Chapter 100
“Lack of media training?” I ask.
She nods. “Yes, well, it’s not like you were born in a high–profile household like me, so it’s not really your fault that you didn’t receive the proper training in how to act in public.”
“Are you calling me a rube?”
“No, no!” Selina laughs flippantly, waving her hand again. Not at all. I just believe that it’s only natural that you’ll have more slip–ups in the future, which is why it’s best if you and Arthur part ways.”
I frown, not sure what to make of all that. I know everything Selina says and does is steeped in passive aggression, and she just spent the last five minutes basically insulting me from head to toe.
“But,” she goes on, either oblivious to my feelings or choosing to ignore them, “I also understand that Arthur is quite smitten with you–you are his mate, after all–and, as an Alpha, he won’t leave you alone. I can help, though, if you just say the word. You won’t need to worry anymore; my brother and I can make that pesky little contract go away, and I’ll shift his attention elsewhere, and you can either remain in Ordan as a successful artist or you can leave. It’s up to you.”
Finally, with a flourish, she hands me her business card. I look down at it for a moment, my mind whirling
I won’t lie–Selina’s offer is tempting. Making the contract go away, getting that residency… Even making Arthur give up on me, if that’s even possible, or if I even want that.
But I also know she’s a snake, and can’t be trusted with watching someone’s purse, let alone all of that.
Furthermore, I’m curious to know why she was in Arthur’s room that day before the exhibition. Given the way she looked at me just now, I wonder if she really does have feelings for Arthur after all, and is just pretending she doesn’t in the hopes that he’ll eventually fall for her on his own. And maybe she feels threatened now that I’m in his life again.
But I don’t mention that. Mostly because if I let her know that I saw her that day, she’ll also wonder why I was in his room, and she’ll certainly find a way to use that against me.
Instead, I just shake my head and say, “Thanks for the offer, Selina, but I’m good.”
With that, I hand her business card back and leave.
The entire way home, I keep thinking about that strange interaction. Did Selina fall for Arthur, and she’s panicking because she actually thinks we’re going to get back together?
And just as importantly, if she was serious about making Arthur get over me… would I even take it? Would I even want that, despite everything?
I don’t know, and that’s the scary part.
As I’m approaching the apartment building, I find Augustine wandering outside again, looking a little confused. She’s not in the street this time, thankfully, but rather stomping around in the garden, crushing the flowers.
“Augustine,” I call out, stopping a few feet away. “What are you doing?”
The old woman jerks her head up, her eyes lighting up when she sees me. “Oh! Iris!” she says, hurrying over to me. “I was just looking for you.”
I feel myself soften, and lead her inside, where I bring her upstairs to have some tea in the apartment. I find Cliff in the living room with Miles, playing with toy cars as the TV plays in the background. The sight makes me smile.
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Chapter 100
But instead of cartoons playing on the TV, the news is on.
And there, glaring at me from the screen, is a photograph of me and Selina in the park. I’m frowning, my face twisted in a hateful sneer, while Selina smiles broadly.
“Today, the up and coming artist ‘Flora‘ was spotted chatting with our beautiful Luna–to–be, Selina,” the news anchor says. “But the chat seemed anything but friendly. Why is this artist yelling at our lovely Luna? How could anyone hate Selina?”
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