Chapter 8

A Moment to Breathe

After the commotion settled, the party slowly returned to its usual rhythm. Music played, guests danced, and conversations resumed. But something had changed.

The whispers hadn't stopped.

Everywhere Iris went, she felt the weight of their gazes—curious, speculative, and sometimes envious. The rumors about her connection to Emily Gibson spread like wildfire.

She could feel it in the air—the murmurs, the side glances, the subtle shifts in attitude. It was suffocating.

Her chest tightened.

I just need a moment.

Without drawing attention, she quietly slipped outside, stepping into the crisp night air.

She inhaled deeply, letting the cool breeze wash over her, hoping it would ease the storm in her mind.

Iris stepped outside, inhaling deeply as the cool night air wrapped around her. She needed a moment—just one moment—to gather her thoughts.

This wasn't how tonight was supposed to go.

She had planned everything perfectly. So why did it feel like everything had spiraled out of control? The whispers, the stares, the unwanted attention—it was all too much.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice Emily's presence until her best friend spoke.

"Hey, Iris, come on. Get over it and come back inside," Emily said lightly. "Just pretend like nothing happened."

Iris let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head. "Easier said than done, Emily. I just... I need a little time alone. I'll come in soon, I promise. I just need to process everything."

Emily studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, if that's what you need. Just don't take too long, okay?"

"Thanks, Em," Iris murmured. "Oh, and can you tell my dad I'll be in soon?"

"Of course," Emily said with a small smile. "Just be careful, and I'll be waiting for you."

With that, Emily turned and walked back inside, leaving Iris alone with her thoughts. She sank onto a nearby bench, staring up at the night sky, trying to make sense of it all.

Soon after much thought she decided to let things pass and stood up to head back towards the party.

As Iris stepped back inside, she braced herself for the lingering stares and whispers. But to her surprise, no one was looking at her.

The sudden shift was shocking. Had the guests already moved on? She decided to follow Emily's advice—act normal, pretend nothing happened, and continue with her night. Keeping her posture poised, she walked forward, her expression unreadable.

From across the room, Mr and Mrs. McCall exchanged glances. They had seen everything but had chosen not to interfere the moment they noticed Emily stepping in. There was no need to get involved when the situation was already being handled.

Soon, the atmosphere shifted as the award ceremony for employee recognition began. The guests turned their attention toward the stage, their excitement growing.

Meanwhile, outside, a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up along the curb, its tinted windows concealing the occupants inside.

"How is the event?" a deep, cold voice asked from the back seat.

"According to my observation, everything is proceeding smoothly, sir," the driver replied.

There was a brief pause before the man spoke again. "Do you want me to drive you there now?"

"Not yet," the voice responded. "Take me to my apartment first."

"As you wish, sir," the driver said, smoothly pulling away from the venue.

As the ceremony neared its end, the announcer's voice rang through the hall.

"And now, for the final award of the evening—our outstanding employee of the year—Mr. Jake Wilson!"

A wave of surprise rippled through the crowd. Jake and Iris turned toward the stage at the same time, both caught off guard by the unexpected announcement.

From his seat, Jake froze. How is this possible? He hadn't anticipated this—he wasn't even sure how his name had ended up on the list. But as the applause grew louder, realization sank in. He had no time to dwell on his shock.

Taking a deep breath, he quickly made his way to the stage, not wanting to keep everyone waiting. Meanwhile, Iris anxiously scanned the room for her father. Where was he? Had he heard the announcement?

And then, she spotted him—Jake, her father, already hurrying toward the stage. A proud smile spread across her face. Watching him, she felt a swell of emotion—happiness, pride, and admiration.

He deserved this.

As Jake accepted his award, the event slowly began winding down. Some guests had already started leaving, while others lingered, waiting for the final moments to wrap up. The closing prayers were said, and the remaining guests gradually made their way out.

Mr. McCall stayed behind to speak with his business partners, while Melissa engaged in polite conversation with a group of high-class ladies. Meanwhile, Emily sat in her seat, scrolling through her phone, when Ms. McCall hesitantly approached.

Emily didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, she stood up abruptly and spoke in a cold, unwavering tone.

"Ms. McCall, I don't know how you treat my best friend, but let me make one thing clear—respect yourself and don't approach me."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Ms. McCall stunned. She stood frozen, speechless, unable to form a response.

Emily made her way toward Iris, her expression softening. "Hey, girl. What's up?"

Iris let out a small sigh. "Well, I still have a lot to do, but I'll manage."

"Nope. You're not doing this alone." Emily smirked. "I'm helping you tonight, and then I'm staying over. No arguments."

Iris knew there was no point in refusing. Before she could even try, Emily had already started picking up plates.

Seeing this, Joe and Melissa hurried over in alarm. "Please, you don't have to do this," they insisted.

Emily barely spared them a glance. "I'm not doing it for you. So move."

All eyes turned to Iris, expecting her to intervene, but before she could say a word, Emily cut her off.

"Don't even think about it."

One by one, the remaining guests left, until only the workers were left behind to clear the venue.