Chapter 195
Iris
I stare at my reflection in the full–length mirror, barely recognizing myself. The sapphire blue dress hugs my curves perfectly, flowing in a silky cascade to just above my knees.
Unlike the emerald dress that was destroyed at the gala or the stuffy outfit from the photoshoot, this one actually feels like me–elegant but with an artistic edge, a woman who could stand confidently beside the Alpha President without looking like she’s trying too hard.
I run my hands down the silky fabric, smoothing it over my hips. Caleb has good taste, I’ll give him that. The cut is daring enough to be sexy without crossing into inappropriate territory, and the color looks nice on my skintone.
“You look pretty, Mommy,” Miles says from the doorway.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” I reply, turning to smile at him. Remember, Alice will be staying with you tonight. I won’t be gone long.”
Miles nods, but his eyes are already drifting back to his toy. He’s had a hard time focusing on anything else since Caleb gave it to him yesterday. I’m glad, at least, that he seems to like Caleb so much. If there’s even a slim chance that Miles can finally be accepted by a family, then I’m happy.
–
Still, I can’t believe I’m actually doing this going to visit the place that should have been my home, to spend time with the brother I never knew I had.
It feels unreal, like I’m stepping into someone else’s life. And after what Arthur said about the Willfords and their motives yesterday, I’m still wary that it might be some kind of trap. I double check my purse one last time to make sure I have my pepper spray, just in case. Emi will be waiting in the car, too, so I won’t be alone.
With one last goodbye, I make my way out to the car.
The drive takes us out of the city, through winding roads that climb into the hills where Ordan’s elite make the homes. I’m surprised Arthur didn’t purchase any land out here when he took position as President, but I suppose sprawling McMansions were never really his style.
When we finally reach the Willford estate, my breath catches.
It’s not just a mansion; it’s practically a castle. An imposing gate swings open to reveal sprawling grounds with manicured gardens, fountains, and a circular driveway leading to a massive stone structure that could easily house fifty people.
This was supposed to be my home?
Emi opens my door, and I step out, nearly stumbling on the gravel because I’m so busy staring up at the mansion in awe. How is this real? How is any of this real? I grew up in an orphanage with twenty other kids, sharing a room with three other girls, wearing hand–me–downs and eating whatever was cheap and filling.
And all along, this was where I was meant to grow up.
It feels like a practical joke. Or a fever dream.
I glance at Emi and give her a meaningful look. She nods silently without me even having to say anything.
I made her promise to keep tonight between us; I think she might suspect that I’m cheating on Arthur or something, but thankfully she’s loyal enough to me to agree to not say anything for three days. I gave her a bit of a reprimand, too, for violating my privacy yesterday—I still feel a little bad about it, but I guess it’s something I’ll have to get used to now that I’m… a Willford.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 195
The massive front door swings open before I reach it, and Caleb steps out, dressed in a casual but clearly expensive sweater and slacks. His smile is warm and genuine as he greets me.
“Iris,” he says, taking me in. “You look incredible in that dress. I knew it was perfect for you.”
“Thank you,” I reply, suddenly self–conscious. “This place is… overwhelming.”
Caleb glances over his shoulder at the mansion. “I suppose it is, if you’re not used to it. But it was meant to be your home too.” There’s a hint of sadness in his words that makes my chest tighten.
He offers me his arm. “Come inside. Let me show you
around.”
The foyer alone is bigger than my entire apartment, with soaring ceilings, marble floors, and a huge curved staircase. Priceless artwork hangs on the walls, and a crystal chandelier glitters overhead.
“This is the main hall,” Caleb explains as he leads me deeper into the house. “Most of the formal rooms are on this floor–the dining room, library, musič room, the sitting rooms.”
Sitting rooms. Plural.
I try to take it all in as we walk through room after room, but it’s a lot to handle. There’s a library with floor–to- ceiling shelves filled with leather–bound books. A music room with a grand piano. A sunroom overlooking gardens that seem to stretch for miles.
