Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 126

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.

“You and Hunter.” His jaw clenches. “I saw you in the alcove.”