Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 143

“Of course not,” Arthur says, looking genuinely hurt by the suggestion. “Iris, I would never do that to you. Or to Miles.”

I sink onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. “Then who did?”

“I don’t know. But I intend to find out.” He sits beside me, careful to maintain some distance. “How are you feeling? Should yout

even be out of the hospital?”

“I’m fine,” I say automatically. “The doctors were… surprised by how quickly I healed.”

Arthur blinks, clearly just as surprised as the doctors. And me, for that matter.

h the CPS agent.

“Thank you,” I say after a moment. “For what you did. At the hospital, and just now with

“You don’t need to thank me. I’ll always protect you and Miles.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Iris, about the custody case

“I’m not dropping it,” I say quickly, steeling myself against the softening I feel toward him. “What happened at the hospital,

what happened just now–it doesn’t change anything.”

Arthur sighs. “Can we just talk about this?”

I shake my head. I made my point the last time we spoke about this, the day we talked in the parking lot after the meeting. And despite everything, I need to be certain. Need to be sure that no one can take Miles from me.

“Fine. Then let’s not talk tonight,” Arthur says, surprising me. “Let me make dinner for you both.”

I blink at him. “Dinner? Again?”

“You shouldn’t be cooking in your condition anyway,” he points out. “Let me help. I can meal prep for the week so you don’t have

to worry about it.”

discomfort isn’t appealing. But having Arthur here, in my space, playing house again… it feels dangerous.

“Please, Iris,” Arthur says. “One meal. For Miles. He misses us being together.”

As if on cue, Miles peeks around the corner. “Daddy’s staying for dinner?”

“Yes, Daddy’s staying for dinner,” I say, and the joy that lights up my son’s face almost makes the inevitable heartache worth it.

I watch as Arthur leads Miles to the kitchen, already talking about what they might prepare together. Brian and Liam stop in the doorway, staring at me in shock. I just throw my hands up in silent resignation, shrug, and then lean my head back against the