Iris and Theo stepped outside the mansion.
The morning air was cool, and sunlight spread across the enormous Blackwood estate.
A black luxury sedan was waiting near the entrance.
Theo glanced at Iris.
"That's your ride."
Iris looked at the car, then back at him.
"Damien actually sent a driver?"
"I told you. He's serious about his rules."
Iris sighed.
"I'm starting to regret signing that agreement."
Theo laughed.
"You signed it yesterday."
"And I'm already regretting it."
The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.
Iris turned to Theo.
"Thanks for walking me out."
"No problem."
She was about to get into the car when Theo suddenly said,
"Wait."
Iris turned around.
"What?"
"When you meet Sienna, tell her I said hi."
Iris smiled.
"You haven't even met her."
"Exactly. I'm introducing myself early."
She laughed.
"Okay, I'll tell her."
Theo grinned.
"And don't let Damien ruin your morning."
"I'll try."
Iris got into the car, and the driver closed the door.
As the car pulled away from the mansion, she leaned back against the seat and looked out the window.
For the first time since the marriage, she felt like she could breathe.
At least for a few hours.
---
About twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside a stylish restaurant in the city.
Iris spotted Sienna immediately.
She was sitting near the window, waving excitedly the moment she saw Iris.
Iris smiled and stepped out of the car.
"Sienna!"
"Girl!"
Sienna stood up and hugged her.
Then she pulled back and looked her up and down.
"Okayyy. Mrs. Blackwood is looking good."
Iris groaned.
"Please don't call me that."
Sienna laughed.
"Fine, fine."
They sat down.
Sienna leaned forward.
"So…"
Iris narrowed her eyes.
"So what?"
"How was your first night as a married woman?"
Iris stared at her.
"Nothing happened."
Sienna blinked.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing."
"Wait. You mean Damien didn't even—"
"No!"
Iris quickly interrupted her.
"He slept on the couch."
Sienna's eyebrows shot up.
"He slept on the couch?"
"Yes."
Sienna leaned back.
"Okay. I respect that."
Iris nodded.
"Me too, and it's not like i was expecting anything."
A waiter approached and handed them their menus.
Sienna opened hers.
"So, what happened this morning?"
Iris sighed.
"Damien happened."
Sienna laughed.
"What did he do?"
"He reminded me about the agreement."
"What rule?"
"The one about informing him before I leave."
Sienna stared at her.
"You actually had to call your husband to tell him you're going to breakfast?"
"Yes."
Sienna shook her head.
"Girl, you are living in a contract."
"Exactly."
They both laughed.
But Iris's smile slowly faded.
Sienna noticed.
"You okay?"
Iris looked down at the menu.
"Yeah."
"You're lying."
Iris sighed.
"I just keep thinking about how different everything is now."
Sienna reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"I know."
Iris looked at her.
"I don't even know what my life is going to look like after this."
Sienna smiled softly.
"Then don't think about it much."
Iris raised an eyebrow.
"What should I think about?"
"Today."
Iris smiled faintly.
Sienna picked up her menu again.
"Now, enough depressing married-life talk."
Iris laughed.
"Why?"
"Because we're having breakfast, and I refuse to let your husband ruin my pancakes."
Iris burst out laughing.
For the first time that morning, the weight on her chest felt a little lighter.
The waiter returned with their drinks and placed them on the table.
"So," Sienna said, taking a sip of her juice, "tell me about Theo."
Iris looked up.
"Theo?"
"Yes. Damien's brother."
Iris smiled.
"He's actually really nice."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He's funny and easy to talk to, and he showed me around the mansion yesterday."
Sienna smiled knowingly.
"Hmm."
Iris narrowed her eyes.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"That wasn't a nothing face."
Sienna laughed.
"I'm just glad you have someone in that family you actually like."
Iris nodded.
"Me too."
The waiter returned with their breakfast, and the conversation shifted as they began eating.
For the next hour, Iris almost forgot about the marriage.
They talked about everything—Sienna's latest drama, old memories, and all the things they wanted to do once life became less complicated.
Eventually, Sienna leaned back in her chair.
"So, what are you going to do today?"
Iris shrugged.
"I don't know. Probably go back to the house."
"That's boring."
"I know."
Sienna suddenly smiled.
"Shopping."
Iris shook her head.
"No."
"Yes."
"Sienna."
"You need clothes."
"I have clothes."
"You need new clothes."
Iris laughed.
"I don't need anything."
Sienna picked up her phone.
"Too late. I've already decided."
"You're impossible."
"And you're coming with me."
Iris couldn't help smiling.
"Fine."
Sienna grinned.
"That's my girl."
They finished breakfast and stepped outside the restaurant.
The black sedan was waiting by the curb.
Sienna looked at the car, then at Iris.
"Is that your ride?"
"Unfortunately," Iris replied.
Sienna laughed.
"I'm coming with you."
Iris smiled.
"Of course you are."
They walked toward the car together.
Iris opened the rear door and climbed inside, sliding over to make room.
Sienna followed her.
The driver glanced at them through the mirror.
"Where to, ma'am?"
Iris looked at Sienna.
Sienna grinned.
"Shopping."
Iris nodded.
"The mall."
The driver pulled away from the curb.
Sienna leaned back comfortably.
"So, Mrs. Blackwood—"
"Don't."
"Fine." Sienna laughed. "Iris, we're about to spend your husband's money."
Iris turned toward her.
"Absolutely not."
Sienna raised an eyebrow.
"Then we're spending yours."
Iris burst out laughing.
"You're unbelievable."
"I know."
As the car headed toward the shopping district, Iris smiled.
For the first time since the marriage, she didn't feel like someone's wife.
She just felt like herself.
And she intended to enjoy every minute of it.