The King's Branded Iris

I devoted myself to cheering him up. Though his eyes remained haunted, he'd push through his own pain to reassure me.

"I'm fine, Rebecca. Don't worry."

I loved his gentleness, but I was no longer satisfied with just that.

Until one night, when he was drunk again, I gathered my courage and pressed my lips to his.

That night was painful—and blissful.

But the next morning, I found him kneeling on the floor, his eyes bloodshot with self-loathing.

When he saw I was awake, his expression twisted with disgust.

"Rebecca, how could you be so shameless?"

He said the cruelest things, told me he never wanted to see me again.

I fled the house and drank myself into oblivion.

When a friend helped me back, I saw Patrick kneeling before my father's casket, smashing his own hand over and over with the butt of a gun.

I rushed forward to stop him.

He looked at me, his eyes brimming with regret.

I pulled him into my room and, buoyed by the lingering alcohol, my fingers fumbled for his belt buckle.

"Patrick… this isn't your fault. The sin will be mine."

He pulled me into his arms, offering no resistance.

From that moment on, we were siblings in public, lovers in private.

I thought that one day, our secret would come to light.

I never understood until today… it was all just my own wishful thinking.

I packed my bags, slung the strap over my shoulder, and walked out of the house.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard Patrick's voice.

"Before you go, join us for Juliana's welcome dinner."

I followed the sound of his voice and saw, for the first time, the woman standing behind him.

Juliana smiled gently. "Rebecca, long time no see."

I forced a stiff smile. "Juliana."

She drew closer and took my hand, speaking softly about her life over the past few years.

But she ended every story the same way: “And I thought about Patrick every single day.”

I forced a smile and nodded along.

Then Juliana leaned in closer, her tone playful yet sharp. "Rebecca, tell me… has Patrick been hiding any little playthings all these years?"

A subtle challenge laced her voice as her gaze flickered to the unique black obsidian bracelet on my wrist.

I flinched, pulling my wrist back before I could think.

Juliana raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Maybe Patrick hasn't been dating… but it looks like you have a boyfriend?"

Patrick sat on the bench beside her, a low laugh rumbling in his chest.

"Rebecca is engaged to Stewart Callahan from Chicago. We'll all be there to celebrate."

Their effortless intimacy cast them as gracious hosts and me as an unwelcome guest.

I couldn't stand it a second longer. Panic rising, I shot to my feet.