A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 195

Chapter 195

"What happened there?" Cheryl asked, scooting closer.

Ivy didn't answer immediately; her heart was still hurting. She turned away, gazing out the car window.

"Are you okay?"

The concern in Cheryl's voice got to her. Ivy turned quickly, offering a faint smile. "Yes, yes, I'm good," she said. "I'm... just in shock."

And in pain, but she didn't add that.

Cheryl squeezed her thigh gently. "Sorry. I-" She was interrupted by her baby's

COOS.

She adjusted him, opened her blouse, and gently guided her nipple into his mouth.

Ivy looked away. She knew she was supposed to be uncomfortable with the sight, but instead, she felt moved-awed by the beauty and technicality of it. And maybe, a little jealous.

If there was one thing Cheryl had that she didn't, it was unconditional love. To be loved without fear. To be loved without remorse.

Her thoughts drifted to Aunt May, and her stomach tightened. There was no one who loved her that way. Not Aunt May. Not Silas.

Pain surged through her veins, but she swallowed it. Maybe it was time

"Holy smokes! What happened here?" Jonathan gasped.

have her own baby.

Ivy lifted her head to see what had made him shout. Across the road, a car had collided with a jeep.

The occupants-which Ivy guessed were an old man and some young children- were talking to a television reporter.

"That looks serious," Cheryl said, leaning forward to see.

Ivy glanced at her, surprised she was even aware of her surroundings. Maybe the depression was wearing off, she thought.

"So many reporters," Jonathan said, slowing the car so they could catch everything.

Ivy turned back to the scene, noticing the other journalists vying for the old man's attention.

"If there are this many reporters, the accident must've been serious," Cheryl said. She had finished feeding her son and was tapping his back softly, like a

seasoned mother.

"Absolutely," Jonathan agreed. "Either serious or-"

"An important person was involved," Ivy and Jonathan said in unison.

Ivy's chest tightened. Only one name came to mind/"Theresa."

Quickly, she pulled her phone from her back and dialed Theresa's number. It rang twice before it was answered.

"Hello?" It was Hector.

"Hey, Hector," she said, panic rising in her voice. "Where's Theresa?"

"She's sleeping."

1/4

Chapter 195

The panic intensified. "Is she... okay?"

"Not really," Hector replied softly. "But she's good. Just upset."

Upset. Not hurt. Good.

"Alright," Ivy exhaled, relieved. "Thank you, Hector. I'll call again later?

He ended the

look in Theresa's eyes had hurt even more than

even blame her. The scene had looked believable,

tension out from her body.

luggage at my

"What have you been

"She was really

her clothes and bought a few

Ivy scoffed. "Yeah."

"I'm calling him Cole."

"What?"

baby," Cheryl said, laying him gently on her thighs. "I'm

Now it was Cole. Maybe the depression hadn't fully

Ivy said with a strained

-o

and guilt crept back in.

I've hurt you beyond

exhaled, guilt mounting again. "It's okay. Sorry I sounded cold. I'm...

Cheryl whispered. "I get it. If anything, I should've picked you,

Ivy said, turning toward her. Then Mason came

her business, but she couldn't allow a repeat of

Just Martha. And she won't stop insulting me. Why?" "Nothing.

usual?"

They laughed.

of their laughter. Tears threatened to form, but she swallowed

turned away, clearing her throat. She knew what those tears meant. They weren't from joy or reunion. They were tears of death, of grief of a friendship that would

car as he stretched on Cheryl's lap. She picked him

2/4

12.07

Chapter 195

Ivy blinked. "Again?"

has colic, hence the cat

Nope.

it was time to

besides a child.

announced as he turned

and finish

"Thanks," Cheryl said.

stomach churning with what she

you'll have to go

at her, her

reaction had awakened something in Ivy. Maybe she was supposed

too. Cheryl had done

supposed to pity the newborn. Theresa had been hurt,

been too—or

understand. I'll... call some

an orphan. And by family,

hadn't spoken to

her, Ivy said, "Okay," and got out of

to ignore the ache building inside her. Just outside

she

she said,

hugged her back. "You left without

I had work." She smiled.

were just

laughed. "Come on." Then she paused.

"What? Why?"

the incident with

had a place. Mason is going

Cole's voice broke as he hugged

to think about it. It hurt too much, so

embrace.

hair behind her ears. "And

to her about it."

He frowned. "But Ivy-"