CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
The morning of the gala arrived, and Iris dropped Imani off at Sam and Karen’s home. Sitting in their cozy living room, she finally opened up about the struggles she had been enduring in silence. Her friends listened with earnest hearts, offering words of comfort and strength. “Iris, you’re stronger than you think,” Sam told her gently. Karen reached for her hand. “No matter what happens, we’ll always be here for you. Whatever decision you make, you won’t be alone.” A weight lifted from Iris’s chest. For the first time in weeks, she felt truly seen—and cared for. When she returned home, one of the maids, Sara, hurried to her with excitement. “Madam, you have guests waiting in the living room.” Puzzled, Iris walked in, only to stop short in surprise. Seated gracefully on her sofa were
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