Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Iris

The Ordan Central Orphanage looks smaller than I remember, or maybe I’ve just grown since I was last here. The once–vibrant

red bricks have faded to a dull rust color, and the front garden, which Headmistress Giulia used to maintain so meticulously, is now overgrown with weeds. Several of the windows have been patched with duct tape, and even the front steps are cracked.

“It’s… seen better days,” I murmur as we approach the entrance, Arthur carrying the box of toys while I balance the containers of

cookies in my arms.

“Is this where you grew up, Mommy?” Miles asks, looking up at the building.

“Yes, little wolf. From when I was a baby until I was eighteen.”

The front door creaks as we push it open, revealing a dimly lit lobby. One of the light fixtures is flickering. A few children peek curiously at us from a doorway leading to what I remember as the common room.

“Hello?” I call out. “Giulia? Are you

here?”

There’s a shuffling sound, and then an elderly woman emerges from an office to the right. Her silver hair is pulled back in a loose bun, wisps escaping to frame her deeply lined face. She squints at us through thick glasses, then her eyes widen in recognition.

“Iris?” she gasps. “Is that really you?”

“It’s me,” I reply softly as a lump forms in my throat. I set down the cookies and quickly cross the room to embrace her. She feels a lot frailer than I remember. Even more frail than Augustine, somehow.

“Let me look at you,” she says, holding me at arm’s length. “All grown up and so beautiful! And who is this handsome young

man?”

I gesture to Miles, who steps forward, shyly wringing his hands. “I’m Miles,” he says softly at a nod from me.

“He’s son,” I add, gently urging him forward. “Miles, this is Giulia. She took care of me when I was little.”

“And who is…?” Giulia’s voice trails off as she spots Arthur, her eyes widening further. “Alpha President! What an honor!”

Arthur smiles warmly as he sets down the box of toys. The kids in the doorway eye them curiously, and Miles as well. One little girl with pigtails and a polka dot dress waves at Miles and he blushes, hiding behind my legs, but I can tell he’s still watching her

cautiously.

This is a lie–I’ve barely spoken about the orphanage to Arthur, and even when we were together, I didn’t talk much about my childhood but I appreciate the kindness in his words. Giulia practically glows under his attention.

“We brought cookies and toys,” I say, gesturing to our donations. “And we were hoping for a tour, if that’s alright. Miles wants to

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“Of course, of course!” Giulia claps her hands together. “The children will be thrilled with the gifts. And a tour–well, things have

As we follow Giulia through the orphanage, I’m struck by how much it has deteriorated. The wallpaper is peeling in places, and

the children we pass seem happy enough, if a bit subdued.