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.

out another tissue, this time to wipe the tear stains on his shirt. "I can't let anyone know I

chuckled. "I doubt people would believe a whole

hit him playfully and finished wiping. "Alright done,"

care, Aaliyah,"

appreciate you," she

and was about to look for

brought it out of his pocket and saw it was Thomas

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Chapter 43

into a nearby empty room before answering.

How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

Thomas replied, hesitating. "I'm

It's okay," Silas said

that," Thomas mumbled.

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

admitted. "Wade sent Sonia

but there's

respond soon," Silas replied

before asking.

just finished our photoshoot

pleased. "Has she released

had completely forgotten that Ivy still had

Thank you for reminding me I'll inform Rachel.

Thomas said softly. "As an apology, I'd like

dinner. You know, me, you, her and Rosie. What do

didn't even have to

Thomas exclaimed. "Is 8pm

"Yes," Silas smiled.

then. See you

Bye." He hung

he quickly texted Rachel telling her to arrange an interview for Ivy's

began searching for Ivy. When he couldn't find her, he just

called. She looked up. "You didn't tell me you were coming to the car." "Yeah," she replied

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

car.

on her phone. He sat still,

couldn't stand her silent

You've been acting weird

I?" she asked without looking

fuming inside him.

removed the Cartier wristwatch

necklace.

it was

he done this

think of his mistake,

you?" he

She huffed.