A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

"You look so beautiful, so... divine," Monica said, her voice filled with emotions.

Ivy turned to her, smiling. "Thank you, Monica," she smiled and turned back to her reflection.

She did look divine in her wedding dress that Francis Laurent had delivered himself, and indeed, the gown shimmered in the light just as she had guessed.

But despite how stunning she looked, she felt anxiety eating up her insides. She was nervous, a combination of many things.

219

Joe's words still lingered from last night, and as much as she tried to shove it away, she couldn't shake the threat they carried. Mason was suing her again, and she hadn't told Silas yet.

Her thoughts wandered to Silas, and dread intensified in her chest as she realized she still didn't know much about him.

Debbie's conversation had kept her awake all night. Even now, she couldn't shake off the jealousy and worry that Silas had slept with his

assistant.

Her only regret was misjudging Aaliyah and she could only hope she could make it right.

"it's going to be alright," Monica said softly, breaking her thoughts. "You'll get through this."

Ivy nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you."

"Before I forget," Monica said dashing to the bed, "we got you something." She revealed a small box wrapped with colorful paper. "Happy wedding day."

"Oh," Ivy murmured, moved by the gesture. "Thank you so much."

"It's the least we could do," Monica beamed. "I'll keep it here for you to open later." She placed the box gently on the table.

"Thank you," Ivy repeated, tears welling up in her eyes.

"You're welcome," Monica commented just as there was a knock on the door. "That must be your husband," she added, moving to open

1. it.

Ivy felt her stomach knot, She wasn't ready to face Silas yet-not with all her emotions all over the place.

But when Monica opened the door, it wasn't Silas who walked in. It was her Aunt May, and she was holding a gift.

"Aunt May!" Ivy exclaimed, running into her arms.

"Wow!" May teased as she returned the hug.

The moment May's hand reached her back, the tears Ivy had been holding back

fell. She wept silently in her aunt's arms, controlled by her emotions.

When she eventually lifted her head, she realized Monica had left the room.

May said with a playful sigh. "Now I can't see how

her tears,

my girl," May smiled, kissing her on her forehead. She let go and began walking around the room.

as she went to the bed. "Nice," May smiled, then turned to Ivy. "How

wiping her

the bed and sitting.

"How did you find

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Chapter 49

car to pick

down the aisle."

her aunt's statement. It wasn't that she wasn't thrilled May was walking her down the aisle, it was that it brought out the sad fact that her

sweet girl," May said, pulling her

okay," Ivy remarked, and smiled softly

that her father really wasn't coming, and obviously, nor was Cole. She turned to her aunt, pleased that she at least had one

ready for your big day," May said, standing up. "How do we

the artist," Ivy commented, standing as well. She reached the door,

Monica came.

I want her

later, the petite makeup artist

job. When she was done.

always," May

smiled. "Thank

you a gift," May said, glancing around

the table, I placed it there," Monica

thank you,"

is Monica,

meet you,"

a smile. May turned to Ivy.

at her

stairs, holding the long train of her gown.

being held in Silas garden. Earlier before she got ready, she'd peeped at the arrangement from her window, watching how

soft, romantic music began to play-her cue to

felt the rush of anxiety in her

reassuringly as she led her down

smile as she walked. The

there were strangers to her. Her heart clenched as she saw Šilas, standing alone on the podium. He was clad in an ivory suit, looking

nodded, placing Ivy's hand in

her up the podium.

muttered, his

words made her blush, and for a moment,

priest stepped forward, a pamphlet in his hand. "Good

here to celebrate

first wedding the happiness she had felt, the fulfillment. Her father had shown up then, and now his