How do you deal with your best-written fic not being read by readers who loved your "lesser" fics?

First of all, I know readers all have different tastes, and as authors, we shouldn't expect their preferences to match our own.

But how do you deal with this? That the fic you wrote on a whim, with barely one grammar check before sending it out to the world, ends up receiving way more love than the fic you poured your heart and soul into - spent countless hours to make it more emotional, more in-character, and everything you'd wish for, as if it's the story that truly represents the core of their relationship?

I'm feeling so defeated right now, despite my first argument. I really poured everything into this story. My author / long term reader friends loved it so much, so I hope it's not just my own bias, some even said it's the defining story of this ship. But I only had a fraction of usual readers to even check out the story (hit). I probably shouldn't care too much about stats but I also enjoy reading my readers' feedbacks more than anything.

One small silver lining is that the kudos/hit ratio is strong so far, especially for a multi-chapter work, but the feeling of defeat is much stronger 😭

Would you please share some of your own experience or insight? Thank you 🥺

Edit: Thank you for all of your shared perspectives and great advice! I love this community so much. I always feel bad if I don't respond to every comment but only a selected few so I just want to show my gratitude here in case I won't have time to respond to everyone. Thank you ❤️