A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 2

-Not

Ivy yelled, the shock of the news weakening her. Cheryl was six months pregnant, and Ivy was just divorced three months ago. So it could only mean...

She looked at Cheryl, the betrayal stabbing at her heart. "You're supposed to be my best friend! How could you betray me!"

"You can't shout at her," Mason interrupted, his hand resting on Cheryl's waist. "It's not her fault that you couldn't take care of me."

"But I did!" Ivy exclaimed, refusing to release the tears welling up in the corner of her eyes. "I did everything for you. I left because you cheated on me with several women, and now my best friend is your baby mama?"

"Fiancé," Cheryl corrected, flaunting a diamond ring. “Mason proposed yesterday, I was going to tell you that too."

Ivy's stomach knotted with shock and disbelief. Her knee buckled, and she grasped the table for support. "You..how

"We don't have to explain anything to you," Mason said coldly. "Take the offer, or forget about it altogether." He turned to Joe. "This meeting is over. Thank you, Joe," he added, his grip tightening around Cheryl's waist. "Let's go, baby." Together, they left the room

Ivy collapsed into the chair, trying to process what just happened. Not only was her childhood best friend carrying her ex-husband's child-they were also engaged!

Joe interrupted Ivy's thoughts as he packed up his file. "I'll give you five minutes to get yourself together, Miss Scott," he said, leaving the

room.

Ivy wasn't sure how she made it to her aunt's house, but somehow, she did. Luckily, her aunt wasn't around, so she went straight to the small space she called her room and shut the door before letting herself cry.

She broke down in fits, her heart aching from Cheryl and Mason's betrayal Cheryl had been her best friend since childhood, and Ivy had even considered dedicating her time in raising Cheryl's child-Mason's child. Now, that thought stung

Her alarm rang, breaking her thoughts. It was time to resume work, but she wasn't in the mood. She texted Tina, her manager at Dani's. telling her she was sick and couldn't make it.

Then she panicked. With no tangible income, how was she going to survive? She couldn't wait tables forever. Having no other option. Ivy wiped her tears and dialed her brother's number.

"Cole," she said when he picked up.

"Yes? I thought I told you not to call me," her older brother said impatiently.

"Please, Cole. I need your help," Ivy pleaded tearfully..

"I have nothing to do for you, Ivy. I told you that before-when you left our family for that idiot, I said that was the end."

The pain of Mason's betrayal struck her again. She'd given up so much to be with him-only to be hurt. "I know, but I have nothing else, Cole. I inade a terrible mistake, and I need your help," she whimpered.

Cole went silent before speaking again. "Fine. What do you want?"

"Money-to help restart my photography career," she said, wiping her eyes.

he finally said. "But Dad

"He won't," she promised.

at James' Bar

thank you so, so much!" she

you look presentable," he replied,

Mason and

the only exotic dress left in her closet-a black sheer gown, one of the last pieces from

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10:13 AM

Chapter 2

Ivy texted Cole and ordered a drink while she waited. Her heart raced as she glanced round the room; it had been ages since she

her.

a deep voice

looked like he had stepped straight out of a painting. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his muscular frame

speak?" he

she'd been staring. "Sorry,"

without waiting for a

of his cologne and the glint of his diamond-studded watch "How're

Ivy blurted, looking away when she saw the

the waiter. "I'm waiting for someone too. I thought you could

I'm good," she replied, suddenly

was she reacting to this stranger, especially after everything Mason

didn't even try to hide his

scanning the room for him. "While you wait, let me buy you another drink," the hazel-eyes

"Thank you, but no. I'll

he said, focusing on his

phone chimed-it was a text from Cole saying he couldn't come. Her heart shattered as she stared at the message, tears threatening to

texted him back, asking when next they could meet, but there was no response. She tried again, pleading with him, telling him she had

noticed. "Are you okay?

she stammered,

her hand, sending shivers down her spine. "You can't go

warm and compelling in his voice that made her obey. He

her.

up, it'll help,"

the alcohol worked, and by the time

Thank you, Mr."

brushed Ivy's, making her sizzle. "What's your

"Ivy," she whispered.

"Who were you

sip, numbing the pain

made you

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