5 The only woman he brought to hotel

Theo wasn't surprised by her response. Instead, he simply looked at Iris intently, quietly waiting for her next confession.

Iris was surprised by his calm reaction, but his unwavering gaze gave her the courage to continue.

"It was with my best friend from college, the one I even paid her medical expenses for," Iris chuckled self-mockingly, "I even gave her the keys to my house. Little did I know it would make it easier for them to have an affair." She took the bottle and took another sip.

Theo noticed that her bottle was empty, so he casually grabbed another one, opened it, then handed it to her.

"You were busy working until late, braving the snow to go home and be with your lover, only to discover their affair. Is that right?"

Iris was shocked, and a hint of suspicion arose within her. How could he have figured that out?

Theo noticed her doubt and lack of trust, saying, "I'm not a stalker. I just noticed your exhausted facial expression and the growling of your stomach, which led me to deduce that you had a long, tiring day."

Iris felt slightly relieved and amazed by his keen observation skills. "I thought we were going to get married," Iris ran her fingers through her dishevelled hair and continued, "I know I've been increasingly busy with my work, but I'm still young and need to put in a lot of effort to gain trust and opportunities. I haven't been able to spend as much time with him, but he's also been occupied with his studies."

"See, that's the point," Theo interjected, surprising Iris with his sudden opinion.

She tilted her head, curious to hear what he had to say.

"He hasn't even graduated yet, but you're ambitious in your own field and have achieved considerable success. He's stuck in the curse of not being able to graduate." Theo paused for a moment, looking directly at Iris.

"He's jealous of you but doesn't have the ability to change the situation, so he resorts to hurting you."

Iris felt as though she was struck by lightning. It was true that both she and Lucas were highly accomplished during their college years, but after starting his master's degree, Lucas struggled with his studies.

While he was supposed to obtain his Ph.D. two years ago and become an admired sports medicine expert, he hadn't managed to graduate yet. Iris suggested that he find an internship to bridge the gap, and she even managed to secure a good position for him through her connections.

The internship was at a famous sports medicine center, backed by one of the most famous football players today. It aimed to research sports-related injuries and help athletes prolong their careers. It was undoubtedly beneficial for Lucas's professional development.

Lucas cherished this opportunity and hoped to secure a permanent position. Becoming a doctor in this field had always been his dream.

However, judging by his performance during the past few months of the internship, things didn't seem to be going well. Lucas's colleagues were top doctors from leading domestic teams, with years of experience treating professional athletes. They easily identified many problems and provided treatment plans.

Lucas suddenly realized how much of an amateur he was in comparison. Iris comforted him, assuring him that these people had also started from where he was and she understood what it felt like to begin from zero. She knew firsthand because when she started her interpretation work, she had to slowly grow and earn the trust of her colleagues and clients.

But Lucas didn't see it that way. All he felt was frustration, believing he was exceptional — at least a few years ago — and that this arrogance persisted.

He wanted success and applause to come effortlessly, and any setbacks or efforts to seize opportunities were seen as unacceptable and 'disrespectful to talent'.

Iris asked Theo, "So you think his infidelity was inevitable?"

"Why not? A dissatisfied man with a growing gap between him and his girlfriend, and you being frequently away from home, it's not surprising." Theo looked at Iris's furrowed brow and quickly added, "Of course, this is absolutely not your fault. The cheater is always the one at fault."

"So, is it inevitable for a career woman?" Iris's sorrowful expression surprised Theo. She had tried so hard to maintain a strong image all this while. Why did she have this reaction?

"Not really." Theo looked at Iris's saddened face and cautiously said, "It's just that your ex-boyfriend— can I call him that? Or do you still want this relationship to work out? Either way, he clearly wasn't worthy of your trust."

"This relationship is so over, no matter what he does!" Iris stated without hesitation.

Theo looked at her resolute expression and knew she wasn't joking. She's as determined as ever, and it seemed like nothing would change her mind.

Theo raised his wine to Iris and said, "Then drink this; let bygones be bygones, and let us toast to a new beginning."

Iris looked at his encouraging gaze, his hazel-green eyes carrying sincerity and allure. She naturally picked up a bottle; scenes from the past flashed through her mind.

The girl who had just arrived in this cosmopolis, the years of companionship—she couldn't quite discern how much of it was love and how much was simply habit.

Now, whatever it was, she had to start again.

Iris raised her bottle and toasted Theo, saying, "To a new beginning!" Then she downed the alcohol in one gulp.

Iris was heavily intoxicated, and she began unabashedly scrutinizing Theo, completely relaxed on the couch.

"So, what about you, handsome?" Iris asked Theo with a smile, "What's your story?"

Theo was caught off guard by how quickly she changed the subject and how flirtatious she had suddenly become. He hesitated slightly, falling silent. He just kept drinking without saying a word.

Iris kicked his leg slightly in annoyance. "Silence isn't a virtue, you know."

Theo didn't even move his leg, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I'm just gathering my thoughts," he said, looking up into Iris's eyes. "I didn't intend to remain silent indefinitely."

Theo wished he could be as uninhibited as Iris when she was drunk, but he could handle alcohol, and by the time he got drunk, Iris would be too drunk to listen to him.

Although Iris didn't care who the man was; she often worked as an interpreter for many celebrities. So, there was no harm in knowing about their lives and troubles. Goodness, even when she was drunk, she was thinking about work.

"Family? Career?" Iris tentatively guessed.

Theo smiled. These two categories encompass most of life's worries. This woman was quite clever in that regard.

"Both," he replied.

"Is it a regular occurrence in your life to be cornered by journalists like tonight?"

"Well, I've been a target of journalists for a long time."

"Poor thing," Iris said, her wandering eyes looking at him, expressing sympathy. "Do you always hide women in hotel rooms?"

She started giggling when asking this, the alcohol making her forget many social manners.

Theo raised his eyebrow, "I've only hidden one woman."

He stopped and looked at her intensively.

"Only you."