Hearts And Heirs(A Billionaire Romance Novel)

PART 40

Iris's pov:-

Among the countless scenarios I'd played out in my mind, this one hadn't crossed my path. Encountering Adrain was unexpected, maybe because I hadn't prepared myself for it.

Or maybe it's because my heart is pounding as if it has gained a new life. Seeing him is both exhilarating and comforting.

Don't lose control; remember what he's done.
A voice in my head warned.

I squirmed and twisted in his grasp, but he refused to let go.
God, He's Intoxicating.
His presence, the scent of whiskey, smoke, lose control.
I have an urgent to hold him and never let go.

No,No, No
Don't go there.

"I never left you, Lioness. I never wanted to, and I never will", Adrain's voice caressed my skin in a soft whisper.

My gaze lifted to his, and a sharp intake of breathe seized me. I never imagined I'd see this again- the same pain in his eyes that I saw a month ago when he broke my trust and my heart.

I saw it, but maybe I ignored it- or perhaps I was so absorbed in my own pain that I pushed it aside. The truth is, we were both vulnerable then. We were both hurt and broken, and we still are. It's as if we can only be whole when we're together.

"You did it, Adrain", I hissed, my voice barely audible.

I stopped trying to pull away and stayed still, as if the moment would shatter if I moved even an inch.

"I did it, really Iris" he taunted, his voice laced with venom. "You're the one who walked away without a single word, without a backward glance".

I knew it had hurt him, but what he said hurt me too- so much that I left without a word. I didn't know what to do; my mind, my heart, and my body were all numb, frozen in shock. So I left, unable to process the chaos within me.

"So what do you expect me to do after you accused me without trusting me?" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

It hurts so much- knowing he didn't trust me, knowing he broke my heart without a second thought. The pain is so overwhelming that I can barely breath.

His voice, barely a breathe, carried a plea."I swear, Iris, I never wanted to hurt you. Trust me", He implored, his words echoing in the quiet space between us, finding solace in the depths of my heart.

"You did that, Adrain", I sobbed, my voice barely audible over the storm of tears.

"I didn't, Iris. Your father is the one behind this entire mess. He's the real culprit- our culprit", Adrain said in a dark, edgy tone.

His words seemed to evaporate into nothingness as my mind went blank.
Dad?
What role does he play in all this?

"What does Dad have to do with this?" I asked, confused.

"He's the reason we're here today. He's the reason for our breakup. Do you remember a month ago when we returned from the Greece trip and you went to his office?" He said, his tone intense.

I nodded. Ofcourse, I couldn't forget that meeting or that day- it turned my life upside down.

"I also went into his office because I had discovered that he was involved in stealing the Shadow file. I went there to confront him and saw you two talking. I overheard him say that you were involved in his scheme. Do you remember him saying, "I'm proud of you, Iris. I knew you were with Adrain because you wanted to steal the shadow file from him".

I remember Dad saying that, but I genuinely thought he believed I was with Adrain because of the Shadow file. It looks like that wasn't the case, though.

"He knew I was listening to your conservation. He knew and made me believe that you were involved in his scheme, Iris. He made me think you were with me only for his game. I never doubted you, Iris, and I always trusted you, but I don't know what happened at that time", Adrain said, his voice showing both Guilt and relief.

"How do you know he did that on purpose", I asked though deep down, I had a feeling Dad was capable of this.

"You know, there was a party today, and your father was there I was at that party too. I heard him tell one of his friends that he did it on purpose. He made me believe that you betrayed me, Iris. As soon as I found out the truth, I came here to ask for your forgiveness, Lioness. I never wanted to hurt you. I would rather die than do that", Adrain said his voice low and menacing.

My world flipped upside down again. My heart, which I thought was shattered, began to heal with Adrain's words. But the truth about my father hit me hard. I had hoped he wouldn't hurt me or play games with me just because I'm his daughter, but that hope was shattered.

And unlike my heart, I don't think the trust between us will ever be repaired.

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