The Contracted Stripper

Bella, on the other hand, was basking in her triumph. She knew Ryan would be back.

He had to be. She had made sure of that.

Her phone buzzed, and she saw a message from her friend, Anna.

“Did you finally do it?” Anna asked.

“Yes, and it was perfect. He’ll come around. Bella replied smiling.

“Bella, are you sure about this?”Anna asked.

“Absolutely. He just needs time to see that we’re meant to be together.” Bella said giggling.

“Good luck. You know what you’re doing.” Anna said Anna has been her friend for a long time, and she knew about Ryan and Bella’s obsession with him.

Bella already told Anna how she planned on having a one-night stand with Ryan. And she finally did.

Bella smiled, confident in her plan. She just needed to be patient.

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

Iris stood in the garden one serene morning, taking in the picturesque view.

The vibrant trees and colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze, creating a scene of perfect tranquility.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Yet, her mind was far from peaceful. A lot had been happening in her life, and though it had only been six months into her contract marriage with Ryan, it felt like a century.

“I don’t even know if I should be happy or sad anymore,” she murmured to herself, lost in thought.

The weight of her circumstances seemed heavier each day, and the boundaries between her feelings for Ryan and the obligations of their contract grew increasingly blurred.

Her phone rang, pulling her back to reality. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Skylar.

“Hi Sky,” Iris greeted, her voice hurried. “How are you doing? How’s Mum?”

“I’m fine, Iris, and Mum is fine too,” Skylar replied almost immediately. “It’s just that…”

“Just what, Sky? Talk to me,” Iris urged, her heart racing.”Calm down, Iris,” Skylar said. “It’s just that Mum keeps asking about you. She wants to come see you.”

“Oh,” Iris exhaled, realizing she had been holding her breath. “Can I speak to her?”

“Sure, hold on,” Skylar said.

A moment later, Iris heard her mother’s voice. “Hello, sweetheart. How are you doing? It’s been so long. Don’t you want to come see me? Why is your job taking so much of your time?”

“I would love to come visit you, Mum,” Iris replied, feeling a pang of guilt. “But work has been so demanding.

“You know where I live isn’t mine. It’s my boss’s place, and it’s not very convenient for you to come over. But I promise to visit you this weekend.

“Oh, darling, that would be wonderful,” her mother said, her voice filled with joy. “I miss you so much.”

“There was a pause on the line, and Iris felt the tension.

“Hello? Mom? Are you there?” she asked.

Skylar’s voice came back on the line. “She fell asleep, Iris. She does that often now. We need to take her to the hospital for proper care and close monitoring. It’s best for her.”

“Alright, Sky. I’ll arrange for that. See you soon. Thank you for everything,” Iris said, feeling the weight of responsibility.

With a sigh, she ended the call and turned around, only to be startled by Ryan standing behind her.”

And why won’t you allow your mother to come visit?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of reproach.

Iris’s heart skipped a beat. “Ryan, you scared me! How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough,” Ryan replied, stepping closer. “I heard the whole conversation. Why don’t you want your mother to visit?”

“It’s complicated,” Iris said, looking away. “This place isn’t mine, and I didn’t want to impose on you or make things awkward.”Ryan frowned.

“Iris, this is your home too, at least for now. You don’t have to feel like you’re imposing. If your mother wants to visit, she’s welcome here.”Iris felt a lump in her throat. “It’s not that simple, Ryan. My mother is very traditional and I don’t want to disappoint her.

“Ryan’s expression softened. “Iris, I understand. But you don’t have to handle this alone. We’ll figure it out together.”

“Thank you, Ryan,” Iris said, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. “I appreciate that.”

As Iris stood there, a comfortable silence settled between them. She glanced up at Ryan, searching his face for any sign of resentment.

Instead, she found understanding and something else she couldn’t quite place.

Iris and Ryan walked back into the mansion quietly.

“Are you hungry? I made some food,” Iris said.”Actually, I’m very hungry and could eat a whole being,” Ryan replied, and they both started laughing.

Iris headed straight to the kitchen and asked the maid to serve the food she had made.

She then went to sit with Ryan at the dining table. Sarah, the maid, came out from the kitchen and served them the food.

“Looks amazing. I’m sure I’ll eat non-stop,” Ryan said, chuckling.”Stop messing around, Ryan,” Iris said with a light laugh.

Suddenly, Iris remembered something and quickly rushed up to her room after dishing out Ryan’s food.

She opened her drawer but couldn’t find what she was looking for. She checked her wardrobe, flipping through her dresses and boxes, then checked the table in her room and the second drawer.

Finally, she found it. But as she brought it out, she heard a scream from downstairs.

Iris’s heart leaped into her throat. She rushed downstairs, her mind racing. When she reached the dining room, she was met with a horrifying sight.