Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 275

Willa hired a full-time nanny to help look after Nugget. With her son entrusted to Arthur and the nanny, she focused entirely on finding a job.

It had been two years since her last official position, and her sporadic freelance writing hadn't amounted to much.

Most of the resumes she sent out vanished into the void.

After much deliberation, she finally dialed Iris Underwood.

"Willa? You're back in the country?"

"Yeah, I've been back for a while. Let's grab lunch sometime."

During her year abroad, she and Iris had never lost touch. Iris knew her struggles and frequently funneled freelance gigs her way to help make ends meet.

"Sounds great, you name the time," Iris laughed over the phone. "But let's be clear, you're buying. The cut I got from your projects didn't even cover the cost of a good meal."

Willa smiled. "Deal. It's on me."

They agreed to meet at noon the next day at their favorite bistro.

Willa arrived early, picking a window seat. She ordered a pot of tea and some spicy appetizers Iris loved, then waited quietly.

When Iris arrived, she wore a camel trench coat, her permed short hair looking sharp and professional—even more vibrant than before.

She spotted Willa immediately, walking briskly over. Tossing her bag onto a chair, she looked Willa up and down, her brows knitting together involuntarily.

"Other women gain weight after having a baby, but you've lost so much. What happened?"

Willa poured her a cup of tea and handed it over. "Raising a kid takes a lot of energy. Just tired."

Iris took a sip, set the cup down, and cut straight to the chase. "I asked around about your job situation. There are a few options you can consider."

Willa was slightly taken aback. She hadn't even brought it up yet, but Iris had already paved the way.

Willa thanked her from the bottom of her heart.

The food soon arrived. Willa couldn't handle much heat herself, but she had catered entirely to Iris's tastes, ordering an array of spicy dishes.

Between bites, Iris casually asked, "How's your dad holding up?"

"He's doing great," Willa replied softly. "He was a bit weak right after he got out, but he's recovered a lot over the past few weeks. Having Nugget around every day keeps him in high spirits."

"And Corbin? Does he still come around often?"

Willa's hand paused slightly. She looked down. "He has his own life. I can't keep bothering him."

Iris nodded, deciding not to beat around the bush. "Are you still hung up on Randal?"

"No," Willa answered sharply. "He's married. There's nothing to think about."