A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Ivy swallowed hard and quickly retraced her steps to the exit, her cheeks burning with embarrassment people

seated in the reception

She stepped outside and hurried toward the car

"Are you alright?" Bud asked as she slid in

"Yes" by sad, swallowing as she tried to catch her breath.

looks on the

She couldn't believe it-Rita had denied knowing her which was unheard of Yet, she couldn't shake off the feeling

that Rita might be in danger. The thought that Rita had been in San Francisco for five years without visiting Aunt

May was. appalling

A thought crossed her mind, and she turned to Victor. "Would you mind waiting a moment?"

Bud raised his brow from the passenger seat is everything alright, ma'arri?"

"Yes, yes" she nodded quickly just need you to follow someone"

"Alright, Bud said. He turned to Victor "Move the car somewhere hidden"

Victor maneuvered the car to a spot in the garage. From where they were, they could see the entrance of the

hospital without being spotted immediately.

Ivy texted Silas, letting him know she was going to be a little late, just in case Theresa mentioned seeing her

Silas replied immediately: Where are you going?

She had no answer, so she didn't respond. Immediately she set her phone down, Rita walked out of the hospital

It was then Ivy really looked at her. Rita wore a black hoodie and trousers, her hair tied in a messy bun Ivy's

heart broke as the pain of Rita's denial sank in..

Rita was seven years older, but that had never stopped them from being close. Ivy had spent her childhood

holidays at Aunt May's house before her uncle's death.

Walter's death had drawn a wedge between May and her children, and when Vera, Rita's younger sister had died,

it possibly had ruined what was left between May and Rita.

"Follow her," Ivy said, pointing to Rita who was walking really fast.

"Alright, ma'am" Victor replied, starting the car.

They waited until Rita left the hospital premises before beginning to follow. She was on foot, which meant she

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

likely lived nearby. But that knowledge cwith the pain of realizing that Rita had intentionally avoided her

mother and their family for five years.

They followed her, watching as Rita continued on foot heading over Sanibel Street. She kept her hands tucked in

her hoodie, and continuously glanced behind her.

Ivy leaned forward, her eyes darting round Rita. Nobody seemed to be following her, but Rita's body movements

screamed discomfort.

What was she hiding? Who was she hiding from?

It was when Rita took a narrow pathway leading to a bridge did ivy actually begin

to freak out. Her chest clenched as she realized Rita had parked her car miles

away from the hospital and gone there on foot.

Was she not staying close? Ivy wondered.

"Let's follow her please" she said, her voice slightly shaking.

"Drive down Mela Road and go left, Bud told Victor. "We should see her."

Victor nodded as he drove. Thankfully, they saw Rita as she was about to enter a small black Honda.

Victor slowed the car and they waited. Ivy watched Rita throw a piece of paper from her windscreen, before

getting into her

cor.

As soon as Rita started driving, they immediately followed her. Ivy's mind swirled as different thoughts swirled in

her head

Was Rita in trouble? Was she running from something? Hiding from someone? None of her questions made

sense.

Successfully unlocked!

Ivy bit her lip, settling into the chair as Victor cto unum. A mat felt like a long time, Rita finally turned

towards Mill Valley

Mill Valley was a cozy town with serene vibes and cute shops. Ivy knew Mount Tamalpais was nearby her mother

had taken her and Cole sightseeing there when they were kids.

124) Vatery washt D

ngernails as she tried to settle he

so how cor

notted with anxiety. She couldn't help but feel like

pped in front of a beautiful pink house Victor slowed the car parking

ota got out of the car and walked into the house. A few moments later, a young lady exited the house

with bbws Shu hopped on a bicycle and rode off

by wated exporting lote was going to cback out, but she didn't, solvy got out

of the car

told Bud

well. Ten coming in with you"

not wanting to scare Sota. But doubt crept

ngerous? What if someone

going to get fota, and she got in the way?

What i

if she was being

ace in her head said

years, another voice added.

by signed as indecision took over it was either she took a chance on her safety, or

she frightened Rita. She turned to Bud, her wore chucking slightly. "Stay outside Just in case she said, and he

nodded.

She turned toward the pink house, noticing the hedges decorated nicely along the stony pathway. The front

doors were

doors, luxurious and elegant. The gardens were beautiful and it added to the elegance of the house's exteriors.

But if she had money, why was she diving such a rickety Honda?

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Trang the small bell with flowers designed around it and waited.

She heard a click. Then another

Finally, the large door swung open

Foda cout smiling "Alex, did you forget the trailed off, the smile on her lips immediately faded, her eyes

widened with shock "What are you doing here, ly?

Oh, you remembernow" Ivy said, relieved that Pita hadn't greeted her with a gun or something worse.

Rita quickly stepped outside, shutting the door behind her. "You have to go."

Ivy buffed "I have to go? i haven't seen you in what? Five years? and that's the next thing you say to me?"

Jota's checks turned pink as she averted her eyes, moving away from the door. "I'm serious, Ivy"

Ivy's heart plummeted, and she made no effort to hide the pain in her voice. "What's really going on, Rita? You

live here in Mill Valley, and you never cto visit any of us?” Her voice rose in an accusing tone. "Not even

your mother? Aunt May is going crazy thinking you-"

"You know nothing. Ivy Rita said, cutting in sharply. Her forehead creased and her mouth twisted. "So shut your-

The sound of the door interrupted Rita, and almost instantly, Ivy watched as the anger in her eyes melted as she

quickly composed herself

She turned to the door, her voice also devoid of anger. "Hey baby"

by gasped as a small child cout the door.

"You have a child?" by whispered.

fota ignored her, crouching to pick up the little boy "Mommy's coming in soon,

okay?"

"The phone is nnging." the boy said. "Daddy is calling"

eyes widened in panic, and she quickly set the boy down Both of them rushed

inside

"We need to talk, Rita Ivy called after her

away from me. And if you tell anyone you saw me, | will make your life a living

hell!" Rita threatened, starming the door

Try stood still too stunned to speak