"Jake..." Ivy called, her voice barely audible as she slowly stepped back. "Don't do this... please." Her breathing was ragged, her legs slightly trembling.Jake drew nearer, his resounding footsteps a countdown to danger. "Don't beg me now; you had the chance to before all this started, but you didn't." His nose was twitching, the volume of his voice increasing. "You were playing the hero..."Ivy gulped down, her mind racing, searching for a way out of the predicament. Her earpiece was gone, and her purse, which had her pepper spray, was nowhere to be found. She stood defenseless; fear shook within her, but she masked it with bravery to avoid giving him the satisfaction of seeing her frightened.She jammed her back against the wall, her eyes intently fixed on Jake, her fighting instincts kicking in. Seeing that there was no way to talk him out of hurting her, she resorted to the next thing she could do. "Come at me! COME AT ME!" she hollered, adrenaline surging through her. "You want
Zack hastened to meet her, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him like a wave. Just a few minutes ago, he had been worried sick, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios, his heart heavy with fear. But now, as he saw her walking toward him, safe and sound, his anxiety melted away, replaced by intense joy. As they met, they enveloped each other in a tight, desperate embrace, neither willing to pull away. Ivy's face lit up with a radiant smile, the warmth and comfort of his embrace seeping into her body, calming her nerves and soothing her fears. Zack held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her, as if he'd never let her go again. He breathed in the scent of her hair, feeling his heart swell with love and gratitude. Ivy, too, clung to him, her hands in fists in his shirt, her face buried in his chest. She felt the steady beat of his heart, the warmth of his skin, and knew she was home. For a long moment, they just held each other, savoring the warmth and safety
A handful of people were scattered throughout the spacious room, their eyes drawn to the couple like magnets, their gazes fixed on the two lovers with a mixture of curiosity and fascination sensing the palpable connection between them. But the moment Zack's gaze shifted to them, they immediately looked away, pretending to be oblivious to their presence. His gaze returned to Ivy, his wry smile etching his face. With his hand still on her waist, he peppered kisses on her forehead, totally disregarding Bryan, who was right beside them. Speechless, he turned around, walking back to wherever he had come from. After the lovebirds were satisfied with their public display of affection, they wrapped their hands around each other's shoulders, leaving the premises. "When are we having our vacation?" Ivy asked, her face radiating with a warm smile, her joy never faltering. "Right now," Zack replied, guiding her toward the limo parked up ahead. Ivy's brow furrowed as she glanced at him incre
The sound of giggles filled the serene haven, carried away by the cool and gentle breeze that spoke volumes of a cozy ambiance. Softly swaying palm trees and vibrant beach flowers danced in harmony, as if serenading the joyful moments unfolding on the pristine shore. Ivy's legs swayed triumphantly, her arms wrapped around Zack's neck as he carried her toward the secluded bungalow up ahead. Her face brimmed with joy, a wide smile spreading across her face as the warm sunlight cast a golden glow upon them, infusing the air with a sense of warmth and comfort. Zack's face was lit with a warm smile, aligning with the soft gaze as his eyes were locked on hers. Their gaze never faltered as they made their way to the building beckoning them ahead. He laid her down on the couch on the veranda, his movement slow and gentle. Ivy still had her hands wrapped around his neck as he crouched down beside her, their faces mere inches apart. As they were locked into an affectionate stare, the c
Meanwhile, at one of the police headquarters where Jake was imprisoned, a grey Lamborghini squeaked in, the sound of tires squealing under friction as the engine came to a halt. Slowly, the gull-wing door swooped open, and a man stepped out, his branded shoe plunking on the ground as he made his way to the entrance. After adjusting his glasses, he walked through the single door, approaching the correction officer. With a warm smile, he gestured for a handshake, his eyes narrowed in feigned delight. "Good morning, officer," he greeted, his hand still stretched out. The correction officer glanced at his hand, his eyes wandering over him. After a short moment of silence, he finally took his hand, returning the pleasantries, not really seeing the need for such needless salutations. "Good morning. How may I help you?" Chris's smile widened, his emerald eyes piercing deep into the officer as if trying to see through him. "I am here to see Jake Black," he replied, his sly smile neve
We've earned ourselves the front page of the celebrity gist." Ivy squealed with delight, her body bobbing enthusiastically as she perched on Zack's lap, her weight pressing gently on his muscles. Wrapping her hand around his shoulder, she showed him the magazine, her eyes sparkling with contained excitement. Zack skimmed through the front page, his lips curling into a slight smile as he read the headlines: [Ivy and Zack Found Smooching in Museum: Fake Marriage or True Love] It seemed a paparazzi had captured photos of them at the museum; their kissing stunt had been portrayed for the curious netizens. Their marriage seemed like a fake alliance, loveless and convenient in the eyes of the public. Ivy's smile brightened as she bubbled with delight. "For the first time, I feel truly happy to be in the main headlines." Zack took his eyes off the magazine, his hand wrapping around her waist. "That's because my name is right beside yours..." he purred, his hand framing her cheeks as he
Ivy's face lit up in a bright smile, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Hubby, do you want a baby now?" "Not...now though," Zack replied, staring at nothing in particular. "I asked because I have never envisioned myself having kids; I didn't think I'd ever love again." He smiled softly, his lips brushing against hers as he pulled her close to himself. "You are my miracle." Ivy's smile faded a bit when she saw the look in his eyes; his expression was slightly serious, and his voice was genuine. She couldn't help but wonder what had transpired in his life before they met. She gently kissed his forehead, her lips poised with sincere affection. "If I am your miracle, then you are my safe haven," she said, her gaze softening and flickering with sincerity. The connection between them was palpable, increasing with each passing day; her heart beat in sync with the memory of their encounter and past notion of 'convenient marriage.' Fate took a drastic turn, using challenges and obstacle
"We want to watch a movie; where is the popcorn?" Ivy asked, bouncing up and down on the couch, excitement radiating from her. "Ah, you want the sacred movie snack?" Zack teased, hiding the popcorn behind his back. "Well, I'm not sure if you deserve it..." Ivy discreetly peeped from the corner of her eyes. "Okay, now you want to tease me? With popcorn?" She pouted, her arms crossed. "Okay then..." She stood up from the couch, walking towards their bedroom. "...wait, where are you going?" Zack asked, still holding the popcorn behind his back, a hint of confusion on his face. "I'm going to get the most epic movie snack ever!" Ivy declared, her voice dripping with drama. "Something that will make your precious popcorn look like mere crumbs!" Zack chuckled, intrigued by her sudden move. "What's that?" Ivy stopped at the bedroom door, turned around, and gave him a sly grin. "You'll see... or should I say, you'll taste!" With that, she disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Z
Zack stared at his tablet for what felt like forever, hesitant. He was finally going to see the one who was behind his accident. But now the weight of the moment pressed down on him. He knew this call could change everything, reveal a face he might recognize, or a stranger he would despise. He wasn't sure he was ready for either.Ivy was by his side, squeezing his arm tightly and encouraging him to do it. "Come on, Finn made this possible for you, so... let’s get it over with," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and nudging him to tap on the screen."Alright," he said finally, but as Ivy attempted to speak, a loud cry came out from the room."Lucas again," she growled and got up, placing a soft kiss on Zack's cheek. "Be right back."With that, she left, and Zack decided to get it over with as Ivy had said. He tapped on the screen, and there just what he had feared stared right back at him.Those familiar emerald eyes..."Chris. So it was really you," Zack whispered, disbelief
THE NEXT MORNING, Ivy and Zack made their way downstairs, luggage in tow, with Lucas giggling in his stroller. Lucas was babbling excitedly, clearly sensing the adventure ahead, and Ivy couldn't help but smile at her little boy's enthusiasm. Although she was still a bit hesitant about leaving, Zack's and Lucas's enthusiasm was infectious.But she had to agree a vacation would benefit them all.Just as they were about to head out the door, Xavier, their butler, rushed in, looking flustered."Wait, please!" Xavier exclaimed. "We have a visitor."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her smile faltering. "Who is it?"Xavier hesitated before responding. "It's... your..." Before he could finish, a voice cut in."Zack has woken up all this time, and you didn't bother informing us," Henry walked in, the old man right beside him.The moment he set eyes on Zack, he went straight to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay, son..."Zack, caught off guard, returned the hug, a mix of surprise and conf
"Ivy, remember when I took Roy outside?" Zack said, and Ivy frowned. "Yes, of course." "I thought... I thought I saw Chris. Briefly. Just a glimpse." Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Chris? But... he hasn't called since that day..." "Exactly," Zack said, his brow furrowed. "But what if... what if... I don't know...?" Ivy shook her head, dismissing the idea. "Zack, that's impossible. Didn't you say he was an imposter?" "I'm starting to doubt that 'imposter' theory," Zack said. "It's too convenient the way he operates in the shadows... it's shady." Ivy's eyes narrowed, having a hard time processing everything. If he wasn't an imposter, then why hadn't he reunited with Zack? Why was he hiding? "What if... he has a vendetta? Against you?" Ivy sprang from the bed, her head filled with fear gnawing at her. She knew what it felt like to be wanted dead, and now Zack, this childhood friend... if it's true, then it's even worse than she imagined. "Maybe we should tell Finn every
"Lucas, I'm home!" Zack announced as he stepped into the familiar warmth of their living room. Ivy smiled and quickly got beside him. "Careful, Zack," she cautioned, her hand lightly touching his arm. "Remember, you're still recovering." "Now you want me to be treated like a fragile piece of glass, huh?" Zack said with his usual smirk, and Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Yeah, that's what you are right now." Zack smirked, closing the short distance between them. "Is that so?" Ivy stepped back, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Zack, this isn't the right place to... you know, do your usual thing..." She then said with gritted teeth, "Maria and Lucas are coming." Zack turned to find Maria smiling his way. She bowed slightly and then placed Lucas on the ground. "There he is," Zack said, his voice softening as he knelt down. He extended his arms, a wide, welcoming smile on his face. "Come here, buddy. Daddy's home." Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between Zack and
"Zack, tomorrow's a big day. Lucas is hitting nine months," Ivy said, her voice soft as she gently ran her hands over Zack's. "Can you believe it? Nine months already?"She tried hard to grin, but what came out was a pathetic smile. "I... started him on complementary foods, you know. He seems to really like mashed sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon. He makes the funniest face when he tastes something new, but sweet potatoes are definitely his favorite."Ivy chuckled, despite knowing that Zack couldn't hear her. The sound was more for her own benefit, a way to release some of the tension and sadness that had been building up inside.But as she looked at Zack's still face, her expression shifted. Her smile faltered, and her eyes welled up with tears.Ivy's sigh turned into a sob, and she buried her face in her hands, letting the tears flow.She had hoped Zack would wake up before their son turned seven months, but now he was nine months, still trapped in this limbo.He didn't get to
SIX MONTHS LATERIvy's hands trembled as she held the phone, Bryan's voice sounding at the other end."Ma'am, we found him last night," Bryan said, his tone gentle but firm. "The driver who hit Zack. We've got a positive ID."Ivy's breath caught in her throat. Six months of waiting, wondering, and fighting for answers. Finally, she was going to get some justice."Who is it?" Ivy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.There was a pause before Bryan responded, "Marcus Thompson. The police are bringing him in for questioning. They're going to push him hard to see if he'll talk."Ivy's grip on the phone tightened. "Will he talk?""There's a good chance he might," Bryan said. "Thompson's got a history of criminal activity. He's been in and out of jail for various offenses. If the police can leverage that, he might be willing to cooperate."Ivy's mind was racing. "How soon can they get him to talk?" She wanted to wipe that smug look off Albert's face.Bryan hesitated before responding, "W
Ivy's car halted in front of the Anderson mansion. It was the early hours of the morning, and Ivy decided to seize this opportunity to get answers.She slammed the door behind her, took a deep breath, and stepped into the mansion. She didn't bother to knock before entering.A sliver of light spilled out from the lounge, the air thick with the smell of stale liquor."Albert!" Ivy yelled, scanning the whole place. "Albert, where are you?"Footsteps sounded, and Henry appeared coming down the stairs, draped in a robe and his hair a bit messy."It's too early to yell," he said, but as his eyes landed on Ivy, a frown settled on his face."What are you doing here?""Where is Albert?" Ivy asked, and Henry's brow deepened."Ivy, why are you here? Shouldn't you be sitting with Zack at the hospital?""Where is Albert?" Ivy's expression turned serious, the one that tells you, "I'm losing my patience."Henry's eyes lingered on her for a moment before finally pointing to a corner."Turn left."Wit
"I never should have let you leave." Ivy whimpered, squeezing Zack's hand, as if trying to coax life back into his fingers. "I should have forced you to eat breakfast... maybe... maybe..."She choked on tears trickling down her cheek... "maybe you would have escaped it..." she sniffled, trying to hold back her tears, but it was no use. The dam broke, and she let out a heart-wrenching sob, her body shaking uncontrollably."How long are you going to stay like this, huh? How long before you wake up..." she mumbled. "It's only been a few hours, and I can't keep seeing you like this..."He had always been the strong one, the rock that held her together when she broke down. But now he was the one who was broken, and she was left to pick up the pieces. All she could do was hope he would wake up sooner.Ivy's sobs slowly subsided as she wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.Her chest tightened, but she pushed through, squeezing his arm with all the strength she could muster."Please w
"Shhh, baby, it's okay," Ivy murmured, pacing back and forth in the room with the crying Lucas in her arms. "Mommy's here." The nanny, Maria, sat on the couch, watching them with concern, occasionally standing up and sitting back down on the couch in frustration. Lucas's cries only intensified, his small body writhing in discomfort. He was unusually fussy, refusing his bottle and arching his back in distress. Ivy had tried everything – changing his diaper, offering him a pacifier, singing lullabies – but nothing seemed to make him calm down. Maria got up and approached Ivy. "Let me try, Mrs. Anderson," But Ivy shook her head. "No, I've got him. I just need to... figure out what's wrong." She continued to pace, trying to rock Lucas to sleep. "What's wrong, my little one?" she whispered, her heart throbbing slightly. Lucas usually didn't cry this way for this long. She glanced at the clock, wondering if she should call Zack and tell him about Lucas's behavior. But it would b