A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 112 A Dysfunctional Family

Chapter 112: A Dysfunctional Family.

"Oh," Ivy said softly, not knowing how to react.

"I didn't know he was married," Rita added, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. "Frankly, I don't think I know anything about him anymore."

Curiosity coursed through Ivy, and she arched her brow. "What do you mean?"

Rita sighed, and then her eyes fell to the bags Ivy was holding. "Wanna come inside? Ryan is taking a nap."

"Sure," Ivy smiled as she followed Rita. When they got inside, she gave Rita the bags. "For Ryan."

Rita's mouth curved into a smile despite the tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Ivy."

"You're welcome," Ivy smiled as Rita took the bags and kept them with Ryan's other toy collections.

"Can I get you anything?" Rita asked.

"No, I'm good. Thanks," Ivy replied, sitting down as Rita did too. She went quiet, waiting for Rita to continue the conversation without forcing her to.

"I met Ryan's dad five years ago," Rita said, calmly. "It wasn't love at first sight because I didn't like him at all." She giggled." But after Vera's... death, I needed an outlet for my grief and he was there. He helped me when I needed it, and you know, it just happened."

Ivy nodded, her eyes softening at Rita's sad tone. "I understand."

"So we started dating and Ryan came along," Rita continued. "I was scared, because we didn't plan Ryan, but Derek was ready and helpful, so I gave in."

"That must have been beautiful and challenging," Ivy chimed in.

"Oh, it was," Rita chuckled. "But Derek was really helpful and here we are."

Ivy leaned into the couch. "So you never left California?"

"I did. I just came back six months ago," Rita said. "Ryan's condition became worse, and Derek wanted him monitored, plus his work was making it harder to travel about. So we just decided to move here to Mill valley."

"He's a doctor, yeah?" Ivy added. "Ryan told me."

Rita laughed, the warmth reaching her eyes. "He's not a doctor. He is a medical assistant. Ryan thinks his dad is a doctor because he is always in the hospital.”

"Oh, silly Ryan," Ivy laughed, but beneath her amusement, a serious question lingered.

If Derek was just a medical assistant, how could he afford this house?

Yet Ivy held back. She didn't want to ask Rita, for the fear of being sent away. Besides, she hadn't heard the full story.

said cautiously, leaning forward. "How

warmth disappeared from her eyes. Ivy watched as she adjusted herself on the

Rita could speak, Ivy's phone

murmured, reaching for it quickly. She glanced at the screen, an unknown number was calling.

Your husband said

her temple. "I was supposed to call but I got busy. I need you

he opened a drawer. "Okay, I will need

name, what he knew about them. Information

apologetically, "but I

That's a

detective," Ivy said, ending the call

to check up

"He's still sleeping?"

"Yes, soundly," Rita smiled.

Successfully unlocked!

issues freely, she said, "I just spoke to a detective who wants

112: A

Geoffrey. That little boy who lived in your

"He's not so little anymore. He's going to the university, and he got

"But Uncle

said that made Ivy's chest squeezed, but she pushed the

happy

from her couch and sat beside Ivy. "Is it just Mason's

a shrug. "And I

weird," Rita

is dysfunctional, which is why I need you," Ivy said, finally acknowledging the longing in her heart. "Aside from the fact that your mom would be excited, it puts me at ease to know that at least

my mom doesn't know you've

going on with you before involving her. I couldn't break her heart," Ivy said softly, feeling

you for looking out," Rita said, her

nodded, giving Rita's thigh a gentle squeeze. "You're welcome. I'm always here

eyes twinkled with

didn't tell me how you know Derek is married," Ivy said gently, trying not to scare her away. "Should I be worried?" "No," Rita replied. "I found out he was talking to a woman some months ago." She swallowed, her gaze fixed on the floor as she twisted her fingers together. "And one time, he came back

Ivy's eyes widened. "Oh."

confronted him about it, but he came up with a dumb excuse, saying he just liked the look of it. When I kept pushing, he fought with me all day," Rita said, like she was forcing the words out. "He had

three weeks ago, I found a hotel receipt in his bag with a woman's name- Theresa

stomach dropped. "That's

well. "And married women

"They do... but... Theresa wouldn't. She's happily

voice filled with bitterness. "Happily married but sneaking

"How...