Chapter 112 A Dysfunctional Family
Chapter 112: A Dysfunctional Family.
“Oh,” Ivy said softly, not knowing how to react.
“I didn’t know he was married,” Rita added, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. “Frankly, I don’t think I know anything about him anymore.”
Curiosity coursed through Ivy, and she arched her brow. “What do you mean?”
Rita sighed, and then her eyes fell to the bags Ivy was holding. “Wanna come inside? Ryan is taking a nap.”
“Sure,” Ivy smiled as she followed Rita. When they got inside, she gave Rita the bags. “For Ryan.”
Rita’s mouth curved into a smile despite the tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Ivy.”
“You’re welcome,” Ivy smiled as Rita took the bags and kept them with Ryan’s other toy collections.
“Can I get you anything?” Rita asked.
“No, I’m good. Thanks,” Ivy replied, sitting down as Rita did too. She went quiet, waiting for Rita to continue the conversation without forcing her to.
“I met Ryan’s dad five years ago,” Rita said, calmly. “It wasn’t love at first sight because I didn’t like him at all.” She giggled. ” But after Vera’s… death, I needed an outlet for my grief and he was there. He helped me when I needed it, and you know, it just happened.”
Ivy nodded, her eyes softening at Rita’s sad tone. “I understand.”
“So we started dating and Ryan came along,” Rita continued. “I was scared, because we didn’t plan Ryan, but Derek was ready and helpful, so I gave in.”
“That must have been beautiful and challenging,” Ivy chimed in.
“Oh, it was,” Rita chuckled. “But Derek was really helpful and here we are.”
Ivy leaned into the couch. “So you never left California?”
“I did. I just came back six months ago,” Rita said. “Ryan’s condition became worse, and Derek wanted him monitored, plus his work was making it harder to travel about. So we just decided to move here to Mill valley.”
“He’s a doctor, yeah?” Ivy added. “Ryan told me.”
Rita laughed, the warmth reaching her eyes. “He’s not a doctor. He is a medical assistant. Ryan thinks his dad is a doctor because he is always in the hospital.”
“Oh, silly Ryan,” Ivy laughed, but beneath her amusement, a serious question lingered.
If Derek was just a medical assistant, how could he afford this house?
Yet Ivy held back. She didn’t want to ask Rita, for the fear of being sent away. Besides, she hadn’t heard the full story.
“So,” Ivy said cautiously, leaning forward. “How did you find out Derek is married?”
Rita’s smile faded as the warmth disappeared from her eyes. Ivy watched as she adjusted herself on the couch.
But before Rita could speak, Ivy’s phone buzzed.
“Sorry,” she murmured, reaching for it quickly. She glanced at the screen, an unknown number was calling. Out of curiosity, and the fact that Rita already stood up, Ivy gingerly answered it. “Hello.”
“Hi, Mrs Stone. I am detective David Spence. Your husband said you are in need of my service.”
“Ah detective, yes,” Ivy said, tapping her temple. “I was supposed to call but I got busy. I need you to help my brother find his parents, and his living relatives.”
She heard a thud like he opened a drawer. “Okay, I will need some details.”
“Like what?”
“His name, his parents name, what he knew about them. Information like that,” David said.
“I don’t have all that information,” Ivy said apologetically, “but I can send his number and you can talk to him directly.”
“Yes. That’s a good idea.”
“Alright, I’ll do that now. Thanks detective,” Ivy said, ending the call just as Rita returned to the living room.
“I went to check up on Ryan,” Rita said, returnir
“He’s still sleeping?”
“Yes, soundly,” Rita smiled.
Successfully unlocked!
Because Ivy wanted to put Rita at ease and make her talk about her issues freely, she said, “I just spoke to a detective who wants to help Geo find his family.”
Chapter 112: A Dysfunctional Family
Rita’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Geoffrey. That little boy who lived in your house.”
Ivy chuckled. “He’s not so little anymore. He’s going to the university, and he got adopted.”
“Oh.” Rita’s smile dropped. “But Uncle Patrick disowned you.”
The way Rita said that made Ivy’s chest squeezed, but she pushed the pain away with a smile.
“I am happy for him.”
Rita moved away from her couch and sat beside Ivy. “Is it just Mason’s issue or something else is involved?”
“I don’t know,” Ivy answered with a shrug. “And I really don’t care anymore.”
“That’s just weird,” Rita commented, looking away.
“Our family is dysfunctional, which is why I need you,” Ivy said, finally acknowledging the longing in her heart. “Aside from the fact that your mom would be excited, it puts me at ease to know that at least one side of the family is good.”
Rita nodded slowly. “So my mom doesn’t know you’ve seen me?”
“No. I needed to know what was going on with you before involving her. I couldn’t break her heart,” Ivy said softly, feeling her heart spring with sadness.
“Thank you for looking out,” Rita said, her voice small. “For me, for her.”
Ivy nodded, giving Rita’s thigh a gentle squeeze. “You’re welcome. I’m always here for you.”
Rita’s eyes twinkled with a smile. “I know.”
“So, you still didn’t tell me how you know Derek is married,” Ivy said gently, trying not to scare her away. “Should I be worried?” “No,” Rita replied. “I found out he was talking to a woman some months ago.” She swallowed, her gaze fixed on the floor as she twisted her fingers together. “And one time, he came back home… wearing a wedding ring.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. “Oh.”
“I confronted him about it, but he came up with a dumb excuse, saying he just liked the look of it. When I kept pushing, he fought with me all day,” Rita said, like she was forcing the words out. “He had been absent a lot, barely coming home, barely talking to his child. He just… changed.
“Then three weeks ago, I found a hotel receipt in his bag with a woman’s name–Theresa Stone.”
Ivy gasped. “What?” Her stomach dropped. “That’s impossible! Theresa is a married woman.”
Rita scoffed, standing up as well. “And married women don’t cheat?”
Ivy blinked, stunned. “They do… but… Theresa wouldn’t. She’s happily married.”
Rita huffed, her voice filled with bitterness. “Happily married but sneaking around with another man?”
Ivy swallowed. “How… That can’t be.”
“They work together.” Rita’s voice cracked. “And I’m sure they flirted, then she realized she hates her marriage, and wanted
a thrill and, then she met Derek–fucked Derek–and that was it. She ruined my family!”
Rita slumped in the chair, burying her face in her hands as she broke down in tears.
Ivy stood still, her head spinning. Theresa did have issues with her marriage, but would she actually cheat on Wills?
“I didn’t want to talk about this,” Rita sniffled, wiping her face aggressively.
Ivy’s chest squeezed and she settled beside her. “I’m sorry, Rita.”
“It’s not your fault,” Rita said with a wry smile. “I don’t blame Theresa either, it’s just… it’s-”
“Mummy?” Ryan called.
Rita jumped to her feet and wiped her cheeks before facing her son. “Hey, baby.”
“Hey, Ryan.” Ivy forced a smile as she faced the boy. “How are you?”
“See Aunt Ivy got you gifts,” Rita said, gesturing to the bags. “Go check them.”
As Ryan ran over, Rita faced Ivy. “I think it’s time to leave.”
Ivy’s heart plummeted. “Oh, Rita-”
“You’re friends with Theresa. It’s only normal to take her side,” Rita cut in.
“I’m not picking her side. I’m going to call her and talk about this,” Ivy said firmly.
Rita’s eyes twinkle with surprise but she quickly buried it. “Okay.”
“And you should talk to Derek too, you can’t keep living-”
“I will,” Rita interrupted, moving to the door.
Ivy swallowed as she turned. She knew Rita was definitely not going to discuss anything with Derek.
Chapter 112: A Dysfunctional Family
“I will call my mom soon too,” Rita said as Ivy walked outside. “I just… need time.”
Ivy nodded. “Call me if you need anything.” Then she gave Rita her number.
“Sure,” Rita said flatly, and closed the door.
But Ivy knew Rita was definitely not going to call either.
回
