Chapter 6

The function drew to a close. Victor's voice cut through the din of conversation, his words dripping with an air of possessiveness. "So now that Ivy has become half 'Blackwood', her safety is my responsibility."

Julian's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "What do you want to say, Victor?"

Victor's smile was smooth and calculated. "Ivy will stay with me from now on."

Julian's laughter was incredulous. "What nonsense? She won't live with you; you're not married yet."

Victor's eyes glinted with amusement. "Yes, but if not today, then it will happen soon. And I don't trust Smith's securities, so..."

Julian's face twisted in rage, his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step forward, but Ethan's hand shot out, grasping his arm.

"Let her go, Julian," Ethan warned, his voice low and urgent.

But Julian shook him off, his eyes blazing with fury. "What the f*vk you, Victor?"

Ethan's grip tightened, holding Julian back. "She will go," he said, his voice firm.

Julian's face contorted in anguish. "Brother, no..."

Ethan's expression was grim. "Sooner or later, she will have to live with Victor. It doesn't matter whether we want it or not; it will happen. It would be better if Ivy gets used to it."

Tears streamed down Ivy's face as she listened to the exchange, her heart heavy with despair. She felt like she was being torn away from her family, from the only people who truly cared for her.

Victor's voice cut through her thoughts, his words dripping with triumph. "Good, spend as much time as you want with your brothers today. You may or may not get this chance again, but be prepared tomorrow. Pack whatever you want to take. Liam will come to pick you up tomorrow morning. And don't be late."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ivy feeling shattered and alone. She turned and ran towards her room, the sound of her brothers' voices fading into the distance.

As she reached her room, she slammed the door shut behind her, leaning against it to catch her breath. Tears streamed down her face, her heart heavy with grief. She felt like she was losing herself, like she was being consumed by the darkness that was Victor Blackwood.

She slid down to the floor, her body wracked with sobs. She knew she had to be strong, for her family's sake, but it was hard to see a way out of this nightmare. She was trapped, and she didn't know how to escape.

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Vy stood on the balcony, her gaze lost in the darkness of the night. The stars twinkled above, but their beauty was lost on her. She felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage. The sound of footsteps echoed behind her, and she knew it was Julian.

"Sorry, Ivy. I couldn't do anything for you," Julian said, his voice laced with regret.

Ivy turned to face him, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "No problem; it was bound to happen one day. I hate that, Victor."

Julian's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "I know, me too."

Ivy's gaze drifted to the ring on her finger, and Julian followed her gaze. "This ring is like a shackle on your hands," he said, his voice low and bitter.

Ivy nodded, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're right. He considers himself my owner. And for him, I'm his submissive. He doesn't care about me; he just wants to have me. He's proved that I have no control over my life and my choices. All control is his."

Julian's face twisted in rage. "What are you saying, Ivy?"

Ivy's voice was barely above a whisper. "This ring, the ring of my choice, it was all a show. This is not the ring I liked. He changed the ring. He proved that I have to do what he wants."

Julian's grip on her shoulders tightened. "Ivy, calm down, okay? You remember what I said. You have to do what you want. You are not his slave, and you have to prove it."

Ivy nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. Julian's words were a balm to her soul, but she knew it wouldn't be easy. Victor had already shown her his true colors.

Julian's expression softened, and he pulled her into a hug. "You must be tired. You should rest now. Go to sleep; good night, baby." He kissed her on the forehead, and Ivy felt a lump form in her throat. She knew she had to be strong, for herself and for her family.

As Julian walked away, Ivy's gaze fell on the ring again. She felt a surge of anger and determination. She would not let Victor control her. She would fight back, and she would make him regret his decision.

"I'm coming for you, Victor," she whispered to herself. "You'll regret your decision soon."

The darkness of the night seemed to pulse with her anger, and Ivy felt a sense of purpose. She would not be defeated. She would rise, and she would take back control of her life.

Ivy turned and walked back into her room, the ring on her finger seeming to mock her. But she knew she would not be mocked for long. She would make Victor pay for what he had done to her.

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The next day, Ivy stood in the foyer of her family's mansion, her luggage packed and ready to go. Liam, Victor's chauffeur, stood beside her, his expression impassive. Ivy's heart was heavy with sadness as she gazed around the familiar surroundings, knowing she would miss her home and brothers dearly.

Julian approached her, his eyes shining with tears. "Baby, be strong, okay? You are Smith, and I am proud of you," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. Ivy burst into tears, and Julian enveloped her in a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered.

Next, she hugged Lucas, who held her close, his eyes closed in pain. Finally, she turned to Ethan, but his expression remained cold, his eyes distant. Ivy felt a pang of hurt, unsure why her eldest brother treated her with such indifference.

Liam cleared his throat, his voice interrupting the emotional moment. "If this family drama of yours is over, then should we go now? We are getting late, and I have more important work to do."

Ivy nodded, wiping away her tears. "Okay."

As she turned to leave, Julian grabbed Liam's arm, his grip tight. "If anything happens to my sister, tell your Victor to be ready for war," he growled, his eyes blazing with intensity.

Liam smirked, his expression unyielding. "She's safe as long as she doesn't do anything stupid. We all know Victor's temper. I hope you explained everything to your sister." Julian's face twisted in anger. "One day, I will kill you and your boss." Liam chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll wait."

With that, he turned and sat in the car, leaving Ivy to take one last look at her family's mansion. She gazed up at the imposing structure, her heart heavy with sorrow. She knew she might never set foot in this house again, and the thought was almost too much to bear.

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