Chapter 203 Chapter 263


    Think Arthur and bare doing just fine," I manage to say, even in maging a small smile. "But thanks for your concem.


    Veronicaughs lightly. "I hope that didn''te across the wrong way. I just worry about you, cousin, and I''ve been in the spotlight long enough to know how the publle works." she touches my arm briefly. "Please, enjoy your party, Iris. You''ve


    And with that, she glides away, leaving me with the lingering scent of her expensive perfume and a knot in my stomach. I watch her move through the crowd, stopping to chat with various guests herugliter floating above the music.


    "You okay?" Arthur appeat at my side so suddenly it thakes in jus, "You look upset,"


    Itorce my mouth into a sunile. "I''m fine. Just a little overwhelmed by everything


    He studies me for a moment, clearly not convinced, but nods. "Let me low if you need to step outside for some air."


    "I will"


    I refuse to let Veronica''s words ruin my night. This is my celebration, and I''m determined to enjoy it. So I put herments to the back of my mind and focus on being present, on dancing with Arthur,ughing with my friends, enjoying the exquisite food and thepany of people I love.


    o home,


    leaving


    And for the most part, it works. The rest of the evening passes in a blur. By the time the main bulk of the guests gol Arthur, myself, and our closer friends, the party even turns into a rot ofughter and drinking.


    apy. Whatever weird, unsettling interaction


    By the time we head home in the early hours of the morning. I''m exhausted but happy. had with Veronica feels distant and very much unimportant.


    The next morning, I wake to Miles jumping on my bed, excited about the move. "Are we going to Daddy''s house today?"


    "Not today, buddy." I wrap my arms around him and pull him close as if to cuddle, but really I''m just hungover and his bouncing is making me nauseous. "We''ve still got a lot of packing to do first


    He pouts momentarily but quickly rebounds. "Do I have to pack my toys?"


    t yet," Iugh, ruffling his hair. "We''ll save those forst."


    "Not y


    After running out for breakfast-I need something greasy to nurse my hangover, and I want to treat Miles and Emi-we spend the morning sorting through clothes and books. It''s a good distraction, and soon, I forget aboutst night''s difort entirely.


    Around lunchtime, while Miles is talking a break to watch cartoons, I open myptop to check emails. Anotification pops up from one of the major news sites, and I click on it without thinking


    My heart sinks as I read the headline: "VERONICA STEALS THE SHOW, TWICE! Pianist Outshines Lama at Her Own Exhibition.


    Then at Afterparty."


    Below the headline is a split image: on one side, Veronica at the piano, looking ethereal; on the other, me watching her, my expression caught in what appears to be a grimace. I don''t even remember making that face, but the camera caught me


    at the perfect moment to make it look like I was seething with jealousy.


    The article goes on to detail Veronica''s "surprise heartfelt tribute"at my party, describing her performance as "moving" and "


    "There''s only a brief mention of my exhibition, reduced to a single sentence that just outlines the way everyone rushed to see Veronica when she entered and has nothing to do with my art.


    But it''s thements section that really twists the life. As I scroll, I readment afterment questioning why A would choose me over someone like Veronica. "She''s gorgeous AND talented!" one reads. "What does triseven bring table?"


    Another: "Iris was a nobody before her family debuted her, and heart is subpar. Veronica would make a much better Luna She''s got ss, REAL talent, and beauty. Iris just looks bitter and jealous all the time."


    And finally, like a punch to the gut: "Iris is probably just jealous because she''s got


    a mom hod at 26 and Veronica is two years older and STILL looks better!"


    My eyes fit down to my belly-the same belly that Arthur kissed all over, every stretch mark, every bit of loose skin from carrying our child.


    Is it... really that noticeable?


    Even though I know I shouldn''t, I scroll down further and see that my approval ratings have already taken a hit overnight, dropping several points. A poll asks readers who they think would make a better Luna for Arthur.


    Veronica is winning by andslide.


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