Chapter 2

Weeks had passed since the incident with Melissa, but Iris still felt the sting of humiliation. Ever since that day, she had withdrawn from everyone. She barely spoke, only focusing on her tasks before retreating to her room after work.

She had even stopped taking her breaks in the garden, fearing another confrontation with Mrs. McCall. The last thing she wanted was more unnecessary drama.

One evening, as she headed to her room for a quick rest, her phone rang. Thinking it was her father, she answered without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?" she said, her voice quiet.

"Iris, how could you be so heartless?"

Iris was shocked, the unexpected accusation catching her off guard. She frowned, trying to place the voice—and then it hit her.

"Emily?" she whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, it's me! Iris Wilson, can't believe you forgot I even existed"

Iris felt her heart race. Emily—her best friend. The same Emily who had left the country years ago without a trace. She had thought she'd never hear from her again.

"I can't believe it's you," Iris breathed.

"Believe it, girl! Now, tell me—what's been going on? We have so much to catch up on!"

Iris sighed. Where would she even start? "Honestly, since you left… a lot has happened. But it's not something I can explain over the phone."

"Then let's meet up," Emily suggested immediately.

Iris hesitated. "I don't think it'll be that easy."

"Why not? Where do you work?" Emily asked curiously.

There was a long pause before Iris finally answered, "At the McCall mansion."

Silence.

Then Emily let out a dramatic gasp. "Wait, WHAT?! You're working for the richest family in LA? Girl, you better not tell me your salary isn't a million dollars!" she joked.

Iris rolled her eyes. "Come on, Emily. This isn't the time for jokes."

"Fine, fine. But seriously, we need to talk in person. I'll be coming over this weekend, so get ready, baby girl. We have a LOT to catch up on."

Iris smiled for the first time in a long while. "Yeah, sure. No problem. I have to go now—I still have work to do."

"Alright, take care!" Emily said before they ended the call.

Just as Iris opened her door to step out, she froze.

Mrs. McCall was standing right there, arms crossed, eyes sharp.

"This woman just won't leave me alone," Iris thought bitterly.

She forced herself to lower her gaze and was about to greet Melissa when—

"What were you doing in there?" Melissa snapped. "You have work to do!"

Iris opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word—

"You good-for-nothing fool! Get out of my sight and get back to work!" Melissa yelled, her voice laced with venom.

Iris clenched her fists but said nothing. With a small nod, she turned on her heel and walked away.

She was used to this by now.

The week passed by quickly, and before Iris knew it, the weekend had arrived—the day of Emily's visit.

She had been restless all morning, worried that Melissa might create unnecessary drama while her best friend was here. She could endure humiliation in front of strangers, but in front of Emily? That was something she couldn't bear.

After completing her daily tasks, Iris hurried to her room to freshen up and prepare to meet the friend she hadn't seen in years. Even now, she still couldn't believe Emily was back.

As she sat on the edge of her bed, memories of their childhood flashed through her mind—the laughter, the secrets, the mischief they had shared. Had Emily changed? Would she still be the same person Iris remembered?

A sudden knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Miss Iris, your guest has arrived."

Her heart skipped a beat. Emily was here.

"Gosh, I got so lost in thought that I forgot to finish dressing!" Iris muttered, quickly getting up.

She glanced at her wardrobe. She didn't have much. With a sigh, she pulled out a simple white gown—the best she had—and slipped it on before heading downstairs.

As she reached the veranda on the last floor, she froze.

There, sitting elegantly, was Emily.

Her long brown hair cascaded down her back in luxurious waves, and she was dressed in one of the finest designer outfits Iris had ever seen. She looked breathtaking—like she had stepped straight out of a high-class fashion magazine.

Iris swallowed hard. Was this really the same Emily she had grown up with?

A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she glanced down at her own plain white dress. Suddenly, she felt small—insignificant. She hesitated, feeling as though she no longer belonged by Emily's side.

"I guess our lives have really changed over the years," she thought sadly as she forced herself to walk forward.

"Emily..." Iris whispered softly, still in shock.

Before she could say another word, Emily ran toward her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"I can't believe this!" they both exclaimed at the same time, then burst into laughter.

Emily pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning Iris with admiration. "Wow, you look so beautiful, Iris! So, tell me—do you have a charming prince in your life yet?" she teased.

Iris rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on, Emily! You never stop with your jokes."

Emily smirked. "I'm serious! Speaking of beauty, we should be saying that to you. Oh, hail the goddess of beauty!"

They both giggled, the warmth of their friendship washing away the years of separation.

"You've really changed, Emily," Iris said, shaking her head.

Emily waved her hand dismissively. "Forget about that. We have so much to catch up on."

With that, they headed to the garden, chatting away like old times. Hours passed in what felt like minutes, and soon it was time for Emily to leave.

Iris insisted on escorting her to the main gate. But the moment they stepped outside, she froze.

Parked outside were two sleek black cars with several well-dressed bodyguards standing by.

One of the men in a suit approached. "Miss Emily, everything is ready."

Iris's mouth fell open. Who would have thought her childhood friend had become so influential?

Then it hit her—Emily was the mysterious top designer from France that so many elite families were trying to get an appointment with.

Emily, noticing her shock, quickly excused herself from the bodyguards and turned to Iris, pulling her into another hug.

"I'm going to miss you, girl. I wish we could just go together," she murmured.

She pulled away, her hands resting on Iris's shoulders. "Please take care of yourself, and remember—I'm always here for you. Feel free to call me anytime, any day, okay?"

Tears welled up in Iris's eyes. Who would have thought that someone outside her father would love and care for her this much?

As Emily stepped into the car, Iris watched her leave, a bit

tersweet feeling settling in her chest.