Despite her initial reluctant, Ivory was having the best time of her life, so far, at the club.
"Fun, isn't it?" Emma asked as they sipped on their drinks and vibe to the jam of Opal Heights.
Ivory nodded her head. "It is." Her expression fell a bit. "I can't believe I gave this up for..." She didn't allow his name leave her lips.
It was now considered a forbidden name. A name belonging to the man who had caused her so much pain, caused her to sacrifice so much, yet, felt zero remorse for his actions.
Although painful, Ivory was now sure that getting a divorce had been the right decision.
Sensing the cloud of sadness that was beginning to gather above her friends head, Emma quickly spoke up.
"Enough seating and drinking," She collected the drinks and placed them one side on the table. "It's time to go out there and mingle and best of all," She raised her hand and called over a host. "It's time to get those men."
Ivory laughed softly and Emma took that as her green light to go ahead.
"Ten of your finest bachelors! Put the bill on this card." She said, placing Gadreel's black card on the table.
As the host nodded and swiped the card, Ivory made a mental note to send the card back to Gadreel, or better yet, burn it, after tonight, after all, she wanted nothing doing with him or his belongings, ever!
The host was back before Emma and Ivory knew it. Along with him came ten men, all models in their own rights.
"Would you like me to clear a space on the dance floor?"
Emma grinned. "That would be wonderful."
Ivory felt a blush creep its way up her neck. The men were definitely not her type- in standards of Gadreel's looks that is-but that didn't mean they weren't attractive and she wouldn't feel a bit shy from the way they looked at her like she was a pot of honey.
"Pretty Ms.," One of the bachelors stepped forward and took her hand, placing a kiss on the back. "What name shall I give the pretty face?"
Ivory shared a look with Emma, before she answered. "Ivy,"
"A pretty name for temptress such as yourself. I am Khalid, pleasure to be at your service."
His words, although a tad bit exaggerated, made her feel happy, and she smiled.
"Shall we?" He asked, leading her to the dance floor, whilst the rest of the men followed behind.
The dance floor was less crowded, cleared to say, just as Emma had requested.
And the DJ, without a hitch, began playing the perfect jam for a night of dancing.
Ivory didn't hesitate.
She and Khalid began dancing, followed by the rest of the men.
She wasn't sure how long it had been, or how many songs had passed, but before she knew it, she was having the time of her life.
But it was suddenly interrupted when someone rudely took her wrist from behind.
The action startled her a bit. She turned around, about to tell off the person rude enough to take her by the wrist, but the words died in her throat the moment she saw it was Gadreel.
Everything seemed to freeze for a moment and her heart, seemed to have done the same.
What...what was he doing here?
A piece of her wanted to know, but another piece, the bigger piece, reminded her that it was none of her business.
Things between she and Gadreel was soon going to be over.
Feigning ignorance, she tried to pry her wrist away and go back to dancing, but the moment she attempted it, he tightened his hold.
It didn't hurt, but it was strong enough to convey a warning.
"Let go," She said, her voice stern, a far cry from the one that was previously used to speak with the guys around her.
But Gadreel ignored her. "You, let's talk." Without waiting for her response, he dragged her off.
From behind, Emma chased after them. "Gadreel, you bastard! Get your hands off Ivy!" She called, running after them.
But one look and a few words from Gadreel had her halting, almost as if she had run into an invisible wall.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll make you regret it."
His words, despite sounding calm and unthreatening, was enough to have Emma frozen and unable to move and she could only but watch as he walked out with Ivory.
Behind her, Asher narrowed his eyes at the scene that was happening, confused at first, but then, realization smacked him hard in the face.
His eyes widened and he exclaimed. "Wait, that beauty is Ivory?!"
~•~
Gadreel dragged her to the back of Opal Heights and without so much as a care in the world, shoved her against the wall.
Ivory winched at the force used to chuck her at the wall, her back stung, but at the moment, she paid little to no attention to the pain and instead, focused on the man in front of her.
"What's the meaning of this?" Gadreel didn't bother hiding the disgust and glare in his eyes.
They shone bright as day in his blue eyes. Ivory however, did not allow those emotion affect her.
The previous night, she had promised herself to never cry or feel hurt because of Gadreel. He wasn't Worth it.
"What's the meaning of this?" Her voice took on that challenging tone that didn't go down all to well with Gadreel.
His eyes darkened.
"I should be the one asking that Question, Gadreel Ødegaar, what gives you the audacity to drag me out like this?"
"I have every right to do that." Gadreel asserted. "Because only a madman would sit by ideally and watch his wife-"
"Ex wife!" She sternly interrupted, folding her hands across her chest which seemed more voluminous than Gadreel recalled.
Perhaps it was because of the dress she wore. It was exposing quite a lot. Not only was it showing her slender legs that were usually hidden, but it hugged her curves, dispelling every thought one had of seeing Ivory as a lady with a petite form.
Her body, it was anything but petite. Especially when it was all exposed by the dress she was wearing.
Gadreel’s jaws unconsciously clenched at this. But he willed himself to pay more attention to the words that were being said, rather than what was in front of him..
"Have you forgotten,” Ivory reminded. “I sent divorce papers to you. I told you I don't want this marriage anymore. So technically, I'm no longer your wife."
"Technically," Gadreel began, mocking her words. "A divorce agreement is only finalized after signed by two people and sent to the court house for approval and last I checked,"
Ivory was caught off guard, to the point that she flinched, when he suddenly placed his hand on the wall beside her and leaned in.
"I haven't signed shit. So you, Ivory Ødegaar, are my still wife."
He hadn't signed the divorce papers? The new information had Ivory feeling curious, but at the same time, annoyed.
"Are you kidding me," She began. "So rather than signing those papers, you're out here, stopping me from having my fun. Tell me this, Gadreel, do you not see me as a woman?"
He frowned, but remained silent and Ivory carried on.
"Do you think I don't have sexual needs to be met. Needs that you obviously can't fulfill. So why keep me tied down in a sexless marriage?"
The more she spoke, the more anger seemed to fill Gadreel's eyes. He scoffed, mockingly so.
"So you think by Whoring around, you'll get me to fuck you?" The rawness of his words and the look in his eyes, had Ivory flinching. "Sorry to break it to you, but I only have eyes for one person and I don't plan on fucking anyone,"
His eyes raked over her in a way that made Ivory feel demeaned. She was glad the darkness concealed the redness in her cheeks.
"Least of all, the likes of you."
It felt as if her heart was just crushed. The words, although she had been anticipating them, were still painful.
She bit back her tears and glared at Gadreel. The nerves he had, talking shit to her.
"You-"
"Huh, Reel?"
The voice that cut through her, overshadowing and swallowing her like always, had Ivory freezing.
It sounded pleasant, like that of an angel. Ivory would have been fooled, had it not been for the fact that she recognized the voice.
And just like her heart had told her, when she looked to the side, she saw Evangeline, ever looking like the beauty doll she was born to be approaching them.
All at once, Gadreel's presence in Front of her disappeared and instantly, he was in front of Evangeline, looking down at her with a fondness that made Ivory's heart ache.
"Eva, what are you doing out here?" His voice was tender, something Ivory had never heard directed at her.
"Asher told me you came out here so I came to find you, but," Her eyes flew from Gadreel to the lady behind him. "Who's she?"
Ivory was silent for a few seconds. She bit back a painful laughter from how Ironic this whole thing was.
The very woman who had destroyed her life, couldn't ever recognize her.
Well, that wasn't much of a surprise, after all, Evangeline had never looked her in the eyes. Ever since they were little, ever since her father introduced her as her 'new sister', Evangeline had always looked at her like she was a nobody, like she was below her.
Never once had she looked Ivory in the eyes as an equal.
Yet, she had so easily ruined the marriage she worked so hard to build.
Biting the inside of her mouth, Ivory calmed herself down and at the same time, decided it was time to leave.
She'd much rather walk away now than watch these two act like a crown prince and saintess of some holy empire!
As she began walking away, Evangeline watched her every move.
She didn't know someone as beautiful as this existed in Paris.
And seeing as she had been with Gadreel, Evangeline couldn't help but feel a bit... insecure.
So she asked again. "Reel, who is she?"
This time, thankfully, Asher, along with his gang had stepped out and the extrovert more than happily answered that question.
"She's your sister, Eva. She's Ivory."
Evangeline blinked in confusion for a few seconds then gasped.
"Ivy, is that really you?"
"Just as surprised huh?" Asher started. "I thought she was some big shot celebrity when I saw her." He laughed, but it was clear in his eyes that he was amused, impressed even.
"Yeah," Daniel agreed, eyes roaming her body in a way that disgusted Ivory. "I didn't realize that an ugly pig could become so beautiful overnight."
"I agree," Mickey said. "If I knew you were this beautiful Ivy, I would have gone after you myself."
Everyone else in the group agreed, save for Gadreel who could only but frown at the attention his wife was getting and Evangeline who didn't like not being the center of attention.
Her jaw clenched and she spoke without thinking. "You impress me, big sis!"
Her words, although not at all offensive looking, carried the usual venom Ivory recognized.
"If Asher didn't let me know, I never would have guessed that it was you. But, could you really blame me, everyone here knows how ugly you are."
Laughter echoed in their group, all but two people laughed.
"And," Evangeline approached. Standing in front of Ivory, she allowed her smile to fade. "What's with your dress style, is this your attempt at copying me?"
Ivory opened her mouth to deny it, but immediately shut it. She knew better than to argue with someone like Evangeline.
Especially with everyone here backing her and honestly, she wasn't in the mood for much drama.
She would have left had it not been for Asher suddenly showing up.
"Well even if you are, I won't complain." Evangeline continued. "After all, I heard you and Reel are getting divorced, so obviously, you'll need to find someone to support you, right?"
That got a reaction out of Ivory. She frowned. "What?"
"Isn't that why you're here?" Evangeline took a step back and smiled, increasing her voice as she said her next words. "To find someone who'd support your lifestyle in exchange for your body, right?"
Voice began flying in their small group again, all but two people murmuring about what Evangeline had just said.
Asher with an uninterested look and Gadreel with a dark look in his eyes.
A small smile broke out on Evangeline's face, feeling like things were going in the direction she wanted.
Ivory had tried becoming beautiful, she had tried forgetting her place and position, so, it was only natural that she reminded her of who the real Remington was.
Of who Gadreel and everyone's attention truly belonged to!
The smile on Evangeline's face, however, only lasted a few seconds, before it was wiped off her face with a clean slap, stunning everyone who was present.
The slap had stunned everyone present, Gadreel included. Soon, the murmurs, laughs and whispers that filled the small group had died down, leaving everyone to stare in awe and confusion.Had Ivory, the very same Ivory Remington that they knew, just raised her hand and hit Evangeline?That was almost too impossible to believe, after all, the woman they all knew and mocked, was too much of a coward to fight back.And yet, as they watched her, their eyes fell on the angry look on her face and her red hand which still held the position it was in after delivering a harsh slap.It was clear, from her expression, and from the way her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, that she was pissed.This left the crowd speechless and for the first time, they all exchanged glances, silently questioning if Evangeline had crossed a line.Something they had never done before.“You…slapped me?” Evangeline, much like everyone present, couldn’t make heads of what had just happened.It had all happened so
The next day, as per the call she had received from her father the previous night, Ivory had driven back to her family house first thing in the morning.As she arrived at the Remington Manor, she couldn’t help but look at the place she had once called home, strangely, because without a doubt, if looked nothing like the family house she had known.The tall building, once a warm color of beige and brown, her mother’s favorite colors, or at least, the ones she had preferred seeing in her family house, was now a shouting color of dark gray, a color Ivory had no doubt was her step mother’s own preference.Even the gates that protected their property, were now colored a darker shade of gold and black, the very same color combination used on the signet hanging above the gates, bearing the name Remington.Her family mansion now looked like a palace fit for a queen, and Samantha was certainly acting like a queen, as she stood outside, hands folded across her chest as she awaited Ivory.“Always
Lucien’s words felt like a harsh wake up call, that despite everything happening, Ivory had tried avoiding.Indeed, it was about time that she stopped playing house and having expectations for people who were never going to fulfill them.Gadreel, despite the years she had sacrificed and nursed him back to health, wasn’t going to reciprocate her feelings. It was a painful reality, but she had to come to terms with it and now, it was time for her to focus on the things that mattered the most, her company.Elixiron, as she had named it after the Elixir of life, was a Pharmaceutical company she had created from scratch. During her teen years, she had come down with an infection and her family, scared that they were going to get infected, shipped her off.But Ivory knew that was just an excuse to get her away, because as soon as she arrived in the small town Samantha had convinced her father to send her to, she was placed in foster care and abandoned.Her years at her foster home felt like
Turning, he began walking in the direction of his car, intent of catching up with the car Ivory had just left in and getting much deserved answers.But before he could reach his car, Evangeline’s voice reached his ears.“Reel, are you leaving?” She had rushed out of the house after him and had witnessed his glaring contest with the car.Now that she saw him leaving, obviously about to chase after Ivory, she began to panic.“I have something to attend to, Eva. Get back inside the house and stay with your parents.” He instructed, not even glancing her way.This fueled Evangeline’s panic even more and as a last resort, she turned to the only thing she was sure would work on Gadreel.“Ah,” Grabbing her chest, she feigned hurt, pretending like her heart had began acting up again. “It hurts…I can’t breathe.”The act worked perfectly, having Gadreel turning around immediately and rushing to her side.“Eva,” His brows were furrowed, worry written all over his face. “Are you okay? What happene
Monday rolled about quicker than even Ivory could have imagined. She had spent the whole weekend in preparation and looking through the company files, getting familiar with all the important stuff she needed to know.Lucien had kept her company for the major part of her preparation, which was a relief. And with her being so busy, she barely had time to think of Gadreel or her family's nonsense.That morning, she woke up at 5, took a shower and dressed up.Wearing a tight, long sleeve black turtleneck with a white coat draped over her shoulders and paired with a pencil skirt and heels, Ivory was ready to make most of her first day in the office.As she stepped out of her room, Emma spotted her and threw a compliment her way."Looking good, Ivy. You going somewhere?"Ivory responded with a hum as she stuffed her mouth with the scrambled eggs Emma had prepared."Work," She answered verbally just as her phone dinged with a message from Lucien, leaving no extra room for Emma to question he
"What did you say?" In the office, Gadriel looked at the trembling life assistant. Just now, his assistant told him that the private detective they sent had had a finger cut off, and the private detective also brought back a message."Gardiel, your ownership of the ivory has expired. Otherwise, I would be happy to make you lose all your chips at the card table."Gadriel clenched his fist. Who is Ivory? She is the unloved eldest daughter of the Remington family. She is illiterate and was forced to drop out of school because of her foolishness in failing the final exam. However, when he was about to investigate her, he discovered that the man behind her was incredibly powerful.Who would fall in love with a woman as dull as Ivory?Just then, his work assistant walked in."Sir, our latest sales survey report for this year is now available," Ezikiel announced as he entered the room."Very well," Gadriel replied, and then dismissed the life assistant. He now had to focus on Ivan's surgery.
Ivory got home after a tiring first day at the office and collapsed on her bed.She pulled out her phone and began scrolling through the internet. Although Camilla had assured her that all and any picture of her had been removed from the net, Ivory had decided to do a little investigation herself.But at that very moment, her phone dinged with a notification.A message from an app she hadn’t used for quite some time. Luminary Accord’s personalized mobile app.She clicked on the app, and it displayed her personal account.Arnett.That was the codename she had chosen when she joined the association, only giving those she considered close enough to her, her real name.The frown that has been on her face as she accessed the app was immediately transformed into a look of surprise when she accessed the message and saw it was a message from the bot admin containing an invite to one of Luminary’s upcoming seminar.She smiled faintly at this, after all, it sounded like a great opportunity to s
The next day, as discussed, Evangeline sat in one of the medical wards, awaiting the arrival of Doctor A.Beside her, both her parents stood, whispering soothing words of reassurance and congrats. But as much as she loved them, none of their words mattered as much as Gadreel’s presence did.Standing on the other side of her, he had placed his hand on the lower edge of her back and rubbed it soothingly, looking down at her with a gaze that made Evangeline want to be a baby in his embrace.“I really hope everything goes well,” She fiddle with the tip of her fingers, for once, feeling genuinely nervous.This her big break. Ever since she was little, she had always been restricted from doing certain things because of her poor heart condition. But she didn’t let that deter her from her passion in acting.However, last year, things took a turn for the worse and she had to suspend all activities on acting as per doctor’s orders.But now, with the surgery going to be an obvious success, Evang
Ivory wasn’t sure which to be more surprised by; the dramatic bow Aurora has just made, or the fact that her last name was Varga, the very same one as Lucien’s.No, It definitely had to be the latter.“Varga?” She asked, giving off the very emotion that Aurora knew she would.Confusion.“Are you by any chance related-““Yes,” She cut her off with a smile, know exactly where Ivory was going. “Lucien, he’s my son.”Immediately those words left her mouth, Aurora had expected Ivory to jump at the opportunity and apologize profusely for her rude behavior so far, but much to her disappointment, it seemed to have the opposite effect on Ivory.Ah, what had that wonderful child of hers said about her to make Ivory react this way? She could only but wonder as she watched the girl in front of her, look her over from head to toe, before giving a bow that was anything but polite.“I apologize if I had behaved rudely towards you, Mrs. Varga. Please accept my apology, I was unaware of the fact that
The shareholders were, needless to say, surprised, when they suddenly heard that Ivory had called for a meeting. But, with what she had done to the previous shareholders looming within the walls of the company like a death threat, no one dared to question her.So, when the time of the meeting had finally arrived, Ivory found herself surrounded by the remaining top shareholders.“Now,” she began, taking her seat at the head of the table. “I know, everyone’s confused and wondering why I’ve called you here, but, please, bear with me.” Taking a look around the table, she gauged every of their reaction, before continuing.“I’m sure many of you are aware of the passing of Lionel Remington, my father,”A chorus of muttered condolences and sympathies filled the room and Ivory nodded.“Thank you. However, with his passing, and the reading of his will, a more expectation, has been placed on my shoulder, unlike never before. With his passing, I was left with the responsibility of taking over Rem
Ivory had expected nothing less from the woman, so, she was not surprised. In fact, it was amusing, and if not for the fact that this woman, was her father’s widow, she would have burst into laughter.“That’s interesting.” She began, a small smirk on her lips. “You want to take over Remington Crop, when it was clearly stated in my father’s will that it had been left to me.”Leaning forward, she stared the woman in the eye and asked. “Are you trying to get on my nerves, Samantha?”The woman, although she seemed a little shaken by Ivory’s gaze, she did not deter from her original goal. “I’m only doing what’s best for the company, for my husband’s legacy.” She stated.“Remington Crop would crumble the moment it enters your hands. I won’t stand by and watch-“Ivory had laughed, interrupting her before she could even finish her statement.“Did you think, you could do something about it in the first place?” She questioned. “You may be his step wife, but I’m his blood, his biological daughte
Wishes and condolences, coupled with get well gifts had come rushing in no less than a day later. The first person who had sent even though he had been with her for half of the time, was Gadreel.His present, a bouquet of white roses, chocolates and a condolences card. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, but it still managed to make Ivory frown.That frown however, wasn’t because she hated the gift, but rather, because she found herself smiling subtly at the gift, appreciating it.Ah, that was a behavior she didn’t want to even start exhibiting.The second person, or rather people, who had sent their gifts, was Emma and Cameron. Each a bouquet of followers and cards that told her to call anytime she needed them.The last, was from Gabriella. Ever the sweet woman she is, she had put together a bouquet of handpicked blue forget-me-nots.But despite the gifts she had received and how nice her house was now smelling thanks to them, Ivory couldn’t help but feel like something was odd a
The first two days, following the reading of her father's will, had passed peacefully.There had been no issues and everything had gone by without a hitch. However, today, wasn't going to be as peaceful.After two whole days of sorting things out, it was finally time for her father's Funeral.And with a sigh, Ivory stood in front of the mirror, a frown on her face. She was dressed all in black, and the only accessories on her body, was the necklace Lucien had given her and a ring she managed to fish out from her jewelry set."Are you ready?"Turning around, she faced Gadreel, who stood, leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed in a dark suit and his hair was neatly combed, falling to the side of his forehead.He looked presentable, handsomely so, and if not for the occasion at hand, Ivory would have allowed herself to take in his entire feature, before then proceeding to scold herself.But, not now. Not only was the time not right, Gadreel had also been of massive help to her. He
After everyone has left the Remington Manor, leaving Samantha alone, she sat on the couch, and glared daggers at the wall in front of her.Her anger had not subsided, and if anything, was only growing.How was it that Ivory had managed to get her hand on the majority of Lionel’s property. The bastard had left her with nothing but a house, a few cars and cash that was sure to finish in a couple of years, with her type of lifestyle.She deserved more. She was his wife. She had spent so many years with him, loved him. Why would he leave her with so little, and give that useless daughter of his everything?!Samantha’s mind was filled with rage and hatred. But then, suddenly, the image of the lady back at the hospital, flashed in her mind, and a new, even worse thought, entered her mind.It was the perfect way to solve this problem, without even getting her hand dirty.Picking up her phone, she fetched the card she had been given and called the number there. It rang once, twice and on the
A quick shower, a quick meal, that was forced by her ex husband, and an hour drive later, Ivory was seated beside Gadreel, in the living room of the Remington Manor, where Samantha who did not hesitate to throw glares at gee every minute and a man in a white shirt and dark trousers was seated across them, holding a folder in his hands.Evangeline wasn’t present, but Ivory could really care less.“Thank you for coming, Ms. Remington.” He began, offering her a polite smile. “Might I say, again, that I am very sorry for your loss."“Skip the formalities, and read the will.” Ivory responded, sounding cold and uninterested. If one looked at her as she was dressed, they’d think she cared not about the death of her father, but Gadreel could testify against that, after all, he had been the one comforting her for nearly half a day.“Alright, if you insist.” Clearing his throat, the man, Cole West, as he had introduced himself before on the phone, opened the file and retrieved a document.“In m
With her room being just as quiet as her mind, the first heavy wave of grief had hit Ivory some time around 2 in the early morning and she had felt her eyes burn with tears.She did not cry, but simply let the emotions consume her. Seating on the couch in her balcony, with a blanket wrapped around her to fight off the cold of approaching winter and her legs tucked close to her chest, Ivory stared, blankly, at the darkness that was outside.How was she supposed to handle this?She couldn’t bring her father back, no matter how much she wished it, but, she didn’t know how she was supposed to move on.How did people do it? How did she survive after her mother’s death?Ah, that’s right, she had her father. Then, he still showed some semblance of affection to her. But now, he took was gone and there was no one to offer her that same affection and warmth, and the thought, hurt, a lot, till the point that she began regretting her decision to find the truth of her mother’s death.Because witho
Samantha was not someone who had the ability to cry a lot. In fact, she barely cried at all.However, with the death of her husband, Samantha could not help the tears that had streamed down her face.For a few seconds, she had not believed that Lionel was dead. She had refused to believe that he had gone and passed on. But when she walked into the hospital’s morgue and saw Lionel lying lifeless on the examination table, the reality that crashed down on her caused her to crumble to the floor.“Oh, darling, my poor, dear, darling.” She sobbed, walking forward and grabbing Lionel’s cold hand. “Why did this happen to you. How could this have happened to you?”She didn’t get an answer, and the longer she sat, with her eyes focused on her husband’s pale, and lifeless body, the more the tears continued to stream down her face.“This is all her fault,” She said, her voice trembling. “That stupid girl did this. If only she hadn’t done the surgery, you’d be alive right now, Lionel. You’d still