head as he raised his glass at her.
Iris irritated with what just happened clinched her fist,as she maintained her composure.
"Iris, why don't you tell our top investors Mr Mark about the new project we're working on?"Iris blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, yes. We're planning to expand the foundation's outreach programs, focusing on education and healthcare for underprivileged communities.
The investor a brief man with bare hair neatly dressed in a black tuxedo raised an eyebrow, nodding his head clearly interested.
"I would really love to be a part of this" Mr Mark replied cheerfully.
Iris forced another smile, this time trying to be happy.
Mrs Rose appeared in a Soft blush pink floor-length gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing A-line skirt. A luxurious combination of silk chiffon and tulle.
The dress features sophisticated lace embroidery and delicate beadwork that went down the skirt. The bodice has a deep V-neckline and cap sleeves, adding a touch of elegance.
While ivy the fashionista was dressed in a striking elegant silver mermaid silhouette gown that hugs her body and flares out at the knees. The dress is adorned with shimmering sequins and crystals, creating a mesmerizing sparkle under the lights. It features an illusion neckline and long sleeves with sophisticated detailing, perfect for making a statement.
"Ivy honey, look how pathetic Iris looks, she's trying so hard to fit in which is obviously impossible". Mrs Rose spoke, sipping from her wine glass.
With a mischievous grin, ivy replied "I don't know why Ryan will compare how classless she is to Bella, she's way way below our standards mom, I just can't stand her" ivy said feeling irritated.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur, the weight of her situation pressing down on her. By the time they returned home, she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
As they entered the mansion, Ryan turned to her. "You did well tonight."Iris looked at him, searching for any hint of sincerity. "Thank you."Ryan's expression softened for a brief moment before hardening again.
"Remember, this is just the beginning. We have a long way to go."Iris nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I know."She said going into her room, and closing the door behind her.
In sharp contrast to the night's instability the silence was consoling. She say on the side of he bed, as she thought about the life she had chosen and the sacrifices she had made.
The road ahead was alarming, filled with uncertainty and pain. But Iris knew she had to endure it, had to find a way to survive in this new world she had found herself in.
She had come too far to turn back now.As she lay down, exhaustion finally taking over, she whispered a silent promise to herself, "you can do this Iris, you are strong, bold and resilient and you can do anything".
She would play her part, but she wouldn't lose herself in the proce
ss. She would find a way to make this life her own, no matter the cost.