A heart revealed

Episode Two

Iris was deep in thought, scrolling through websites about potential college schools. She wanted to study her dream course, but it was important for her to manage her own tuition. She didn’t want to burden her father. Ever since they lost their mother, he had been doing everything he could to support her and her younger brother.

Time slipped away unnoticed. When she finally glanced at the clock, panic set in. It was already two o’clock! She hastily shut her laptop and scrambled to get ready for work. She cursed under her breath, realizing how late she was.

After throwing on her work clothes, she stepped into the living room. Her brother Liam was lounging on the couch, engrossed in a movie. “I’m off to work". "Take care, okay?” she 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. Iris sighed, steeling herself for another shift. Inside, she spotted her friend Stella, who wasted no time. “b***h, you’re late!”

“I know, I know! "I lost track of time,” Iris replied hurriedly before heading to the changing room.

After changing into her uniform, she returned and greeted John, another co-worker. He shot her a playful grin. “My love, you look stunning today. Trying to impress someone?”

She smiled, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Just then, Stella chimed in, “Keep it cute, you two. Don’t let Mr. Harry, see you flirting!”

As they bantered, a group of guys burst through the door, causing quite a stir. Stella’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that the son of Mr Thompson? Wow, he’s gorgeous! I wish I could have a one-night stand with him.”

Iris was about to respond when Mr. Harry, the club owner, thundered over, his belly leading the way. “Why isn’t anyone serving the customers?”

Iris jumped up, ready to take orders and put the distraction behind her. As she walked towards the table, she felt a stare. Mr. Thompson’s son was watching her. She glanced back, unimpressed, and noticed his frown.

When she arrived at their table, she took their orders, keeping her tone flat. After jotting down their requests, she turned to leave, oblivious to the piercing glare from Mr. Thompson.

She delivered their drinks and returned to her spot, only to see John busy with other customers. Harry was nowhere to be found. She decided to catch up with her 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!” Iris 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!” Iris sighed. She glanced over and saw one of his friends signaling for help.

She approached him, asking, “How can I assist you?” With a flirtatious grin, he replied, “Yes, beautiful, we need more drinks.” Unfazed, she turned and headed to get their drinks.

Returning to Stella, they kept chatting. Before long, she realized her shift was almost over. She approached 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. She swiped it, but the machine displayed an error. “It’s not working,” she 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 her. His anger drew attention, leaving her speechless.

She stood frozen, embarrassed. Luckily, Stella rushed to her side, but Mr. Thompson’s son stormed out, his friends and girls trailing behind. Just before leaving, one of his friends paid with a valid card.

They vanished, leaving the chaos behind. Stella pulled Iris 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. Iris headed into the changing room to freshen up. She was ready to ditch her work clothes. When she returned to sign out, she 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 Iris wasn’t having it.

“What’s going on?” he asked, but she just stormed off, angry and embarrassed. Iris was deep in thought on her way home. That guy, the one everyone called Mr. Thompson's son had absolutely humiliated her. She 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 her dad often praised. Mr. Smith, her 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, Iris's mind swirled with thoughts of her lousy day at work. She finally arrived home after what felt like forever. Unlocking the gate to their three-bedroom flat, she stepped into the living room. There was her dad, and all her anger melted away. She rushed to hug him tightly. “Dad, please tell me you didn’t wait for me!”

“Welcome home, my lovely daughter.

"How was the work?” he asked, smiling. She hesitated. Her 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,” she 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,” she promised.

“Okay,” he replied, still smiling. As she headed to her room, she remembered her younger brother, Liam. “Where’s Liam?” she called out.

“He’s in his room,” her dad answered. Iris stripped off her clothes and jumped in the shower. After getting cleaned up, she slipped into a comfy outfit and returned to the living room. Her dad seemed lost in thought.

“Dad?” she called softly, but he didn’t respond. She raised her voice, “Dad, what’s on your mind?”

“Nothing, sweetheart,” he said after a moment. “You promised not to keep secrets from me,” she pressed.

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

“I miss her too,” Iris said, a lump forming in her throat. “I wish she were here.” They began to reminisce, sharing stories and laughter about the past. At that moment, Iris forgot all about her terrible day. It was just her and her dad, lost in their cherished memories.