IrisWhen I finally work up the courage to emerge from the coat closet, I’m both surprised and relieved to find that the event is going on just the same as it was before. The walls aren’t burning down and no one looks at me as I make my way back to the main area, so I suppose that means that whateve
When I burst into the apartment, Miles is still sitting there, staring at his plate of plain vegetables and steamed tofu. The sight breaks my heart, and I whirl toward Mrs. White, who’s sitting in the armchair in the living room with her arms folded and a smug expression on her face.“He wouldn’t—”
IrisOnce we’re alone, I turn to Miles. He’s already back to being his usual smiley self, happily eating his sandwich and munching on his apple slices. The sight makes the ice around my heart melt just a little, and I ruffle his hair as I move past him.I pour him a glass of milk, then one for mysel
Once I’m certain he’s asleep, I let out a soft sigh and bend down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.“Goodnight, little wolf,” I whisper. The familiar nickname feels even more ironic now.After changing out of my gown, I’m not even close to feeling tired. Rather, I change into a pair of sweatp
ArthurSelina kissed me.Her lips were on mine before I had a chance to react, her hands cupping my face. The crowd nearby swooned, people clapping and murmuring over the sweet display of affection.But I didn’t want it. I didn’t want her.And worst of all, I couldn’t even shove her away like I real
She painted… us. In the closet. Her mouth turned up in a smile, her eyes closed. For the first time in five years, she looks truly peaceful and happy in this image, and yet for some reason, I found her tearing it to shreds like she’d gone rabid.My throat bobs as I finally look up at her. She’s sitt
Iris & ArthurIrisMy emotions are at war this morning. Every time I think about Arthur ending his contract with Selina, my heart does a little flip. But then I remember the hesitation on his face when I asked about being his public wife, and that same heart crashes back down into my stomach.It see
The color drains from Bella’s face. “But… My family has donated to this institution for generations.”“And we appreciate that support,” the committee head says diplomatically. “However, the residency is awarded based on artistic merit and vision, not family connections. I’m sorry, but you are disqua
“To new beginnings,” Arthur says softly, clinking his glass against mine. I smile and take a sip. The champagne is crisp and cold, bubbles dancing on my tongue. I lean back on one elbow, gazing up at the mural again.“You know,” I say thoughtfully, “I’ve always loved that this mural shows humans and
Iris“Careful, step up here,” Arthur murmurs, his hand firm on my lower back as he guides me forward.The blindfold is soft against my face, blocking out all light. I’ve been wearing it since we got in the car twenty minutes ago, and my curiosity is killing me. Where on earth is Arthur taking me?“A
The interviewer takes notes, then turns to me. “And now you’re raising your son together. How has that transition been?”“It’s been wonderful having Arthur in Miles’ life,” I manage. “Miles adores him.”“I imagine it must be quite the adjustment, suddenly being thrust into the public eye as the Alph
IrisMy hair is swept into an elegant updo, not a strand out of place. My makeup is flawless but subdued, emphasizing my cheekbones and brightening my eyes without looking too dramatic. The dress is a conservative knee-length sheath in navy blue, with a matching blazer that nips in at the waist.The
“What do you mean?”“I’ve arranged a photoshoot and interview. For both of us.”I blink at him, stunned. “A photoshoot? You mean... like for a magazine?” My mind flits back to all of the magazine covers with Arthur and Selina—the perfect poses, the pretty smiles, the flawless makeup.Arthur nods. “A
IrisI scrub the serving dish harder than I should, hardly even noticing as the scrubber leaves scratch marks in the ceramic.The dinner was a disaster. Not just the burnt roast—although that certainly didn’t help—but the whole evening. Leonard and Wendy might as well have worn signs around their ne
Mother scoffs. “I’m not impressed. Maybe if she weren’t so preoccupied with that hobby of hers, she could actually focus on what’s important: her family.”“Painting isn’t a hobby,” I counter. “It’s her profession. And she’s damn good at it. You saw her work.”Father scoffs. “It’s derivative at best.
Iris & ArthurIrisAn awkward silence falls over the table. I shift uncomfortably. The only sound is that of the kitten racing around in the other room, playing with a bottle cap. Wendy glances at the cat with a wrinkled nose but says nothing.Arthur clears his throat and offers me a grin. “Everythi
Emi, who has been stationed in the apartment hallway on alternate shifts with another security guard every day since the debut, has already let our guests in by the time I walk into the entryway.Arthur steps in, looking handsome in a casual sweater and slacks. Behind him are Leonard and Wendy.“Wel