26. Iris
26
IRIS
T he cool of the bathroom wrapped around me like a damp towel, taking the edge off the fever that burned on my skin. I put my bag on the countertop, leaned over the sink, and rested my forehead against the mirror.
My breath fogged up the glass. What the hell was I even doing here? How had Iris Hawthorne, everyone’s favourite dental nurse, ended up in the palatial washroom at the Paris Opera? Not only that, I wore a dress that didn’t suit my colouring and had made a complete fool of myself. No wonder Luc’s sister had curled her lip so often. I could barely stand myself right now.
And then Luc had gone and said, “I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye,” and threw my brain into turmoil.
I shook my head and stuck my tongue out at my reflection. Digging into my bag, I looked for my phone. Had Chloe messaged me? It was unlike her not to be chomping at the bit for details. She hadn’t even asked about my flight. It wasn’t every day one of us travelled on a private jet. I figured that at least deserved a quick text .
I found my phone, opened up the screen. The second it flickered to life, though, my stomach churned. A text from Nathan sat unread. On cursory glance it could be just another silly picture of Stuart. Something to put me on edge. Instead, it started with the word: “IMPORTANT.” I opened the message with a trembling finger.
Nathan: Iris. I like to think I’ve been reasonable. It’s been six months since we split, and I really need the money you owe me. If you can’t pay me back, I’ll have to move in a few weeks, and I can’t promise I’ll be able to take Stuart with me. Nath
I gripped my lip with my teeth, his words leaving a nasty taste in my mouth. We split ? He out and out cheated on me! In my home. He gave me no choice but to leave. But his words set my teeth on edge.
Up until now, his texts were jeering, like a retaliation for me walking out. But something about this message felt different. Business-like. Formal. Almost reasonable. Nathan was anything but reasonable when he had an agenda
I hovered my fingers over the keys of my phone, my skin burning. But instead of replying to Nathan, I texted Chloe.
Iris: Chlo, are you awake and alone? Sorry to ask, but I may need some advice.
Almost immediately, three little balls bounced underneath my message and my heart jumped for joy. Thank goodness Chloe was such a prompt correspondent.
Chloe: Don’t tell me Luc proposed for real? I told you he couldn’t keep his eyes off you. When’s the wedding? [Smiley face emoji] [confetti cannon] [red heart] [eggplant emoji ]
I huffed out a breath through my nostrils. Even in a crisis, Chloe could always make me smile.
Iris: No. No proposal. Nathan messaged me. He says he needs the money I owe him, pronto. He’s thinking of moving out, and he isn’t sure he can take Stuart.
Chloe: What the actual? Well, at least Luc will pay you the money soon, and you can get Stuart back. He probably misses you. He loves you so much.
I prepared to type a response, but an icy voice stopped me mid text.
“You’re not fooling anyone, you know.”
My skin crawled, and I turned around slowly, putting my phone on the counter. Damn, damn, damn for bitter, interfering sisters.
“Oh, hello Delphine. I didn’t hear you come in.” I wanted to add something about snakes moving silently, but I didn’t think that’d help Luc very much. “What’s not fooling anyone?”
“You,” she ground out, dragging her eyes over me. “This little charade with Luc. I know something’s not right.”
“Really?” I turned my back on her, pretending to check my hair in the mirror. “What exactly isn’t right? I’m sure you’re just dying to tell me.”
Her eyebrows lifted a little in the soft overhead light. The boldness in my voice surprised even me. Inside, I was a churning mess.
“I have no idea who you are.”
Right now, neither did I.
“And you know, it’s funny. I’ve tried to find out and every time my grandmother gave me another story about your past, the details became more and more ridiculous. One day you’re an alpaca heiress with a poet for a mother, the next you’re a yodelling expert and both your parents trained as acrobats. Which is it?”
I cringed inside. Who mentioned acrobats? Nevertheless, she had a valid point. I’d gone completely overboard with my lies. I only had myself to blame for her calling me out.
“And I can’t help but wonder, why are you so interested in my brother suddenly? His wealth is hardly a secret. Based on your stories, you can’t have known each other for long.”
Try a week and a half.
I turned around to face Delphine, but she paced back and forth, her heels clacking on the black floor tiles.
“And then there’s the hurried engagement. Why so fast?”
Er, did someone say evil codicil put in place by a vindictive father?
Delphine continued, as if I wasn’t there. “It’s almost like you’re rushing to secure your place before anyone can ask too many questions.” Her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. “Please tell me you’re not pregnant.”
I scoffed, about to respond to her accusation, but a realisation swept over me. Of course. She had no idea I knew about their father’s will. About the codicil and Luc’s predicament. She genuinely thought we were engaged, and that I had dubious intentions. And on some twisted level, she was worried about her brother.
Call it an attack of conscience, but an icy wave swept over my body, and I gripped the edge of the marble sink. She cared for Luc. Was looking out for him. Would probably fight tooth and nail to keep him safe from his sketchy new fiancée. The possibility hadn’t crossed my mind until now, and my gut tugged in response. Was I ready to cause a huge family rift?
When I didn’t speak, Delphine turned on me, coming closer, the sneer firmly back on her face. I stepped back, my bottom touching the edge of the counter.
“I’ve seen your type come and go before. In fact, my brother has spent most of his adult life fighting off women like you. Women without breeding—just looking for an easy way up the ladder. But let me tell you, you won’t find it here.”
I opened my mouth. I probably resembled a fish gasping for air, but she persisted.
“And it will break my grandmother’s heart if she learns that you’re not who you say you are.”
Oh, holy crap. Way to bring Estelle into the mix. She’d gone right for my jugular. But she wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. Luc’s sister had well and truly called me out for lying. Her suspicions may not be accurate, but she knew I was some sort of fraud.
I sucked on my lips before turning on the tap and running my hands under the jet of water.
“And another thing…”
I met her eyes in the mirror. “I think it’s best if you go, Delphine. You’ve already said enough.” Tipping an eyebrow at my would-be sister-in-law, I turned and walked into the toilet stall, closing the door and bracing myself against the sparkling white wall tiles.
I held my breath, listening for sounds. All I heard was feet shuffling, some more clacking of heels, and a long sigh. After that, a long silence stretched out before a muted clatter reached my ears, followed by more footsteps and the door closing.
I waited inside the stall for another minute. Nobody else came in and, finally feeling safe, I poked my head around the door. As I suspected, the room was empty, and I walked back to the mirror. As I reached out to grab my bag, though, I froze.
My phone wasn’t where I’d left it. It was further away from my purse. Much further away. Silent fingers crept over the back of my neck. I touched the screen, lighting it back up, and I let out a moan. My eyes zeroed in on Chloe’s words.
“Luc will pay you the money soon, and you can get Stuart back. He probably misses you. He loves you so much. ”
My heart did a pole-vault in my chest and I swear every drop of my blood pooled in my feet, leaving my head reeling. Delphine had looked at my phone. And not only that, but every word in Chloe’s text also confirmed her suspicions. Luc and I were hastily engaged, and he was paying me for the privilege.