Chapter 7 Chapter 7
Iris
I stood frozen in the doorway, the note trembling between my fingers. My pulse thudded so loud I could hear it in my teeth.
I know about your affair.
The words echoed in my skull, sending a shiver down my spine.
“What… does this mean?” I whispered to no one, my voice shaking.
I flipped the paper over, desperate for context—another line, a name, anything—but the back was blank.
My stomach knotted.
Way to go Iris, you’re officially fucked!
This was bad, real bad.
I lifted the paper to my nose, searching for a scent but it was musty. No hint of who had been inside my room.
Whoever dropped this… they were long gone and they were careful.
My gaze swept across the room and I wondered if this was an inside job. Whoever knew could access my room or maybe it was someone who wasn’t supposed to be here at all.
My chest constricted and I had to remind myself to breathe as every possible explanation spiraled through my head.
Who knew?
Who saw?
Who followed me that night?
Who had access to my room?
My heart slammed faster, every beat scraping against bone.
If this person talked to my father and told him I had been with Darius—
He wouldn’t just disown me.
He would kill me for sabotaging Vickie’s engagement.
A cold wave washed through me so hard my knees nearly buckled. I pressed my palm against the wall to steady myself.
Panic went through me and I concluded I needed help, I wasn't cut out for things like this. Vickie was the only person that could come to mind.
Quickly, I shoved the note into my pocket and hurried out, shutting the door as quietly as I could.
This was Vickie's domain. I recalled how she’d been blackmailed and tracked the man in less than a day.
Hopefully, she'll help me without finding out the secret.
With hurried steps I got to her room just next to mine and knocked on it.
“Vickie!” I called out and when I got no response my patience wore thin and turned the door knob only to find the room empty.
“Damn it,” I breathed. Looking at the wall clock it was a bit past eight and she was still out.
My fingers curled and I really hoped she wasn't doing anything stupid. Like I did.
I expelled a long sigh, just when I needed her the most.
Disappointed, I was about to leave till it hit me that I had to cover for her. Vickie had a way of involving me in her mess and if Father found out she disobeyed his orders again my ass would also be torched for it.
Leaning over her bed, I grabbed two pillows off and shoved them under her blanket, shaping them into a body.
I stepped back, squinting at the lump. It looked… passable. From a distance, it could fool someone.
Hopefully. I switched off the light and shuffled out with a heavy sigh.
Now what was I supposed to do?
Someone out there had the upper hand and could be possibly laughing at me
And panic wasn’t helping.
I forced my breathing steady and walked to the room and did the only thing I could do… wait.
Morning light flitted through the curtains when my alarm blared awake. I groaned, smacking the off button with my palm.
I was still exhausted from tossing and turning all night, but I pushed myself up, my eyes involuntarily going to the floor.
There was no new note.
Was that a good or bad sign? I couldn’t tell.
And just like I did yesterday, I carried on with my day like my nerves weren’t shot from the potential blackmail.
After a long warm lavender bath, I got dressed in a t-shirt and grey sweatpants. I just wanted to lay low and the combo always did the trick when I was having a not-so-good time.
I headed downstairs, trying to hold myself together. This was the real test acting normal under the scrutiny of my father’s gaze.
Deep breaths. The mantra played in my head as I descended the stairs one deliberate step at a time.
Father was seated at the head of the table, early as always.
“Father,” I greeted, keeping my head low.
“Where is your sister?” he asked the moment I approached.
I stiffened. I had totally forgotten about Vickie.. “I—I don’t know, she might not be hungry.” I stammered, fingers curling tight around the back of the chair.
He narrowed his gaze then dipped his head. “After breakfast, go get her. We’re going to the royal tailor today for her wedding dress.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, Father. I’ll get her.”
With no other words, I sat down as breakfast was served. Varieties of meals were brought, pancakes, bacon… you know the boring stuff.
Though everything looked appealing I had no appetite.
Vickie wasn’t here which meant I had my father’s loving attention all to myself so I had to act normal, not to stir up his suspicions.
I gulped down as much food as I could to look convincing, he kept glancing at me as if I were deliberately ruining his mood by existing, and the tension pressing against my ribs wasn’t helping either.
“I’m full.” I muttered which I never did. It must have sounded silly there was no turning back, I stood and gave a bow then slipped away from the table and climbed the stairs two at a time praying within Vickie was in.
When I got to her room her door sat crookedly open, which was a good sign. I pushed it wider, my eyes growing big as I took in her condition as she lay carelessly on the bed.
She looked like a disaster that had gotten into a fight with another disaster and lost.
Her hair was everywhere, makeup smeared, dress wrinkled, empty bottle by her foot. And the smell—alcohol, sweat, whatever bar perfume she’d walked through.
“Vickie,” I whispered, closing the door completely. “How long were you out?”