Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 37

My fingers fumbled and palms sweated while I sat beside Derek, lowering my head. The maids were instructed to prepare for a grand lunch to welcome my ideal- Mr. Hamilton.

Derek’s frown was still intact as he sat there beside me like a soul-less man. After his confession last night, he announced Mr. Hamilton’s visit and left me slamming his door. It ached to see him not glancing at me even for once as all I wanted right now was someone to embrace me.

Everything turned upside down. God was surely having his plan to take and give something in return but I would have appreciated if he asked me first what I wanted. Maybe what’s coming is better than before but do I want it? Am I willing to take the risk? Am I comfortable with it? Well, that’s what matters to me. I don’t feel like stepping out of my comfort zone.

Suddenly I remembered his question.

What if they want you back and you don’t feel connected to your recent family, will you go?

Is that what’s going to happen? Is he coming to take me with him? Will Derek let him?’

Sneering inwardly, I turned to look at Derek who still ignored me. I could feel tears brimming in the eyes. I don’t want to go…

“Boss, Mr. Hamilton is here.” The bodyguard announced and my heartbeat escalated.

Derek stood and so did I but in anticipation of what’s coming next, I stepped back a little to hide myself behind him.

Never in my life had I imagined to meet my ideal this way. I ain't sure to celebrate it or just bury under my distress.

“Hello Mr. Hamilton! Hope there wasn’t any trouble in finding this place.” Derek said shaking hands with him but I could see he wasn’t excited.

He wasn’t fazed and it made me think if he was letting go of me finally. Another lump formed in my throat.

“Thank you Derek. There was no problem at all.” He said and from the voice, it was gentle and cheery.

“So, is that… Iris?” The hopeful voice wasn’t missed as tears shed from my eyes which I quickly wiped.

I ain't ready to face anyone but then I felt Derek grip my wrist tightly and pulled me in front only to give me a look that said ‘Behave’. I quickly lowered my eyes finding solace in the white layered rug underneath.

“Hello… Iris.” That calculating soft voice put me in guilt.

Taking deep breaths I faced the man standing in front of me giving the best smile I could muster at that moment.

The gentleness, softness and tender looking face and eyes with few strands of grey strikes in brown hair gave him a loving-father look. The brown eyes and the duchess nose with chiseled jaw-line similar to mine were enough to drop my jaw.

He was my father and there wasn’t any proof needed. He looked like my twin just with the gender changed. Those hopeful eyes with tears as my own stared deep into me; as if trying to memorize my face.

His lips quivered as he laughed lightly between his tears, hands close to my face finally cupping it. He shook his head wiping his tears before saying my name several times like remembering it.

His love was contagious. I could see the tears of happiness, helplessness and struggle when he hesitated to pull me in for a hug. There was hurt on his face but I did what I felt was correct.

I closed the distance embracing him. The warmth along with the protection and safety I felt in his arms made me end up in heart wrenching sobs.

Not knowing what hurt me most; Derek’s indifference or the struggle of this man to just see his daughter for once or the truth, I cried snuggling closer to him. He patted my head, kissing my temple and peppering my face with kisses.

Long strands of apologizes escaped his lips as he assured how things will be alright now and how glad he was just to be able to see me and have me in his arms.

After pulled apart, he still looked incredulously at me. I smiled and turned around to see Derek gone.

“Iris, I heard about your talent and wits in business world. It really made me proud.” Mr. Hamilton said as I nodded.

We talked about our past times; he cursed mom and dad as I explained that they were the best parents I could have asked if not him. He relaxed but he was never going to forgive them and I don’t blame him. As long as he understands that my future wasn’t compromised, it was okay with me.

“So…” He paused. “Are you willing to come back with me?”

I am pretty sure my face lost all its color. I would have if I had no parents or family since long back but I have lived a life with people around me. I have had a brother who is broken and I know he won’t agree but he needed saving. He might act tough but the vulnerability he showed last night and his red eyes that screamed of his sleepless night was giving me a little hope.

Maybe the way he acted right now was a pretense to push me away from him so that if I leave, it won’t hurt him. Maybe this or I am reading too much between the lines but my heart doesn’t agree to leave him all alone.

“There’s no pressure from my end sweetheart, I just… You know…” He said skeptically.

“Uh… I need some time if you don’t mind because it is just too much for me right now.” I said only to see his smile disappear.

“I am glad to have a father like you; in fact it’s a pride to have such a loving father but… Can I just come and visit till I am willing to move in? I can’t leave Derek alone all of a sudden without anyone beside him just because I’ve found another company? He had done way too much for me.” I explained.

He relaxed as he smiled looking amazed . He kissed my forehead nodding his head.

“My little girl has grown so much.” He complimented and thanked me for accepting me after so many ears.

The maid announced the dinner but Derek was still absent which worried me. I excused myself to go and find him.

Please don’t tell me he has decided to give up on me. I can’t leave him…

Derek’s POV

Mad.

Too Mad.

I was upset with me to lose self-control around her but what could I’ve done. Unlike my baby sister, this girl decided to hurt me the most living beside me and pretending to be someone else. All these time, I lived with regret and guilt hoping one day I would open my eyes and find my baby sister in front of my eyes but there she was… mocking my feelings.

I taught her better than this, I taught her to be a fighter and that is the reason when I stabbed her that night, she kept coming back until it infuriated me. I was angry at myself and her why she wasn’t giving up easily because it was f*****g hurting me to see her in that condition.

But I was helpless because of Evelyn…

She isn't a woman trust me. She is wicked and evil. If people consider me and Aiden as Devil, she is worse than us and no wonder; she was capable to manipulate me. But one thing she was unaware of was the fact that with Iris gone, I had no fear left in me. It was her which held me down to the ground, to make me behave humanly but in her abstinence; I was an unleashed beast.

But God was toying with me, enjoying my degradation…

In one moment, I received this news that she is my Iris and the other moment I knew I would have to let her go.

I was scared but what could be done? I know my deeds hurt her to such an extent where she is here with a purpose. I know that she hates me but it is okay unless and until she is here beside me. I can take her betrayal and I expect that from her but to know she doesn’t feel any attachment anymore sank my heart.

There was no doubt she would choose him over me. I wasn’t worth enough after that terrible act. This thing was eating me.

In the morning, I ignored her because just a glimpse of her could have made me pull her into me. I was determined to let her go if that’s what she wanted. A first I was hopeful that she might not leave me but the way she clinged to her father and cried; it affected me.

It made me useless and unworthy because she chose him to show her tears and not me like before. The little Iris would always run to me regardless of where I was or what I would be doing just to hug me and let go of her tears but now I think she has found a new shoulder.

My heart pierced and it was too much for me take this, the confirmation of her leaving. I left them alone and rushed to my study just to cry my heart out. Her hatred is something I can’t take unless she is beside me.

I thought I just needed to fight with Aiden to win her over but now I realized, this relationship was already doomed. Only, if there might be a little possibility; we can start over afresh.

I hoped and prayed for repenting my deeds if only she comes back to me and say she will stay by my side. If she wants she can beat me u like a dead meat, I was even ready to do that but I desperately needed her.

Crying hard, drowning myself in the alcohol; only one wish was etched in my heart.

Please stay with me Iris. I need you!

My eyes dropped as the door ajar. Light footsteps rushed to me and I felt soft pair of hands cupping my face.

“Derek!” The astonishment was clear in her voice.

My eyes shut feeling the pain of hearing that this was her goodbye. “Hmmm…”

I wasn’t saying any words because I was sure to end up crying again and it was inappropriate.

“Let’s go and have lunch.” She urged but I shook my head.

How can I eat when my heart was full of sorrow?

This was just another replay like what happened when she wasn’t here.

“But we should. Mr. Hamilton is waiting downstairs and then he would leave.” She explained and I felt her trembling fingers as she outlined my face.

Leave along with you! No, thanks.

I let her pull me up as she called for a maid and wiped my face with a wet towel. She combed my hair and fixed my clothes in order to improve my appearance. It only made things difficult for me. How was I able to let her go when she was being this sweet and caring?

She offered me lime water as we headed downstairs. I barely touched my food and could feel her glancing at me repeatedly. They stood and I followed. I followed them till the doorway and curb the urge to yank her towards me begging her to stay. I finally watched them walking to his cars as they hugged one other. My heart raced.

He sat in the driver’s seat and she waved at him making me confused.

“Bye Dad…”

“Bye sweetheart”

She turned around running to me and embraced me, leaving me enthralled.

“You-you aren’t leaving…?” I asked.

“Why would I? Now let’s go.” She said pulling apart smiling brightly.

Excitedly, I pulled her into me and cupped her cheeks before kissing her passionately. She pushed me away glaring at me and cursing me storming inside but I just laughed behind her.