AT THE PARKING LOT "IVY. IVY!" Zack called out, his voice laced with urgency and concern as he searched every nook and cranny for Ivy, but there was no sign of her anywhere. "Where did she go just now? How could she leave without telling me?" Zack complained as he stood by the side of the road. He let out a frustrated sigh, his eyes still scanning the whole place; yet it was as if she had suddenly disappeared. How come he didn't noticed it immediately? Or was she playing tricks on him? It wouldn't be so surprising if she were teasing him. Typical wifey, as for the last few days she had learned the habit of teasing him. "Ivy, this isn't funny. Come out wherever you're hiding!" Zack pleaded, his voice tinged with worry and frustration despite concluding it was a sick joke of hers. He searched between cars, thinking she might be hiding somewhere close by, yet there was no sign of her. Upon sensing no response despite his pleading tone, a faint unease crept up his spine; the silen
"How have you been... emerald?" "Emerald." The name mentioned has piqued Zack's curiosity. His brow furrowed as he leaned in closer to get a better view of the man's face. The more he tried, the more Chris repelled backwards, denying him a direct view. And the voice. It was oddly... familiar. He was certain it must be the same man who had called him at the time Ivy was discharged from the hospital after her accident. And the voice had also addressed him as Emerald. "Who are you?" Zack demanded, his voice stern and low, as he stepped closer, his eyes narrowing into slits. "And how do you know that name?" He bit out each word, his jaw clenched. Chris's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of amusement flashed in his eyes. "I'm someone who knows more about you than you're comfortable with," he replied, his voice smooth as silk, dripping with an air of confidence. Zack's gaze intensified, irked by the stranger's tone. He seemed to be toying around, and he hated it. "And thi
Ivy cursed silently, her eyes widening in horror. Her mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of the stranger to be mindful of her disguise. Now her hood had slipped off, her identity exposed. "I messed up," I muttered, sighing in frustration as the girls bombarded her with excited questions. "Are you really Ivy, the movie star?" one of them squealed, her voice piercing the air as she bounced up and down. "Oh my god, I love your movies!" another fan exclaimed. Ivy's face burned with embarrassment as she hastily tried to adjust her disguise, but it was too late. The damage was done. "Can I get a selfie with you?" a third girl asked, already posing beside Ivy. Ivy was so tempted to roll her eyes. Why ask now when most of them had already taken her photo without asking for her permission? The girl shifted closer, ready to tap on the camera, but Ivy quickly pulled away. "No, no, no," she protested, attempting to ward off the enthusiastic fans, but they swarmed her, cameras
"Ivy," Zack exclaimed, pushing through the crowd. "You okay?" Ivy breathed a sigh of relief as she quickly dispatched from the group that surrounded her, striding in Zack's direction. "I'm fin—" but before she could finish, Zack interrupted her. "Where were you?" he demanded, his brow furrowed in concern as he wrapped his hand around her. The crowd made way for them, but among all of them, some of the girls were observant enough to notice the person who had come to rescue Ivy. Though he still had his hood covering his head, the way he held Ivy so protectively was enough to get people to realize who he was. "Isn't that Zack Anderson!" one remarked, tugging at the sleeve of her friend. "Oh my God..." The others, upon hearing the girl, glanced in their direction but didn't dare take a step, as it was common knowledge that Zack never condoned any rowdy behavior, especially from fans or nosy members of the public as a whole. Meanwhile, Zack guided Ivy away from the crowd, their wh
Zack could feel the bed sheets ruffle as Ivy turned in her sleep. It had been like that for the past few minutes, and it was causing him concern. He tossed around only to find Ivy in a different condition. She was dragging the sheets, her eyes closed, her body squirming as she twisted back and forth. "Ivy, Ivy!" he called, cupping her cheeks. Her eyes fluttered open, and a single tear strayed down her cheek. Zack was taken aback for a split second before holding her close, burying her face inside his chest. "Are you okay?" he whispered, stroking her back as he kissed her hair. "I'm sorry I disturbed you," Ivy's voice came out weak and almost inaudible as she nestled deeper into his chest. "It's alright; it's just a nightmare," Zack whispered in her ear, gently lifting her face. Ivy wiped the tear from her eyes and pulled away from Zack's embrace. Leaning on the pillow, she looked away, still reeling from what she had seen. "It wasn't just a nightmare; it's a reoccurrence of the past
Ivy knew Zack was right, but it was hard to forget, even when she was willing to let go of it. She had tried locking away the memories and had succeeded for a few years, but this particular year brought back a lot of old wounds. The situation that had led to another and spiked up the ache consuming her, despite her best efforts to move on, felt like a fresh cut.She sighed deeply, her gaze still fixed on Zack's as she reached out with her hand to find his, which was resting on her head. "I will. I'll try harder." She nodded, whispering a promise more to herself than to him.Zack's fingers intertwined with hers, his touch warm and reassuring. He gently squeezed her hand and whispered back, "You just have to let me be here for you. Let me help you heal."Ivy's gaze drifted closed as she smiled warmly. "I will; after all, I have your shoulders to cry on." They both chuckled in unison as they pulled into another embrace."Thanks," Ivy muffled against Zack's chest. He held her tightly and
Zack crossed his arms, staring deeply at her without responding. After what seemed like forever in silence, he finally spoke up. "Alright, I won't stop you; it won't hurt to gift our deceased loved ones flowers once in a while." Ivy's smile widened as she stood up and enveloped him in a tight hug. "You're right. For the last time though...." She paused her expression sombre. "it's my mother's death anniversary; I just recalled this morning," she whispered and shut her eyes, enjoying the warm embrace. "Don't cry yourself out," Zack teased, stroking her back gently. "I certainly won't," Ivy shot back, her voice laced with determination. "Not anymore." A few seconds passed before she released him from her grip and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "Goodbye. I know I won't meet you when I get back." "You will," Zack replied almost abruptly, brushing his lips against hers as he wrapped his hand around her waist. "I have something to do today, so I'll be home by noon." He added and
Ivy blinked, a mask of indifference slipping into place. "Oh." She mouthed her gaze fixed on nothing in particular as she raised her brow in realization. "So that's your next plan. to kill me?" She chuckled, eating the small distance between them. Now her face was mere inches away from Irene. "I know we fight, but I never thought you felt that way." Irene maintained her stern expression, their eyes never leaving each other's as they tried to match up the intimidating gaze. "Now you do know, I hope you've grasped the depth of my hatred." Irene eyed her in disgust, her voice icy. Ivy chuckled again, her eyes piercing. "Bring it on, it's like I haven't felt that danger before I can face it again." She countered with defiance blazing in her eyes. "I've danced with darkness, Irene, and I've come out unscathed," Ivy countered, defiance blazing in her eyes. Irene's shoulder rose in a careless shrug, her eyes rolling in mockery. "I might walk away with a smile, " Ivy continued, a fie
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