Chapter 5

To Keith's surprise, Iris agreed to his suggestion without throwing a tantrum. Caught off guard, he stood there helplessly. Iris did not even look at Keith. Her attention was on the sycamore tree in the garden. The tree reminded her of a memory from when she was 11 years old. That year, she was framed by Erica. Her parents beat her up badly and kicked her out of the house. When she was alone and despairing, she crouched under the sycamore tree, crying. It was Keith who came up to her and extended a hand. Smiling warmly, he offered, "Come home with me." Back then, Keith was a handsome, tall man who shone a light into her dark life. Since then, she had found hope and someone to rely on. Keith had hoped that Iris could make it into Bellevue University and achieve her dreams. That was why, in 1978, Iris tried her best and finally made it to Bellevue University. She had thought that she would chase after Keith's footsteps and be with him forever. Looking back, Iris realized that everything was ephemeral. The man before her eyes had changed. He forced her to compromise. To get Erica into Bellevue University, he'd rather marry Iris—a woman he didn't love. How touching was his love! When Keith told Iris that they'd postpone their marriage registration, she felt calm. After all, she no longer had any expectations of him. If he proposed postponing the marriage, he'd probably walk back on his promise. When that happened, not only would she lose her chance to enroll in university, but Keith would not marry her either. She foresaw that happening. Fortunately, she did not actually give up the Bellevue University offer to Erica. In 20 days, she would leave this sad place behind and depart for National Defense University. She would also cut all ties with her family and Keith. Keith started to feel nervous when Iris didn't make a scene as he had anticipated. He explained, "Iris, don't overthink this. I've made you a promise, and I will not walk back on it. The thing is, Erica is in an unstable mental state, and I don't want to trigger her." Iris looked away from the sycamore tree. Suddenly, she asked, "Keith, do you remember the promise you made to me under the sycamore tree when I was 11?" Keith's expression twitched a little. Something came into his mind, and guilt immediately colored his eyes. He was about to speak, but a guard suddenly approached them, looking concerned. "Officer Brownstein, we've got updates from the hospital. Ms. Colton is self-harming again." Brows furrowed, Keith ditched Iris and made a dash to his vehicle. Iris watched his jeep drive away. Then, she went back to her room—the narrow balcony. There was nothing much on the balcony anyway. After setting fire to Keith's gifts, she realized that she had nothing in her name except a few pieces of shabby clothing. Her parents had not given her anything apart from life. Well, they had given her a lot in the beginning, but everything ultimately went to Erica. … Keith was gone for a week. During these few days, he, Thomas, and Rosanne were busy looking after Erica at the hospital. Iris preferred it that way as she didn't have to put up with Erica's revolting acts or her parents' overt favoritism. She met with Marcus, hoping to gain some physical training before attending National Defense University. Since she had decided to major in cryptography, she knew that she would face many dangers in the future. Marcus didn't give it much thought. He merely assumed that Iris was a hardworking woman. Hence, he gave his all in tutoring her. A week later, though Iris appeared all sweaty while training in the garden, she looked more energetic now. She had cut off her dark, long curls. Keith once said that he preferred women who were traditional and demure, which was why she grew her hair out. Now that she no longer needed to attend Bellevue University to be with Keith, she seemed to be a changed person who lived only for herself. Marcus sighed in admiration. Iris exuded the air of a female soldier. Although he was not told the reason behind her physical training, he had a guess. Nevertheless, he did not voice out his thoughts. He decided to leave the younger generation to resolve their conflicts. He also thought that the Burnetts were unreasonably biased toward Erica. Marcus often embarked on missions abroad, so he did not have a say in the Burnetts' family matters. However, he didn't mind offering Iris help if she needed it. … Iris' peace was finally shattered when Erica came home from the hospital. At that time, Iris was practicing squats in the garden. When she looked up, she saw her parents and Keith joking around with Erica as they entered the garden. Erica was leaning against Keith. They looked intimate. Occasionally, she would rub her head against him while Thomas and Rosanne feigned ignorance. In fact, they seemed fine with it. Keith did not object, either. He had only hurriedly shoved Erica away when something came into his mind after sensing Iris' eyes on him. Erica immediately teared up. "Keith, am I not good enough for you?" Looking awkward, he had no choice but to allow Erica to lean on him. Erica glanced at Iris provocatively after she stepped foot at home, but Iris kept her calm as though the four people before her were nothing. Instead, Iris focused on her training. An hour passed, and Iris wrapped up her training. She let out a long exhale. A rare breeze swept past in the middle of the searing summer. Eyes closed, she enjoyed the rare relaxing moment in the garden. "National Defense University?" Keith broke the silence when he spoke in a trembling voice from behind. Iris opened her eyes and saw him clutching a magazine, panic in his eyes.