Chapter 26
Ivy watched as color spread across Rosie’s face. For a fleeting moment, her brown eyes widened.
“Oh, that was… just an honest mistake,” Rosie said dismissively, attempting to mask her shock.
Ivy wanted to press the conversation further, but she knew it would only hurt Silas. “Yeah,” she murmured, dropping it.
Thankfully, the door opened, and a young man entered with a trolley loaded with food, interrupting the tense silence.
He placed plates in front of everyone and left without a word. When Ivy reached for her tea with a shaky hand, she glanced at Silas. His expression hardened, and his lips were pressed into a thin line.
“What’s the next public appearance you have planned, Silas?” Thomas asked, breaking the silence.
Silas turned to his brother, his brow slightly furrowed. “More private dinners and lunches. I’m thinking of holding the wedding in two weeks.”
Ivy coughed at his statement, quickly grabbing a napkin to dab her mouth. She wasn’t surprised the wedding was happening so soon, only surprised Silas hadn’t informed her before announcing it.
“That’s good. I’m sure the media will go crazy with that,” Wade chimed in.
“In that case,” Thomas said, “I’ll cover the wedding expenses.”
“You don’t have to,” Silas interrupted, raising a hand.
“It’s the least I could do.”
“Ivy has sacrificed six months of her life to make this happen,” Rosie interjected with a sneer. “She played it well with the fake kiss, giving her body up for this act. It’s the least we could do.”
Rosie’s words finally hit Ivy as her expression made it worse. Her cheeks burned with humiliation and discomfort seized her.
“Yes,” Ivy said, attempting to regain control of the situation but failing. She stood abruptly, unable to bear the awkwardness and the look on their faces as they spoke about her like she wasn’t a human being with feelings. “Excuse me,” she said, leaving the dining room.
She was almost at the stairs when Silas called after her.
“Ivy? What’s wrong?”
What’s wrong? He was seriously asking her that?
“Nothing,” she replied with a forced smile. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”
“You’re overwhelmed with everything. I’m sorry,” he said, his tone genuine, his eyes
kind.
She wanted to believe him–wanted to believe he cared. But she couldn’t. This was a contract marriage, nothing more, nothing less.
“Yes,” she said softly, stepping away.
“I’m sorry about Rosie’s attitude,” Silas said. “She’s not usually like that. She’s probably still upset about yesterday.”
“Yeah, right,” Ivy scoffed, retreating further.
“I ordered new clothes for you,” he added, smiling as if he’d done something extraordinary. “Monica will deliver them soon.”
Did he really think clothes and expensive jewelry could fix everything?
Anger surged through her–toward–Silas, Thomas, Rosie, all for different reasons. “I don’t want your damn clothes,” she snapped. “Just keep your side of the deal and help with my business. That’s the only reason I agreed to marry you.”
Silas’s eyes widened with shock, but before he could respond, Ivy marched to her room and slammed the door shut.
Collapsing on the bed, guilt washed over her. Why had she done that? She’d only hurt herself by expecting the breakfast and family conversations to be special–intimate.
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Chapter 26
She was a fool for expecting so much from the marriage. She had hurt herself, why was she taking the anger out on Silas?
Her phone rang, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. It was Mason on the line, and she picked it because she needed an outlet for her
anger.
“What?” she snapped.
“I can’t believe you,” Mason said, his tone laced with pain. “I can’t believe you’re in a relationship with Silas Stone.”
“Married, actually,” she corrected coldly. “What do you want, Mason?”
“An explanation. Why? Did you do this to get back at me?” he demanded.
Ivy laughed at his question, surprised he was even asking it. “Oh God, Mason. Not everything is about you.”
“But it is!” he snapped. “You married someone else. You could—”
“You don’t dictate my life anymore. Our marriage is over. Move on with your new bride.” Her voice was sharper than she’d intended, betraying her anger and pain.
“How much do you need to call off the marriage?”
“What?” Ivy froze, stunned by his question.
“How much?” Mason repeated harshly. “You’ve made your point. I’ll give you back your inheritance–all of it.”
Ivy’s initial shock turned into a bitter laugh.
“It’s not funny,” Mason snapped, his tone stern.
“You bloody narcissist,” Ivy spat, her voice quaking with fury. “You will never change!”
*Send your details to Joe. I’ll have him transfer the money immediately,” Mason barked. “Call off the marriage,” he ordered.
Her laughter grew louder, cold and mocking. “You’re delusional, Mason Hunter. Our marriage is over. We are done!”
Mason’s voice dropped, his words laced with malice. “End that shit, or you’ll hate yourself. I won’t have you ruining my reputation with your sluttiness!”
His insult struck a nerve and Ivy’s fury ignited. “Get off my phone!” she yelled. “Don’t ever call me again!” She ended the call and threw the phone on the bed.
Breathing heavily, Ivy turned abruptly and froze. “What are you doing here?”
Rosie leaned against the doorframe, her eyes glinting with malice. “Oh, nothing,” she drawled. “Just checking up on my new sister–in- law.”
Ivy pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. “Leave, Rosie. I’m not in the mood for your games.”
Rosie stepped closer, her voice laced with sarcasm. “But you are playing, Ivy. Since you agreed to this marriage, you’ve been playing a very dangerous game.”
“What is your problem?” Ivy demanded, her anger reigniting. “My marriage to Silas is to help your husband, It’s almost like you don’t want me to help Thomas.”
A gasp escaped Rosie’s lips. “How dare you suggest I wouldn’t help my husband,” she said trying to sound offended, but her rosy cheeks betrayed her.
Ivy sensed her fear, and played on it. “Oh, Rosie,” she said mockingly, her lips curling into a smirk. “Is there a reason you don’t want to help your husband?”
“Don’t twist this around!” Rosie shot back, her voice shaky. “This is about you. I’d rather Silas marry anyone else than be stuck with
Mason’s leftovers”
The words stung, but Ivy refused to flinch. “You can’t change it now, Rosie. Unfortunately. It’s too late.”
“Is it Rosie’s eyes gleamed with mischief, and Ivy stiffened at the expression. “If I wanted Silas to end this marriage right now, he would
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Chapter 26
Ivy’s stomach clenched at the threat, but she kept her voice steady. “You can’t. He’s not stupid enough to fall for your dumb trick.”
“Alright then,” Rosie said softly–in a suspicious way. “We’ll see. I just hope you’re ready,” she said, turning to the door, her black gown draped on the floor behind her.
“You can’t do anything!” Ivy called after her.
When she was alone again, she sighed. Pissed that Rosie had had the last word. Yet underneath her anger, Rosie’s threat echoed in her mind, tightening her chest.
What was she planning?
Her phone chimed, breaking her thoughts. She reached for it. A news notification popped up on her screen.
As Ivy read, she covered her mouth in shock.
Just in: Ivy Scott; Mason Hunter’s ex–wife involved with Silas Stone before official divorce.
What now?
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