END OF FLASHBACKIrene's eyes refocused on the present, precisely the glass of water in front of her, the sounds of the bustling restaurant replacing the echoes of her thoughts. She sat across from Ivy and Judy, the dim lighting and soft hum of conversation enveloping them."He showed himself to you?" Ivy's eyes widened in surprise, her voice laced with doubt. "He's alive, then why is he hiding from me? I don't understand." Her gaze drifted, welling up with unshed tears.Judy gently stroked Ivy's shoulder to calm her down, her eyes fixed on Irene, whose lips were twitching in anger.Their table, nestled in a quiet corner of the restaurant, was set with crisp linens and fine china. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting vegetables wafted through the air, contrasting with the tension at their table.Irene's hands clenched into fists as she grabbed Ivy's hand on the table, her nails digging into her palms. "Don't be so surprised, daddy's girl." She spat, her face twisted in annoya
The restaurant's patrons began to stare, mesmerized by the unfolding drama. Some nearby diners started whispering to their companions, wondering what's going on over at their table. The prying eyes were intensely steady on them as the whispers grew louder. The waiter, sensing the tense atmosphere, decided to approach them, the smile on his face faltering. "Is everything okay, ladies? Can I get you something to—" "Yes," Judy interrupted, her voice firm and laced with a hint of sarcasm. "And do tell, is there anything special on the menu that might help these ladies... unwind?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between Ivy and Irene. "Something very, very spicy and hot, I think they need it. A culinary defibrillator, perhaps?" The waiter's eyes widened slightly, sensing the undercurrents of tension. "Ah, well, we do have our signature 'Inferno Wings' – not for the faint of heart, I assure you." Ivy and Irene's eyes flashed with irritation and confusion, momentarily putting
"I hope so." Ivy chuckled as they settled in the back seat. Her mind momentarily shifted back to the main situation - the reason why they had gathered in the first place. "So dad didn't die?" Ivy smiled, feeling a surge of euphoria, but a tingle of uncertainty still lingered. "But why is he hiding from me?" Judy twitched her eyebrow indifferently and shrugged. "He has his reasons, so don't bother yourself if he doesn't want to see you—""You didn't look so surprised when Irene told us he is alive." Ivy responded abruptly, her eyes narrowing at Judy in suprise. "You knew, didn't you?" Judy's eyes darted, taken aback by Ivy's observation for a moment before regaining her composure. "What makes you think that?" Judy chuckled and avoided eye contact, attempting to sound nonchalant.Ivy's gaze didn't waver, her expression turning serious. "Your reaction, or lack thereof, when Irene shared the news. You didn't seem shocked or surprised at all."Judy's expression turned guarded as she fina
Zack sat in his dimly lit living room, the soft glow of the evening chandeliers casting long shadows on the walls. His eyes were fixed on the old, worn photograph he had retrieved from the Anderson Mansion earlier that day. The image, faded with time, showed the young version of his friend Chris standing proudly beside him, their faces etched with smiles. Zack's gaze lingered on Chris's face, as if searching for answers. Is he truly alive? If he was, then why was he playing mind games with him? The silence in the room seemed oppressive, punctuated only by the occasional footsteps of the servants walking to and fro, probably preparing dinner. Zack's thoughts drifted back to the night before when he met Chris. The way he acted showed he wasn't happy to reunite with him, which made Zack initially think he might be an impostor. But thinking deeply about it, he concluded that the man must be Chris; an impostor can't impersonate him so perfectly, even though his behavior was question
Ivy's face contorted in shock and empathy. She reached out, gently touching Zack's arm, her voice laced with conviction. "Zack, that was... a... smart... choice." She trailed off when she noticed the anguish and skepticism in Zack's eyes. "Smart choice?" Zack repeated, his voice laced with pain and disbelief. "How can you say that, Ivy? Roy chose to save only me. How can he give up a life for another?" Ivy's hand withdrew, her expression apologetic. "No, Zack, I didn't mean it like that. I meant that... under the circumstances..." She hesitated, searching for words, inwardly berating herself for saying something disheartening like that. Honestly, the situation was terrifying. She couldn't imagine herself in such a predicament. It made her wonder just how Zack navigated his way through all of that. Ivy's lips parted to speak, but she fumbled with the right words to comfort him and reason with him. "I don't know, Zack. But maybe... maybe Roy thought you were in greater danger or... o
"Smithson," Zack repeated, his eyes glazed over, lost in thought."You've heard the name?" Ivy asked, her brow furrowed, momentarily interrupting her conversation with Irene.Zack slowly nodded, his gaze drifting back to Ivy's face. "Yes, I made an investment in his company. Everything will finalize tomorrow. But I'm not certain it's your...father." He trailed off, seeming to remember something. He immediately reached out for his phone and dialed a number. Ivy's eyes followed his every movement, confusion etched on her face.The line went through, and Bryan's voice rang out, low but vibrant. "Hello, sir..." But before he could complete whatever he wanted to add, Zack cut him off, suddenly hurling an unexpected question at him."Do you remember Mr. Smithson having a thin scar on his cheek?" Zack asked, while Ivy shifted closer to Zack, leaning in, her ears straining to catch every word.Bryan's voice continued. "Yes, sir, Mr. Smithson had a thin scar on his left cheek. But I'm not sure
Ivy's hands trembled as she smoothed her dress, her mind racing with memories of her father's absence. She felt like a fragile vase, on the verge of shattering. What would he say? Would he apologize? Or would he dismiss her feelings? Her nerves began to fray, but Zack's reassuring grip on her hand helped calm her. But as they arrived at the location, her heart pounded in her chest. What would she find? Would her father finally explain why he never came back until now? So many disturbing questions that would never go away until they were finally answered, and she was getting right at it.She took a deep breath and glanced at Zack with a curt nod. But then a brief furrow of awareness struck her. "Are you the one supposed to finalize the deal with Smithson's business?" Ivy asked incredulously, as it had just occurred to her that Bryan could handle such a small operation without Zack's direct involvement. He had multiple businesses and more important dealings to attend to, yet he chose t
Following Zack and Bryan's quick departure from the room, Smithson positioned himself with his back turned, engrossed in thought, intentionally ignoring Ivy. Meanwhile, Ivy remained standing in the suffocating silence, completely taken aback as she fixated incredulously on her father's distant figure. It would be false if she denied her conflicting emotions — a mix of happiness upon seeing her father alive and well, yet also frustration toward his callous and neglectful behavior. Ivy exhaled deeply and closed the distance between them. "Ignoring me," she began, her voice low and controlled, but her displeasure was palpable. "It seems to be the habit you've learned over the years." He still didn't respond nor turn to look at her, but his expression, away from Ivy's eyes, remained blank and emotionless. "You changed your name from Steve to Smithson so I shouldn't recognize you. Why?" Ivy asked, slowly eating up the short distance. "I asked a question that requires an..." She sighed
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