Ivanka’s intention was clear. She wanted him to deal with the young women without getting her involved.But Michael would not let her get away with it.He smiled at her. It sent a chill down her spine. She had a bad feeling about what was going to happen next.Ivanka’s fear came true when Michael said to her gently and pleadingly, “Let’s go, my dear wife. Aren’t we going to shop for my underwear?”Stunned, the two young women gawked at each other. For a moment, they were too shocked to excuse themselves and leave.Awkwardness spread among them.He had called her his wife and even mentioned underwear. Anyone would get the wrong idea about their relationship.But the only people feeling awkward were the young women who asked for Michael’s number. Ivanka’s eyes widened with disbelief. She gave an angry bark of laughter.Meanwhile, there was a sly, smug smirk on Michael’s face.“What the heck? She’s his wife but she said nothing when we approached him. She just wants to embarrass
Michael found the worked-up side of Ivanka was adorable.Every time he saw her like that, he would wonder why he had never noticed this side of her before.But it was not too late. He had a chance to make it up to her.They shopped around the food aisles and the fruit section. Ivanka did the picking. Michael did not have anything that he particularly wanted to eat. Once in a while, he would take some items, but they were all Ivanka’s favorite food. No one could say for sure that it was on purpose or just a coincidence.After buying the groceries, Ivanka took Michael to the underwear store.Perhaps it was because of their exchange with the two young women earlier on, Ivanka stopped feeling awkward. She was rather at ease.The strange, romantic tension between them gradually faded.The sales assistant asked who Ivanka was shopping for. She pointed to Michael and let him tell the sales assistant what size he wore.Noticing that Ivanka was not in a good mood, Michael stopped stalli
They worked in the kitchen for a while and produced a table full of scrumptious dishes.Ivanka was a great cook. It surprised Michael a little.After all, when they were married, he had only seen her make a bunch of dishes and place them on the table. He never touched them.Seeing Michael’s expression, Ivanka gave a faint, bitter smile. “The cook didn’t always come over. I couldn’t starve myself to death when I was home alone, right?”Michael kept his head down and said nothing. He knew Ivanka was implying that he rarely came home when they were married.But he would not let it happen again.He would try his best to make it up to her.When they were eating, Ivanka switched to a news channel. She deliberately did it to avoid further interaction with Michael.Oddly enough, she could stand dining with Michael at the same table.But she could not bring herself to properly converse with him during mealtime or bedtime.It was too private of a pastime. She did not want Michael to ge
Michael nodded. “I need some air. It’s suffocating in here.”“Alright.”Ivanka decided not to argue further.As they stepped outside, a cool breeze hit them. Ivanka tossed him a light blanket. “It’s a bit chilly. Take this if you’re going out.”Michael had been upset that she let Jonah stay, but her thoughtful gesture comforted him.Perhaps listening to Ivan and Xander was not so bad after all.“Sure,” Michael said with a nod.Ivanka had hoped that giving him the blanket would make him give up on the walk. But no, he still wanted to go.She gave up and just let him be.After walking a bit, she grew worried. “I think you’re overthinking it. I’ll bring you to another check-up tomorrow.”She suspected that Xander had fabricated the report. With Michael’s demands added to it, everything about the situation felt off.“If you’re that worried, we can go get it now. No need to wait.” Michael went along with her suggestion.He stopped and looked at her intensely.Ivanka met his gaz
Michael: Thanks for letting me stay and for going out for a walk with me today when I insisted. I couldn’t bring myself to say this in person, but I didn’t want to leave with regrets. My days with you have been amazing.Ivanka felt a sharp pang after reading those words.Things would not have ended like this if he had said this sooner.She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She did not reply and instead opened the next message.Jonah: Iv, can you come by tomorrow? My legs are hurting badly. I’m worried it’s getting worse.She knew Jonah would not lie about something like this just to get her to come over, especially with how much Margaret hated her.She could not help but worry.Ivanka: I’ll come first thing in the morning.Right after she sent the text, Jonah called.He asked gently over the phone, “Why aren’t you asleep yet? Did Michael bother you?”Jonah stayed at her place for two reasons. The first was to treat his leg, and the second was to stop Margaret and
Michael let out a long sigh.He looked at Ivanka. His eyes were misty and carried a hint of helplessness.Ivanka, however, was not moved by his expression. She replied indifferently, “Mr. Barkworth, don’t you have faith in yourself? Even if something happens, you’ll be fine. You can call Evan or Xander. You’ve been taking your medication, and I’ve been helping with your treatment—”Before she could finish, he interrupted her. “I’m afraid of dying!”Ivanka noticed that his voice was calm, but his gaze revealed a hint of panic.She hesitated, unsure how to respond to his vulnerability. After a moment, she pursed her lips and said, “If you’re afraid of dying, why did you protect me? Michael, don’t you see how you contradict what you’re saying before this?”Michael just wanted Ivanka to stay. He hoped she would pity him.He had said those words without thinking, which made Ivanka question him. But he did not panic. He explained, “Spending time with you, whether it’s eating, walkin
Ivanka was at a loss as she looked at Michael’s pale face. Michael was obviously doing this on purpose, at least to some extent.But she could not let him keep deluding himself.“Jonah said his leg hurts. It might be getting worse. I need to check on him.” She did not plan to argue and kept her tone steady.Michael frowned when she mentioned Jonah. “What? Doesn’t the Sadler family have a doctor? Or have they fallen so low they can’t afford one?”Ivanka froze. His harsh words took her aback. But she was already used to it. It was a good thing Jonah was not here. Otherwise, they would start fighting again.She pursed her lips and said, “Can you watch how you speak? Your words are harsh. You know the accident happened. He didn’t guilt-trip me, but I can’t ignore the fact that it happened because of me.”Michael’s expression changed from annoyance to worry. “His mom doesn’t even like you. Are you really going just to get scolded?”Margaret’s face came to mind.She understood
Ivanka smiled faintly in return.Jonah’s words felt sincere.She knew she had not come to Jonah’s room just for a visit.She quickly looked away and nodded at Jonah. “Come here, let me see your leg.”Jonah suggested, “Let’s go to the balcony. The weather’s nice today.”“Alright.” Ivanka agreed.She placed her hands on the wheelchair handles and pushed him toward the balcony.Jonah spoke softly, “Are you sure you don’t fancy anything here?”Ivanka shook her head. “Everyone has a childlike side. But at my age, I’m focused on my career. I don’t even have time to organize my place. If I took your things, they’d just end up being neglected.”Jonah disagreed. “That wouldn’t be neglect. You could use them as decorations. They’d look great.”Ivanka gestured toward him. “First, roll up your pant cuffs. I’ll check those later.”“Okay.”Jonah quickly rolled up his pant cuffs as she instructed.Ivanka reached out and placed her hand on his leg.Jonah tensed when he felt her cool, sof
Ivanka did not pay him any mind and got into the car. If Michael dared to chase after her again, she would most definitely kick him out of the car! She would do what she said she would!Michael did not catch up, but he blocked her with his arms wide open. His stance was clear: You can leave. But over my dead body! Ivanka could not possibly drive over Michael. But it was not a problem for Michael to keep blocking her way. Plus, she had just politely rejected his parents. So, it was even more impossible for her to turn back. Ivanka ran out of patience. She held her forehead and frowned. Michael had already drained her last bit of patience. She never imagined that Michael would actually cling to her to such an extent! How would she put it? All her positivity had been drained clean! “Michael, your parents are still at home. Aren’t you afraid they’ll see and laugh at you? I know Grandpa and Grandma are standing by our side now. It’s not like you and I haven’t been in
Ivanka would neither accept the carrot nor the stick approach. Michael had no choice but to persuade her with reason and win her over with affection. Ivanka snorted. “Have you ever given me a chance to have a meal with you before this? As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time for things to come to this state. Things might have passed for you but not for me!” Ivanka’s gaze was razor-sharp. Michael felt his heart clench up. At that moment, his throat was in so much pain that he did not know what else to say to her. Ivanka did not wait for his response. She pushed away his hand and headed out without hesitation. Michael did not stop her. Nonetheless, he went after her and followed behind her. Meanwhile, they heard the sound from the kitchen. Mindy prepared dinner in the kitchen, and Jay helped her out. They had heard their conversation. Out of courtesy, Ivanka went to the kitchen and greeted them. She said with a smile, “Uncle Jay, Aunt Mindy, I’m
Ivanka clenched her fists. Her gaze was filled with ferocity. She looked like she was really going to punch Michael. Michael noticed the anger in her eyes. But since the person was none other than Ivanka, he was willing to take the beating. He even took a step forward and held his head high. “Strike me if you want.” “You!” Ivanka glared at Michael. He truly annoyed her. She reminded herself to keep her composure. She sucked in a deep breath before saying, “Michael, I’ve treated you with respect. You’d better behave yourself.” Right after she finished the sentence, Ivanka left. Before she even took a step forward, Michael grabbed her. “My mom is preparing the dishes inside the kitchen. If you leave now, you’re not showing me any respect. Please stay around to have dinner. Even though we’re already divorced, and it’s impossible for us to get back together again, we’re still friends,” said Michael. Haha! He had been adamant. He was using the same approach to draw close
Mindy’s expression instantly darkened. “What’s with us being prejudiced against her? Had I ever targeted her when she married Michael from the beginning? “She knew how well Rosie had treated her. It’s her own fault for failing to bond with Mic. How could you blame us?” Mindy had always disliked Ivanka. She believed Samuel’s intervention had been the reason for their marriage. It was an arranged marriage. There was no need for the Barkworth’s family to have an arranged marriage. At the end of the day, it was all up to Samuel to choose the bride for Michael. Ever since Ivanka married Michael, aside from the deliberate arrangements, they had hardly shown up together as a couple in public. Mindy did not have any particularly hard feelings for Ivanka. She believed the two would live happily together after getting married. After they divorced, Mindy thought Michael could start all over again. But she did not expect to see their current relationship was no different from when they
It was Jay and Mindy. When Ivanka saw them, a thought came across her mind. She took out a syringe and inserted it into Michael’s arm to unmute him. Michael felt like he had been stung by a bee. It was as though he had been put in jail, only to be freed all of a sudden. Ivanka took away the syringe and gave him a glance with displeasure. “Get out of the car now. Your parents are here—” “Aren’t you entering the house?” Before Ivanka finished her sentence, Michael interrupted her. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with sincerity and seriousness. But Ivanka rejected him coldly. “Quick! Get out of the car! I’m not joking with you. Get out now!” “Let’s go in together. After all, you’re already here. Are you worried about seeing them?” Michael was undaunted by her emotions and tone. Instead, he stretched out his hand to try to grab Ivanka. Nonetheless, she avoided him with ease. Meanwhile, Jay and Mindy saw them. They walked over to them. Mindy glanced at th
It was no wonder Jonah asked for so many details. All these were facts.Ivanka did not avoid answering his questions. She gave a light smile. “The longest will be half a year.”If the treatment was ineffective after half a year, she would go to Silvania with Vincent.After all, it was not just about her.Upon learning of Ivanka’s decision, Jonah smiled wryly. “Iv, I don’t think it’s an easy feat to treat my legs. How about you go and deal with your stuff first? You can always treat my legs afterward.”Ivanka initially planned to do it that way. But George, Florence, and Margaret had interrupted her plan.Since she had returned to Bostone, why was there a need to travel back and forth again?She might as well treat Jonah’s legs.Besides, Vincent had informed her that it would be highly uncertain whether they could still return to their home country after arriving at Silvania.Ivanka said, “No. I don’t want to make so many trips. I’ll treat your legs for half a year and see if i
It was not an overstatement to say Michael was crossing the line. Nonetheless, Ivanka could not just sit there and watch the two men get into a conflict. Hence, Ivanka pulled Michael to the side and glanced at him. “If you don’t want to be kicked out, you’d better wait here.” But Michael was undaunted by Jonah. Although Jonah had the power to rebuke him in his own territory, Michael refused to allow Jonah to get the upper hand. Ivanka saw the determination in Michael’s eyes. She was very worried that the two might get into a fight. She quickly pulled him back. “Stop making me worry about you. Just wait here! If you dare to come after me, I’ll…” Although she did not finish her sentence, her intention was clear enough. If Michael disobeyed her, she would make him a statue! Understanding this, Michael did not follow Ivanka. But when Jonah turned around and left, the provocation in his eyes was evident. Still, Michael listened to Ivanka. He did not want to offend her. He
Jonah narrowed his eyes while questioning Michael. Still, Michael did not respond to him. Ivanka pursed her lips. She looked displeased when she answered Jonah, “Jonah, there’s no need to speak so harshly. Do you still want me to treat your legs?” She had temporarily made Michael mute. She did that to stop Michael from talking endlessly about those things. Nonetheless, he had still insisted on coming along with her, only to end up being targeted by Jonah. Ivanka had no intention of making Michael mute in front of Jonah. Upon hearing Ivanka’s words, Jonah looked at where she currently stood. She stood in front of Michael. It looked like she was trying to protect him more. As the saying went, true love was portrayed in hard times. This saying was true indeed. It was true that Ivanka cared about Michael. Jonah said gently to Ivanka, “I want you to treat my legs, and I only speak harshly to specific people. I already showed him much respect when he barged into my terri
Michael remained resolute.Ivanka rolled her eyes. “Then stay stubborn. I’ll only fix it when you stop pushing me away.”After she was done speaking, she turned to leave.Michael followed.He even opened the passenger door and got in her car. He was determined to follow her.But Ivanka would not go easy on him.Once inside, she warned him coldly, “Not being able to speak is harder than you think. Follow if you want. Michael, are you sure about this?”Even after her warning, he kept staring straight ahead.She said nothing more and started the engine.Within half an hour, she arrived at Jonah’s mansion.Jonah came out to greet her personally. The moment Ivanka parked the car, Jonah immediately spotted Michael in the passenger seat.The sight of him stirred up bitterness in Jonah. Yet there was nothing he could do.Before Ivanka exited the car, she said to Michael, “Wait here.”Without glancing at him, she walked straight toward Jonah.Her attitude made Michael decide t