Chapter 29
“Three days?” Ivy gasped. “But… that’s too soon,” she said, hearing the shock in her tone.
“The earlier, the better,” Wade replied. “We need to counter Mason’s accusations as soon as possible.”
Ivy bit her lip, glancing at Silas, who remained silent. She had expected him to share his plans, especially after he’d been rubbing his face all over her cleavage some moments ago.
Disappointment raced inside her, combined with pain. She was really foolish to think one steamy moment with Silas would make him suddenly treat her like a real wife or even confide in her.
She looked away as her cheeks burned, aware of the awkward looks they were giving her again.
“If it’s about the preparations,” Thomas added with a smile, “don’t worry. We’ll handle everything. All you need to do is call your family; the rest will be taken care of.”
Ivy’s face flushed deeper at the mention of her family. Thomas didn’t understand–her concern wasn’t about the preparations but about her feelings. Just because this was a contract marriage didn’t mean she had to feel like a helpless human on her own wedding day.
I’m sure your family would be delighted to waltz into a grand wedding without having to lift a finger,” Rosie added with a mocking smile on her lips.
Rosie’s statement only tightened the knot in Ivy’s stomach. She hadn’t even processed how she’d feel about Cole and their father’s absence. As much as Patrick had hated Mason, at least he’d been there on their wedding day.
Silas came over, sitting by her side, his hazel eyes were soft as he smiled at her. “Don’t worry, we’ll get through this,” he murmured, giving her a reassuring squeeze on her hand.
“I can imagine how difficult this must feel, ma’am,” Wade said gently. “But don’t worry–we’ll take care of Mason Hunter. Once you release a statement, everything will fall back in place.”
Shock rippled within Ivy. “I… I have to release a statement?”
“Well, yes,” Wade said hesitantly, his discomfort evident. “It’s just.. to aid-”
“Don’t worry about that,” Silas interrupted. “Everything will be prepared for you. We’ve got this.”
Ivy nodded slowly, biting her bottom lip. She hadn’t even considered the public effects of becoming a billionaire’s wife. With Mason’s lies, she realized how unprepared she was for the events.
“We should get started,” Thomas said, rising from his seat.
Wade stood as well, his face slightly pink with embarrassment. “Yes.”
“What’s first?” Silas asked, still seated with his hand resting on Ivy’s. “Her statement or mine?”
“Let’s start with yours,” Thomas suggested. “I’ll coordinate with my team to craft the perfect rebuttal. After that, we’ll work on Ivy’s.”
“Sounds good,” Silas agreed, his hand rubbing against Ivy’s thigh.
Her breath caught at the unexpected contact, but she quickly composed herself.
“We’ll get to work then,” Wade remarked.
“The wedding preparations start immediately.” Thomas said. “Three days isn’t enough time for a grand wedding.”
Rosie sprang to her feet, her eyes gleaming with pleasure. “I’ll handle the outfits. Leave it to me.”
Ivy stiffened at Rosie’s statement. The last thing she wanted was Rosie in charge of her attire.
Silas seemed to notice her discomfort. “Uh, thank you, Rosie,” he said smoothly. “But I think Ivy would prefer to choose her outfit herself.”
Shock and pain flashed across Rosie’s face, and her cheeks reddened. She swallowed but forced a tight smile. “Of course. I understand.”
“I’m sure there are plenty of other things for you to do, love,” Thomas said, pulling Rosie to his side.
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Chapter 29
Ivy gave Silas a grateful nod, saying nothing. He caught her look and gently squeezed her hand again.
“Thank you for having us, Si,” Thomas said, his hand resting on his wife’s waist. “It was lovely to meet you again, Ivy.” He smiled at her.
Ivy smiled hesitantly. “Same here.”
Silas stood, helping Ivy to her feet as well. “Let’s see you off.”
They all made their way outside to the driveway. Ivy gasped when she saw the fleet of cars waiting.
“I’ll call later, Si,” Thomas said as he opened the car door for Rosie.
“Bye, Silas.” Rosie waved before stepping inside.
“Bye,” Silas replied to Rosie. Turning to Thomas, he added, “Safe travels.”
Wade climbed into his small, compact car and honked as he followed Thomas’s convoy.
Once they were gone, Silas placed a hand on Ivy’s waist, guiding her inside.
“How are you?” he asked.
Ivy turned to him. “Good,” she muttered.
“I know you might be feeling overwhelmed by everything. We had to act quickly.”
Ivy nodded, averting her eyes. There was no point telling him how small and insignificant she felt while he made those decisions without her.
“So, you’ll need to start your wedding shopping today,” he said.
“Today?” she asked, shocked. “That’s… impossible, Nobody can design a wedding gown in three days. I’ll have to settle for something off the rack.”
Silas chuckled, pulling her closer. “You worry too much.”
“It’s impossible,” she insisted, though deep down, she was aware of the emotions swirling within her at his touch.
Remembering her earlier promise to herself, she stepped out of his embrace. His forehead creased at her movement, and her cheeks burned as she looked away again.
“Well,” he said, not hiding his disappointment. “I’ll refer you to some designers. Bud and Monica can go with you.” He turned and sat on the couch.
Ivy bit her lip, regret tingling in her chest at his changed mood. But she knew better than to open her heart to a man again–especially one who would only be hers for six months.
She stood there until Silas yelled, “Someone call Monica!”
Ivy waited, unsure of what to do. Moments later, Monica appeared in the living room.
“You called for me, sir?” she said.
“Yes. Take Ivy to Laurent for her fitting,” Silas said, his annoyance unhidden.
“Alright, sir,” Monica nodded.
Still unsure of herself, Ivy turned toward the stairs leading to her room.
“Where are you going?” Silas demanded, in an edgy voice.
“To change,” she mumbled, her cheeks heating again.
His eyes narrowed before shifting to Monica. “Have you delivered the clothes I ordered?”
“Yes, sir. They’re in Ms. Stone’s room,” Monica replied politely, as if accustomed to his mood.
“Fine. Go change,” he said, waving Ivy off.
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11:52 AM
Chapter 29
Ivy walked to her room, confusion churning in her chest. Why was Silas suddenly acting like this just because she stepped away from him? She immediately knew the answer but refused to dwell on it.
When she reached her room, there were several boxes of clothes on her bed.
“I didn’t unbox them,” Monica said from behind her, “because I wanted you to see them first.”
“Thank you.” Ivy smiled at her “I’ll sort them out when we get back.”
“Alright, ma’am. Do you need help picking an outfit?”
“No, don’t worry. I’ll handle it,” Ivy said.
Monica nodded. “I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
When Monica left, Ivy undressed and went to the bathroom for a shower. Leaving with a blue towel wrapped around her, she froze, Silas stood at the door, his eyes sweeping over her, desire burning in his stare.
“What… are you doing here?” she murmured, her cheeks flushing.
He took a step closer, his voice dangerously gentle and compelling. “I couldn’t stay away.”
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