A HEART REVEALED

Chapter two

Iris pov

I sat by the cluttered desk, deep in thought as I scrolled through potential high school websites. I wanted to study my dream course, but the weight of tuition fees loomed large. I didn't want to burden my father. Ever since we lost our mother, he has been doing everything he could to support me and my younger brother, Liam.

Time slipped away unnoticed. Panic set in when I finally glanced at the clock. It was already two o'clock! I hastily shut the laptop and scrambled to get ready for work. I cursed under my breath, realizing how late I was.

After throwing on my clothes, i stepped into the living room. I found my brother, Liam lounging on the couch, engrossed in a movie. "I'm off to work. "Take care, okay?" I called out.

He waved back, barely looking away from the screen.

Arriving at Le Claire de Lune, the club's name loomed large at the entrance. I sighed, steeling myself for another shift.

Inside, I spotted my friend Stella, who wasted no time.

"b***h, you're late!"

"I know, I know! "I lost track of time," I replied hurriedly before heading to the changing room. After changing into my uniform, I returned to greet John, another colleague.

He shot me a playful grin. "My love, you look stunning today. Trying to impress someone?"

I smiled, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. Just then, Stella chimed in, "Keep it cute, you two. Don't let Mr. Harry catch you flirting!"

Hours passed with banter flying, when suddenly, a group of guys burst through the door, causing quite a stir. Stella's eyes widened. "Isn't that the popular Mr. Thompson's son? Wow, he's gorgeous! I wish I could have a one-night stand with him."

I was about to respond when Mr. Harry, the club owner, thundered over, his belly leading the way. "Why isn't anyone serving the customers?"

I jumped up, ready to take orders and put the distraction behind me.

As I walked towards the table, i felt a stare. The almighty Mr. Thompson's son was watching me . I glanced back, unimpressed, and noticed his frown.

When I arrived at their table, I took their orders, keeping my tone flat. After jotting down their requests, I turned to leave, oblivious to the piercing glare from Mr. Thompson's son. I delivered their drinks and returned to my spot, only to see John busy with other customers. Harry was nowhere to be found.

Deciding to catch up with my friend Stella, who couldn't stop talking about Mr. Thompson's son. Stella exclaimed, "I just want to sleep with him, even if it's just once!"

I shot her a look of disbelief. "Can we talk about something else? I don't find him attractive at all."

Stella responded, "How can you say that? He's every woman's type!"

I glanced over irritatedly and saw one of Mr. Thompson's son's friends signaled for help. I approached him, asking, "How can I assist you?"

With a flirtatious grin, he replied, "Yes, beautiful, we need more drinks." Unfazed, I turned and headed to get their drinks.

Hours later, i realized my shift was almost over. I approached the so-called Mr. Thompson's table, letting them know it was time to settle the bill.

As his friends cheered him on, he pulled out a black card.

I swiped it, but the machine displayed an error. "It's not working," I said.

"Try again! What are you talking about?" he snapped.

After a second attempt, the error appeared once more. Frustration boiled over.

"Are you kidding me? Did you really think I'd fall for this? A fake card?"

In a fit of rage, he grabbed an expensive bottle and drenched me. His anger drew attention, as gasped echoed around the room, leaving me speechless. I stood frozen and embarrassed.

Luckily, Stella rushed to my side, but Mr. Thompson's son stormed out, his friends and the girls trailing behind. Just before leaving, one of his friends paid with a valid card. They vanished, leaving the chaos behind.

Stella pulled me away from the noise and chaos. Concern gnawed at her. What was going on between Iris and Alex? She knew Iris wouldn't spill the beans today. Not in this mood. Stella decided to wait until later.

I headed into the changing room to freshen up, eager to ditch my work clothes. When I returned to sign out, I didn't even glance at Stella.

John, oblivious to the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Leaving without a kiss?" he teased. But he quickly sensed I wasn't having it. "What's going on?" he asked, but I just stormed off, angry and embarrassed.

On my way home, I couldn’t shake off the humiliation. That guy, the so-called Mr. Thompson's son had absolutely humiliated me. I didn't even know his name. Just thinking about him made her blood boil. He was a total maniac—nothing like his father, Mr. Thompson, whom my dad often praised. Mr. Smith, my father, drove for him and always came home raving about his boss.

What if Alex knew her dad was his father's driver? He could have been even more insulting.

***************

As the taxi pulled up, my mind swirled with thoughts of my lousy day at work. I finally arrived home after what felt like forever.

Unlocking the gate to our three-bedroom flat, I stepped into the living room. There was my dad, and all my anger melted away.

I rushed to hug him tightly. "Dad, please tell me you didn't wait up for me!"

"Welcome home, my lovely daughter. "How was work?" he asked, smiling.

I hesitated. "My day had been dreadful, but she didn't want to worry him. "It was fine. What about you?"

"Also fine," he replied, still grinning.

"Have you eaten? Did you take your meds? I hope they're not stressing you too much. If they are, just resign. I can handle things with my paycheck," i urged.

"Go freshen up and rest. "You must be tired," he said gently.

"I'm not ready for bed yet. "I'll freshen up and come back to chat about our days," I promised.

"Okay," he replied, still smiling.

As I headed to her room, i remembered my younger brother, Liam. "Where's Liam?" I called out.

"He's in his room," my dad answered.

I stripped off my clothes and jumped in the shower. After getting cleaned up, I slipped into a comfy outfit and returned to the living room.

My dad seemed lost in thought. "Dad?" I called softly, but he didn't respond. I raised my voice, "Dad, what's on your mind?"

"Nothing, sweetheart," he said after a moment.

"You promised not to keep secrets from me, i pressed.

"Fine. I was just thinking about your mother. "I miss her dearly," he confessed.

"I miss her too," I said, a lump forming in my throat. "I wish she was here."

We began to reminisce, sharing stories and laughter about the past. At that moment, I forgot all about my terrible day. It was just me and my dad lost in our cherished memories.