Chapter 9
“Welcome to our store! It’s so lovely having you here,” Winnie said, hugging Cheryl.
Of all the people Ivy could have met, it was Cheryl–the betrayer. Ivy froze, completely shocked by how Winnie had ignored her.
Cheryl walked up to the receptionist table, her hands on her bulging stomach. Thank you,” she said, then turned to Ivy, her mouth contorting. “Ivy? What are you doing here?
Ivy bit her lip. “I came here to shop.”
“There’s a Goodwill just across the street. I’m sure they’ll have something for you, dear,” Winnie said, her tone humiliating.
Cheryl laughed loudly.
Ivy felt her face redden with embarrassment. “It’s Ivy, Winnie,” she said firmly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, making sure Winnie could see her–despite the hideous gown she wore.
“Oh, Ivy.” Winnie said, placing a hand on her chest, feigning surprise. “Would you like security to help you out?”
Laughter filled the room, and Ivy’s heart broke. Despite the sadness in her chest, she refused to cower. “It’s funny how you’ve forgotten about me,” she said, holding a wobbly smile. “Remember when you used to beg me to shop here so you wouldn’t run out of customers! How time flies.”
Winnie gasped but quickly recovered. “That was when you were Mrs. Hunter. Now… she rubbed her hand on Cheryl’s shoulder. “There’s someone else I cater to.”
Ivy’s eyes burned with anger, as she scanned Cheryl all over. “A betrayer you mean?”
“How dare you!” Cheryl yelled, raising her hand to hit Ivy, but Winnie stopped her.
“That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Hunter, Winnie said coolly.
“I guess the truth hurts, doesn’t it?” Ivy laughed bitterly,
Cheryl scoffed, adjusting her clothes, “How was the truth like when Aunt May found out you were fired?”
Ivy gasped.
“I bet she was sad to see her little girl lost,” Cheryl smirked, eyes gleaming with malice. “I wonder what’s next for you.”
“That’s none of your business, but I sure wouldn’t be stealing another woman’s man,” Ivy snapped.
“You can only steal what belongs to someone,” Cheryl said, folding her arms, her diamond ring glinting in the light. “Maso
light. “Mason was never yours in the first place.”
Cheryl’s words stung, making Ivy’s heart twist. Who would have thought that a good friendship would collapse because of Mason’s infidelity!
He couldn’t even find someone else to cheat with; he had to pick her best friend–the same friend she had helped, the one she’d supported during her darkest times.
The same friend that was staring at her with so much hate, as though they hadn’t shared everything together.
Ivy pursed her lips, the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “Why do you hate me so much?” she breathed, watching as Cheryl’s
eyes softened
“Oh, come off it,” Cheryl scoffed, the anger returning to her gaze. “I don’t hate you. And if you think me being with Mason means I hate you, you’re wrong. I love Mason–we love each other. I’m sorry you wasted your years with him.”
Ivy bit her lip, holding back tears. She couldn’t break down–not here, not now, not with everyone watching “If you think you love Mason more than I did, then I can only wish you luck. Have a lovely married life,”
“We will. Cheryl smugged. “And to show you I don’t hate you. I’ll allow Winnie let you shop here. Buy whatever you want. I’ll pay with my baby’s money”
“My money, you mean,” Ivy whispered.
1/3
10:15 AM
Chapter 9
“Ah, Mrs. Hunter, how generous of you,” Winnie beamed. “You’re so kind.”
“Thank you, Winnie.” Cheryl smiled, pleased with herself.
“I don’t “Ivy’s phone rang, interrupting her. She groaned and excused herself to tak
take the call. It back?”
Was
Cole. -L
“Hey, Cole, can I call you
“What is this I’m hearing? Another marriage? You’ve barely healed from the last one,” Cole’s voice crackled through the phone.
Ivy was pissed. She needed a break from all of this. It wasn’t her fault that Mason broke their marriage vows with his dick. He ruined it, yet she was the one being blamed!
“I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” she said through gritted teeth. “It’s my life, and I live it the way I want.”
“It was your life a year and a half ago, but you almost ruined our family’s reputation with that nonsense of a marriage.” Cole’s tone was harsh, heightening Ivy’s anger.
“I’ve had it with everyone!” Ivy snapped, her voice rising, causing people to stare. But she didn’t care–she was too pissed to care. “Just because I made a mistake doesn’t mean I can’t heal from it, and it doesn’t give any of you the right to say terrible things about me! I won’t take it!” she snapped, hanging up the call.
vy exhaled, panting as beads of sweat assembled on her forehead. She wiped her forehead as she tucked her phone back in her bag. She turned toward Winnie and Cheryl, who were still laughing and talking.
They spotted her and walked toward her.
“Ivy Cheryl said, “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to buy those outfits for you anymore.”
“Oh why? Mason’s account can’t afford it or will he cheat on you if you spend more than he says you should?” Ivy mocked.
Cheryl frowned. “It’s the attitude and the dress,” she said. “That’s why I changed my mind. I can’t have people thinking I’m associated. with you…. you jobless, broke woman.”
“Jobless? You made me jobless,” Ivy shot back, anger rising.
“I did you a favor,” Cheryl countered. “Imagine if your father saw you there. Besides, you’ve always hated anything that wasn’t photography,” she sneered.
Ivy sighed, already tired of the back and forth with Cheryl. “Well, thanks for your concern.”
“You’re welcome. I could actually still get you clothes, but that would come out of the one million Mason was kind enough to oder.” Cheryl’s mouth curved into a smile. “He’d be so excited if I helped you.”
Anger simmered beneath Ivy’s skin at the remainder of Mason’s theft. Still, she refused to react.
“Security,” Winnie called. Take her out of here.”
“Wait!” Ivy said. “I can get my things myself.” She reached into her bag and brought out Silas’s black card.
Winnie’s eyes widened greedily at the card.
Cheryl frowned again. “Ivy! Who did you steal that from?”
“I’m nothing like you,” Ivy replied, and turned to Winne, flashing the card. “Can I purchase some items now?”
“Prove it!” Cheryl blurted out just as Winnie was about to reach for the card.
Ivy’s brow furrowed. Prove what?”
“That you have access to that card.”
“Yes. How can a woman like you have that card?” Winnie added, the greedy glint in her eyes fading. “Prove it”
Ivy folded her arms, enjoying the show “And what happens if I do?”
“You’ll never, Cheryl scoffed. “What billionaire is stupid enough to give you his card?”
A simile tugged at Ivy’s lips. “Fine. I’ll just call Silas Stone”
10:15 AM c
Chapter 9
Gasps filled the room as Ivy reached for her phone. Then she froze. She didn’t have Silas’s number.
“I don’t have his number,” she stuttered. Cheryl burst into laughter, and others joined in. But check it.” I
“Enough of this theatrics!” Winnie snapped, her face flushed with anger. “Security! Drag her out!”
Ivy added quickly. “It’s active. I
AD
