THE SILENT VOWS !
INTRODUCTION
Margaret Crane, 70s
Head of Crane Industries & the family
Chairwoman of Crane Industries. The undisputed head of the joint family. She’s strict, arrogant, and runs both the company and the household with an iron fist. Everyone answers to her.
Joseph Crane, 50s
Margaret’s eldest son
Older brother to Richard. He’s part of the family business and, like most of the Cranes, treats his wife Katherine as weak and uneducated. Despite being the eldest, he doesn’t seem to challenge Margaret’s authority.
Richard Crane, 50s
Margaret’s youngest son
Father to Theo and Marcus. He’s described as a very good man, especially by Iris. He’s married to Eleanor and is part of the family, though his role in the company isn’t stated.
Katherine Crane, 50s
Joseph’s wife
Sweet, innocent, and abused. The family looks down on her, calling her weak and uneducated. Her son Carlos deeply resents the family for how they treat her. She and Iris are the only ones who actually run the household — everyone else is “just for show.”
Eleanor Crane
Richard’s wife
A powerful woman in her own right — CEO of her own makeup brand. She’s Margaret’s “right ear” and closest confidante. She’s known to hate everyone, including her own daughter-in-law. Firmly aligned with Margaret’s harsh rule.
Joseph and katherine's children 👇🏻
Sera Crane is Joseph and Katherine’s eldest child, and Margaret’s granddaughter.
• Status: Divorced
Has a daughter
Joseph & Katherine’s youngest child
Ex-military officer, now transferred to become a police officer. He hates everyone in the Crane family because of how abusively they treat his mother, Katherine.
Richard and Eleanor's children 👇🏻
Theo Crane
Richard & Eleanor’s eldest son
Married to Helen, with whom he has a 5-year-old son.
Helen Crane
Theo’s wife
A fashion model and mother to a 5-year-old son. She’s Theo’s wife and Eleanor’s daughter-in-law who gets all the privilege
Marcus Crane
Richard & Eleanor’s youngest son
CEO of Crane Industries. Married to Iris for 2 years in an arranged marriage. He’s quiet and speaks little, but Iris can read his expressions. Despite being CEO, the real power seems to still sit with Margaret.
Iris Nelson-Crane
Marcus’s wife, married 2 years
Married into the family via an arrangement made by her grandfather. Her marriage to Marcus lacks warmth — “they don’t have anything as a marriage” — but she understands him through his eyes since he speaks little. She and Katherine are the only ones who actually do work in the house. Her only support is her father in law and Katherine
This is the whole family tree of the Crane's
Stay tuned for the episodes 😉
EPISODE 1
Morning sunlight spilled through the carved wooden windows of the Crane family estate, painting golden streaks across the silk curtains of Iris’s room.
And Iris was still asleep
She turned sharply toward the antique clock on the bedside table. The elegant golden hands pointed far past the hour she was supposed to be downstairs.
For one terrifying second, her mind went completely blank.
Then panic exploded.
Iris bolted upright so fast that her blanket tangled around her legs, nearly throwing her onto the floor. Her braid had completely come undone during sleep, dark hair spilling everywhere as she scrambled out of bed.
Iris Nelson
The tea ceremony— the morning greetings— Mother in law is going to murder me—😵💫😵💫
She rushed toward the wardrobe, grabbing the first formal robe she could find, only to realize halfway through wearing it that it was inside out.
Iris Nelson
Oh , brilliant
Somewhere beyond the hallway, she could already hear the estate waking up: servants moving quietly, porcelain clinking, the faint echo of conversation from the lower halls.
The Crane family never woke late.
Especially not the daughter-in-law.
She rushed downstairs in a proper attire
The moment the dining hall doors opened, Iris expected judgment
Cold stares. Disappointment. Another lecture about the responsibilities of the Crane family’s daughter-in-law.
Instead—
The rich aroma of breakfast drifted through the air.
Fresh tea. Warm bread. Steamed buns. Soup already served perfectly into porcelain bowls.
And standing near the long dining table, calm as ever, was the estate’s butler.
Butler Snow
Good morning, Madam Iris
Butler Snow
Breakfast preparations have been completed
She stared at the table.
Then at him.
Then back at the table again.
Iris Nelson
But , i overslept
Iris Nelson
But the Crane family traditions—
Butler Snow
The household has not collapsed, Madam.
Butler Snow
Rest assured . You can have rest 🙂
Butler Snow
Don't you think you are forgetting Richard Sir's medications ?
Iris Nelson
Thank you so much Mr. Snow
The medicine tray rattled softly in Iris’s hands as she hurried down the quiet corridor toward her in-laws’ chambers.
Balancing the porcelain cup carefully, she stopped outside the carved wooden doors and knocked gently.
Iris Nelson
Father? It’s Iris. 🙂
A warm voice answered almost immediately.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Come in , child
The room smelled faintly of cedarwood and tea. Sunlight filtered across shelves of old books while Richard Crane sat near the window in a neatly pressed robe, reading glasses resting low on his nose.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Unlike most people in the estate, Richard never made her feel like she was being examined.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
You're late 🙂
Iris Nelson
It has been a tragic morning 😅
Richard chuckled softly as she handed him the medicines.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Ah yes. The fall of the great Crane dynasty because one girl overslept.
Iris Nelson
* embarrassed * Everyone will remember it always
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
They will, *he said seriously before his eyes twinkled with amusement* The servants are likely writing songs already.
Iris laughed despite herself.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
You remembered the correct dosage
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
And the timing ?
Iris Nelson
Father , it has been 2 years now . I already memorised every doze of your medicine 😀
A quiet warmth settled between them, easy and comfortable.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
You’ve been trying very hard lately.
The simple acknowledgment caught her off guard.
Iris Nelson
I just .... can't do well
Before Richard could answer, the doors opened sharply behind them.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Eleanor Crane entered with the kind of elegant composure that made entire rooms straighten automatically around her.
Her gaze landed on Iris first.
Then the medicine tray.
Then Richard.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
* coldly * You made her bring your medicine herself again?
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
I Happen to enjoy her company. * calmy *
Iris Nelson
*immediately stood straighter.* Good morning, Mother.
For a moment, silence stretched.
Then Eleanor spoke again.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
You focus diligently on household duties lately
Iris Nelson
I’m trying my best.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
But some responsibilities matter more than arranging breakfast trays.
Iris’s fingers tightened around the edge of the medicine tray.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Eleanor—
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
Two years !
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
Two years of marriage, and still no child.
The room suddenly felt much colder.
Iris lowered her gaze immediately.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
You are the daughter-in-law of the Crane family . An heir is not a trivial matter.
Richard set his teacup down with a soft clink.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
That’s enough.
But Eleanor wasn’t looking at him.
She was still watching Iris.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
And while everyone praises your kindness and effort, kindness alone does not continue a family line.
The words stung far more than Iris expected them to.
Not because Eleanor raised her voice.
But because she didn’t.
Iris forced herself to answer politely despite the knot tightening painfully in her chest
Iris Nelson
I understand, Mother.
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
The matter is not solely Iris’s responsibility.
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
So what , My son is the CEO of the Crane company . Mother has seen efforts in his potential. We can't blame him . After all , he is hardworking and doesn't have time to roam around his wife
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
You mean to say , Iris should roam around your son , that son , who doesn't even sit with his father , who doesn't care about his father's health at all . After all , it's only Iris who accompanies me with my hospital follow ups . 😡😡
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
And what about you ? He doesn't even have time for you . He doesn't remember he has parents . And all you do is blame Iris for this ? 😡😡
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
What you want me to do ? Go and scold him ? Do you even know he works day and night for this empire . Today , this girl is living such a luxurious life because she is Marcus's wife and a Crane 😏
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Luxurious , you say ? Just look at her . From where did you think she is living a luxurious life ? Your son , never looked at her properly after the wedding day . They live in separate bedrooms because of your son and his work . So , stop blaming her when the whole problem lies in your son
Eleanor Crane ( Marcus's mother )
Don't know what she has done to you ? It's embarrassing that you are fighting with your wife in front of someone like this 😡
Eleanor shrugged her feet and walked off the room
Iris Nelson
Father.... please , please don't be angry. You already have hypertension. Please , for me 🥺
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
* pats her head * Don't worry , I am not angry anymore .
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
* sarcasm * Go to your husband. He must be waiting when his clothes will finally come out of the wardrobe so he can wear them.
Iris Nelson
* looks at the clock * Oh no ....
Iris Nelson
Sorry father , I need to go .
She finally rushed to her husband's room
Richard Crane ( Marcus's father )
Poor child 😟
Stay tuned for Episode 2 🩷
EPISODE 2
The hallway outside Marcus’s room was silent except for the ticking of the large antique clock.
Iris hurried toward the door
She pushed the door open carefully.
The room was a mess.
Marcus’s files were scattered across the desk, his watch left near the bed, cufflinks tossed carelessly beside a chair. From inside the bathroom came the sound of running water.
Relief crossed Iris’s face.
Iris Nelson
He’s still showering…😥
Without wasting another second, she rushed around the room.
She folded his dark blazer neatly over the chair. Arranged his watches by size. Fixed the crooked bedsheet. Placed his polished shoes exactly parallel near the wardrobe.
Every movement was quick and careful, like she was trying to erase every mistake before he noticed.
The bathroom door clicked open.
Iris froze instantly.
Marcus stepped out, water still damp in his dark hair, sleeves of his black shirt rolled halfway as he buttoned the cuffs. Tall. Calm. Difficult to read.
His eyes moved slowly across the room.
The perfectly arranged desk.
The folded clothes.
The aligned accessories.
Then finally—
To Iris.
She stood in the middle of the room holding one of his ties, nervous fingers tightening around the fabric.
Iris Nelson
I-I cleaned ... Every ... Everything 😟
Iris Nelson
Your meeting files are on the desk now.😥
Marcus said nothing.
He walked past her toward the table.
Iris Nelson
* guilty * I know I was late
Marcus Crane
You were supposed to come an hour ago
His voice was low and steady. Not loud. Somehow that felt worse.
Iris lowered her eyes immediately.
She stepped closer to tie his tie .
Close enough to catch the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the freshness of the shower.
Her hands trembled slightly as she looped the tie around his neck.
Marcus noticed immediately.
Marcus Crane
You’re nervous
Marcus sighed quietly but remained still while she fixed the knot.
The silence between them felt heavier tonight.
Iris swallowed nervously.
Iris Nelson
There’s… something I wanted to ask😥
Marcus Crane
*Adjusted his watch* Then ask
Marcus Crane
What is it now?
Her fingers paused against the tie.
Iris Nelson
I was thinking.... 😰
Iris Nelson
Maybe… maybe we should start planning for a baby.
The room went completely silent.
Marcus’s expression did not change.
But the air did.
Iris immediately lowered her eyes.
Iris Nelson
😰😰I mean—not immediately if you don’t want to—I just thought since it’s been two years—
The answer came instantly.
She tried to continue tying the knot properly, but her fingers were clumsy now.
Marcus gently pulled the tie from her hands and fixed it himself in one smooth motion.
Marcus Crane
* calmly * You’re thinking emotionally again
Iris Nelson
Is wanting a family emotional?
Marcus picked up his coat from the chair.
Marcus Crane
A family isn’t a fantasy, Mrs Crane
His voice remained controlled, almost cold in its practicality.
Marcus Crane
It’s responsibility. Pressure. Sacrifice
Iris Nelson
* gathered the courage* But we’re married…
Marcus Crane
That doesn’t mean we’re ready.
Iris Nelson
Or you’re not ready?
Marcus finally looked directly at her
Marcus Crane
Mrs Crane, You can barely manage the expectations in this house without getting overwhelmed
The words stung more than she expected.
Marcus continued, not cruelly — just brutally honest.
Marcus Crane
You worry about disappointing everyone. You panic over small mistakes. You still cry after arguments with my mother.
Iris looked away immediately.
Marcus Crane
how will you handle raising a child?
Marcus stepped closer, fixing the collar of his coat.
Marcus Crane
I am leaving for work
Iris hurriedly looked up and stopped him
Marcus Crane
Mrs Crane , you think after the conversation I have time for breakfast ?
Iris Nelson
Please give me 2 minutes , Mr Crane . I will make you your protein shake . Just 2 minutes 😰
Marcus Crane
Mrs Crane , first try to value that 2 minutes . You were already late today yet you wanted to have that conversation with me . Now , excuse me .
Marcus fixed his watch and went to the company without having breakfast
Iris Nelson
2 years of marriage yet i don't feel anything from you . I want to give you everything. The love , the care . I can even serve you my lifetime but in return I only want you to notice me . For once
Stay tuned for Episode 3 💞
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