Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 259

Chapter 259

Lovely,” she says. “We were thinking, actually, that we’d like to purchase one of your pieces. Something to display prominently in the foyer of our home.”

For a moment, I’m too stunned to respond. These are the same people who once looked at me like I was something they’d scraped off their shoes. The same people who tried to separate Arthur and me, who tried to convince Arthur to take Miles away, who were embarrassed by my existence, who never showed the slightest interest in anything I did.

And now, suddenly, they want to buy my art? To display it prominently” in their home?

The realization feels like a slap to my face. They don’t care about my art. They care about who I am now—a Willford, a legitimate member of high society, someone who can now provide them with something they want.

“I’ll… have to check which pieces are still available,” I manage to say.

“Of course,” Arthur’s father says. “Price is no object, naturally.”

I’m saved from having to respond by my residency director again, who approaches to inform me that it’s time for my speech. As I move toward the small podium at the front of the gallery, I take a few deep breaths to compose myself again.

Standing behind the podium, I look out at the sea of faces. Some I recognize–Alice and Hunter giving me thumbs up from the back, my parents and Caleb standing together near the wall, a few of the teachers I interviewed. Most are strangers, though.

I pretend I don’t see Leonard and Wendy in the crowd.

I clear my throat and begin the speech I’ve prepared, talking about my journey as an artist, the themes I explore in my work, and my new initiative to support arts education in underserved communities. As I speak, I gain confidence, passionate about this cause that means so much to me.

“Art saved me when I was a child with nothing,” I tell the crowd. “It gave me a voice, a purpose, a way to process my experiences. Every child deserves that opportunity, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

I’m just getting to the part about my plans for the future when there’s a sudden commotion at the entrance. Cameras start flashing even more frantically than before, and heads turn away from me, drawn to whatever–or whoever has just arrived.

My heart sinks a little as I recognize the tall, slender form of Veronica gliding into the gallery. She’s stunning as always, dressed in a designer gown that hugs her curves deliciously. Her signature red lips curve into a gracious smile as she regards the photographers.

vho just I force myself to continue speaking, but I can feel the attention dividing between me and the wor walked in. It’s not that Veronica is doing anything wrong–she’s just being Veronica, beautiful and charismatic and impossible to ignore.

But in her presence, I can’t help feeling… lesser. Plain. Ordinary. All the insecurities I thought I’d left behind come rushing back. Next to her grace and poise, I feel like an awkward imposter.

I finish my speech to polite applause, although I notice several people aren’t even listening anymore, too busy trying to get closer to Veronica. As I step down from the podium, Arthur is immediately at my side.

“You were amazing,” he says with a warm kiss on my cheek. “Your speech was perfect.”

By the time the exhibition officially ends, I’m exhausted but satisfied. Despite the unexpected competition for attention, my art was well–received, and several pieces have sold.

Chapter 259

+25 BONUS

Most importantly, I’ve made connections with people who are interested in supporting my arts education initiative. I intend to donate everything I’ve earned tonight to the Eastside Elementary school, although I’m a little worried that the funds might not be used for the art program.

As the last of the guests trickle out and the gallery staff begin to clean up, Arthur pulls me aside.

“I know you’re tired,” he says, “but the night’s not over ye.”