Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

“Arthur, about those articles-”

“I don’t want to talk about that right now,” he interrupts, standing up abruptly. “I have a lot of work to do tonight.”

I watch him gather the contract papers and his laptop, heading toward his office without another word. The door closes behind him with a soft click that somehow sounds like a gunshot in the sudden silence.

The next few days pass in much the same way–Arthur distant and preoccupied, me throwing myself into finishing my artwork for the exhibition. I paint like a woman possessed, channeling all my confusion and hurt into my brush strokes.

The theme “Soul Ties” takes on new meaning as I create pieces that explore the invisible bonds between people– the ones that stretch and strain but never quite break. In each painting, there are subtle elements that represent my ties to Arthur, to Miles, even to myself. It’s the most personal work I’ve ever done, raw and honest in a way that sometimes makes me uncomfortable.

Finally, the day before the exhibition, I complete the last piece. I stand back, exhausted but satisfied, knowing I’ve poured everything I have into this collection.

As if on cue, my phone pings with a message from Hunter: How’s the artwork coming along?”

I take a quick photo of my studio, canvases leaning against the walls, and send it to him.

He responds almost immediately: “They look amazing, even from this distance. You’re going to blow everyone away.”

A few minutes later, another message arrives: “Would you like me to attend the exhibition with you? For moral support. No pressure either way.”