They made such a beautiful couple, and Iris, in her pyjamas, felt completely out of place.
"Looking at the photos of our genius and his unacknowledged girlfriend from last night, it's clear that Theo still has a thing for beauties!" The TV host continued to blabber on happily.
Theo paid no attention to what the host said as if he hadn't even noticed his affairs on TV.
He went about his business, fetching food for Iris. Meanwhile, Iris' face took on a ghastly expression. She never expected to end up on the news, especially during prime time at lunchtime.
Iris wanted to confront Theo about how he ended up in a hotel room with another woman when he was supposed to be doing his training this morning. But she felt powerless and insignificant.
'This is ridiculous and pathetic,' Iris muttered, feeling embarrassed by her situation. She put down her chopsticks, pushed her chair aside, and stood up.
"Sir, I think I'll head back to my apartment. It seems like the reporters have found a new target," she said, trying to maintain her composure.
Theo winked at Margaret, who understood the situation and promptly turned off the TV, leaving the living room for Theo and Iris.
As Iris made her way towards the staircase, Theo rushed over and grabbed her arm, blocking her path.
"Iris, don't go!" Theo pleaded, but Iris shook his hand off and looked at him with cold, distant eyes.
"What am I doing here, having sex with you, waiting for you to have lunch, only to see pictures of you and your new girlfriend at a hotel?" Iris scoffed, "I didn't sign up for humiliation, and besides, I won't be your secret mistress!"
Theo let out a sigh and grasped Iris's shoulder. He bent down to meet her gaze and patiently explained, "Remember when I told you last night that I would create a scandal to distract the reporters? Well, this is the scandal."
Iris looked at him suspiciously. He did mention something like that, but the whole situation seemed absurd.
"Let's not make things difficult for each other. It's best if I leave now," Iris said, pushing Theo's hand away once again and starting to walk upstairs.
"Iris!" Theo reached out to grab her again, but Iris swiftly evaded him and began to run upstairs.
Theo, quick on his feet, caught her in his arms and carried her towards the master bedroom on the first floor — his room.
"Let go of me!" Iris struggled and tried to free herself from Theo's grip.
Theo placed Iris on the bed, pinning her down and restraining her moving hands. Iris was trapped beneath him, attempting to get up, but Theo's strength was overpowering, leaving her unable to move. She glared at him with anger-filled eyes.
"Now, calm down and listen to me," Theo said, looking down at Iris with an unwavering tone.
"Tell me then!!" Iris answered back, her voice dripping with anger.
"I asked Antony to find an influencer to help me stage a series of photos of us entering the hotel. It was meant to be a diversion, and the media attention would also benefit her fame. It was a win-win situation," Theo explained in one breath, making sure Iris understood, "I can show you screenshots of Antony's conversation with her. You can verify that I'm telling the truth."
Iris listened, giving up her struggle. Theo saw her calm down and released his grip, helping her up and taking out his phone to show her the screenshots.
Iris silently read through them and then tossed the phone back to Theo.
"Just taking some photos to manipulate the situation seems like wishful thinking, 'Prince~' " Iris teased, adopting a playful tone and mimicking the nickname the influencer had given Theo.
Theo, realizing that Iris was starting to believe him, felt relieved. He sat down beside her and said, "If we don't give the reporters a more sensational and captivating story, they won't stop chasing after you." He then lay down on the bed, assuming a relaxed posture.
"Is that all?" Iris asked Theo, playfully nudging him with her foot.
"That's not enough," Theo sighed, lying on the bed. "I need to be involved with more girls or take more photos with this one. That way, the reporters will be overwhelmed and finnlly trust what they've seen."
Iris laughed and gloated, "Well, that will only worsen your reputation."
"Hmm?" Theo raised his head slightly, "My reputation? What have you heard?"
"Nothing," Iris replied, jumping off the bed and pulling Theo up, "Aren't you hungry? I haven't eaten all day!"
Theo let Iris to pull him up, teasing her in return, "I thought you were filled with anger and not hungry at all!"
Iris playfully stomped her foot, resembling an angry cat.
Theo smiled and wrapped his arm around Iris as they headed downstairs for lunch. Iris hadn't felt this happy in ages. Her time with Theo was thrilling and mysterious, and despite a few bumps along the way, she found herself utterly captivated by the experience.
Just as they were enjoying their meal, Iris' phone rang, and Lucas' name popped up on the screen.
Her heart started pounding, and she quickly rejected the call. In less than a second, the phone rang again, its shrill sound filling the room.
Theo observed Iris' reaction, setting down his chopsticks, and asked, "Who was it? Why didn't you answer?"
Iris had no intention of keeping it from him. "It's the guy who confronted me yesterday afternoon at your company—the one who cheated on me, my ex-boyfriend."
"Do you need me to intervene?" Theo offered, but Iris shook her head, indicating she didn't require his help.
She fixed her gaze on the phone, fearing another call from Lucas. He was incredibly stubborn.
However, luck was on her side this time, a minute passed without further calls. Just as she let out a sigh of relief, the screen lit up again, displaying a text message from Lucas.
"I saw the news about you and Theo Kilias. You will pay for this,Iris." it read.