A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

"We're busy here," Silas said, without looking at the door.

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He shielded Aaliyah's face with his body, so that whoever it was wouldn't know

she was crying.

When the newcomer didn't leave, Silas turned, slightly annoyed-until he saw it was Ivy.

"Ivy. I didn't know it was you."

Ivy paused for a moment, her eyes widened. "Yes..."

"Give us a moment, please. Aaliyah is gathering herself," he said.

Ivy hesitated, then nodded briefly before leaving the room.

Once she was out, Aaliyah lifted her head. Her tears had stained his white shirt. "I

hope that wasn't weird," she sniffed, her voice hoarse from crying.

"What?" he asked, puzzled.

"Me crying in your arms, your wife walking in."

"Oh, Ivy's cool," he smiled. "She'd never think anything weird. So, what's the plan now? he asked, picking up from where they stopped.

"I don't know," Aaliyah said, dabbing her eyes with the tissue in her hand.

Silas watched her, sympathy churning inside him. "You'll have to say something eventually."

"I have tried, countlessly-indirectly, but you know, it's the same-dismissals, threats."

Silas smiled, watching as she blew her nose daintily. Their friendship had blossomed barely three months after they broke up. They might have been a terrible match as a couple, but they were super compatible as friends.

"Thanks again for the job. I really appreciate it." She gave him a shaky smile.

"You're welcome," he replied warmly. "You know I'm here for you. When you decide to tell your parents, let me help."

"It's not that easy, Silas," Aaliyah said, squeezing the tissue and disposing it. "You're an independent man. I'm not-at least, not yet." Her mouth pressed in a thin line, and he suspected she was going to cry again.

Silas pulled her closer, rubbing a hand around her back. "It's okay. You'll get through this."

"I really hope so," she whispered. Then she pulled back abruptly. "You can't tell anyone, Silas."

Her intensity took him by surprise. "Of course."

"I mean it," she said, her eyes turned serious. "Words can't get out about it. Not even to your wife."

He hadn't told Ivy anything deep about himself so it was easy to accept Aaliyah's request. "Definitely ma'am."

"Thank you," she said, her expression softened.

to her bag and pulled out another tissue, this time to wipe the tear stains on his shirt. "I can't

would believe

done," she smiled.

Aaliyah,"

you," she

left Aaliyah in the room and was about to look for Ivy when

his pocket and saw it was Thomas

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+28

Chapter 43

into a nearby empty

are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

Thomas replied, hesitating. "I'm

It's okay," Silas

talking about Ivy like that," Thomas mumbled. "I

in his brother's voice and sighed. "I understand you. It's okay, really.

Sonia Raj an official

leaked information, but there's

sure she'll respond soon," Silas replied

before asking.

just finished our photoshoot some moments ago,"

great," Thomas sounded pleased. "Has she released

Ivy still had to release a

you for reminding me I'll

"As an apology, I'd like you and Ivy to

you, her

didn't even have to

Thomas exclaimed.

"Yes," Silas smiled.

you tomorrow," Thomas

Bye." He

telling her to arrange an interview

couldn't find her, he just assumed she'd gone to wait in

didn't tell me you were coming to the car." "Yeah,"

her flat response. "Let's go home," he told Victor,

car.

glued on her phone. He sat

he couldn't stand her

something wrong? You've been

she asked without looking

his chair, confusion fuming inside him.

Cartier wristwatch

necklace.

there was one thing he knew about her, it

he done this

of his mistake, but nothing came

you?" he

She huffed.