The Contracted Stripper

Ryan sat in his office, going through paperwork.

He had fully recovered from the food poisoning incident and had resumed work, falling back into his routine.

Things were going smoothly, but there was a lingering sense of unease he couldn’t shake off.

One afternoon, Luca came into his office. They hadn’t had a proper chat in weeks, and Ryan welcomed the distraction.

They settled into the office, Ryan’s desk cluttered with documents and reports.

“So, how are things going, man?” Luca asked, leaning back in his chair.

Ryan sighed. “Busy, but manageable. Just trying to keep everything on track.

How about you?”Luca shrugged. “Same old, same old. But there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”Luca hesitated before speaking. “The food poisoning incident. Do you think Iris was behind it?”

Ryan’s expression darkened. “What else am I supposed to think? All the evidence points to her.”

“Yeah, but think about it.

You’ve known Iris for a long time. Do you believe she could do something like that?”Ryan frowned.

“I don’t know, Luca. It’s hard to tell. I mean, she was bonding with me before all this happened.

But then, the evidence…”Luca leaned forward. “Ryan, I’ve been watching you and Bella.

There’s something off there. The closeness you have with her now… it’s not right.”Ryan sighed heavily. “I know. It’s complicated.

After that night we spent together, I felt guilty. It was just… it wasn’t anything special. Not like with Iris.”Luca raised an eyebrow.

“You slept with Bella? When was this?”

“After a night out. I was drunk, and she took me to her place. We… you know.”

“And how did it feel?” Luca asked.

Ryan shrugged. “It felt wrong. I mean, it was just like being with any other girl.

Nothing special compared to Iris.”Luca laughed lightly. “Man, you’re falling for her.”Ryan barked a short laugh. “Who, Iris? Never.

She almost killed me through food poisoning.”Luca shook his head. “I don’t think she’s responsible for that.

There’s something else going on here. Remember, Iris was kidnapped, and we still haven’t found out who did it.

Why would she frame her kidnapping?”Ryan considered this. “People can go to great lengths to cover their tracks.”

“Not Iris. I saw her sketches the other day. They’re incredible. You never mentioned she was so talented.”

Ryan looked surprised. “Where did you see them? She’s been looking for them all over the house.”Luca hesitated. “In her room. When I stopped by the house looking for you, her door was open, and I saw her drawings.”

“You entered her room?” Ryan’s eyes widened with a mix of shock and jealousy. “To do what?”

“Chill, man. Her door was open. I was looking for you, and I happened to see them.”Ryan leaned back in his chair, processing this information.

“I haven’t seen her sketches.”

“You haven’t?” Luca asked, surprised. “Why not?”

“I don’t know,” Ryan admitted. “I guess I never thought to look.”Luca shook his head.

“Man, you should support her. She’s got real talent. Why haven’t you helped her pursue her career?”.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “A career in stripping?”

“No, come on, man. As a fashion designer.”Ryan sighed. “I just… I haven’t seen her work. I didn’t know.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the notification tone on Ryan’s phone. He glanced at it and frowned.

It was a photo of Iris entering the fashion school.”What is it?” Luca asked.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Ryan turned the phone towards Luca, who smiled.

“She’s pursuing her passion, man.

Without my con….”Before Ryan could finish talking, there was a gentle knock on the door.

“Come in,” Ryan called out.

The door opened, and Bella walked in, looking stunning as always.

She carried a bag of food in one hand and her purse in the other.

“Hi, Lu,” she greeted with a smile, her white teeth flashing.

“Hi, Bella,” Luca replied.

“I was just about to head back to my office. I’ve got some documents to catch up on.”

“I thought you were going to join me for lunch,” Ryan said.

“Nah, I’ve got a lunch date,” Luca said, smiling and giving Ryan a wink that Bella didn’t see.

“Enjoy.”After Luca left, Bella set the food on Ryan’s desk and settled into the chair Luca had vacated.

“I thought you might be hungry.”Ryan forced a smile. “Thanks, Bella.

“She looked at him, her expression softening.

“You seem stressed. Is everything okay?”Ryan sighed. “Just a lot on my mind.”Bella reached out and touched his hand.

“You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you.”Ryan nodded. “I appreciate that.”

As they ate, Bella talked about trivial things, trying to lighten the mood. But Ryan’s thoughts kept drifting back to his conversation with Luca. Could it be that Iris was innocent? He had to find out.

Ryan had a long day at work, and Bella insisted on staying with him.

After the office hours, Bella wouldn’t relent and finally convinced Ryan to let her come home with him.

Despite his initial resistance, he finally agreed.

They stopped by a restaurant for dinner before heading home. As they entered the house, they saw Iris at the dining table, having dinner.

Upon seeing them, Iris stood up.

“Welcome,” she greeted them.

“What took you so long?” Bella blurted out.”I never greeted you; it was meant for Ryan,” Iris responded coolly.

“And who told you I wanted you to greet me, you unfaithful whore?” Ryan snapped back.”I know you are mannerless, but you should show some respect to my guest,” Ryan barked at Iris.

“Your guest should learn how to greet too, don’t you think so?” Iris fired back, surprising both Ryan and Bella with her defiance.

“What did you just say?” Ryan stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes.

“You heard me right, Ryan,” Iris said, her voice steady but her hands trembling.

Before she could say another word, Ryan slapped her hard across the face, causing her to stagger backward.

She held her cheek in pain, hot tears streaming down her face.