Chapter 11
I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
Yet Iris seemed blissfully unaware of my presence.
Her attention was entirely on Gareth Lawson, who was her boyfriend back then. He sat at a window–side table, wearing a smirk that suggested he believed he owned everything in sight.
I despised him with every fiber of my being.
He was entirely unworthy of her.
For weeks, I lingered in the shadows, admiring Iris from afar. I committed to memory the way she twirled her hair when focused, the gentle bite on her lip whenever
1/11
Chapter 11
9 | ફેબો કાળો
I dies in jou ajdures
+5 Pointe
she read something intriguing.
But she never saw me.
And when I discovered they were getting married, I fled the country.
I convinced myself it was time to move on, to erase her from my mind. Yet forgetting Iris Keaton proved impossible.
Years later, when I heard she had married Quentin Brooks instead, my immediate reaction was that I was too late once again.
By the time I realized just how much she needed help, how trapped she felt, it was already too late.
But now, standing here, observing her in the kitchen, I vowed not to let her slip away this
time.
2/11
Chapter 11
+5 Points
No matter what.
I leaned against the doorway, watching her prepare breakfast.
She was still somewhat uneasy around me, avoiding eye contact and nervously handling the utensils, but a newfound warmth marked her movements. She was beginning to settle in.
Her small but noticeable baby bump stirred a mix of emotions within me–protectiveness, admiration, and an unnamed depth I wasn’t ready to confront.
“Iris,” I called, taking a step into the room.
She glanced up, startled, then quickly turned back to the stove. “Yes?”
3/11
Chapter 11
Les do ou dung
+5 Points
“I’ve arranged a doctor’s appointment for your this afternoon,” I said.
Her hand halted mid–stir. “You did what?”
“For the baby,” I clarified, stepping closer. “It’s important to ensure everything’s alright.”
Her brows knitted together, and for a moment, I expected resistance. But she sighed, nodding, “Fine.”
We shared breakfast at the modest dining table by the window. The conversation was light, almost pleasant.
She was warming up to me, and I wasn’t going to squander this opportunity.
At the hospital, Iris sat in the waiting area, her hands lying restlessly in her lap.
4/11
Chapter 11
+ 5 Points
The appointment dragged on longer than anticipated, and her fidgeting started to return.
“I’ll get us some water,‘ I offered, standing up. “There’s a vending machine down the hall.”
She nodded, her gaze drifting toward the window.
I left her briefly.
When I returned, her seat was vacant.
Panic gripped my chest.
“Iris?” I called, scanning the room. Silence.
Frantically, I searched the hallway. She wouldn’t just disappear. Something must be
wrong.
5/11
Chapter 11
+ 5 Points
I clenched my jaw, forcing a calm exterior. While I had men stationed outside the hospital, if she had wandered off without a word, it was crucial I find her first.
I was midway down the corridor when hurried footsteps echoed behind me.
“Wesley!”
I turned to see Iris rushing toward me, her cheeks flushed, her breath quick and shallow.
“What happened?” I asked, moving swiftly to meet her.
Her eyes were wide and frantic, words spilling out in a rush. “I saw him. The doctor who operated on my mother. He’s here, Wesley. We have to speak to him. He could
6/11
Chapter 11
+5 Points
provide the testimony we need against Quentin.”
I didn’t question her certainty. The resolve in her eyes was convincing enough.
Gently, I took her arm. “Where did you see him?”
She pointed down the hall. “There. He was heading toward the east wing,” she explained, describing the doctor.
I pulled out my phone and called one of my men. “Get inside the hospital. We’re searching for a doctor. Male, mid–forties, wearing a white coat. Tied to the Keaton case. East Wing. Aaron Reid.”
The terse voice on the other end replied, “Understood.”
7/11
Chapter 11
+ 5 Points
I hung up, looking at Iris. “Let’s go.”
We navigated the hospital, moving quickly yet discreetly. My men fanned out, covering multiple floors.
Iris stayed close, eyes nervously darting from corner to corner. The east wing was eerily quiet. We checked each corridor, but the doctor was nowhere to be found.
“He was just here,” Iris whispered, frustration edging her voice.
“Keep searching,” I urged. “He can’t have gone far.”
We pushed open doors, examined waiting areas, asked nurses; no one seemed aware of his whereabouts.
My phone buzzed. One of my men.
8/11
Chapter 11
+ 5 Points
“Sir, no sight of him inside. We’re checking
the exterior now.””
I exhaled sharply. “We’re
heading out.”
As we stepped outside, the evening air washed over us. Iris stayed close, scanning the parking lot and the shadows around the hospital.
The vicinity buzzed with activity- ambulances arriving, nurses taking breaks- but the doctor was nowhere in sight.
“Wesley,” Iris murmured, pointing to the side of the building. “He might’ve headed that way.”
I nodded, gesturing to two nearby men. “Check that direction.”
9/11
Chapter 11
+5 Points
They moved quickly, disappearing into the darkness.
Iris and I took the opposite path. We reached the building’s edge, where an alley opened up to a small loading dock.
“Do you think bo
ran?” Iris asked, her voice
barely above a whisper.
“Possibly,” I replied. “Or maybe he’s hiding, having spotted you.”
Before I could say anything more, a piercing scream shattered the night air.
Our heads snapped upwards, eyes locking onto the rooftop.
Frozen, we stood below, staring at the lifeless form crumpled on the pavement.
10/11
Chapter 11
It was the doctor.
+ 5 Points
11/11
