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Chapter 1

                 

"Iris! Stop avoiding us for heaven's sake and try to have some fun for once!"

Grabbing a glass of the Perrier-Jouet Champagne I've become so acquired to, I turn, annoyed by just the sound of my former friend's voice. Gwyneth and I have always been close- I even offered her a job- making her my key designer. But what I've been too ignorant to see- and what she still doesn't realize I found out about- is that she's been screwing my boyfriend of two years for over six months now.

And you know what, Marcus has always been too good to be true. He owns a law firm, a really large, successful law firm in New York. I should have known then that he'd cheat. I'm always away. My business has taken off- I've now expanded from just New York and California to Paris, London, Tokyo and Sydney. Toronto's on the way soon- so, yes, I've been occupied with other things but I've been faithful. I've tried to see him as much as I could. We see each other at least once a week.

And our sex life isn't lacking or at least I thought I wasn't. I was wrong, I guess.

I've been actually wondering how I'm going to even confront them but for now, just staring at her face makes me want to scream- out her to everyone. Considering she's at a party for my birthday, I don't think they'd take to her well.

I move closer to the group of women huddled together, aware of the stares. It's something I've grown used to- men staring as I walk by. I started out modeling very young, having received a break by someone merely passing by me on the streets of New York, someone who worked at Vogue. I've never known what it's like to be unnoticeable- what it's like to walk down a street without paparazzi.

I've also never known what it's like to be loved just for being me. It's a fact that has my heart becoming more bitter and isolated everyday.

I exhale, downing the rest of my drink, barely listening to their conversations.

"Iris, tell us about your new line. I can't wait to see it!" Elizabeth exclaims, entwining her arm with mine. "I'm wearing your dress now, did you notice?"

"Yes, I did... It looks lovely on you," I murmur, smiling softly.

What's a good excuse to leave your own party early?

"Well?" she questions after a moment of silence.

"What?"

"Your line?"

"Honestly, Iris, where are you right now?" Gwyneth chuckles across from me, crossing her arms over her chest. My glare is lethal. I bite my tongue and look back down at Elizabeth hanging off me.

"You know I can't reveal anything. I'm really excited for it though," I murmur quietly, touching her hand. She smiles wide, groaning.

"I hate secrets!"

I glance over at Gwyneth, nodding. "Yes, so do I... Excuse me."

I turn, resting my cup on a server's silver tray and walk to the table to grab my clutch. There are so many people here there is barely enough room to walk.

"What the hell is going on, Iris?"

Bent over, my eyes flicker to the red tablecloth as I ponder my next move. I decided to stand up straight, turning to face Gwyneth. Her green eyes are narrowed, her red lips pressed together tightly.

I resist laughing.

At my silence, she begins again. "I mean, here you are- we threw this party for you and you're just sitting around as if you'd rather be somewhere else. As if this weren't good enough for you!"