The Contracted Stripper

Back at the Mansion….

As the front door closed behind Ryan and Iris, an uneasy silence settled over the dining room.

Mrs. Rose, ever the hostess, quickly motioned for everyone’s attention.

“Please, everyone, let’s not dwell on Ryan and Iris leaving early. Let’s continue with our food and drinks. Tonight is about celebrating Ivy’s success.”

She raised her glass in a toast, and the remaining guests followed suit. The awkwardness gradually disappeared as they focused on the celebration at hand. Conversation and laughter filled the room once more, and the atmosphere lightened.

Eventually, the dinner drew to a close. Guests began to thank Ivy for the invitation and slowly went out of the mansion.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

As the last of the guests departed, Bella remained seated, her eyes following the Kendricks with an elegant smile.

Mr. Kendrick, noticing Bella, walked over to her.

“Bella, it’s always a pleasure to have you with us.

How are your parents doing?”

“They’re doing well, Mr. Kendrick. I’ll be sure to extend your greetings to them.

“Please do. It was wonderful seeing you again.”With that, he retired to his room, leaving Mrs. Rose, Ivy, and Bella in the opulent sitting room.

The three women, each strikingly beautiful and poised, shared a moment of companionship.

“Thank you so much for coming, Bella. Your presence means a lot to us, especially to me tonight.” Ivy said.

“Yes, Bella, thank you. How is your mother? And how’s your career going?” Mrs Rose asked

Bella’s smile was as graceful as ever.

“Mother is doing well, thank you. She’s currently managing a new project in Europe. As for me, my career is going splendidly. I’ve just signed with a new brand and have a few exciting campaigns lined up.” Bella replied

“We’re so proud of you, Bella. You’ve always been a great help to Ivy. You’re like family to us.” Mrs Rose said.

Bella’s eyes sparkled with genuine affection, though a flicker of something else lingered beneath the surface. “Thank you, Mrs. Rose,” Bella replied.

“It means a lot to me. I hope Iris is doing well. She didn’t seem too good tonight.”

Ivy rolled her eyes while Mrs. Rose’s face hardened. “Who cares if Iris is fine? She can go to hell for all I care. I still can’t believe how Ryan would settle for a low-life whore when he has a diamond-like you. Mrs Rose said.

“Bella blushed slightly at the compliment, her smile never faltering. “It’s fine, Mrs. Rose. It’s his choice, and I’m happy for him if that’s what he wants. We should all be happy for him. Bella said

“Ivy sighed, shaking her head, “Oh Bella, you’re such a gem. I don’t know how Ryan was blind enough not to see that. Iris has nothing to offer. She’s only married to my brother because of his wealth and fame. But look at you, you have pure love for him

“Bella’s smile remained, though her eyes darkened momentarily as she said, “Well, it’s going to be fine. I should take my leave now.

“Alright, dear. Take care. Mrs Rose replied

“Ivy stood up to see Bella out. They walked to the door together, exchanging a few more pleasantries. Bella’s composure was impeccable, masking the storm of emotions swirling within her.

As she got into her car, Bella couldn’t help but replay the evening in her mind.

Seeing Ryan with Iris had stirred a deep-seated anger and frustration within her. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white.

The sight of Ryan pulling out the dining chair for Iris had been the final straw, a painful reminder of the love she had longed for but never received.

“Why can’t he see what’s right in front of him? I’ve always been there for him, always loved him. And he chooses her?”Her mind raced as she drove away from the mansion, the luxurious surroundings blurring past her.

She couldn’t let this go on any longer. If Ryan was blind to Iris’s manipulations, she would have to open his eyes.

She had to find a way to make him see the truth, to realize that she was the one who truly cared for him. Back at the mansion, Mrs. Rose and Ivy settled back into the sitting room, their earlier warmth now replaced with cold determination.

“Mom, Bella is such a wonderful person. I wish Ryan could see that.”

“He will, Ivy. Eventually, he will see through Iris’s facade. We just need to be patient, Mrs Rose replied.

“I hope so. I can’t stand to see him with her any longer. Ivy said.

“Neither can I, darling. But we must be strategic about this. Iris’s time here will come to an end, and when it does, we’ll be ready.” Mrs Rose said.

They shared a look of mutual understanding. The Kendricks were nothing if not resilient, and they had no intention of letting Iris disrupt their family any longer.

Meanwhile, Bella’s car sped through the night, her mind formulating a plan. She couldn’t sit idly by and watch Iris tear Ryan apart.

She had to act, and she had to act swiftly. As she drove, she made a silent vow to herself.

“I will protect Ryan from her. No matter what it takes.”