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

doubt people would believe a whole

"Alright done," she

Aaliyah,"

you,"

room and was about to look for Ivy when

out of his pocket and

1/3

+28

Chapter 43

nearby empty room before

How are

"I'm good. You?"

too," Thomas replied, hesitating. "I'm

okay," Silas

like that," Thomas mumbled. "I got so

sincerity in his brother's voice and sighed. "I understand you.

Sonia

but

sure she'll respond soon,"

before asking.

finished our photoshoot

great," Thomas sounded pleased. "Has she

still had to release

hasn't. Thank you for reminding me

then," Thomas said softly. "As an apology, I'd like you and Ivy to

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

have to

Thomas exclaimed.

"Yes," Silas smiled.

then. See you

Bye." He hung

Silas forgot again, he quickly texted Rachel telling

out, and began searching for Ivy. When he couldn't find her, he just assumed she'd gone to wait in his car. He found her there, pressing

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

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

car.

nothing, her eyes glued on her phone. He sat still,

stand her silent treatment

been acting

asked without

confusion fuming inside him. He sighed

Cartier wristwatch and

necklace.

was one thing he knew about her, it was that

what had he done this

trying to think of his mistake, but nothing came up.

offend you?" he

She huffed.