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.

wipe the tear stains on his shirt.

would believe a whole Aaliyah Salvatore

playfully and finished wiping. "Alright done," she smiled. "Now leave, let me

Aaliyah,"

appreciate you,"

room and was about to look for

of his pocket

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+28

Chapter 43

walked into a nearby empty

are you?" Thomas

"I'm good. You?"

Thomas replied, hesitating.

It's okay,"

for talking about Ivy like that," Thomas

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

Thomas admitted. "Wade sent Sonia Raj an official

but

she'll respond soon,"

paused again before asking. "How's

finished our photoshoot

great," Thomas sounded pleased. "Has she released her statement

had completely forgotten that Ivy still had to release a statement

you for reminding me I'll inform

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

me, you,

to think about

exclaimed.

"Yes," Silas smiled.

you tomorrow,"

He

Silas forgot again, he quickly texted Rachel telling her

was done, he pocketed his phone, stepped 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,

me you were coming to the car." "Yeah,"

go home," he

car.

her eyes glued on her phone. He sat still, waiting and

he couldn't stand her

wrong? You've been

she asked without looking

chair, confusion fuming inside him. He sighed when he

removed the Cartier

necklace.

one thing he knew about her, it was that whenever he offended her,

had he done this

think of his mistake, but nothing came up.

offend you?" he

She huffed.