Chapter 22
Iris didn’t show much of a reaction. She looked like she was listening to someone else’s story.
She said, “Oh. Maybe the person you’re referring to just looks a lot like me. I’ve lived in Figlia since childhood, and I’ve never seen you before. Guards, someone is trying to cause trouble. Take him away.”
She didn’t spare Jordan another look and left with the bodyguards shielding her. She slowly left his line of sight; his heart felt empty as he watched her go.
“I’m sorry, Ro! Mr. Shore, Mrs. Shore, and Roland know they’ve done you wrong, too! Forgive us!” he cried at her retreating back. Several people turned to look at him when they heard the commotion and gave him the stink–eye.
A young man with freckles and curly hair stopped him warily. He looked contemptuous as he asked, “Do you know Iris from somewhere? I’ve never seen you in her life. I’ve pursued her for two years, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone as crazy as you.
“Give up, dude. Iris won’t fall for someone like you. Besides, your way of hitting on her is too outdated. No woman would like that.”
Jordan’s expression darkened when he heard the guy claim to be Rowena’s suitor. He felt bitter–she used to be a treasure that was only his in the past, but others could covet her now. Still, he remained calm.
“Ro and I are childhood sweethearts. We’ve had a promise to marry since childhood, and we would’ve long since married if not for a series of unfortunate events.
“You’re the one who should give up. I know best the type of man she likes–that’s not you. Why else would she not have agreed to be with you despite you pursuing her for two years?” he asked.
The freckled young man chuckled, still looking contemptuous. “Stop joking around. Iris doesn’t have a fiancé–she’s an orphan Mr. Quill adopted. If you don’t even know that, it looks like you’ve got the wrong person.
“Anyway, I’m pursuing her because I like her It’s a one–sided love on my part, and she has every right to choose whoever she wants. I’m happy enough even if she doesn’t choose me–it’s my choice to make, and she deserves the best.”
He brushed past Jordan once he’d said his piece. Before leaving, he added, “Iris has countless admirers, and I’m among them. You, however, aren’t even worthy of being her admirer. She hates you.”
The words exploded in Jordan’s mind like a bomb. Everything he’d deliberately ignored earlier washed over him.
Yes, Rowena hated him. She despised him–that was why she didn’t want to be reunited with him.
He stared listlessly in the direction she’d left, feeling conflicted. He’d finally found her after three long years, yet he couldn’t even keep her around.
His phone was bombarded by messages from the Shore family.
“Is Iris really ko, Jordan? They look so alike. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?”
ww
“Iris is Ro, isn’t she? I’m Ro’s mother–there’s no way I’d mistake her for anyone else. She has a tiny red birthmark on her collarbone!”
“You saw Iris, right, Jordan? Did you ask her whether she’s Ro?”
Philip, Melinda, and Roland held their phones, anxiously awaiting Jordan’s reply. The earlier performance had been livestreamed globally, so they’d watched it, too. Rowena loved playing the cello, so they compared to Rowena.
were very familiar with Francis‘ works. That was precisely why they’d tuned in to the performance–they wanted to see how his final apprentice
“Look at how outstanding Ro is now. I’m so relieved to see that she’s still alive and well.” Melinda’s hair had turned completely white. She looked much more haggard than before.
Roland had also matured. He said gently, “Iris is in Figlia now, Mom. Let’s head over there–I’m sure we can find her since she’s so famous! We’ll be reunited as a family, and we’ll never be apart once she forgives us.”
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