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.

"How did you find out Derek

faded as the warmth disappeared from her eyes.

could speak, Ivy's

glanced at the screen, an unknown number was calling. Out of curiosity, and the fact that

Mrs Stone. I am detective David Spence. Your husband said you are in need of

call but I got busy. I need you to

a thud like he opened a drawer. "Okay, I will need

knew about

all that information," Ivy said apologetically, "but I can send his

That's a good

Ivy said, ending the call just as

went to check up on Ryan,"

"He's still sleeping?"

"Yes, soundly," Rita smiled.

Successfully unlocked!

and make her talk about her issues freely, she said, "I just spoke to a detective who

A

"Oh, Geoffrey. That little boy who lived

anymore. He's going to the university, and he

dropped. "But Uncle

that made Ivy's chest squeezed, but she

am happy for

Ivy. "Is it

a shrug. "And

just weird," Rita

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

"So my mom doesn't know

involving her. I couldn't break her heart," Ivy said softly,

you for looking out," Rita said, her voice small. "For me,

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

with a smile.

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

Ivy's eyes widened. "Oh."

fought with me all day," Rita said, like she was forcing the words out. "He had been absent a lot, barely coming home, barely talking to his child. He

three weeks ago, I found a hotel receipt in his bag with

Her stomach dropped. "That's impossible! Theresa is

scoffed, standing up as well. "And married

do... but... Theresa wouldn't. She's

her voice filled with bitterness. "Happily married but sneaking around with

swallowed. "How...