ログインI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
Arthur’s jaw tightens. “That’s not—”“Excuse me,” a new voice interrupts, and we turn to see my father approaching. “Veronica, your mother is looking for you.”Veronica’s smile never falters. “Of course, Uncle Francis. We’ll continue our chat later, Iris. I have so many family stories to share with
Iris“Announcing… Lady Iris Willford!” the attendant calls out. “The long-lost Willford heir has returned!”The room goes utterly silent as I step through the doorway. Hundreds of eyes turn to stare at me all at once, and I feel my throat tighten. Fuck. This is even more intense than I imagined.My
Caleb gets in and pulls away from the curb, shaking his head. “That was… impressive.”“Thanks,” I say, my hands trembling slightly in my lap now that we’re safely in the car. “I think I kind of blacked out for a minute there.”“Well, whatever you did, it worked.” He glances at me with newfound respe
IrisThe alarm blares at 5:30 AM, and I groan, slapping at my phone to shut it off. Arthur stirs beside me, one arm still draped possessively across my waist.“Already?” he mumbles, burying his face in my hair.I yawn as I gently try to pull myself from his grip. “Caleb will be here in an hour.”Tod







