Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 261

Arthur and I quietly dance through several songs, lost in our own little bubble despite the crowd around us. We don’t talk much, but we don’t need to. I’m just glad to be here, listening to my mate’s heartbeat in tandem with the music.

Together. In public. No longer hiding.

It’s still so… surreal.

Eventually, though, I’m pulled back to reality by Brian and Liam, who insist on stealing me away. Arthur relinquishes me with mock reluctance, pressing a quick kiss to my temple before heading to the bar.

Brian immediately pulls me into an enthusiastic hug once Arthur is out of earshot. “Look at you, Miss Famous Artist! Next thing you know, you’ll be too important to hang out with us nobodies.”

I roll my eyes. “As if. You’re still the ones who helped me get back on my feet when I had nothing. You’re stuck with me.”

Liam laughs, but there’s something thoughtful in his eyes as they follow Arthur’s retreating form. “So, what’s next for you two? Now that the residency is over and all…”

“I’m moving back in with him,” I say, feeling a flutter in my stomach at saying it out loud. “Next week, actually.”

“That’s huge!” Brian exclaims. “And then what? Wedding bells in the future?” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

I feel my cheeks heat up. “Goddess, not you too. I saw that ridiculous article with the picture of us at the park.”

“It wasn’t ridiculous,” Liam argues. “It was sweet. And you didn’t answer the question.”

The thought of getting engaged to Arthur makes my heart pound excitedly, but I’m not ready to admit that out loud–especially not when the media is already running wild with speculation.

“We’re taking things slow,” I insist. “We haven’t even moved back in together yet! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Brian gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me for a second. “Uh–huh. Sure. Taking it slow. That’s why you two can’t keep your eyes off each other for more than five minutes, darling.”

“Shut up,” I mutter, but there’s no heat behind the words.

“Whatever happens,” Brian goes on, “just stay true to your heart, okay? Don’t let the politics or the pressure or any of that noise dictate what you do.”

His husband nods in agreement. “Exactly. And for what it’s worth, Arthur seems… different now. Better.”

father and “He… is,” I say softly, glancing across the room to where Arthur is engaged in conversation wit! some city officials. Even from here, I can see the ease in his posture, the genuine smile on his face. So much unlike the perfect, polished President on posters and magazine covers, and yet somehow better.

“Fate brought you two back together for a reason,” Brian says firmly. “He’s put in the work to right his wrongs. I never thought I would say this, but… I’m glad you gave him another chance.”

I almost want to pine over the fact that I spent five years separated from him, but looking at him now, I feel as though the years weren’t wasted. They were necessary–for both of us to grow, to learn, to become the people we needed to be. Now that we’re back together, we can happily grow and change together in a positive way. Not just for ourselves, but for Miles, too.