Chapter 23
“Okay!” Melinda nodded as happy tears streamed down her face.
Philip looked more relaxed than he’d been in a long time. He’d already booked the earliest flights to Figlia.
1/1
However, Jordan, who was already in Figlia, struggled with a response. He typed and deleted countless messages, ultimately not sending anything.
The Shores were so excited to be reunited with Rowena, but did she feel the same? Did she want to see them? After all, they–and Jordan himself–were the ones who’d hurt her most, not Jasmine.
Jordan asked himself that question, and the answer wasn’t something he wanted to hear. He could only suppress his thoughts and reply, “You guys will find out when you get here.”
…
Iris threw her arms around Francis gratefully when she returned to his villa. “The performance went well today, Mr. Quill. Thank you for your guidance over the past three years.”
Francis smiled fondly and caressed her head. “You’ve only gotten where you are because of your hard work and talent. I’m glad to have an outstanding apprentice like you. It’s just that… you probably saw those people today.”
He felt rather uneasy as he said that. Iris‘ smile slowly faded as she nodded. “Yeah. I expected this day to come, though. With my reputation, they would’ve found out about me sooner or later. Still, I’m just Iris Newton, your adoptive daughter. Their precious Rowena already died in that fire.”
Francis smiled again at her words. “I was worried you would be reluctant to sever ties with them and leave me behind.”
“I will never do that, Mr. Quill. Don’t worry.” Iris smiled slightly, the gloominess from earlier dissipating.
She returned to her room, feeling calm. She’d gotten everything she’d wished for in the past after spending the last three years in Figlia. Francis and her fellow apprentices had given her the kinship she wanted, and she had countless admirers.
ހ
The so–called love Melinda, Philip, Roland, and Jordan had given her in the past was no longer what she wanted. She wasn’t short on love now–she was no longer the young lady who craved their affection.
Even without them in her life, others would give her the love she needed. She would always love herself, too.
Iris smiled in relief, finally making peace with her past self. Still, she probably had to find an opportunity to make things clear with the Shores and Jordan, once and for all.
That weekend, Iris pulled out the phone size hadn’t used in three years and sent a location to the family group chat. “Let’s meet at Coffee Corner at 2:00 pm today.”
The Shores and Jordan instantly replied. “Got it, Ro! We’ll be there on time!”
She put her phone away. Naturally, she’d noticed one person was missing from the group chat–not that it mattered. Why would she care whether or not Jasmine still meant anything to them?
She’d already given them the parental termination agreement and engagement annulment letter. They no longer had anything to do with each other.
Iris cheerily dressed up and knocked on the study door. “Is it convenient for you to accompany me to meet my parents, Mr. Quill?”
Francis perked up at that and said, “Of course! You’re my daughter now. Not only will I go with you, but I’ll also bring your fellow apprentices along. We’ll all go together!
“I’ll show your family that you have people to love you and dote on you now. Our love for you is unconditional! We’ll always be by your side, no matter what you do. As long as you remain yourself, we’ll always be your strongest support!”
ris was so moved by his words that she teared up. She smiled and nodded. “Okay. We’ll go as a family!”
