I’m staring at my phone in disbelief, reading the email for the third time to make sure I’m not hallucinating
“We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for the Abbott Gallery residency. Your work demonstrated exceptional promise and artistic vision…”
My fingers tremble as I scroll through the details. A months–long residency. A stipend that would cover all of my basic expenses and then some. A fully furnished apartment on the premises where I can live and work.
It’s everything I’ve been working toward these past weeks. It’s a step forward in my career, a chance for yet another fresh start, a way out of Arthur’s apartment.
And it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
I set the phone down on the kitchen counter and close my eyes, trying to think. After last night’s explosive argument with Arthur, the residency would be the perfect escape. A legitimate reason to leave this apartment without it seeming like I’m running away.
But Miles…
He’s currently upstairs with Arthur, who took the day off to spend time with him. I can hear their muffled laughter filtering down from the guest bedroom, where they’re building something with blocks.
The sound should bring a smile to my face, but it just makes my stomach twist. Despite everything–despite Arthur’s lies and manipulations–Miles adores his father. Leaving now would devastate him.
I need to think. I need to sleep on this before making any rash decisions.
Later that afternoon, I hear back from the law firm. They ask me to come in for a consultation, so I head out under the guise of picking up lunch and arrive at the familiar office. It’s strange, coming back after they initially told me they couldn’t help me, but I’ll take whatever help I can get now.
The lawyer invites me into his office. I sit, placing my purse at my feet. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“Of course.” He opens a leather–bound notebook. “Now, I’ve been going over your details, and I won’t sugarcoat this. Alpha Heir custody cases are notoriously difficult for human parents.” He adjusts his glasses. “The courts tend to favor the Alpha parent, especially when the child is a confirmed Alpha.”
My stomach tightens. “So I don’t have a chance? But I thought you said you could help me.”
“I can. Alpha Arthur may be powerful, but he’s not invincible. The fact that he used an unlawful arrest and twisted your contract to keep you from leaving Ordan could work in our favor. And if we can prove that he deliberately misled you, or that he’s an unfit parent in other ways…”
“He’s not unfit,” I admit reluctantly. “Whatever else he may be, he loves Miles.”
The lawyer nods. “Admirable honesty. But love isn’t the only factor here. We could argue that he’s manipulative, that he uses his wealth and status to control you.”
Over the next half hour, we go over the details of the case. The legal jargon is dizzying, but I try my best to keep up, providing information wherever I can. By the end, the lawyer informs me that he’ll reach out to Arthur soon for our first meeting. The thought makes me feel sick, but I know it’s necessary. Anything to keep him from taking Miles away.
“Now, Iris,” the lawyer finally says, closing his notebook, I strongly recommend creating physical distance
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Chapter 132
between yourself and Alpha Arthur during this process. Cases like this can become… volatile. Tensions rise. You mentioned an argument last night that your son witnessed?
I wince, remembering Miles‘ frightened face when he saw the throw that figurine. “Yes.”
“Children shouldn’t be exposed to that kind of conflict. For Miles‘ sake, separate living arrangements might be best.”
I nod slowly, letting his words sink in. For Miles‘ sake. That’s what matters most here–what’s best for my son.
“I’ll need to think about it,” I say, gathering my purse. “But I’ll let you know my decision soon.”
The lawyer stands. “Whatever you decide, I’m prepared to Help you fight for your son.”
Back at the apartment, I sit on my bed, staring at the acceptance email again. The residency starts in two weeks. If I accept, I could move in as early as this weekend.
The sound of Miles‘ laughter floats in from the living room, where he’s watching a movie with Arthur. I think about how quickly he’s settled into this place, how he calls it ‘our home‘ with such pride. How his eyes light up when Arthur walks through the door each evening.
But I also remember his tear–streaked face when he found us fighting last night. The way he trembled as he clung to Arthur’s legs.
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