“You’re always spoiling me with these nice dresses,” I muse as I slip into the gown.My mother grins as she laces up the back. When it’s cinched in like that, especially with the voluminous skirt, it makes my waist look slender and perfectly curved.“I’ve got to make up for lost time. But… something
Iris“Hold still. I don’t want to burn you.”I make a face at my reflection in the vanity mirror but obey my mother’s command, stilling my fidgeting hands in my lap. We’re in my bedroom at my parents’ house, which has been transformed into a styling headquarters for the day.“Are you sure about this
I look up sharply. “Leaving?”“She’s going away. A year-long residency in Bo’Arrocan. She accepted it specifically to remove herself from the equation.”I sit back in my chair, processing. Veronica is voluntarily stepping aside? Removing herself from the country so Arthur and I can live in peace? It
IrisWhen Arthur said we needed to talk, I expected to go home, or maybe to his office, or even a quiet coffee shop somewhere.I did not expect the fanciest restaurant in Ordan—the very same place he rented out for my exhibition afterparty, towering over the entire city.“What is this?” I ask as the
“That’s my boy!” Arthur calls out over the din.Miles’s face splits into a grin when he spots his father in the crowd, and my heart softens a little more. Dammit… How can I be angry with Arthur when he started a standing ovation? How can I be angry when our son looks at him like that?After the show
IrisArthur scrambles to his feet when he sees me, his mouth already opening to say something. I hold up my hand, cutting him off before he can even begin.“Not here,” I hiss, sliding past him to take my seat.“Iris, please,” he whispers as he sinks back into his chair beside me. “Just let me explai