Chapter 2

Iris hurried out of the restroom to the changing room, quickly changing from the lingerie and the definitive perspex platform heels she had on, and stormed out of the club, her heart racing about her mother, knowing she was not in a good state of health. She repeatedly called her mother's phone, but it didn't go through. She was worried sick.

She quickly stopped a cab, got inside, and zoomed off home. She got to the house and rushed into her mother's room, only to see her mother peacefully sleeping on her bed. She held my mother's hand and kissed it softly. "I thought you were hurt, Mom. 

Thank God you are fine".

Still holding her mother's hand, she thought within herself, "Who called me"?

"I am certain it was my mother's voice, or was I mistaken? 

I think I'm just stressing myself out and thinking too much. I should get some rest".

"A new day starts for me tomorrow,"Iris said.

She went to her room, trying to park a few things she would be needing, and she slept off.

With Iris' alarm ringing so loud, she jerked up from her bed and turned off the alarm. "Stupid alarm, she cussed. She got up from bed and headed to the bathroom to wash up, only for her to hear her mother's voice from the sitting room.

"Iris, there is someone here to see you," she said. "I am coming, Mom". Iris replied. 

"Who came so early to see me? Iris thought to herself, It must be Skylar, but Skylar would have just stormed into my room like she always does. She needs no permission to invade my room", Iris thought. 

"Well, I just have to go see for myself". Iris walked out of her room, and on reaching the sitting room, she saw a familiar statue. She remembered seeing him last night at the club; he was one of Ryan's mean bodyguards.

"Ma, Sir Ryan is waiting for you inside the car. Get your things and let go", unsure of what she just heard. She asked, "Your boss? Waiting for me?"

"Yes, ma, the bodyguard replied.

"Okay, I am coming. Please give me some minutes".

Iris rushed to her room and parked a few of her belongings. When she was done, she went into her mother's room.

"Iris, who is that man? Mrs Jessica spoke soft and calmly.

Biting her lips, Uncertain if she should tell her mother the truth or not.

" Mum, he is my new boss's driver; he was sent to pick me up to work since I am new and the route to the office is a bit hard to locate", Iris lied.

"And mum I wanted to tell you that I got a new job and an apartment too, but when I came back last night, you had already gone to bed".

"Oh, I see, her mother replied. " be a good girl, and don't forget to come see me by the weekend" 

"Definitely, mom, I would always come to see you, and Skylar would always be around to make sure you are fine. Please, mom, don't forget your medication and eat too". 

"With my new job, I would be able to save up money for your surgery, and you will be back to your feet, strong as before, " Iris said with a smile.

"Oh, my, Thank you, and don't worry too much; I will be fine". With that, she hugged her mother and felt like remaining there; the horn from the car parked outside brought her back to life.

"Oh, mom, I have to go". She kissed her on the head and rushed outside. One of the bodyguards hurriedly collected her bags from her and opened the car for her to go in.

"Don't ever keep me waiting, understand?" Ryan roared

"Ye..yes sir, I am so..sorry for keeping you waiting. I was trying to …" "keep your explanations to yourself. Ryan coldly spoke to her.

"What have you gotten yourself into? Iris asked herself and kept quiet.

The drive to Ryan's mansion was a silent and awkward one; she didn't want to step on his toe, so she kept her cool.

The imposing mansion loomed as Ryan and Iris entered. Iris couldn't help but be swept away by the grandeur of it all. The workers, aware of Ryan's frequent guests, bowed in silence.

Nevertheless, the mansion spoke volumes of the unimaginable wealth she had just stepped into.

"Stop looking like a lost baby and follow me; we have a wedding to plan". Ryan said.

"Wedding??

"I thought you would just put the ring on my finger privately, and that's all".

"Are you instructing me on what to do and how to go about it? How dare you"?

 Confused, Iris spoke, "I wasn't expecting a wedding; that is all I was trying to say".

"I have told you never to speak while I speak, haven't I?" You don't want to get me upset before our wedding, would you"? Ryan roared.

Iris nodded in disapproval. "So you should behave yourself."

Trying not to get lost in admiring the mansion, she acted focused on where Ryan was taking her.

Suddenly, her thoughts collided with reality as she physically collided with Ryan. "Can't you see? Are you blind?" he snapped. Iris, shaken, stammered an apology. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling.

"Sorry for yourself. Watch out and don't get lost,"

Ryan retorted, his tone curt and unwelcoming. Iris tried to maintain her composure, but the unease lingered.

Ryan abruptly stopped, his sharp words cutting through the silence. "Come in and shut the door," he barked. 

Startled, Iris entered the room, feeling a mix of awe and discomfort. "I'm sorry," she apologized again, her words hesitant. " Shut the door," Ryan said, his impatience evident.

Inside, the room held an air of mystery. Iris hesitated, feeling like an outsider in this extravagant world. "I'm just trying to adjust," she explained softly. 

"Adjust quickly. This is your new home." Ryan cut in.

"Welcome home, Ryan. You brought in a harlot rather too early, don't you thi

nk?" Said an unknown voice.

Surprised, Iris turned to see who it was.....