Chapter 3

The next morning, the Smith brothers—Ethan, Lucas, and Julian—gathered around the dining table, enjoying their breakfast. Ivy, however, was absent, busy getting ready to go out. Ethan, noticing her absence, asked, "Where are you going?"

Ivy appeared at the doorway, her hair styled and makeup applied. "To meet my friends," she replied, her voice cheerful.

Ethan's expression turned stern. "No need; you won't go anywhere."

Ivy's face fell, but she pleaded, "Brother, let me live freely for at least a few days. I promise I'll be careful."

Lucas, seated at the head of the table, intervened, "Ok, go, Ivy."

Ivy's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, brother!"

Ethan scowled, his voice firm. "It's not safe for her to go alone."

Lucas countered, "She's Victor Blackwood's future wife; do you think she'll be alone? She'll have his protection. Besides, Ivy needs some freedom. We, the Smith brothers, can't keep her locked up forever."

Ivy smiled, relieved, and turned to leave. Ethan's voice stopped her. "Ivy, be back by dinner."

Ivy nodded, already halfway out the door. "I will, brother!"

As she exited the mansion, Ivy felt a sense of liberation wash over her. She knew this small taste of freedom was courtesy of Lucas, and she was grateful.

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At the cozy Restrurent, Ava and Lila sipped their lattes, awaiting Ivy's arrival. When she finally burst through the door, apologetic and flustered, Ava teased, "Girl, you're late! We know how strict your brother is. What's the excuse this time?"

Ivy slid into the booth, exasperated. "Please, you all know how it is. Ethan's always breathing down my neck. I swear, I'm 21 and still treated like a child."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "I can't believe you're under your brother's control like that. Can't you just rebel or something?"

Ivy shrugged. "You're not from a mafia family, so you can't understand. It's complicated. Besides, I have to play by the rules... for now."

Ava playfully rolled her eyes. "Well, since you're late, you're buying lunch. And don't even think about trying to sneak out of it!"

The three friends laughed and chatted, enjoying their meal and lively conversation.

Ava asked, "So, Lila, how's the new job going?"

Lila replied, "It's been a challenge, but I'm loving it. I'm learning so much and meeting great people."

Ivy chimed in, "That's amazing! I'm so proud of you. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life."

Ava offered words of encouragement. "You'll find your way, Ivy. You're talented and smart. Just take your time."

Lila added, "And don't forget to have fun along the way. Life's too short to be boring."

The conversation turned to their love lives. Lila gushed about her new boyfriend, and Ava shared her frustrations with her current relationship.

Ivy listened wistfully, feeling a pang of sadness. "I wish I could fall in love like you guys," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ava and Lila exchanged concerned glances. "What do you mean?" Ava asked.

Ivy sighed. "I was born into this mafia family. I don't have the right to fall in love. My brothers will arrange my marriage, and I'll have to accept it."

Lila's eyes widened in shock. "That's so unfair! You deserve to choose your own path."

Ivy shook her head. "It's not that simple. Family loyalty comes first. I just wish... sometimes I wish I could be normal."

Ava reached out and took Ivy's hand. "We're here for you, no matter what. And who says you can't find love within the family's rules?"

Ivy smiled weakly. "Thanks, guys. Just talking about this helps."

As they finished up and prepared to leave, Lila asked, "Hey, Ivy, want to hit the club with us tonight? We can sneak you out and show you a good time." Ivy smiled weakly. They walk to grab a coffee at their favorite cafe down the street.

Ivy hesitated, looking unsure. Ivy, savoring the rich flavor of her favorite coffee, declined her friends' invitation. "You guys enjoy; I can't." With a wave, they departed, leaving Ivy to her thoughts.

As she turned to leave, Ivy accidentally bumped into a tall, imposing figure, spilling scalding coffee all over his expensive suit. "Oh sh*t, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you," Ivy exclaimed, mortified, her face burning with embarrassment.

The man's piercing gaze locked onto hers, his eyes narrowing as he took in her distress. "Little Smith, you would have burnt yourself, and I don't like burnt things," he said, his deep voice firm, yet laced with a hint of concern.

Ivy's confusion deepened. "Excuse me, why are you so worried about me?" She tried to pull her hand back, but he held it firm.

The stranger's voice was low and commanding. "It's my right to take care of what's mine. Your brothers are careless, leaving you alone like this." His words sent a shiver down Ivy's spine.

Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "Who are you?" she demanded, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

The man's smile was enigmatic, his lips curling up slightly. "Your future husband, Victor Blackwood." His words hung in the air like a challenge.

Ivy bristled at his rudeness, her anger rising. "You're so rude," she spat, trying to pull her hand away again.

Victor's grip on her hand was firm, his fingers tightening. "Get used to it," he said, his voice dripping with authority.

Without another word, he led her out of the café, his man waiting with a sleek black car. Ivy protested, "I can go alone," but Victor's voice was firm. "I don't like to repeat myself. Someone needs to listen."

Ivy remained silent, seething, as Victor's man drove her home. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words.

Victor's parting words were a low, husky whisper. "Safe journey, little Smith." His eyes lingered on hers, a hint of a promise: their encounter was far from over.

As the car disappeared into the night, Ivy's face turned away, hiding her turmoil. Victor's smirk lingered, etched in her mind like a warning.

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