Iris remembered it vividly—when Stella found out, she had actually demanded to not only give up her chance to study, but also to step aside and give up on Wendel.
Blinded by love, she had refused, even to the point of attempting suicide. Only then did Stella finally relent.
But this time, having lived another life, Iris had no intention of fighting for a place in this family. She would put on a good act for now, then disappear the moment her birth parents came for her.
That night, Wendel finally returned, bringing Esther with him.
Her eyes were still red, as if she had suffered some unspeakable grievances.
Gently, Wendel reached out to wipe away her tears, speaking in a soft voice.
"It’s late. You should get some rest."
Esther choked back a sob and clung to his arm. "I don’t want to sleep. I’m afraid that when I wake up in the morning, you won’t want me anymore."
"You don’t have to worry about that," a sudden voice interrupted, startling both of them.
"He won’t leave you. Once summer break is over, he’ll become a teacher in town—he’ll stay right here, in this home, with you," Iris added as she stepped out from the living room, her gaze falling on their tightly clasped hands.
Perhaps out of guilt, Wendel pulled his hand away as if it had been scalded.
He forced an awkward smile. "Iris, why aren’t you asleep?"
She replied calmly, "Oh, I just couldn’t sleep. Esther, you didn’t eat dinner earlier, so Mom asked me to heat up some food for you. It’s in the kitchen."
Esther lowered her head, her eyes still red. "I’m sorry, Iris. I was just feeling a little down today and needed some comfort. I know I was being thoughtless... You and Wendel are getting married, but I still keep clinging to him. You understand, don’t you? I don’t have any family, so I rely on him more than I should. Iris, you don’t mind, do you?"
Iris smiled, but the warmth never reached her eyes. Her mind was racing, her fists clenching involuntarily.
The only emotion she had for the woman before her was hatred.
In her past life, she had been blind—she never realized the secret between them. Not until after she and Wendel were married.
When Stella arranged a marriage prospect for Esther, Wendel panicked. He immediately quit his secure teaching job and eloped with Esther to Nashville.
Iris was left completely in the dark.