A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

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

0

4

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.

wipe the

chuckled. "I doubt people would believe a whole Aaliyah Salvatore

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

care, Aaliyah," Silas

appreciate you,"

left Aaliyah in the room and was about

pocket and saw it was Thomas

1/3

+28

Chapter 43

nearby empty room before answering.

How are you?" Thomas

"I'm good. You?"

too," Thomas replied, hesitating.

okay,"

about Ivy like that," Thomas mumbled. "I got so stressed with everything

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

"Wade sent Sonia Raj an official

information, but there's

respond

again before

finished our photoshoot

pleased. "Has she released her statement

that Ivy still had to release a

she hasn't. Thank you for reminding me I'll inform Rachel. Well probably handle it

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

house for dinner. You know, me, you, her and Rosie.

didn't even have to think about

exclaimed. "Is 8pm

"Yes," Silas smiled.

See you tomorrow," Thomas

He hung

texted Rachel telling her to arrange an

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

didn't tell me you

her flat response. "Let's go

car.

her phone. He sat still, waiting

couldn't stand

You've been acting weird

asked

into his chair, confusion fuming

Cartier

necklace.

he knew about her, it was that whenever he offended her, she'd reject

what had he done this

of his mistake,

offend you?" he

She huffed.