Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 69

I nod. “For free. Of whatever you want.”

“Why the hell would I want a portrait?”

“Because a ‘Flora‘ original is going to be worth a fortune someday,” I reply, not caring how haughty I sound at the moment.

The Beta stares at me, clearly not buying it. I don’t blame him, of course; lying to Arthur is a big deal for him, and a painting is, well, a painting. But I hold up the bag of supplies and say, “Besides, I owe you for these. And… Thank you, by the way.”

Ezra glances at the bag and sighs. “I’ll consider it,” he says noncommittally.

That’s good enough for me, I suppose. For now.

With that, Ezra and I make our way back to the apartment building side–by–side in silence. It’s not the most comfortable silence, but I have to admit—it is sort of nice to have some company on my walk.

When we arrive, however, we come upon a scene that I wasn’t expecting. There’s a line of cars outside the building, drivers shouting and honking their horns.

And there, standing in the middle of the street, is Augustine in her nightgown.

4

Arthur

It’s been a long day–a long week, really–and I’m eager to get home. In fact, I leave the office a few minutes early, looking forward to making dinner with Iris and Miles. It’s strange having them in the apartment, but it also feels right. I just wish Iris would stay without a fuss.

Just as I’m rounding the corner to the apartment building, I notice an ambulance and a police car sitting outside. My heart lurches. Are Iris and Miles hurt?

I quickly park the car, slipping on my hat and sunglasses, and rush inside.

Iris is sitting in the lobby, Cliff and Ezra and a few EMTs standing nearby. Augustine is sitting beside her. They’re both… laughing.

I hesitate, not sure what to make of the scene. Augustine, the elderly landlady, has been battling the first symptoms of dementia for some time now. The once bubbly, intelligent, and feisty woman stopped smiling once Iris left, and as of late, she’s hardly even left her apartment.