Chapter 6
The day had turned out far differently than Ivy had expected. Better or worse? She couldn’t say
In hours, she’d been disowned, fired, and married–and now, she was kissing her new, impossibly attractive husband.
His mouth claimed hers with a desperation that stole her breath, like he needed her lips to survive. She should have seen it coming. From the way he’d been staring at her, it was obvious he intended to kiss her. Yet, she hadn’t prepared for it–and yet, she was responding.
Silas grabbed her behind, pulling her closer until she could feel his hardness against her stomach. She parted her lips instinctively. welcoming him like a long–lost stranger returning home.
As his hands roamed lower, a guttural sound escaped her, igniting a heat that burned in between her legs.
When he did pull away, his hazel eyes glinted with mischief as Ivy stood there–flushed and breathless.
She looked away, brushing her hair from her face, but she caught the corners of his lips tugging into a smirk.
“I said nothing intimate between us,” she said, trying to regain control even as her breathing and voice betrayed her.
“That was just a kiss, dear Ivy, to seal the deal. Was that intimate for you?” He teased, his hazel eyes daring her to answer.
She knew what he was doing and she wasn’t going to fall for it. “I’m leaving,” she said, turning to the door before he could stop her.
But Silas was quicker. “We’re going together,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument
Ivy sighed.“Fine”
Silas chuckled, leading her out the door and into the elevator. His staff greeted him with deference, and Ivy couldn’t help but notice how everyone respected him.
The hefty man who had brought her there earlier escorted them to the garage, where a sleek, luxurious car was waiting.
As Ivy entered, a lump suddenly formed in her throat, and her chest tightened.
What had she done?
-She had accepted a marriage deal, and now doubt gnawed at her. She was married again, barely three months after divorce. Even
though she had more control in this union–fear still creeped in.
Worse, she hadn’t even read the contract properly. Too late now, unless she could suddenly provide ten million dollars. Now, Silas wanted to see the small place she managed with her aunt.
Her cheeks burned with shame as she stammered out the address.
The ride passed in mostly silence, with Silas occasionally touching her thighs and engaging in small talk that she only responded to with
murmurs.
Ivy stared out the window, pretending to be impressed by buildings she had seen a million times. By the time they reached her aunt’s house, terror had risen in her chest, and she hoped her aunt was not home.
“We’re here. I’ll be out in a jiffy,” she announced flatly, hoping Silas might stay in the car.
His forehead wrinkled. “Just open the door.
Defeated, Ivy led him inside.
Unfortunately for her, May was seated in the living room. She sprang to her feet, relief flooding her expression.“Oh Ivy! Where have you been: I’ve been calling your number.”
Ivy blinked in confusion. May knew she’d normally be at work. “I didn’t see your calls. What’s wrong?”
May pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry, my sweet girl. You’ll get through this.”
“What are you talking about?” Ivy’s voice rose in panic.
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Chapter 6
“Your job, darling. I heard you were fired. Cheryl called me–she was worried about you.”
“Of course she was,” Ivy scoffed, anger simmered in her chest.
“I didn’t know you were fired,” Silas said, his voice edged with surprise.
Confusion crossed May’s face as she noticed Silas for the first time. “Mr. Stone?”
Ivy’s anger faded. “You know him?”
“Who doesn’t know Silas Stone? May asked, stepping forward. “Mr. Stone, welcome to our home,” she greeted formally
Silas smiled, “Nice to meet you, Aunt May.” Then he nudged Ivy from behind. “Introduce us.
“Aunt May, this is Silas Stone. My… husband.” Ivy said, more like sighed.
May looked confused, and Ivy felt heat rise in her cheeks. “I know, but it’s not a real marriage,” she added quickly. “It’s only for six months.”
Silas’s face darkened slightly, looking a little offended. “Anything else you’d like to add?”
May gave Ivy a kind smile. “Well, you’re a grown woman. You know what’s best for you. Congratulations, my sweet girl.”
Ivy sagged into her aunt’s embrace, relief washing over her. “Thank you, Aunt May.”
“We came for her things,” Silas said.
“Yes, I…I’m moving in with Silas,” Ivy stuttered, her cheeks flushing with color.
May nodded with a smile.
Without facing Silas, Ivy headed towards her room..“You might want to wait out here. The space is too small for both of us.”
“I’d love to see, Silas replied, his voice teasing yet firm.
Ivy hesitated before pushing the door open. As predicted, the room felt even smaller with Silas’s towering presence, his muscular frame filled half the space.
She opened her wardrobe, biting her lip as insecurity and shame gnawed at her. She had nothing of importance, the space was nearly empty–a stark reminder of her struggles.
Silas seemed to sense her discomfort. “Just leave them. I’ll get you new clothes.”
His voice was compelling again, and she obeyed. She packed her box of photography equipment, clutching it tightly as she stepped out of the room, holding back tears.
This room had served her for three months—right after she had left Mason and her father had refused to help her. She was going to
Outside, May was waiting. Ivy walked over and kissed her. “Thank you, Aunt May, for everything”
“Will I see you again?” May asked, worry etched across her face.
“It’s a contract marriage, not a prison,” Silas interjected, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “She’s free to visit you whenever she likes.”
“I will call you everyday.” Ivy promised, her voice tight with emotion.
“Alright. I love you,” May said, and it was obvious she was holding back her tears too.
“I love you,” Ivy swallowed, walking to the sour
“Do I have to tell Patrick?” May asked quietly.
“No, I’ll tell him myself.” Ivy replied.
“Alright. Bye,” May said, waving as they left.
Inside the car, Silas tried to make conversation, but Ivy was too lost in her thoughts to respond. She didn’t even notice when they
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Chapter 6
arrived at his house until he helped her out of the car.
“Welcome home,” he said, his tone casual.
Ivy blinked at the mansion before her. It was enormous, bigger than she had expected. She struggled to hide her awe as she stepped inside.
They had barely entered the hall when a striking woman in a golden gown appeared.
Her eyes scanned Ivy with unconcealed disdain, making Ivy feel small and so conscious of her own outfit.
“Who are you?” the woman asked sharply.
Before Ivy could answer, Silas stepped forward.
“Rosie, meet Ivy–my wife,” he smiled.
Rosie’s gaze lingered on Ivy, then shifted to Silas, her expression softening into a smile reserved for him. “Oh, Silas. Marriage again?”
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