Chapter 34
“What do you think about your new marriage?”
-Were you seeing Silas Stone before your divorce?”
“Why did you hit your ex–mother–in–law?”
“Any comment on Thomas Stone?”
Ivy pushed through the horde of reporters outside Laurent Bridal Store, with the help of Bud and a few security guards. The loud wail of an ambulance siren cut through the chaos as Monica held her arm, guiding her through the crowd.
Someone snatched her Dior bag, tugging it off her shoulder.
“Back off!” Bud barked, throwing punches to clear a path through the crowd.
Finally, Ivy made her way to the car, with Monica sliding in beside her. She let out a sigh of relief.
-What was that about?” Monica asked as Bud started the car, speeding away.
Ivy wiped the beads of sweat on her forehead. “I have no idea, but I’m just glad it’s over,” she said, glancing behind them, to see if they were being followed. When she was certain no one was following, she sank into the plush seat.
“That was hilarious!” Monica burst into laughter, her voice laced with disbelief.
Ivy threw her head back in laughter, and Bud joined in, easing the tension slightly. She had no idea how the situation with Martha and Cheryl had escalated, but she loved it. She loved that the duo were served what they deserved–well, at least one of them.
She checked her body over, ensuring nothing had gone missing. One of her earrings was gone, and a large portion of the pink frills of her gown was noticeably torn.
“That was crazy,” she murmured, leaning back. “But how did the reporters even know we were there?”
“Someone tipped them off,” Bud replied, his focus on the road ahead.
“That was fast,” Monica commented. “I didn’t know they could arrive so quickly.”
“Anything for a juicy story,” Bud murmured.
Ivy caught the tone in Bud’s words. She was the story–and the reporters would do anything to find her now. The realization unsettled
her.
Monica sensed her discomfort and gave her a squeeze. “Everything will work out.”
She nodded, managing a small smile. “Thank you.”
The day had taken an unexpected turn, much like every other day since she’d signed Silas Stone’s contract. She was supposed to be grateful–happy, even–that she got to pick her wedding dress. But Cheryl and Martha’s presence had ruined the moment.
Among other things.
Her thoughts drifted to the message from her father, and her discomfort intensified. She had too much on her plate to worry about what Silas had done to him. And yet, curiosity seeped under–aching for answers.
The wail of the ambulance passing by jolted Ivy out of her thoughts. Bud slowed the car allowing the vehicle to take over.
“That’s Martha they’re wheeling, Monica murmured, her voice tinged with guilt as it dropped to a whisper.
Ivy reached over and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry about it.”
Monica had attacked Martha, sending her crashing on her butt. In an attempt to save herself, Martha had lunged at Monica’s feet, but Monica had kicked her away. Ivy watched all this unfold, just as Cheryl had been attacking her. It was Vivian and the pregnancy that had stopped Ivy from retaliating.
She had wanted to help Martha, but it was too late–Monica’s kick had sent Martha finally to the ground, with blood spilling everywhere.
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Chapter 34
Someone had called an ambulance. Bud had arrived at the scene, and Francis Laurent had been found crying in a corner. Whether it was from pain or shame, Ivy couldn’t tell.
The entire incident filled her with dread. Not because she thought Martha was gravely injured, but because she knew Mason was going to chew her for it.
She bit her fingernails anxiously. Damn, she wasn’t used to this type of situation. She wasn’t used to fighting Chelry–even when they were best friends, they rarely fought. And she most definitely wasn’t used to having reporters in her business.
As Bud pulled into the driveway, fear joined her growing worry. She hadn’t even thought about Silas during the chaos, and she was grateful he wouldn’t be home to witness it.
She stepped out of the car with Monica helping with her bag.
“Thank you so much, Bud,” Ivy said, turning to him.
Bud nodded before driving away,
“Today was crazy,” Monica said as they approached the house.
“Crazy doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Ivy sighed. She wanted to be furious with Cheryl–for stealing Mason, for getting pregnant for him, for being engaged and then planning on marrying him, and then for finding a way to get Martha to accompany her to get her wedding dress.
She had even replaced her with Vivian! In a normal circumstance, it should have been Ivy accompanying her, helping her prepare for her big day–not Vivian, and certainly not Martha.
Ivy wanted to be angry at Cheryl for all that and more, but instead, she found herself mad at… herself. Mad for reacting the way she did. Mad for letting the whole situation escalate.
As she entered the house, she realized she needed to bury herself in a long, warm bath to wash off the memory of the day etched in her head.
She turned to face Monica when they reached the living room. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you prepare a bath for me?”
“Of course.” Monica smiled warmly. “After a day like that, a bath is necessary.”
Ivy chuckled. “I totally agree.”
“How about some wine?” Silas’s voice interrupted, cold and sharp.
Ivy turned, startled, to find him seated on the couch. His hazel eyes flared causing her to swallow.
“Or perhaps a banquet? Balloons? Music?” he continued, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Since we clearly have something to celebrate!”
Ivy flinched at his words. Monica gasped, then scurried out of the room, nearly running.
Silas stood up and moved closer to her. “I sent you to do one thing, and you turned it into something else entirely.”
She stepped back, her checks burning with heat.
Why was she afraid of him? Not even in a he’s–dangerous way, but in a she–hated–disappointing–him way?
She swallowed, averting her gaze. “It’s… a little complicated.”
He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m listening.” It wasn’t a request–it was an order.
She began. “We went to Francis Laurent’s store to pick the wedding dress, just like you asked.” She paused, hoping he would ask if she found something nice. When he didn’t, she continued. “Cheryl was there. She… she came to get her dress as well,”
She hadn’t expected the statement to bring pain in her chest. She looked at Silas, and realized his gaze had softened, though his hands were still folded.
“And?” he prompted.
Ivy sighed. “Martha was with her, and–an argument happened. And we-”
“And you fought the woman and sent her to the hospital,” Silas snapped, cutting her off.
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Chapter 34
“What? No! I didn’t-”
C
6
C
“I’m very disappointed in you,” he interrupted again, shaking his head as he walked back to the couch. “I didn’t take you for someone so… so vile.”
His words stung–she was a little hurt, a little angry. “You can’t say that.”
“Oh, but I can,” he shot back, frowning. “And because of this, I’m not sure I want to continue this marriage. The deal is off.”
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