The Angel And The Bastard

Arrival

Iris

The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the resort as Adam and I waited for my parents.

Ara had gone to the pool,her and my parents didn't have the greatest relationship.

The luxurious lobby, with its marble floors and tropical floral arrangements, felt like an opulent cage. Adam held my hand, his grip firm and possessive. The facade of the perfect couple. We had mastered it well.

"They should be here any minute," Adam said, glancing at his Rolex .

I nodded, my thoughts elsewhere. My parents had insisted on coming early to oversee final wedding preparations, a testament to their need for control.

I dreaded their arrival, knowing their presence would only amplify the tension simmering beneath the surface.

The sound of footsteps on marble signaled their approach. My mother, impeccably dressed as always,in a lime green Chanel jacket and skirt,a hideous fascinator in her greying blonde hair.

Her eyes swept the lobby with the sharpness of a hawk, evaluating everything.

My father followed, his expression stern and businesslike. They were the picture of wealth and power, a reminder of the life they had meticulously curated for me.

"Mother, Father," I greeted them, forcing a smile. "Welcome to Thailand."

"Iris, darling," my mother said, air-kissing both my cheeks. "You look lovely. Adam, it's wonderful to see you."

"Always a pleasure,Lady Kensington ," Adam replied smoothly, shaking my father's hand. "Lord Kensington."

"Adam," my father acknowledged, his eyes already scanning the room, likely for any sign of imperfection.

I endured their pleasantries, feeling a sense of suffocation. My parents' expectations had always loomed over me, dictating my choices. And now, they were here to ensure that their grand vision of my wedding went off without a hitch.

As we moved to the private lounge area, I couldn't help but glance around, half-hoping, half-dreading to see Luke.

But he was nowhere to be found. Part of me was relieved; the other part was disappointed. His presence was a painful reminder of what I had lost but I didn't know what to feel anymore.

"How was your flight?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Long," my mother replied, waving a hand dismissively. "But worth it. This place is exquisite, Adam. You've outdone yourself."

Adam smiled, a picture of charm. "Only the best for Iris."

My father, ever the businessman, cut to the chase. "So, Adam, tell me more about this partnership with Carson Enterprises."

I tensed, the mention of Luke's company felt like a knife twist. Adam, oblivious, launched into a detailed explanation of their business dealings.

My parents listened intently, their approval evident. They were always more invested in financial alliances than personal happiness.

"Carson Enterprises is an impressive company," my father said, nodding. "This partnership will be beneficial for both of you."

How long,I thought panicked,until my parents saw Luke and recognised him.How long could we keep up appearances.

The conversation continued, but I tuned out, my thoughts drifting back to Luke. I wondered where he was, what he was doing. Did he know my parents were here? Was he avoiding them deliberately? The idea brought a mix of emotions—sadness, longing, and a trace of hope that he still cared enough to steer clear of this confrontation.

Eventually, Adam excused himself to take a call, leaving me alone with my parents. My mother immediately turned her critical gaze on me.

"Iris, you seem distracted. Is everything alright?"

I forced a smile. "Yes, everything is fine. Just a lot to take in."

She frowned slightly, not entirely convinced. "This wedding is the most important event of your life. You need to be focused."

"I am, Mother," I assured her, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

My father, ever pragmatic, said, "We expect nothing less than perfection. This wedding is not just about you and Adam; it's about our families and our legacy."

I nodded, feeling the weight of their expectations like a physical burden. "I understand."

After what felt like an eternity, Adam returned, his business call concluded. "Shall we head to breakfast?" he suggested.

As we moved towards the dining area, I spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Luke. He was walking along the beach, his silhouette striking against the rising sun. He hadn't noticed us, or perhaps he was pretending not to. Either way, his presence sent my heart racing.

"Is that,is that ... ?" my mother spluttered, her tone furious.

My father followed her gaze and glowered.

"Is that who I think it is."

My mother gripped my wrist face pale"did you invite him?she whispered incredulously.

My fiancés eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "What do you mean that's Luke Carson head of Carson Enterprises."

"He's done well for himself has he?"My father asked.I could almost see the greed in his eyes,the schemes and manipulations forming in his mind.

Adam nodded confused "We're fortunate to have him as a business partner."

I silently pleaded with my parents not to say another word and they seemed to get the message

I remained quiet, my eyes fixed on Luke's retreating form. He was still avoiding us, that much was clear.

And while it was probably for the best, it didn't stop the ache in my chest. Seeing him brought back a flood of memories, each one more painful than the last.

We reached the dining area, and I forced myself to focus on the present. The table was set with an array of exquisite dishes, but I had no appetite. As my parents and Adam discussed wedding logistics, my mind kept drifting to Luke, to the life we could have had.

"Are you alright, Iris?" Adam asked, noticing my distraction.

"Yes, just a bit tired," I replied, giving him a weak smile.

"Get some rest after breakfast," my mother instructed. "You need to be at your best for the rehearsal dinner tonight."

I nodded, knowing I had no choice. The rehearsal dinner would be another performance, another charade. And Luke would be there, a constant reminder of the life I had lost.

As I picked at my food, I felt a surge of resolve. I couldn't change the past, but perhaps there was still a way to find some semblance of happiness in the present. I just had to figure out how.

The rest of breakfast passed in a blur, the voices around me blending into a distant hum. I excused myself as soon as I could, retreating to the sanctuary of our suite. There, I stood on the balcony, staring out at the endless ocean. The future stretched before me, uncertain and daunting.

For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a different path, one where I had fought for Luke, where we had built a life together. It was a beautiful fantasy, but that's all it was. Reality was much harsher.

With a heavy heart, I turned back to the suite. I had a wedding to prepare for, a role to play. But deep down, I knew that no matter how grand the ceremony, no matter how perfect the facade, I would always be haunted by the ghost of what could have been.