Ivy didn't tell Susan much about the identity of Miss KK. Though she wasn't expecting Kate to be so brave to slander her online,but when she recalled the person who had deep hatred for her, she realized Kate was just an accomplice to Irene's scheme, and on one side, it was also Kate's way of exacting her revenge for making her go bankrupt at the clothing store.For the next few days, anti-fans were still slandering her online with Miss KK, igniting the fire around the gossip. By this time, Ivy was at home studying the script in more detail and getting ready for the press release before filming began. Zack finally returned home from a business trip; he met Ivy facing the mirror revising a script. She didn't notice his presence in the room as she was too immersed in the paper in her hand. Shaking his head, he walked to the bed, scuffing his feet on the ground and placed his suitcase on the bed, yet she still didn't notice him. He crossed his arms and crouched beside her, clearing his th
The press conference for "Tomboy Donna" was the first opportunity for all the cast to meet before filming commenced. At the backstage, a young man approached Ivy for a handshake. He was a tall, well-built man with a charismatic presence, and Ivy guessed he was the one playing the role of Donna's partner."Hi, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm George," he said with a wide grin as he scrutinized her face,with one thought going through his mind. 'She is quite attractive and slender with my preferred body shape.'"Nice to meet you, George," Ivy smiled as she shook his hand, but the way he was looking at her... "Gosh, you are more beautiful in person."Ivy didn't know how to reply to that, so she just smiled. He was still holding onto her hand, as it seemed he wasn't ready to let go.Ivy could see him licking his lower lips seductively as he stared at her.'Where the hell did director Tim find this perverted coquette', she was so tempted to give him a profound look but refrained. I
"A strong, brave, beautiful spy who values the good of all, sacrificing friendship for her country." "Why do you call her beautiful? Was that aspect about the protagonist or the actress playing the role?" The reporter raised her eyebrow as her lips curled. The other reporters by her side couldn't hide their laughter. "Well... um, both." His face flushed, sneaking glances at Ivy. Ivy just rolled her eyes, 'what a flirt.' The reporters didn't think much about what he said as they settled it for humor. He was just simply telling the facts; Ivy was indeed a beautiful actress. Isabelle's blood was boiling, and she felt like glaring at the so-called beautiful woman George complimented. Since the media were present, she had to behave, or her sulky face will be plastered on a poster and sent to the netizens. "What do you think about the antagonist?" The questions were still coming out. George, with a frown, peered at Isabelle, inclining his head as he studied her face. "Hm." He rub
Watching George leave without sparing her a proper conversation, she tightened the grip on her dress while her mind trailed to the individual that stole the heart of her crush. She had been crushing on George Brandon for ages, and he was the reason she strived to partake in the film when she found out he was one of the supporting characters. She planned on winning him over, but it seems he only had eyes for Ivy."Are you just going to stand here and watch his back, Isa? Just let it go." Her personal assistant gave her a nudge, and Isabelle shrugged it off and walked to her car. Her personal assistant was aware of her infatuation towards George and how she had been trying to pursue him ever since the start of her career, with no avail. Finally, she would be acting in the same film as George, a perfect chance to confess her feelings, but it was ruined by Ivy's presence."I hope she doesn't do anything stupid."******"The news is burning with your name on top of the titles and headlines
"Kate..." Irene sent a stern warning with her eyes, and Kate quickly understood she needed to compose herself, or else she might be in real trouble.Ethan cleared his throat and sat on the bed beside Irene, pouring himself a glass while Kate was still standing, looking at the two of them. They seemed close, too close for acquaintances, which made her wonder if he was a close relation."Are you both cousins?" She asked, but Irene ignored her, still sipping her drink."No, we're not," Ethan answered, not ready to delve into details."Have you found out the location and date for filming 'Tomboy Donna'?" Irene asked, and Ethan just shrugged casually. "Yep.""Send her the location and tell her what to do," Irene instructed. Hearing this, Kate frowned. "Who..." "Who do you think it is, who is the other female here?" Irene yelled with a glare, and Ethan chuckled. "She is really a dork."Irene felt Kate was acting stupid, not that she hadn't been acting stupid ever since. It was as if it wa
"LET GO OF HER, YOU BITCH!" the loud voice yelled. Isabelle chuckled at the figure who came to save the day, giving her a profound look of disdain. "Mind your own business," she spat, looking at her from top to bottom analytically, with her hand still holding onto Susan's hair. "Are you deaf? I said you should let go. Don't make me do this the hard way," Joan threatened, fighting the urge to do what she felt like doing at the moment. She overheard their conversation when she hung up on her call, and a scream for help followed. Recognizing Susan's voice, she ran in the direction of the commotion, only to see her being bullied by a no-name actress. "Leave her," Joan pressed on with reasoning, though she had a better way to deal with the issue, she refrained. Isabelle refused to heed her, pulling Susan's hair aggressively with a face masked with a sinister smile. Her PA was helplessly watching everything; it had always been hard to tame her. "I hate people like this," Joan muttere
Ivy, accompanied by Joan, arrived at the set only to meet director Tim's gloomy face that slowly filled with a trace of slight annoyance."What happened, Director Tim? Is everything alright?"Director Tim heaved, exhaling. She sat down on the sofa and stared at Ivy for a while before replying. "What happened yesterday?"Ivy's face sank with a frown, unable to comprehend the question. "Nothing unusual." It was the best answer she could come up with. She sat beside Director Tim, waiting for him to make himself clear."Isabelle refused to film without an apology from your manager and a young lady that attacked her yesterday. Ah, this is giving me headaches," he said, stroking his forehead. "I hate when my plans for filming are distorted."Seeing the director in his state, Ivy was even more confused. Why would she refuse to film today? According to the schedule, she had a few solo scenes before Isabelle would join her, and then George would appear at the end of the day's filming. What the
*Keep it up, don't forget to update me. You know what I mean.*Joan smiled as she saw the text. She tucked the phone back to her bag and sat comfortably."We are here," Susan announced."Susan, park the car on the other side," Ivy instructed, pulling out a black clothing hung at the top of the passenger seat."What do you plan on doing?" Joan asked, surprised. She thought Ivy was going to barge into the hospital and face Isabelle on her cot."What does it look like I'm doing?" Ivy responded, putting on the clothing.Joan frowned. 'A black zip-up hoodie.' Ivy wore the hood covering her forehead tightly fitted to her face, zipping it until it reached the apex. Ivy refused to make the same mistake of choosing a wrong disguise. Black glasses are a hell of an awkward disguise."I'm sure the reporters are at the front of the building, so you both stay here, I'll be right back," Ivy said and got out of the car. Joan scrunched, "what's with the hoodie?"Susan veered backward, resting her arm
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TRIAL The blanket stirred, ripping like a wave, as Zack and Ivy's bodies moved in sync. Their lips were pressed tightly together, their breath mingling in the quiet room. Ivy had her hand wrapped around Zack's neck, deepening the kiss. Her soft moans filled the room. But just as they were getting lost in the moment, the shrill ring of Ivy's phone shattered the intimacy. Ivy pulled away, reaching for her phone on the bedside table, but when she saw who the caller was, she cut the call and let out a frustrated sigh. “Judy again, isn’t it?” Zack asked, irritation creeping into his voice. Ivy nodded and slumped back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Judy had been blowing up her phone nonstop, sending her a barrage of texts and voicemails. It had become increasingly annoying by the day, and Ivy felt like just meeting with her and giving her a piece of her mind. On the other hand, she didn’t feel like it, as she knew Judy wouldn’t stop apologizing. “I
FEW DAYS LATERIvy sat in the therapist's office, fidgeting with her hands as she tried to process the events of the past few weeks. Firstly, discovering her father was alive, then his repulsion, then the truth behind her mother's death. She sighed. It was all too overwhelming—Zack was right, she needed help if she wanted to dive into the road of vengeance. She had to be emotionally stable to handle the heat. That's why she had agreed to visit a therapist, as the nightmares were becoming unbearable. Ivy couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness that had consumed her for so long.Dr. Thompson, a middle-aged woman with a kind face, took a seat across from her with a warm smile on her face."Welcome, Mrs. Anderson," she greeted, and Ivy returned the smile, forcing her lips to curl up.She looked up at Dr. Thompson, who was watching her with a compassionate gaze, and she asked, feeling a sense of desperation wash over her, "Where do I even start?"Dr. Thompson leaned forward, her eye
"Ivy, Ivy," Zack called softly, standing at the door to their bedroom. Ivy had locked herself in again and refused to answer.It made Zack wonder if he had been too pushy, too insensitive. He knew Ivy was strong and capable, but he also knew that she was still vulnerable, still hurting from her past. And it was like a thorn to his heart to see her suffering.He hoped that she would forgive him, that she would understand that he was only trying to help. But as the minutes ticked by, Zack couldn't shake the feeling that he had made a mistake—one that might take some time to repair."I'm sorry, Ivy," he whispered. "I promise to listen to you, to understand you. Please, just let me in."Zack paused, hoping that Ivy would respond, but there was only silence. He sighed, feeling a pang of regret and worry. He didn't want to lose Ivy, not even for a moment. He wanted to be there for her, to hold her, to comfort her.He tried again, his voice softer, more gentle. "Ivy, please. Don't shut me ou
Once the kitchen was spotless, Ivy and Zack got to work cooking up a storm together. They chatted and joked, with Ivy doing most of the work, supervising Zack on what to do."I'll start chopping the veggies," Ivy said, picking up a knife and heading to the cutting board."What do you need me to chop?" Zack asked, standing beside her."Can you chop the bell peppers and onions?" Ivy replied, starting to chop some broccoli.Zack nodded, taking the knife from Ivy and beginning to chop the bell peppers and onions. The sound of sizzling vegetables and the aroma of stir-fry filled the air as they worked together.As they chopped and cooked, Ivy felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was what she needed – a normal, quiet evening with her husband, away from the drama and stress of her family's secrets. She wished every day could be like this, problem-free.But as they cooked, she couldn't help but think about her conversation with Irene earlier that day. She knew she had to tell Zack about i
Upon hearing Irene, Ivy recall what she had gone through a few months ago with Jake's situation. The danger, fear, and anxiety all came flooding back. Her eyes glazed over as she stared blankly into space. Was she ready to face that kind of situation again? It seemed her father's cruelty was beyond her imagination. "Having second thoughts?" Irene's voice cut through the fog, snapping her back to reality. "It would be better if we don't do anything rash, at least not now." Ivy shook her head in disapproval. She refused to sit back and do nothing while he had threatened her about Jeremy's trial. Upon drifting to this thought, she tugged on Irene's sleeve and forced her to sit back down. Irene didn't resist Ivy's pull but sighed in frustration. "We can't just sit back and do nothing, Irene," Ivy continued. "He's threatening me with Jeremy's case." Irene's brow furrowed in confusion. "Jeremy's case as in—wait." She paused, her eyes widened in shock. "Jeremy is back!" Ivy nodded a
Ivy refused to sit back and let things unfold before her eyes. Though she hadn't recovered from the trauma of her past, she had to take action.Ivy concealed her plan from Zack and her decision to investigate on her own. She needed Zack, but there were actions to be taken without Zack's help.So, the next day as Zack left the office, Ivy put on a brave face, not wanting to arouse any suspicion and also to avoid the retort of a therapist. She waited until Zack was out of sight, and with a sense of purpose and trepidation, Ivy dialed Irene's number.The line went through, and Irene's voice sounded with a hint of irritation."What do you want now?"Ivy ignored Irene's icy tone and got to her point."Let's meet up at the French bistro," she said flatly, leaving no room for protest.Irene chuckled at Ivy's slightly commanding tone, intrigued by whatever reason Ivy might have."What do you want?" Irene repeated, exasperation creeping into her voice."I'd rather discuss that in person, and I
As Zack swept her into their bedroom, Ivy's heart skipped a beat, racing with anticipation. She felt the wall against her back as Zack's strong hands pinned her in place."Late noon sex won't be so bad after all," Ivy teased as she felt Zack's hands cradle her hips, lifting her higher, his fingers digging gently into her skin.Ivy was breathless as her body was pressed closer to Zack's, their faces merely inches apart. The movement sent a thrill through her, and she felt her body responding at all turns."I'm glad you like the ideas," Zack finally spoke, a soft whisper in her ears, as he held her suspended, her hips at his mercy.Ivy's lips parted slightly, her body leaning into him. Her heart throbbed. Instinctively, she found her hand already wrapping around Zack's neck, pulling him close.She knew she should probably pull back, as it wasn't their usual position, but she couldn't help herself. She was drawn to Zack, and she didn't realize it at first, but she needed him right now. H
"Yeah, I don't see tears on your cheek," Susan said, her voice laced with sarcasm as she gently wiped away the tears streaming down Ivy's face.Ivy's eyes widened in embarrassment, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.Susan's expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around Ivy, pulling her into a warm hug. "It's okay, Ivy. Let it all out. I'm here for you."Ivy's resistance crumbled, and she buried her face in Susan's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. Susan held her close, whispering words of comfort and reassurance as Ivy finally allowed herself to release the emotions she had been bottling up for so long.As Ivy cried, Susan stroked her hair, murmuring softly, "That's it... Don't worry about the time; we have all day."After what felt like an eternity, Ivy's sobs finally subsided, and she pulled back from Susan, her face red and puffy from crying. Susan handed her a tissue, and Ivy blew her nose, feeling a little more composed."I'm sorry," Ivy said, her voic
Susan's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself and hurried around to the driver's side of the car. "Okay, Ivy, let's get out of here," she said softly, starting the engine.Meanwhile, Anna merely stood by, observing as Ivy's car disappeared into the distance. It appeared that her pleasant chat with Ivy would need to be postponed, as it was clear that Ivy had her own issues to address. Anna sighed and shook her head, feeling a pang of concern for Ivy. She had no idea what was going on but made a mental note to reach out to Ivy later and check in on her.As she turned to head back to her own car with her PA, she noticed a figure watching her from across the parking lot. It was a man, and the moment their eyes met, the man turned away and hurried out of the parking lot."I think that's a paparazzo," her PA suddenly spoke up from behind her, having also noticed the man."Or a journalist," Anna remarked. "Either way, we should be careful," Anna continued, her eyes scann