Hearts And Heirs(A Billionaire Romance Novel)

PART 45

Adrian's pov:-

Iris has been sobbing uncontrollably in my arms for an extended period, her tears streaming down her face relentlessly.

I'm trying to reassure her by saying she has done a good job. Maybe she needs to process this fully. She needs to reach a conclusion, and it looks like she has.

That's why I wanted her to handle her father on her own. I could have caused him significant harm, but I remained in control. Despite his attempts to sabotage my company and tarnish my reputation, what he did to his own daughter was truly horrifying.

I know he was a terrible person, but I thought he was decent to his family. It turns out he's just as awful to them. I realised this on the day of the party when I overheard him admitting he had manipulated me into believing Iris was involved in his foolish game. He also arranged her marriage without even consulting her. No father who truly loves his daughter would do that. Clearly, he doesn't.

That's the reason she's crying uncontrollably- she can't believe her own father could be so cruel. Sometimes, we see the harsh reality but choose to ignore it to stay in our bubble. But she's not pretending; she's confronting the truth head-on, and I'm so proud of my Lioness for her strength.

"It's alright, Lioness. You did an excellent job. You needed this conclusion, baby", I said softly, gently stroking her head.

"How could he do this, Adrain? I just can't believe it", She sobbed tears streaming down her face.

I gently cupped her face forcing her to look at me. I traced the tears on her cheeks with my thumb and wiped them away.

"Iris, you needed this. You need to understand the truth about him so he can't manipulate you anymore. Now that you know, you have to face it, no matter how difficult it is. I believe in you. You're stronger than you think", I whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her lips.

She managed a small smile through her tears and murmured softly, "Yes you're right. I needed this, and I have to accept it".

"Yes, Lioness", I said, pulling her into a close embrace.

"Then do it, Adrain", She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

My body went still; I wasn't ready to hear her say this.

"Iris----

"I know, Adrain, you're surprised, but I'm saying this because you should do it. You can't just let it go. You were the one who said that", She said calmly.

I know I said that, but I resisted the plan because it would hurt her. The plan was to expose the truth about Henry to the world, to show just how cruel and wicked he is. It has been on my mind since Iris and I broke up; I wanted to destroy him for what he did. I pushed it aside until yesterday, when I mentioned it to Iris during a conversation.

She responded calmly and told me to Follow my heart. She acknowledged that her father had done wrong and needed to face the consequences. Despite knowing I'm not a good person by any means. She accepts and respects me for who I am, and I love her for that.

"You should follow what you believe is right, and I'll do what I think is right", Iris said firmly.

I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I'm leaving his company, Adrain. I'm stepping down from the chairwoman position. I should have done that long ago. I should have stopped being his puppet so that none of this would have happened", She said, her voice filled with guilt.

"Don't, Iris. Don't blame yourself for someone else's actions. You should never do that", I said, my voice edged with intensity.

It wasn't her fault, and I'll never let her blame herself for it. I'll never allow her to take responsibility for something she didn't do.

"I know, and that's why I'm doing the right thing. I'll step down and use my funds to start my own business. I know it's going to be hard, but I'll do it. I have to", Iris said confidently.

Pride swelled in my chest as I cupped her face and kissed her gently.

"I'm proud of you, Lioness, and I know you'll succeed. I'll be with you every step of the way", I murmured softly, making the promise.

"I know you will. I love you, Adrian", She said with a warm smile.

"I love you too, Lioness", I said, offering a smile of my own.

Iris has done what she needed to do.
Now, it's time for me to face my own choice.

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