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
As soon as the meeting with her father, now apparently just known as Smithson, concluded, Ivy excused herself, citing a need for fresh air to clear her head alone. Zack, still concerned about her encounter with Smithson, offered to accompany her. Ivy reassured him she was fine and would meet him back home. With a deep breath, Ivy instructed her driver to head over to Judy's residence, but her heart continued racing with anticipation as they approached their destination. As she arrived at the cozy suburban home, Judy's welcoming smile greeted her as soon as the door opened. The warmth and love radiating from that smile was a stark contrast to her father's cold demeanor. "Aunt Judy," Ivy said, embracing her aunt tightly. "Ivy, sweetie, what brings you here?" Aunt Judy asked, concern etched on her face. "You didn't tell me you were coming." Ivy hesitated, unsure where to begin. "Well, I just came to visit." She chuckled, obviously failing in her facade. Judy's eyes narrowed s
"Your mother's death, your father's abandonment… it's all connected, but it was not his fault," Judy said, her voice low and mysterious. "He… he was arrested for your mother's death, but he is innocent. He was finally freed when the real truth was discovered… Irene misunderstood everything that happened that night. It was asthma that killed your mother."'Asthma killed your mother.' That was major news that Ivy knew well, but the other news about her father being suspected as the murderer was really off-putting. Regardless of that thought, Ivy nodded in understanding. "Well, that explains why Irene thought he was a murderer. How come no one told me he didn't die but was falsely accused and sent to jail?" She paused, recollecting her thoughts. "So you knew he was alive all this time, and you didn't tell me?" Judy sighed, her expression thoughtful. "I'm sorry, Ivy. He wanted it that way, and... I... um..." Ivy's gaze was fixed intently on Judy's face, containing a mix of both di
After rereading the ominous text, Judy tossed her phone aside and massaged her temples in frustration. She sighed and stared at the oven where the cookies were baking, the sweet aroma filling the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. Judy's mind raced with worries about Ivy's safety and the mysterious messenger's threats.She glanced at Ivy, whose eyes were fixed on her phone, innocent and oblivious to the danger lurking outside. Judy's heart swelled with protectiveness; she had to keep Ivy safe. At all costs, even if it meant lying to her.The timer beeped, breaking Judy's reverie. She removed the cookies from the oven and set them aside to cool. As she turned to face Ivy, a determined look was etched on her face."Ivy, sweetie, I think it's time we talked about something," Judy said, her voice measured, trying to sound casual despite the gravity of the situation.Ivy looked up, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What is it, Judy?"Judy hesitated, unsure how much to
Ivy's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight before her. Her mind struggled to process the sudden arrival."Jeremy?" Ivy whispered, her voice trembling with surprise.Jeremy's piercing gaze locked onto Ivy, his expression unreadable. "Ivy," he said, his deep voice low with no hint of surprise.Judy's grip on Ivy's shoulders tightened, her eyes darting between Jeremy and Ivy as her heart hammered in her chest. "Jeremy, please, I'm begging," she whispered, standing up from the sofa and instinctively pulling Ivy gently beside her.Ivy, still stunned, was even more confused by Judy's behavior; it seemed she was trying to protect her from Jeremy, but he was her stepbrother, whom she thought she would never see again. In fact, she had even forgotten about his existence until now.Jeremy's gaze shifted to Judy, his expression unyielding. "I told you to make her leave in five minutes, and you didn't," he replied, his tone dripping with tension as he shrugged casually. "It's too late."
Ivy's eyes felt like they were going to pop out of her head as she processed Jeremy's words. Her father killed her mother? But Aunt Judy had already explained it was a misunderstanding, or was it not? Her mind was reeling with shock, horror, and denial."How... is ...that true?" Ivy stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad didn't kill my mother. And besides mother would never... she didn't stab you!"Jeremy's grin returned, and he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, but she did, Ivy. And now, it's time for you to pay the price."Ivy's skin crawled as Jeremy's words dripped with venom. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her, and her vision began to blur as her eyes welled up."No... no, this can't be," Ivy muttered, shaking her head. "You're lying!" She hated the suffocating feeling of discovery; she hated to believe what Jeremy had said, but she couldn't help it. Things weren't making any sense."Ivy, don't listen to him! He's a monster!" Judy's voice cut thr
"I know about that night, Judy!" Ivy fired back; her emotions were all over the place. "It was during that time that I lost my parents, so how did I not know about what Jeremy is talking about?"Her voice reverberated through the room and echoed off the walls, filled with pain, confusion, and desperation.Judy's face contorted in anguish as she slowly shook her head. "Ivy, sweetie, I—""No, Judy!" Ivy interrupted, her hands clenched into fists. "I need to know the truth. What happened that night? What did my mother do to Jeremy? And my father, did he really kill my mother..." She choked on her words, stepping back as she pulled her hair in anguish.Jeremy's smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming as if feeding off Ivy's distress."Ah, Aunt Judy, don't be shy. Tell Ivy the whole story. Tell her how her precious mother tried to kill me."Judy's gaze darted between Ivy and Jeremy, her expression torn."Ivy, please understand—""Understand what?" Ivy demanded, her voice rising. "That my moth
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