Rebirth as The Vampire Lord's Wife
Chapter 97: Xavier Departs

Chapter 97: Xavier Departs

After a few moments had passed, he slowly raised his eyes to meet hers and spoke softly, "Iris, it appears that we may have to part ways for a while..."

Iris’s brow furrowed at his words. ’Part ways?’ She repeats his words in her heart, feeling puzzled.

Seeing her confusion, Xavier swiftly added, "I’ve suddenly been called to another country and won’t return for a week..."

Instantly, relief washed over Iris as she smiled at him. Earlier, she thought this man wanted to break up with her.

For Iris, even though her relationship with him was still new, she felt that starting a relationship with him required much effort. So, if this man ever got bored with her, she intended not to have a lover anymore. Investing in feelings for someone else seemed exhausting.

"When are you leaving?" Iris asked.

"Later this afternoon."

"That fast!? I thought you wouldn’t leave until tomorrow," she said with a smile, even though she already started to miss him.

"The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll come back," he replied, playing with her beautiful, smooth hair. "And, Iris... while I’m gone, please don’t do anything stupid. Will you!?"

Iris frowned at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"I don’t want something like two weeks ago to happen again."

Instantly, Iris grinned while directing her gaze out of the window, hiding her blushing face.

’Gosh! That had indeed been a stupid move. But, if little Iris hadn’t gone to the forest, then I wouldn’t have had the chance to be reborn in this body, right?’ Iris silently talked to herself.

"Why didn’t you answer me? Do you intend to enter the forest again?" He playfully teased her.

"No," Iris turned to look at him. "I will not do that. Besides, the temperature is getting colder these days. I will stay home and wait for my boyfriend to return!"

Xavier chuckled. "I’m relieved to hear that."

"But, Xavier, tomorrow I will go to the hospital with grandma," she reminded him.

"Okay, but you need to promise me—" When he saw her nod, he continued, "You have to go back home immediately after Grandma Gray finishes her medical checkup. And if you need anything, call Justin or Niles for help."

Iris felt something weird hearing his words. She sensed that this man was overly concerned. Was it because he was too overprotective?

Even though Iris felt slightly perplexed, she could only nod and agree, "I promise."

...

Time passes so quickly.

Xavier and Iris chatted about many things while watching a movie, and Xavier cooked for her at lunch.

Before they knew it, the afternoon had now arrived, and it was time for Justin to take Xavier to the airport, but first, they would take Iris to her house.

The distance between Darkwood Villa and Iris’s home seemed to shrink as Justin’s car reached her house in just a few minutes.

"I will call you once I arrive there," Xavier said, leaning down to capture her inviting, warm, and cheery lips. Iris didn’t resist his kiss, even though Justin witnessed their PDA.

As their lips parted, Xavier smiled lovingly at her, gently cupping her cheek, reluctant to let her go. However, he knew he couldn’t delay his departure, fearing his enemies would discover her if he lingered any longer. With a heavy heart, he urged her to go inside.

Xavier exhaled deeply after watching Iris’ back disappear behind the door, his face gradually darkening. He fixed a sharp gaze on Justin.

"Please look after her for me," Xavier said in a deep, melancholy voice. "Tomorrow, she’ll be going to the hospital with her grandma. I need you to shadow her discreetly. Ensure her safety."

"Yes, Milord, I will," Justin turned to meet Xavier’s eyes. "I’ll take care of her. You can count on me..."

Justin keenly sensed the worry his lord was experiencing. It was his first time seeing Xavier display such concern and fear.

Xavier said nothing more. He nodded slowly and then vanished from the car.

Justin managed a small smile as he watched his lord depart. He promptly left Iris’ house, heading back to Darkwood Villa with purpose. He and Niles had much to do — tracking down the individuals who had disrupted their peaceful lives in this small town.

****

That afternoon, Gray’s Cafe was closed. The two cafe workers, Kevin and Maya, had returned to their homes. At the same time, Cassandra remained in the living room, engrossed in binge-watching her favorite show. She was so absorbed in television that she only noticed Iris when she sat on the sofa.

"Iris, why are you back so early? Oh dear, did you fight with Xavier?" Cassandra asked. Her concern could be heard in her tone.

Iris was momentarily speechless. "Grandma, are you hoping for us to fight?" she teased.

Cassandra shot Iris a stern look, waiting for a proper response. Iris smiled faintly, reassuring her, "No, Grandma, we’re not fighting. You don’t have to worry about that. Xavier had to care for his family business abroad, so he’s headed to the airport now."

Relief washed over Cassandra upon hearing that her granddaughter and Xavier were fine. Iris continued, " Well, I really wanted to come home early because we must go to the hospital in the morning. You haven’t forgotten about that, have you?"

"Of course not, dear. But I put it in my cell phone’s schedule, with a reminder, in case I forget," Cassandra replied with a smile before immediately returning her attention to her TV show.

Iris stayed with her grandmother for a while, then excused herself and headed upstairs. Before entirely out of her grandma’s sight, Iris glanced back at her grandmother and said, "Grandma, I think I’ll pass dinner. So, you only need to make dinner for yourselves."

Surprised, Cassandra asked, "Oh dear, passing dinner? It’s usually your favorite mealtime of the day. What happened? Are you alright?"

"I’m fine. But, I’m on a diet..." Iris casually replied before going upstairs. She was still quite full from the generous meal Xavier had cooked for her before dropping her off.