20
“She’s in
in charge?” Ivy asked, freeing herself from Silas’s embrace, her brow furrowing
“Yes, Rosie is one of the best stylists in the country,” Silas said, his voice brimming with pride.
“How are you, Ivy? You seem surprised to see me,” Rosie said, her eyes scanning Ivy with derision
Ivy’s cheeks colored slightly. “I didn’t know you were in charge.
“Oh. Silas is like that. He loves surprises,” Rosie said, flashing Silas a smile.
Silas chuckled, pulling Ivy close again. “When do we begin?” he asked Rosie.
“It’s straight to work.” Rosie replied, adjusting her pl
plaid skirt. “Il call the team to attend to you while I take your wife”
Rosie pulled Ivy away from Silas, her grip a little too rough. Ivy immediately yanked her hand free.
Silas seemed oblivious to the tension. “Alright, I’m sure you’ll do a great job, Rosie.”
JOh, I will,” Rosie said with a smile that Ivy didn’t trust, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. “Let’s go, Ivy.”
“Ill see you soon. Silas said, his voice resonating in the room.
Despite Rosie’s mean looks, Silas made Ivy blush as she nodded, following Rosie out of the room.
When they got to the hallway, Rosie suddenly pulled Ivy aside, pinning her against the wall.
“I can’t believe you’re still on with the marriage!” Rosie snarled, her eyes blazing with anger.
Ivy froze for a moment but quickly composed herself, pulling herself away from Rosie. However, Rosie was surprisingly strong.
“I warned you about what to expect!” Rosie snapped.
Finding her strength, Ivy pushed Rosie away, startling her. “And I told you I didn’t care!” Ivy shot back, breathing heavily from anger. “What’s your problem with my marriage to Silas?”
“You don’t belong here! You don’t belong in our family!” Rosie hissed through gritted teeth.
The words stung, but Ivy refused to show it. “Who made you the judge of that? You have no right to interfere in my marriage. I am here to stay, Rosie!”
Rosie raised her hand as if to strike Ivy, but the hallway door opened, and two ladies walked in.
“Rosie, we’re ready,” one of the ladies said.
Ivy watched as Rosie immediately composed herself, her countenance changed. “Sure,” Rosie said, a smile plastered on her face.
Ivy, still seething, attempted a smile but failed.
The other lady gestured to Ivy. “It’s time for your hair and makeup. Please come with us, Mrs. Stone.”
“I am Mrs. Stone, Rosie snapped from behind Ivy.
1, you both are, the lady said and her companion laughed.
Ivy quickened her steps, ignoring Rosie as the ladies led her to another room. This one had a huge mirror, with lights around it. On the table were hair accessories with two other girls waiting
She was still stunned by Rosie’s words, but she heaved a deep sigh, trying to calm her nerves. She was pissed and couldn’t wait for another chance to confront Rosie.
rother
“Here we are, Mrs. Stone. I’m Sally, and this is Xia,” one of the ladies said. “I’ll start with your hair, and when I’m done, Xia will handle your makeup. Sounds good?”
“Yes.” Ivy nodded.
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Chapter 20
“These are my assistants.” Sally said, gesturing to the girls.
Ivy nodded her greeting, sitting on the red chair positioned in front of the mirror.
“I’m going to create something lovely for you.” Sally smiled, draping a styling cape around Ivy’s shoulders. “Have you always had brown
“Yes. My mom had brown hair,” Ivy said, her stomach suddenly knotting.
It’s not that she doesn’t think about her mother often, she was only surprised that she’d talked about her more in the past 24 hours than she had in years–and not for a good reason, Guilt and anger churned inside her, fighting for dominance
“No dyeing then,” Sally said warmly, breaking Ivy’s thoughts. “Let’s go wash it.”
“Alright.” Ivy said, standing up
- in. Sally asked, “What’s going on with you and the other
Sally began the hair process, washing and drying. When Ivy sat down again, Sally
Stone?”
Ivy was taken aback by the question. “What?”
I know it’s not my place,” Sally said, lowering her voice to a whisper. “But Xia and I saw what happened in the hallway.”
Ivy saw her cheeks flush red in the mirror. “Well, I… it’s nothing
Sally placed a curler in Ivy’s hair and gave her a look. “You don’t have to be nice. Everyone here knows how horrible Mrs. Stone is,” she said, and her assistants nodded in agreement. “She makes everything difficult whenever we work together. I’ve worked with her three times–horrible woman.”
As much as Ivy didn’t like Rosie, she didn’t want to gossip. “I don’t think she’s that bad”
“Oh, she is,” Sally said, picking another curler. “One time, she made-
The door opened, cutting Sally off. Everyone jolted, expecting Rosie, but it was just a young boy.
“Hello, ma’am. I have a delivery from your husband,” he said, handing a box to Ivy before leaving.
Ivy’s face turned scarlet as she collected it. It was a royal blue box designed with a pink ribbon and a crystal charm. Untying the ribbon, she found a stunning blue sapphire necklace. The gem glinted in the light, leaving Ivy breathless.
“It’s beautifull” Sally exclaimed and the assistants gathered round, admiring the necklace.
Ivy smiled, her heart warming at the gift. She remembered the pink diamond Silas had customized for her and wondered how he managed to get them done so quickly.
As they all admired the sapphire, the door opened again. This time, Rosie entered.
“Aren’t you done with- Rosie paused, her eyes dropping to the sapphire. “Who… gave you that?”
“Her husband sent it!” Sally answered before Ivy could speak.
A glint of jealousy shone in Rosie’s eyes, and her face reddened, betraying her composure. “It’s beautiful,” she said, unable to hide her
envy.
Thank you,” Ivy replied, pleased by Rosie’s reaction.
Rosie straightened herself, her expression hardening. “Hurry up now! There’s no time, I’ll be back in ten minutes with her outfit, and that makeup better be done!” she snapped before leaving.
“Told you,” Sally murmured, quickly finishing Ivy’s hair.
Soon, Xia began working on Ivy’s makeup. Moments later, Rosie returned, holding a short red gown.
“It’s time to dress,” Rosie said.
“Isn’t that
“Shut your mouth, Rosie interrupted Sally “Let’s go,” she smiled, helping Ivy out of the chair
10 16 АМ
Chapter 20
Ivy followed Rosie to another room, suspicious of her sudden gentleness. Rosie helped her into the red gown, and Ivy admired her reflection
“This is beautiful. Ivy smiled at her appearance.
“Yes,” Rosie said, leading her out of the room.
In her Christian Louboutin heels, Ivy made her way back to the first white room with Rosie following. Silas was already there–dressed and waiting, Ivy’s heart raced, anticipating his reaction,
Instead, his eyes flared with anger. “What are you wearing?”
Ivy’s smile vanished. “Don’t you like it?”
“Go and change,” he said coldly.
“Oh, Silas, I’m sorry,” Rosie interjected quickly. “Ivy picked the gown. I told her she couldn’t, but she insisted.”
“What?” Ivy blinked, shocked and confused.
“Leave,” Silas said firmly.
Ivy’s cheeks burned with humiliation. What was happening? “Silas-”
“Go change!” he snapped, and she flinched.
Fighting tears, Ivy hurried out of the room, her embarrassment intensified by the murmurs of the team behind her. She ran to the makeup room, finding Sally alone.
“What’s wrong, ma’am?” Sally asked, concern etched on her face.
“I don’t…”
“It’s the gown,” Sally said softly. “I knew Mr. Stone wouldn’t like it.”
Ivy stared at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”
“This is the same gown Mr. Stone’s ex–fiancée wore when he proposed to her,” Sally explained, moving closer. “Allegedly. It’s also what she was wearing when he caught her cheating.”
色
