Chapter 51: Lies At A Wedding.
Chapter 51: Lies At A Wedding.
When Cole shut the door, Ivy immediately picked up the folder he had left behind. Her heart clenched as she reached for it, not knowing what she was going to find.
The first document was her mother’s death report, and her knee buckled. The report confirmed her mother had died from depression and cardiac arrest.
Ivy stumbled to the couch, unable to stand. Pain flooded her chest, and for a moment, she thought she would pass out from it. She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly until she steadied herself.
After a moment, she returned to the desk and checked the second document. This one showed proof that Thomas did purchase her mother’s land in San Jose.
Ivy clamped a hand over her mouth in disbelief as tears pricked her eyes. She couldn’t believe Thomas had caused her mother’s depression, driving her to her death.
She had her doubts before, but now it was undeniable.
She flung the paper away, as the tears streamed out. She couldn’t believe it as regret and worry coursed through her.
What was she going to do now?
Challenge Silas! The tiny voice echoed in her head. She stood up, determined to face Silas and his brother.
There was no denying now, Silas would have to admit that his brother was a horrible person. Her pain melded with determination as she bent and gathered the scattered papers. But then something caught her eye.
Ivy sat on the floor, not caring about ruining her wedding dress. She picked up her mother’s death report and read it again. Something was off.
Lauren Scott had been depressed long before Thomas took her lands. She checked the papers, comparing details to be certain. After a moment, realization struck–she was right.
With slightly trembling hands, she packed all the papers, determined to challenge Cole instead.
Cole had lied to her!
She stormed out of the study and marched down the hall, her steps were steady
despite her heavy gown.
Monica saw her near the garden and approached her. “Ivy?”
“Not now, Monica,” she replied, ignoring her.
Monica hurried behind her. “Your husband said you should change for your reception. He got Fra-”
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Chapter 51: Les At A Wedding.
Ivy faced Monica, and shook her head. “I’m coming. Wait for me upstairs.”
Confusion etched on Monica’s face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m good,” Ivy replied, gripping the papers tightly. “I’ll join you.”
Monica hesitated. “Alright, I’ll wait for you upstairs.”
Without responding to Monica, Ivy made her way into the garden. The set–up had changed, with tables and chairs neatly arranged, and at least four guests seated at
each.
She forced a smile as she walked, her eyes scanning for Cole. When they landed on a stranger, she widened her smile and nodded.
Her eyes stopped on Aaliyah Salvatore, sitting curtly behind a table, and despite the oversized glasses, Ivy immediately recognized her.
The guilt and regret of her misjudging Aaliyah swirled in Ivy’s chest. She nodded at Aaliyah, who returned the nod. Ivy promised to make amends–right after she was done with Cole.
As she stepped further into the garden, she realized Cole wasn’t there, so she decided to find Aunt May instead. She spotted her aunt seated in one of the center tables, dancing to the music. Ivy approached her, the hem of her gown in one hand, the papers in the other.
“My sweet girl, how are you?” May asked, her eyes lighting up when she saw her
“I’m good. Where’s Cole?” she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.
“Cole?” May asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Yes, Cole. I saw him a moment ago, and he gave me these stupid papers,” she said, gesturing to the papers.
“I haven’t seen him. I didn’t even know he was here,” May replied, concern clear in her voice. She stood up from her chair. “Should we look for him?”
“No.” Ivy shook her head. “Enjoy the party, I’ll find him myself.” She left before her aunt could say another word.
Ivy instinctively went to the exit gates, hoping to catch Cole leaving. As she proceeded, her heart pounded.
What games was Cole playing? Why come to her wedding to drop proof without actually coming to celebrate with her?
Outside the gate, she spotted him walking down the pathway.
Bud, who was at the gate, reached her. “What’s it, ma’am?”
“That man,” Ivy said, pointing. “Stop him. Don’t let him leave.”
Without hesitation, Bud dashed out to Cole, and in no time got to him. When Ivy reached them, she heard both men arguing.
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Chapter 51 Lies At A Wedding
“It’s okay, Bud. Thank you,” she said to Bud who nodded and slowly left. Then she turned to Cole. “You really hate me, right? Cause tell me why you brought proof for me to end the marriage without even coming to the wedding?”
Cole looked at her with indifference. “Glad you got the picture. If you’re going to support our mother’s killer, I don’t want to be a part of it.”
“That would’ve been hurtful if it were true,” Ivy said, pain coating her voice. “Is Dad here too? Did he also decide to hang around without coming to see me?”
Cole huffed. “Dad doesn’t care about your wedding–or you–anymore.”
His words pierced deeply, but Ivy refused to show him that. Instead she tossed the folder at him. “Your claims are false.”
Cole arched his brow. “What are you talking about?”
“You didn’t even check what you brought me, did you?” Ivy accused. “You claim Thomas stole Mom’s land causing her depression, but according to Mom’s report, she had been depressed long before Thomas took her lands. That invalidates your story.” Cole’s confusion deepened as he bent to gather the papers.
“There’s also evidence that Mom sold the land to Thomas!” Ivy exclaimed, her pain morphing into anger. “If Thomas bought this land, I wonder if he bought the other two.” “That’s impossible!” Cole snapped. “Thomas stole Mom’s lands.”
“And the depression before that?” she demanded, her voice harsh.
“He… she…” Cole stuttered, flushed all over.
“I have nothing more to say to you,” she said, turning and heading back to her wedding.
Her heart pounded with anger and sorrow. If Thomas hadn’t caused her mother’s depression, then what had? She needed answers.
She couldn’t believe Cole–and their father–were capable of lying to her, of trying to destroy her marriage to Silas.
Why lie? Why give false information?
“Ivy, are you okay?”
Ivy turned to the voice that had pulled her from her thoughts. “Aaliyah, Hey.” She forced a smile.
“I saw you rushing in, you good?” Aaliyah asked gently.
“Yes. I am,” Ivy nodded. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she added, “Can we talk? Just for a moment?”
“Yes,” Aaliyah replied.
Ivy led her into the hallway, away from the guests. When she was certain nobody
could hear them, she stopped and faced Aaliyah. “Thank you for joining me.”
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“No problem,” Aaliyah said.
Ivy took a deep breath, summoning courage. “I want to apologize for my past
behaviors. The thing is, I was jealous. I thought since you once dated Silas, you guys…. were still involved. But when he told me about-”
“What did he tell you?” Aaliyah demanding, her voice fierce, her eyes widened.
“He… he explained your struggles, how you were going through a lot and he-”
“Oh my goodness!” Aaliyah interrupted again. “I can’t believe Silas told you my secret!” Ivy blinked. “What? It wasn’t like-”
Aaliyah shook her head, holding up a finger. Her eyes glistened with tears. “You don’t know me! Don’t think for one minute that I need your advice!” she yelled and stormed off.
Ivy froze, spooked by Aaliyah’s unexpected outburst. Yet her heart tightened at the pain in Aaliyah’s voice.
