Chapter 39
Iris' Pov
He wasn't joking when he said he wasn't done fighting for us. For the past few days, he's done so many romantic gestures that makes me feel crappy yet strong in my decision.
He's determined but so am I.
Combing my hand through my messed up hair which has grown out past my butt, I stroll into the living room feeling pretty fucking good.
Better than I have been in a while actually.
I slept pretty okay last night, no twisting or turning or handsome billionaires on my mind.
I grab a mug from the top shelf, pouring into it freshly made coffee. Bringing the mug to my lips I sip the steaming hot beverage gingerly.
The kids have gathered in the living room and despite the fact that I've laid the news on them about Grace being well, dead, they've taken it well.
James sits on one of the couches tuning his guitar while ever so often popping a Lay's potato chip into his mouth, Naomi sits with the twins and Gabe building God knows what with those little devil construction pieces and both Mel and Christopher eat cereal, eyes transfixed on what Dora the explorer has to say.
Finishing up my cup of coffee, I rinse the cup, placing it into the dishwasher where it will be thoroughly cleaned. Making my way back to the tiny bedroom I've been staying in, I push the door open, closing it behind me.
Grabbing the file off my bed, it's a file about Claire Griffiths. I got a private eye to search up on her.
Name: Claire Griffiths
Age: 28
Place of birth: Nashville, Texas
Date of birth: October 16th
About: Daughter of Billy Griffiths and Mandy Griffiths. 2 older brothers—the first 32 and the second 29–and a younger sister.
Joined the navy at age 18 after graduating
Nashville High School. Kicked out for reasons unknown after one year.
Disappeared in January, 2016 after visiting a local pub in Arizona.
I stare at the file, sighing. What the hell am I suppose to do? I can't just call her family up and tell them they're daughter is dead but I have to, don't I?
I reach for my fixed phone, holding the rectangular device in my hand I open the phone via facial recognition. Placing a reminder to call the Griffiths, I notice the notifications.
538 messages, that's how many messages had been sent to me from worried friends, family and a certain gentleman who I dare not speak his name.
Tapping on Ezra's contact, I wince feeling guilty as I read all of her worried text messages.
Jesus, Iris, selfish much.
Ez💕✨: Call me.
Ez💕✨: I'm worried about you.
Ez💕✨: I'm here if you
want to talk.
Hi 👋.
Wow, Iris, Hi...Are you fucking with me? You haven't spoken to her in like 2 weeks. Is hi all you can think of?
In a snap, before I can consider deleting the message and retyping something better, Ezra texts back and if I know Ezra she'a probably squealing and smiling like a loon right now.
Ez💕✨: Iris! Hey BAabe!
What's up, my spicy tamale?!
I smile, rolling my eyes at her quirkiness.
Hey, sorry for
going AWOL.
Ez💕✨: Its cool, I understand
but I won't lie
I've missed you a lot, hun.
Missed you too, Ez.
Ez💕✨: How are you?
I hesitate, lips pursed as I think of what I'll reply. Should I say I'm fine or.....
I've had better days.
Ez💕✨: Haven't we all?
.....Wanna have brunch
or something today?
Ez💕✨: Hell yeah, I never
pass up food. I'm eating for two after all.
The Grillout on W 35th street?
I'm craving ribs.
Sure, I'll see you
there in a few.
Ez💕✨: Bye!
Exiting our message panel, my eyes lands on his name which rests at the very top, showcasing in red 300 or so unopened messages.
My finger itches to tap it, to read what he has to say. Sighing I give in, I just have to. Tapping the screen I watch as it opens.
Arse😘💕: I might run out of text
messages to send you,
and I might run out of jokes too.
My phone might run out of battery,
but my heart will never
run out of space for you.😘
I roll my eyes blushing dumbly at his obvious googled message.
Horrible, I comment in my head yet I can't help but smile. Scrolling downwards I continue to read message after message.
Arse😘💕: I can't sleep😕
I miss your annoying snoring.
I miss waking up to you
clinging to me like a koala.
A picture is attached to that one, a picture of him laying in bed, looking damn near god-like. He'a shirtless as usual, curls of untamed hair falling into his face as he gives a sexy sleepy-eyed smile.
God, he was gorgeous.
Arse😘💕: Roses are red🌹,
violets are blue,
I'm really shitty at poems
can you tell this is the
God honest truth? 🙏
But one thing I know to be true,
I love you more than the sun and moon.🌞🌚
How romantic...
Arse😘💕: I'm in a boring meeting
right now, listening to assholes
talk about God knows what
and all I can think about
is just how much I miss ....chocolate cake and ......you, mostly you.
This one was recently sent only 3 minutes ago.
Shaking my head, I place my phone down making my way over to the bathroom, slipping inside, my feet patters against the cold tiled floor.
I tug my bed tousled top off along with my comfortable grey sweatpants, discarding them in the laundry basket in the corner. Next came my underwear which are only a pair of ugly white cotton panties I haven't worn in a while.
Hopping into the shower, I turn the dial, feeling as the warming water splashes against my skin.
As I wash myself clean, I let myself think of him, let myself feel for him for the slightest moment.
Drying myself once I've finished my shower, I go into the bedroom tugging on the underwear I've fished from the dresser. Dressing in warm clothing which will protect me from the harsh New York cold, I grab my phone slipping it into my back pocket.
Slipping my feet into my velvet black knee-high boots, I pull my hair into a high ponytail and stroll towards the door. Placing my hand on the door handle, I turn the knob essentially opening the door.
Walking into the living room, I pick my keys off the counter pressing a kiss to the all the little one's foreheads.
"Where are you going?" James asks suddenly as I make my way towards the door.
I cock a brow at this. "....Out."
James frowns, averting his eyes, he looks as if he wants to say something but decides against it instead he goes back to tuning/strumming his guitar.
"Bye guys, I'll see you later." I smile, waving them goodbye.
Closing the door, I shake my head, going down the stairs I tuck the loose strands of my hair behind my ear as I make my way outside to my car which is mostly covered by sheets of snow.
Yeah, I'll just walk.
I mean it's pretty much around the corner anyways.
Digging my glove covered hands into my pockets, I kick a clump of snow as I go down the street watching as people set up decorations for their New Year's Eve parties.
Walking amongst the crowd, I observe everything, just watching the world. Watching the couples, the families, the friends, the individuals.
I listen, listen to the chatter, to the laughter, to the blaring horns, to the thump of a bucket being beat in a rhythmic pattern somewhere off in the distance.
It's different, far different from driving past them, far different from watching from the heights.
I don't know what it's like to be like one of them and I really really wanted to be like one of them, I wanted to understand.
As a therapist far too long had I sympathized with my patients never had I put myself in their shoes.
I want to start anew if I want to find myself, I need to clear my head.
I spot her, before she spots me. She sits inside the restaurant, tapping away at her phone, blond hair framing her face. Glancing up, a bright grin lights up her face as she catches sight of me, she waves her hand wildly around like a maniac.
Laughing softly, I enter the establishment the chunky heels of my boots clicking against the polished wooden floorboards. Moving towards where she sits, I watch as she beams practically bouncing in her seat.
"Hey." I wave lamely.
She rolls her eyes, lips quirking up as she gets up reaching over to wrap her arms around me, squeezing me into an embrace which is a bit too tight.
"I missed you so much, Ris." She whispers softly.
I smile at her horrible nickname for me, giving her a little squeeze as well. "I missed you too, Ez."
Pulling back she sits down as I take my coat off, draping it over the back of my chair along with my scarf. Taking my seat, I tug my gloves off last placing them on the table.
"So, what's been up with you?" I query, quirking a brow at her.
She shrugs with a frown. "Nothing, nothing at all. It's been so goddamn boring since you've been gone."
"You're such a drama queen."
She gasps mockingly. "Me? A drama queen? Never."
Sharing a laugh, I run a hand through my hair.
"Oh, by the way, love the new look."
"New look? " I inquire, confused.
"Yeah, the whole super long hair Superwoman thing, I think it looks good on you." She compliments me.
I laugh at her analogy. "I uh....just haven't had time to cut it, that's all."
"Well, it looks good."
"So, how's Nikolai and Estevon?"
She scrunches her nose up. "Those idiots are fine now, completely chill. I think Estevón has some type of weird respect for Nico now."
"And you and Nikolai?" I ask, watching as instantly her smile falls for a millisecond.
"He and I are cool, I guess. We're planning on doing the whole co-parenting." She responds with another shrug, eyes trained on the tall glass of water which she stirs with her straw.
"That's good." I smile.
Eyes shifting up to mine she nods with a sort of forced smile. Resting my hand on top of hers, I soften my eyes, staring into her eyes with a look of complete understanding.
She wants to let go of him but it's hard, just as it's so hard for me to let go of Luca.
"You'll get over him eventually," I reassure her...I reassure myself.
I have to get over him one day right?
She shakes her head, perking up significantly. "So what are you wearing tonight for the party?"
Removing my hand from atop hers, I look at her as if she's suddenly and magically grown two head.
"What party?" I lift a brow.
She snorts. "The party."
"What is the party?" I say, making sure to emphasize the 'the' like she had. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You're joking right?" She asks, eyes widening when she realizes my blatant confusion. "I can't believe you're asking me about what party I'm talking about, it's the party of the year. The party which kicks off the whole new year with a bang, I mean it's the biggest annual event at Donario Enterprises."
"Well, clearly I wasn't invited. " I murmur, eyes skimming the words of the menu pretending it was as interesting as the Mona Lisa.
"Bullshit, you must have gotten an invitation." She rebuts and folds her arms.
"I didn't," I respond, the words coming out a bit on the bitter side.
It's not like I want to go anyway.
"No, you have to have one, It must have gotten lost in the mail or something." She tries to defend.
"Relax, Ez, if it was sent it must be at the orphanage by now and if it's not then I must not have been invited. " I shrug acting as if it was nothing.
"Iris, Luca must have sent you one." She sighs, a frown on her face.
I scowl. "Or maybe he hasn't."
She opens her mouth to say something but instead chooses to close it again, thankfully.
I didn't need whatever advice she thought she could give to me. I was fine, I am fine.
Sure you are.
"Iris." She whispers in a voice that's barely audible.
Letting my eyes roll up to hers, she sighs heavily.
"I support you in whatever decision you choose to make, but know he really does love you, I never thought he could be more than what he was but Iris, you have made him into a man with a heart. Some people don't get to have that sort of love." She mutters as she speaks words, words filled with wisdom. "But if you think that what you need is freedom then you should definitely go do your thing."
I nibble on my lower lip. "Thank you, Ez."
Grateful for her understanding.
"It's no problem, hun. I'm here for you just like the way you're here for me." She grins showing off her beautiful pearly whites.
Smiling back at her, we share a moment before my stomach rudely cuts in.
I blush embarrassed, blushing even harder as Ezra laughed at my stomach's outburst.
I hope no one else heard that.
Sticking out my tongue at her, she sticks her tongue back out at me looking rather childish.
✨✨✨
After a generous helping of BBQ ribs with really good french fries and a slice of strawberry cheesecake for lunch, I was full and satisfied. The Grillout definitely was a new fan-favorite.
Pushing the door of the restaurant open, we laugh heartily as we exit the warm and vibrant restaurant back out on to the cold New York streets.
"They're Mac n' cheese is seriously the best thing ever," Ezra states, patting her tummy.
" I dare to disagree I think the tater tots were pretty damn good. "I say rivaling her comment, hands digging deep in my coat's pocket.
Ezra scrunches her nose up, shaking her head from side to side. "Nah, the tater tots were like... hearing that Kylie Jenner got more plastic surgery. They were unsurprising"
I roll my eyes. "You're only saying that because you don't really like tater tots or any veggies for that matter."
She giggles as we stop before her car. "True."
"I guess this is you," I state.
"Yup, I can drop you off to the orphanage if you'd like. " She offers kindly but I have other plans in mind.
"No, I'm good, I have somewhere else I need to be." I decline graciously, stepping back a bit.
"Well, I can still take you to where you need. " She's insisting at this point.
I shake my head firmly. "I'm fine, Ez, really thank you. I'll just take a cab."
She sighs heavily then shakes her own head from left to right before finally, she gives in.
"Fine, okay but call me when you get back. "
"Okay." I agree.
Giving each other one last tender hug, we break apart and I wave her goodbye as she hops into her mini cooper and drives off leaving me behind.
Hailing a cab, the bright yellow vehicle pulls up at my feet and I hop in, informing him of the address. Scrolling through my phone's contact list, I search for my associate's number, tapping the call icon once I've found it.
"Hey, I'm on my way. Thank you again for seeing me."
"It's no problem, Iris. " He gives that familiar laugh that I've known since childhood.
"See you in a bit, bye," I smile, hanging up.
As soon as I hang up, immediately, I wonder am I really going to go through with this? Do I really want to do this?
Letting my head fall back, I sigh closing my eyes for a split second. I shake my head trying to encourage myself, I have to do this. I have to go through with it.
He will hate me for it but I have to, for my own sake.
I feel sick all of a sudden, grasping at my stomach as I feel the urge to puke. I double over, leaning my head against the seat situated in front of me.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" The taxi driver asks warily, looking up at me through his rearview mirror.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I open my eyes and sit up straight, trying to muster up a smile and some normalcy. "I just had a little bit too much to eat, that's all."
"....Please don't puke in my car, lady." He mumbles, returning his eyes to the road.
"Yeah, okay. Got it." I nod.
The taxi driver shakes his head muttering under his breath something about strange people nowadays to which I roll my eyes at the balding man.
Pulling up in front of the shiny, glass infrastructure I get out paying the man $10 and closing the door behind me, he speeds off once he hands me my change as if he can't get out of here faster.
Making my way to the rotating glass door, I push it open, smiling politely at the receptionist.
"Hey Julia." I smile, waving at her.
"Hey, Iris." She grins back.
Strolling over to the elevator, I press the button, waiting for the elevator shaft to come down. The silver doors open and I step inside, pushing the button for the third floor.
Feeling the ground shift under my feet, I ride the elevator up to the third floor without interruption.
Here we go, I let out a breath as the doors open and I am presented with an empty and silent pristine hallway.
✨✨✨✨
After 15 minutes I'm waiting, waiting for the elevator doors to open and the ground to stop moving about. As I ride the elevator back down with what was definitely the end of my marriage, I felt.....nothing.
No guilt, no sadness..nothing, nada, zilch.
Waving goodbye to Julia, I leave the building, going down the steps two at a time, making my way back down to the curb where I can get a ride back to the orphanage.
Without having to hail said ride, I slide into an already awaiting cab. Placing my earbuds in my ears which blasts The Weeknd, I stare out the window, watching as we drive through the traffic-packed, colourful and ever moving city of New York.
Bobbing my head slightly to the beat which flows through my veins, I mouth the lyrics acting out in my head wicked cool dance moves.
"Thanks," I mutter, handing him $8 and exiting the cab with a close of the door behind me.
Strolling towards the main entrance of the orphanage, I push the glass doors open feeling as the warmth of the heater wraps itself around me.
I nod in acknowledgment at the new receptionist I'd hired by the name of Britney, she was a nice girl from Arizona with no criminal record or any relations to Lila or Grace/Claire and I was quite sure of this because I had private investigators trail her for a while and research her.
Climbing up the stairs instead of using the elevator, I enter the hallway which is filled with a few dozen roses.
You have got to be fucking with me.
I cock a brow, approaching the crimson red flowers apprehensively. Bending down, I pull a card from the flowers closest to the door that sticks out.
Dear Iris,
I know what you're expecting something romantic or a shitty love poem, however, this is neither.
I thought of some fluttery bullshit but it was just not Luca Donario, my specialty is making pussies wet not saying mushy shit.
What I'm trying to say is, I guess, I miss your shitty taste of movies, I miss your skin, I miss your touch, I fucking miss making love to you. Fuck, I'm ramble writing, never done that before.
......Such a fucking joke, never would anyone have thought Luca Donario this fucking whipped.
I'm literally cringing as I write this but I, I miss you, Iris, without you I think I'm losing my fucking mind.
Ti amo.
Luca
Running my thumb over his beautiful calligraphy, I shake my head pocketing the note as I straighten up to full height.
Don't Iris, you are doing so good.
Now, what the hell was I going to do with half a dozen basket of fucking roses?
With another shake of the head, I open the door of the orphanage, mentally reminding myself to give the roses to someone who wants it for compost or something.
Expecting to be assaulted with little children launching themselves on to me, instead, I am presented with the sight of a sleeping Brendan, Brandon, Naomi, and Christopher snoring soundly on the couch with little Mel laying on her stomach, coloring in her coloring book on the floor.
Her head bobs with sleep yet she persists in her coloring, eyes drooping and movements becoming slow, when finally, after what seems like forever, she gives up fighting the battle against sleep and instead lets it claim her.
I giggle softly stepping in further and closing the door softly behind me, making sure not to wake the peacefully snoring children. Pulling my coat and scarf off, I drape them over the coat hanger.
Making my way over to where Mel laid, I scoop the little bean into my arms, smiling softly as she cuddles closer towards me. I move towards her room which she shares with Naomi, pushing the pink painted wooden door open.
I pull her puffy pink sheets back careful not to mess up the pile of stuffies which she has so neatly organized on her bed.
Setting her down, I tuck her in pressing a sweet kiss to her forehead.
I take one last glance at the open-mouthed child who snores adorably, leaving the room and pulling the door close behind me.
I head back into the living room, reaching for Christopher next.
I stroll with the small pudgy boy back to his room where I lay him on his bed under the covers that I've pulled back, I don't bother tucking him in as I know he hates this. Reaching my hand up I brush the long strands of hair from his face watching as he frowns and scrunches his nose up.
I give a slight laugh, turning on my heel and exiting the room and back into the living room.
As I re-enter the living room I notice an awake Naomi leaning against the kitchen counter drinking a bottle of water and not sleeping on the couch where I had left her.
"I'm sorry I waked you," I apologize as I attempt to lift Brendan, the smaller twin but as soon as I do he whines from not being close to his brother, Brandon.
"Freaky." Naomi comments in a sing-song sort of way on the twin's connection before she says to me. "You didn't wake me."
Deciding to leave them be, I turn my full attention to Naomi. "Okay, um..where's James and Gabe?" I finally notice the disappearance of the two boys.
"James took him to the park." She responds with a shrug of the shoulders.
I nod my head and proceed to take my gloves off, laying them on the top of the couch to be picked up later. "Did the mail come?" I question.
"Oh yeah." She says, slapping her hand against her forehead.
Laughing at her, she sticks her tongue out at me as she walks out of the kitchen and grabs a stack of letters from the coffee table, handing them to me.
Taking them from her outstretched hand, I search through the pile, bills, bills and yes, more fucking bills. I nibble on my lower lip, cocking my brow slowly rolling my eyes up to Naomi.
"Is this all Mimi?" I furrow my brows and she pauses.
"I think so. I mean James collected them from Kurt, so I can't be too sure." She scratches her head, as she recalls.
I smile though it doesn't reach my eyes. "Thanks, Mimi."
Nodding she takes her water from the kitchen and goes off to her room I suppose, scrunching my brows, I follow the strange feeling which nudges me towards the small waste paper bin in the corner of the living room.
Dropping the other letters on the coffee table, I move towards the bin glancing down to see an envelope ripped to shreds. I release a loud growl in irritation, beyond pissed at that teenage boy.
Whipping my phone out I send a quick angry text to James, scolding him on his actions within seconds he replies with an apology and an explanation, claiming that he was only trying to protect me as he saw that I wasn't so sad anymore and he thought that this letter would have made me depressed again.
His heart's in the right place, I guess.
Sighing, I shake my head and dial Ezra's number, I mean if I was going to go to this party then I was going to need a proper fucking invite.
Luca's Pov
I swear to Dio if my fucking mother asks me which color palate I prefer more, I am going to honestly fucking lose my shit.
I didn't want to have a New Year's party even if it was my birthday as I wasn't in the mood to celebrate but my mother insisted on it and she was going all the way out and now she was subjecting me to staring at colors that are literally the same.
"So, do you prefer golden yellow or golden poppy?" Mother questions, holding up two color cards that as I said before are the same.
"I don't know, mother. Fucking golden poppy." I say very fucking irritated.
"Are you sure, Luca? I think you'd look better with golden yellow fabric on the lapels of your jacket." She sighs, pissing me off further.
"Then fuck let's do that." I throw my hands up having finally had enough, I was on the verge of banging my head against this very table.
"I'm so glad we can agree, Luca, I usually have so many issues with Arsenio." She smiles, moving in to pinch my cheeks which I successfully evade.
I wonder why.
Her phone pings with a text and she picks it up from the table. "Seriously, if I don't get brushetta with eggplant caviar, I am going to explode!" She exclaims strolling from the room.
Grazie Dio.
Why the fuck was I doing this?
I guess the only upside of this fucking party is Iris, that is if she does decide come. Hopeful she does.
These had been the worst couple days of my life.
I really do miss her.
This sentence has become redundant but I truly do and I don't know how else I can express this longing I feel for her presence.
I shovel cake my mother has me trying into my mouth, scrolling through the texts I've sent to Iris which she has read but had not replied to.
Damn, why does she have to be so fucking difficult?
What did she want from me?
I mean I sent her everything that money could purchase and all she does it deliver it right back, she was seriously dead set on her decision.
As I said any woman would kill to be in her position, having Luca Donario pining over you like some love-sick puppy.
Combing my hand through my hair, I set my phone down and continue to further depress myself with thoughts of her.
She's an absolute goddess that's what she is, with that immaculate long black hair and those innocent and sweet yet dirty, seductive brown almond shaped eyes that can, no doubt make me do anything, those soft pink plump lips that she always loved to nibble on whenever she was nervous or deep in thought or when she was just trying to get fucked.
My mind is filled with the thoughts off her naked body pressed against mine, my hands running over the flesh of her ass and cupping the sweet pretty pink junction between her legs, My mind travels to the memories of her shapely legs that used to spread so wide for me, to her hands which she used to run all over my body, that she used to bury deep within my locks when I would taste her.
I grab a document from the table deciding it was better to drown myself in work than to mull over Iris, but soon quite soon I find myself thinking of her again.
Now I'm thinking about her hips that I used to grip onto when I was fucking her from the back, my mind instantly flicks over to her ass which used to slap deliciously against my pelvis.
Cazzo!
"Luca!" My mother calls, making me groan loudly snapping me out of my forbidden thoughts.
You have got to be fucking kidding me!
Sighing, I lay my documents down and fix my pants hoping to hide my erection. I get to my feet, making my way to where I suppose I heard my mother call from.
This better be damn good.
For the next 4 hours or so, my mother made me participate in last minute party shit, shit that I wished I hadn't participated in. I will say it did serve as a pretty good distraction.
No wandering thoughts.
Straightening the lapels of my jacket, I take one last look at my appearance. I look good, better than I've looked in a while actually and that's thanks to my mother, I suppose.
I've gotten my hair cut short taking it back to its usual length, I gelled it back tonight, not a single strand out of place. They'd also trimmed down my beard so that it was now back to its original style.
I'm dressed in a perfectly tailored suit which has 'golden yellow' fabric lining the lapels of the jacket and the whole interior of the jacket with a pair of shined black loafers.
I looked like my cold, steely old self but I didn't quite feel like it.
Turning away from the mirror I stand in front of, I leave the room deciding it's time I show up at my party as it's be rude to keep them waiting for so long.
Strolling down the stairs, I am suddenly hit by memories, so many memories which occurred on/near these staircases. All the times I'd wait for Iris to come home.
At that point, I didn't want to admit it but I admired her, truly I did, I was just angry at what and who I felt like had stolen my life from me when really she was in the very same boat as I was.
I also remember the night I made her come to a social gathering at my club only to end up having some woman latch herself on to me and kiss me who I admittedly kissed back to get revenge on Iris.
Revenge for something she didn't want to do either, she didn't want to marry me and I didn't want to marry her.
I was so angry at her for so many dumb things.
I guess I do deserve this, I pushed her away so many times. She tried and I was dead set on not allowing myself to feel anything for her as she was only a contract.
Funny how the tables have turned,
I open the door and lock it behind me once I get outside, the snow falls on me and I allow it, not caring much for the cold it associates with.
The bundled-up chauffeur hurries from the limo, popping the door open for me to which I nod my head in a show of gratitude. Sliding into the seat, he closes the door for me and gets back into the vehicle.
Driving out of the estate gates, I lift the glass of whiskey I poured to my lips, sipping it. As we drive I think of what I will say to her or if she'll even look my way.
Before I know it the trees end and soon were quite close to the venue, specifically another one of my clubs, this one by the name of Erotique.The bass is pounding and I'm not even that close, throwing my head back I savor that familiar burn of alcohol, steeling myself for the "celebration".
The chauffeur pulls up in front of the club, the name flashing boldly in neon red. I sigh heavily, wanting to pour myself another drink. People standing at the doors in line crane their heads, trying to see through the tinted windows, the chauffeur gets out of the car, opening the door for me and as I step out of the limo and straightening up, there is screaming and shouting, bright flashing lights and people all over trying to grab my attention.
Security immediately swarms me, keeping people back especially the reporters who I don't want to speak to as I know they're all burning to know where was Iris, where is my wife?
Walking towards the door on the rolled out red carpet, the bouncer already holds the door open for me before I even get there.
The moment I set foot into the club deafeningly loud music encompass me and the somewhat dark atmosphere, my security team quickly dispersing knowing how much I hate being surrounded.
Random women call at me, wide and seductive smiles on their faces, they're all dressed in dresses that barely pass their asses, some women are even so brazen as to attach themselves to me.
Annoyed, I make my way up the steps to VIP where most of my closest family and friends are situated. My father catches my eye and I silently curse, sending prayers up to God that he does not come and speak to me.
"Luca." He says.
"Father?" I answer barely entertaining anything he has to say.
"So......you're 26 in a couple of hours." He speaks as if he's scrambling for something to say when really I know he wants to kick my ass for fucking up the whole Iris thing for him.
"I suppose so," I mutter with a slight shrug of the shoulders.
He nods, looking awkward. "That's good, I guess."
"Is that it?" I ask hostility clear in my tone.
"Si." He nods again.
I scowl, irritated and suspicious as to why I hadn't gotten a rise out of him.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I walk past him and move towards my friends who stand chatting and probably teasing the hell out of each other. Zev is the first to notice me, grinning as he announces my arrival rather loudly.
Dressed in a half open floral dress shirt—showcasing the artwork on his chest— and white pants with a pair of loafers on his feet, he pushes his dirty blonde hair out of his tanned face.
"There he is, where the fuck have you been the party started like hours ago?" He claps me on the back, towering over me by a few feet. "Happy Birthday, man. Your 26 now."
I shake my head from side to side. "Thanks. I uh.....was busy, that's why I'm late."
Estevon snorts. "Of course you were, busy daydreaming about a special someone?"
Ezra punches him on the shoulder and he lets out an Ow, rubbing the spot where she punched him. "Shut up dumbass. Happy Birthday Luca." She turns to me, pulling me into a hug.
"Grazie, Ezra. Do you know if she's here as yet?" I inquire, a brow lifted.
"Now but I think she'll be here soon," Ezra answers glancing downstairs like I had been doing ever 5 second or so.
"Waiting for someone, fratello." Arsenio butts in coming up from nowhere, he throws his arm over my shoulder much to my fucking irritation. "Happy Birthday."
"Isn't it obvious?" Nico makes fun of me but of course, he wouldn't understand it, in our little group he's the second man whore while I was the first. Nikolai has never been in love ever well except that one time.
I roll my eyes listening to them as they chat and laugh while I stare intently at the downstairs observing everyone who enters or leaves the party.
"Should you even be here, aren't you pregnant?" Arsenio questions eying Ezra's stomach as he says this.
"Yes because deafeningly loud music is sooooo unhealthy for me and the baby." She says sarcastically, a hand on her hip as she stands akimbo. "I'm not drinking alcohol, dumbshit."
"Why are you two always bickering?" Zev asks, flicking his blue-green eyes between the two.
Arsenio and Ezra glance at each other before simultaneously they shrug, okay then.
"Weirdos," Estevon states lowly.
Third Person POV
It was 11:25 when Iris entered the club, she hadn't planned on being this late. It was on account of her getting second doubts but she'd made up her mind, she was going to do it, just like ripping a band-aid off.
The music is loud, ear-piercingly loud. Persons stand waiting outside in the freezing cold, waiting to enter one of the city's hottest clubs. Iris holds her small pink clutch close, glancing around the packed club for familiar faces.
Luca catches glance of her before she does, she stands out like a lit candle in the dark. He doesn't even hear the words leaving the mouth of his mother instead he stands transfixed, so captivated by his amore.
His eyes travel from the light nude colored dress which clings to her curves like a second skin up to her face which is framed by bouncy dark curls that ends just below her ass. Fuck, that ass. Her eyes search the venue, looking for someone before finally, they flit up to him.
Iris could feel it, his burning gaze, raking over her body. Her eyes land on him, he stands not too far off in the corner leaning against a wall, looking elegant as always. A woman speaking to him but he doesn't seem to be paying her any attention.
He looks hot, really fucking hot, so hot that she unintentionally feels her panties get wet. His lips quirk up into a smirk and he brings his eyes down to the woman whispering something in her ear before he makes his way towards me with long confident strides.
He watches her run her eyes over his body and he smirks, bending down to whisper in his mother's ear he whispers that he will be back soon but in all honesty, he knows and his mother knows that he probably won't be coming back. Luca makes his way towards Iris and he watches her fidget with her clutch, eyes trained on his own orbs.
"Hi!" Iris shouts over the deafening music.
"Iris." Luca breathes her name as if it's a breath of fresh air. He's missed her and he longs to reach up and caress her face.
"Luca." She repeats. teasingly.
"You look beautiful." He swallows, eyes roaming her body, her face, her lips once more.
"And you look handsome." Iris compliments him back, blushing slightly at his compliment.
Luca grins, digging his hands in his pockets. "Thank you. Do you want something to drink?"
She shakes her head, no. "I would prefer however a walk."
"Then let's go for a walk." Luca grins, grabbing her hand before she can resist and leading her through the crowd of grinding and drunk party goers.
Her heart expands in her chest at the warmth of his hand and butterflies flutter around in her stomach, has it been that long?
Luca pushes the door open, exiting the club his hand still holding on to hers, not wanting to ever let go. There is no longer a line by the club door as the club is not accepting anyone else unless you have an invitation.
Gently Iris pries her hand from Luca and moves to walk by his side, she can't help but feel shitty as a hurt look flashes across his face.
"So, what do want to talk about?" She says though all she really wants is to get this over with.
He chuckles and glances at her. "Us." He states simply.
"What about us?" She inquires, rubbing her exposed shoulders as the cold starts to make its presence shown.
Luca pauses in their stride, stopping to pull his jacket off.
"What are you doing?" Iris questions alarmed, her brows shooting up.
"I'm giving you my jacket." He responds, rolling his eyes.
"But you'll be cold." She weakly protests.
"I'll be fine, amore." He grins, happy that she's concerned for his well-being.
Sighing heavily Iris accepts the jacket from him, putting it on it falls above her knees. Way too big for her. She giggles and Luca chuckles at her adorableness, he wishes so badly to just flick her nose.
"So, you didn't answer, what about us should we talk about?" She asks, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"I don't know, I guess if there is a chance for us?" He shrugs, his eyes on her face as if he were trying to etch it into his memory. Afterall he could feel that something just wasn't right.
She nibbles on her lower lip. "I'm not sure."
It was a vague answer both of them knew it.
"Do you love me?" Luca asks for the first time in forever he felt insecure and vulnerable as if this woman's thought's and opinions could destroy him in a split second.
"Of course, I love you, Luca. It's pretty fucking obvious, I love you a lot, a whole fucking lot." She admits, glancing up at him she watches as the corner of his lips quirk up into that handsome smile of his.
"Why are we doing this then? Why are we hurting each other like this?" Luca stops walking and they stand in front of a bench.
Iris was at a loss for words, she averts her eyes and with a huge sigh, her shoulders droop and she takes a seat on the cold wooden bench.
"I know Iris, I royally screwed up multiple times but I can change, I won't lie to you ever again, I'll tell you whatever you want. I just need you, Iris, I can't do this anymore without you." He confesses taking a seat next to her on the bench.
"It's not just about that." She says on the brink of fisting her hair. "I've said it a million times, I need space and time, Luca. I get it you think the what you need to do is fight for me but I don't want you to."
He acts on instinct, cradling her face with his hands he crashes his lips against hers. Iris moans deep, her going to grasp at his bicep as her eyes flutter close.
Luca nips on her lower lip, slipping his tongue into her mouth, Iris tilts her head to the side deepening the kiss.
Luca pulls back leaving her craving for more though she knows she shouldn't be, their breathing is raggedy and white clouds leave their mouth.
He leans his forehead against hers. "Tell me you don't feel that, tell me you don't want to fight for that."
His thumb traces her lower lip as her eyes remain closed, her breathing becoming even once more.
"I don't want you to fight for it anymore, Luca. I don't want you to fight for us." She struggles to say the words, her voice becoming caught in her throat.
"Iris," Luca whispers his heart clench in his chest hard, shattering continuously.
A tear slips down her cheek and she pulls away, hurrying to wipe it away. "If you love me, you'll do it."
"Iris." He says in a pained voice, his eyes squeezed tight as an aching rolls over him.
"It's better this way." She tries to not only convince him but herself but even she doesn't believe the words coming from her mouth.
Luca couldn't take it, the pain was even worse than before if that was even possible.
Her words were like knives, very sharp knives and she kept stabbing him with them repeatedly.
"I'll have the divorce papers delivered to you within a week," Iris mumbles barely audible, she felt sick all of a sudden.
Shakily she gets up from the bench and removes Luca's jacket, laying it over the top of the bench.
Luca has his head in hands, jaw clenched tight with his eyes still squeezed close though he's aware of every movement she makes.
The countdown has begun, it can be heard from even this far away. The loud excited and happy chorus of people ready to ring in the New Year.
10.
9.
8.
It was like time had slow down, and she just stood there staring down at the man who was always so strong.
7.
6.
Iris winds her hands together, trying to hold back the sobs which threatens to be released.
5.
She just wanted to crawl into bed and never come out, why did she think this would be easy?
4.
He lifts his head, finally allowing his eyes to open. He glances at her knowing this is the last time he will probably ever see her. He memorizes every perfect flaw and every detail that makes her, her as she does the same.
3.
The memories assault them both, all the joy and happiness, the times of indifference and anger. The fire and passion. Every emotion, everything hit them like a ton of bricks, this was it.
2.
Iris chokes up as she stares into those hazel orbs which she had loved to get transfixed in. Luca would have done anything to just have one more kiss, just one more taste of his precious amore.
1.
"Happy New Year," Iris mumbles, her lower lip trembling as she fights not to break down in front of him.
Luca says nothing only lets his head fall as fireworks go off, exploding with a bang and lighting up the sky but only for a time as they fizzle out to nothing just like their love.
Iris turns on her heel, each step she takes causes her heart to pain and soon her vision becomes blurred with unshed tears.
Covering her mouthing she stifles the sounds of her sobs, quickening her pace.
Luca lifts his head watching as she walks away, never turning around to look behind at him.
"Buon compleanno, to me."
Luca utters to himself as his salty tears hit the frosted sidewalk.
The End
▫▫▫▫▫▫▫▫
💕Oh my god, Affairs of the Heart has ended.💕
💕I know its not the fairytale ending you guys probably hoped or thought was gonna happen.💕
💕I'm sooooo exhausted rn, its 2am and I am currently writing, crazy right?💕
💕Guys, I hope you enjoyed and I wil say the last part actually made me want the cry.💕
💕So yeah, thanks for reading.💕
Bless up,
~❤Abi
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Thanks guys for being so freaking epic!💕💕