Chapter 158
Iris
I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
Arthur just went on live television and told the entire world about us. He finally did the one thing I’ve been begging him to do
since… forever.
My hand flies to my arm, pinching the skin there until it hurts. Nope, Not dreaming.
This is definitely real.
“We need to get you home,” Ezra says, glancing at me in the rearview mirror, “Before people find out who you are and the paparazzi shows up.”
“But–coffee” Alice gestures toward the cafe down the street.
“I’ll call you,” I promise, still dazed. “I need to… I need to deal with this.”
Alice nods, quickly climbing out of the car. She waves slightly, looking just as dumbfounded as I feel, and then Ezra is peeling away from the curb before I can blink. Miles looks up at me, confused.
“What’s happening, Mommy?”
I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it, little wolf. We’ll talk about it later.”
all checking his mirrors.
Ezra speeds through the city streets, occasionally checking
“Looks like no one is following us,” he says, seemingly satisfied, “Arthur didn’t mention your name, so we still have a small window of time before your identity gets out.”
“How long has he been planning this?” Lask
Ezra’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror again. “Since this morning.”
The revelation makes my heart flutter. So this wasn’t another one of his carefully orchestrated PR moves. Arthur made this decision spontaneously, from the heart.
By the time we reach my apartment, my phone is already buzzing non–stop with messages. Brian and Liam are frantically asking if I’ve seen the news. I Ignore them for now, focusing on getting Miles inside safely.
Arthur is waiting for us in the apartment, pacing back and forth across my small living room. When we walk in, he stops abruptly, his eyes finding mine. I’m not surprised to see him here. If anything, I’m sort of relieved.
“You did it,” I say softly. “You actually did it.”
He takes a step toward me, then hesitates, “I did. I’m sorry I didn’t warn you, but I was afraid I’d talk myself out of it if I waited
1/2
+20 Bonus
any longer.
Miles runs to Arthur, who scoops him up automatically. “Daddy, you were on TV!”
“I was, buddy,” Arthur says, still looking at me. “I was telling everyone how much I love you and your mom.”
Ezra clears his throat. “I’ll be outside, making sure we don’t have any… unexpected visitors.”
Once the door closes, leaving just the three of us, Arthur sets Miles down gently. “Why don’t you go play in your room for a bit? I need to talk to Mommy.”
Miles nods and runs off to his room, leaving Arthur and me staring at each other across the living room.
“Why now?” I ask.
“Because you were right.” Arthur runs a hand through his hair, messing up his usually perfect style. “I was a coward. I told
myself I was protecting you and Miles, but I was really protecting myself from the political fallout. From having to fight for what
matters instead of just maintaining the status quo.”
He takes another step toward me. “And then yesterday, watching you at the orphanage, seeing how you connected with those
kids, how you were willing to help without asking for anything in return… I realized I need to be worthy of you. Not just claim to
love you, but actually show it.”
My heart pounds so hard I wonder if he can hear it. The fierceness in his eyes sends a shiver through me. I still think I might be
dreaming, but I know I’m not.
“We need to talk about what happens next,” Arthur continues. “I didn’t mention your name in the statement, but it won’t take
long for people to figure out who you are. You and Miles need to move back in with me where I can keep you safe.”
