The Contracted Stripper

Iris, on the other hand, was bombarded with questions.

As the investigation continued, the tension in the mansion was palpable. Bella took every opportunity to be close to Ryan, while Iris was left isolated and alone.

Iris returned home, her heart light with hope as she walked through the front door of the mansion. She had been away, handling a family emergency, and was eager to see Ryan.

She had been calling him but to no avail. She assumed he was busy or hadn’t noticed her calls. In reality, Bella had been with his phone, declining each of her calls as they came through.

Upon entering the house, Sarah greeted her. “Welcome back, ma’am. Ryan is upstairs. He’s been home for a while now.”

“Sarah,” Iris greeted the maid warmly as she walked in. How is he?”

Sarah smiled nervously.

” He’s upstairs. I believe he’s resting.”

Iris smiled, though a hint of confusion lingered. “Thanks, Sarah. I’ll go see him.”

She climbed the stairs, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She knocked gently on the door.

“Come in,” Ryan’s voice called from inside. Iris took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped in.

Her smile dropped instantly as she saw Bella lying close to Ryan on the bed, her head resting on his shoulder, their hands intertwined.

“Finally, you’re back from your honeymoon, right?” Ryan barked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“What are you talking about, Ryan?” Iris asked, her voice trembling. “I was called…”

“By your boyfriend?” Ryan cut in sharply.

“You have no shame or respect for me or yourself. You tried to kill me so you could go be with your lover.

All this time, you’ve been acting like a saint, but you’re more dangerous than the devil himself. How could I forget? You’re a whore-a filthy one at that.”

“Ryan, I…” Iris began, but Ryan’s fury silenced her.”

Just shut it and leave my room! I don’t want to see you anywhere near me,” Ryan barked, his face contorted with anger.

Iris’s head spun, tears welling up in her eyes and blurring her vision. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Calm down, honey,” Bella said, her voice sickeningly sweet as she stroked Ryan’s hand. “Don’t be too harsh on her. You’re still recovering. You don’t want to hurt yourself.

“Ryan glared at Iris, his eyes cold and unforgiving. “Get out of my room now and stay out.”Iris flinched at his words, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling down her cheeks.

She turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Ryan, please,” she whispered. “You have to believe me. It’s not what you think…”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Leave!” Ryan shouted.

Iris stumbled out of the room, her world crashing down around her. She reached her room and collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

The pain was unbearable, the betrayal cutting deeper than she could have imagined.

************************

Weeks passed, and the atmosphere in the mansion grew colder. Ryan threw himself into his work, avoiding Iris at every turn.

He refused to eat anything she cooked, relying on Bella to bring him meals or eat out before coming home.

Iris was left alone, the silence a constant reminder of her isolation.

One day, an email arrived that offered a glimmer of hope.

It was from the fashion school where Iris had been accepted. She saw this as the perfect opportunity to get her mind off her troubles and find some peace if she could get it.

On her first day at the fashion school, Iris got up early and went downstairs to make breakfast for herself and Ryan the way she normally does, even though she knew wasn’t going to eat it.

She was done with the breakfast and headed to her room to bathe, it was a good day for her, and she didn’t want to rush anything.

She soaked herself in the bathtub, almost forgetting where she had to be, she came out of the bathtub as she dried her body.

She applied her lotion on her smooth skin, and as she picked out an outfit, she wore loose-fitted blue jeans, a tank top, and a jacket.

She finished preparing and headed out, she grabbed her car key as she drove off.

She got to the Fashion school and the building was a sight to behold. It was so big and beautiful.

She walked into the building, taking in the bustling energy of students and instructors. The creative atmosphere was a welcome distraction from the turmoil at home.

“Welcome, everyone,” the instructor said, addressing the new students.

“I’m Mrs. Fields, and I’ll be guiding you through your journey here at the Fashion Institute.

“Iris listened intently, grateful for the distraction.

As the class progressed, she found herself getting lost in the world of design, sketching ideas, and learning new techniques.

For the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of joy.

During a break, she sat in the courtyard, sipping a coffee.

Her thoughts drifted back to Ryan, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

“Hey, mind if I join you?” a voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Iris looked up to see a young woman with a friendly smile. “Sure,” Iris replied, gesturing to the seat next to her.

“I’m Emma,” the woman introduced herself. “You’re new here, right?”

“Yes, I’m Iris,” she replied, managing a small smile.

“So, what’s your story?” Emma asked, her curiosity genuine.

Iris hesitated for a moment before deciding to share. “I’m here to pursue my passion for fashion design. I needed something to focus on.

“Emma nodded. “I understand. Life can get complicated. It’s good to have something you love to keep you grounded.

“As they chatted, Iris felt a sense of friendship with Emma. It was refreshing to talk to someone who didn’t know about her troubles at home.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Ryan was still struggling with his feelings of betrayal.

He sat in his office, going through paperwork when Bella walked in, carrying a paper bag containing food

“I thought you might be hungry,” she said, setting the tray on his desk. Ryan looked up, forcing a smile.

“Thanks, Bella.”

Bella sat down, watching him. “You seem distant, Ryan. What’s on your mind?”

Ryan sighed, rubbing his temples. “I just can’t get over what Iris did. It’s eating me up inside.

“Bella reached out, touching his hand. “You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you.”

Ryan nodded, appreciating her support. “I know. It’s just… I never thought she could do something like this.”

Bella leaned in closer. “Sometimes, people aren’t who we think they are. You deserve someone who truly cares about you, Ryan.”

Ryan looked into her eyes, feeling a connection. “Maybe you’re right,” he said softly.