Chapter 126
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I bite out.
She cocks her head like a bird studying its prey. “Oh, but I do. I know that Arthur isn’t going to give up everything for you. His presidency, his reputation, his future. You’re just an unfortunate human mate to fulfill his bodily needs. But I’m his equal. I’m the one who will bear his legitimate heir. I’m the one who will hold his heart.”
Each word is a knife in my chest. I want to scream, to cry, to tell her she’s wrong. But the ring on her finger tells a different story, and I’m too frozen to say a word.
“Excuse me,” I finally manage to choke out, pushing past her. She doesn’t follow me.
I stumble through the crowd, desperately searching for somewhere quiet, somewhere I can breathe. I find a small alcove near the emergency exit and press my back against the wall, gasping for air.
Hunter finds me a few minutes later.
“What happened? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
I shake my head, unable to speak. If I do, I might break down.
“Hey, hey,” he says softly, stepping closer. “Whatever it is, it’s going to be okay.”
He doesn’t know. He doesn’t understand. How could he? How could anyone understand what it feels like to have your heart ripped out and stomped on in public, while being unable to even react because no one knows who you really are?
Suddenly, Hunter’s hand comes up to cup my cheek. “You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong. Just know that I’m here for you.”
I flinch slightly at the unexpected touch and look up at him through tear–filled eyes. His face is kind, caring. He’s been nothing but supportive from the moment we met. He has no idea that I belong to another man–a man who apparently never really belonged to me at all.
Hunter misreads my gaze. He leans in slowly, giving me time to pull away. But I’m frozen, paralyzed by my own pain and confusion. His lips brush against mine–the softest, most tentative of kisses.
For a split second, I don’t react. Then reality crashes back in, and I jerk away.
“I’m sorry,” I gasp. “I can’t. I just… I can’t.”
Hunter steps back immediately, his face flushing with embarrassment. “I’m the one who should apologize. I misread the situation.”
“It’s not your fault,” I say, wiping away a stray tear. “I just need to leave. I need to get out of here.”
I move past him, heading back to the main gallery. My mind is racing. I need to collect my purse, make my excuses, and get home to Miles. Miles, who Arthur has apparently written off as a “half–breed abomination” that doesn’t compare to the “true heir” he’s planning with Selina.
I grab my purse from the coat check and pull out my phone, ready to call a cab. That’s when a hand grips my arm, spinning me around.
Arthur stands before me, his eyes dark with anger.
“What the hell was that?” he growls, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
“What was what?” I pull my arm free from his grasp.
Chapter 126
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“You and Hunter.” His jaw clenches. “I saw you in the alcove.”
A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat. “Are you serious right now? You’re jealous? You?”
“I don’t want him touching you,” Arthur says, his eyes flashing with that dangerous Alpha light.
My anger rises to match his. “What right do you have to tell me who can touch me? You’re engaged, Arthur. You never ended things with Selina. You’re planning a child with her!”
His eyebrows pull together in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb. Selina just told me everything. She showed me the ring–the one she’s still wearing because you’re still engaged. She told me about the pregnancy clause.” My voice breaks on the last words. “She told me how you’re going to impregnate her so she can bear your true Alpha heir, not some ‘half–breed abomination‘ like Miles.”
Arthur’s face pales. “Iris, I would never-
“Save it,” cut him off, my heart shattering into a million pieces. “I saw you two tonight, playing the perfect couple. Discussing your future child. Did you lie to me? Were you ever going to end things with her, or were you just trying to placate me? To keep me as your human on the side while you build your perfect Alpha family with Selina?”
Arthur reaches for me again. “Iris, please, let me explain-
I step back, out of his reach. “There’s nothing to explain. I saw you. I heard you. And Selina made everything perfectly clear.”
Before he can answer, I turn on my heel and burst out of the gallery.
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