LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
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
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
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
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







