The police officer agreed to her request, there was no way her slender legs could escape without getting caught and if she decides to escape it will just prove the claim. Joan left in a hurry and slid along the wall of the restroom. "What if I get arrested, this isn't what I signed up for?" She typed on her phone keypad to send a text, she refused to just sit back and let herself be dragged into the mess. *Why am being called for questioning huh, this isn't part of the plan.* Although she was told never to send them texts, she resisted. She waited for over thirty seconds before she received a reply. * told you not to text me, dimwit, what if she suspects you.* Just like that, her reply ended. "What, is that her answer?" Joan said in frustration, she sent another text. *You promised I wouldn't be suspected by the police.* There was no reply. Joan smirked, "Then I'll make sure you go down with me." Ding. She immediately received a reply. *F*ck you, Joan, I told you to
IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!" Zack's voice boomed from the other end, it was filled with authority that Henry subconsciously trembled slightly. "If you ever say that again, I'll make sure you never have the guts to freely walk in the street," he said in a stern voice and ended the call. Henry wasn't given the chance to complain further, he tossed his phone aside with a frown. He couldn't believe his brother took the side of a woman. When did Zack Anderson ever bother about the female species? He only said she was a disgrace and the reply he got threw him off the roof. With nothing to do about the Anderson's name being tarnished, he sat back to see if Ivy would be proven guilty.Meanwhile, at the police station, Ivy's lawyer arrived before the interrogation began."Where were you that day she was attacked?""In my room," Ivy gave her truthful response."And the other attack?""In my room," she repeated. All Ivy wanted was for the questioning to end because after answering the tons of q
Meanwhile, inside the police station, a man decked out in a tailored suit requested to see the chief. As they recognized him, his request was honored instantly. "Welcome, sir," they showered him with respect as they brought him to the chief. The chief, upon seeing him, greeted him with courtesy. The man's appearance indicated that he was sent by a prominent figure who was not to be offended at any cost. "Mr. Bryan, what brings you here?" Bryan was Zack Anderson's right-hand man. His presence meant Zack Anderson's shadow was also there. Bryan's calm gaze fell on the chief. "I came regarding the present case. I have something useful." The chief quickly understood his hint and called the police officers handling the case. The officers who interrogated Ivy broke into a cold sweat upon seeing Bryan. "Sir..." "I am very disappointed with the police force. You all claim to bring justice yet let a criminal escape right under your nose," Bryan got straight to the point. The chief could o
Seeing the police leading Ivy for interrogations, the reporters' speculations were aroused. Though Isabelle claimed Ivy was the one behind the attack, she never took any action regarding the assault. But all of a sudden, another assault case sprang up, one that was more serious to the extent of her being bedridden for many days, unlike the first attack that she only stayed for two days. And all the claims pointed at the same person. The matter got them interested to know why would Ivy Hale, currently known as Mrs. Ivy Anderson, do something as outrageous as that.Bully a fellow actress? For what reasons? She could easily climb up the ranks with her fame, even though she took a hiatus from the industry. Her comeback sprouted the netizens, so why would she try to hurt Isabelle, who was just playing the role of a supporting character, whereas she was the main lead?With the media guiding the netizens' path, they dwelled on the assumptions that Ivy might be the culprit. Since there was no
"Mrs. Anderson is here.""Why did she come here?""Mrs. Anderson."The reporters were getting more excited at her dramatic entrance, it reminded them of the same way she appeared at the press conference for 'Wedding Catastrophe' to show them that there were two Ivy Hales. It turns out, she was the real one after all. And now, it seems she appeared for what exactly, they were not sure if her statement will help prove that she is not the culprit.Ivy walked forward in her black dress, her heels collided with every step, sending a creepy feeling to the one seated in a wheelchair at the opposite direction. This time there was no smile plastered on her face; instead, it was filled with an emotionless gaze peering at all the individuals that were blemishing her hard-earned reputation. She stopped in front of the crowd of reporters without saying anything.Isabelle manager's face was tinted red with anger, such audacity to show up at the press conference that wasn't organized by her! The onl
"What is the producer doing here?" "Director Tim." "Are you here to publicly replace them?" "Who will you replace among the both of them?" Director Tim's face was plastered with burning fury, but it was not on par with Stephen's. Stephen felt like crashing Isabelle's head on her wheelchair - only then will he call it an assault. "Producer Stephen, are you here to publicly announce a replacement?" Stephen brushed off the reporter and walked up to Isabelle, "How are you feeling now, Isabelle?" Isabelle's mind was in turmoil; she couldn't understand what was going on. The producer's face carried many traces of emotions that couldn't be ascertained. "I'm... I'm..." She was uncertain of how to answer. Stephen replaced his gaze with a profound look that made Isabelle slightly shiver... "Producer Stephen... did I... offend you?" Stephen hissed then turned to Ivy. "Please continue." Ivy smiled in response. "We are all aware I was called for questioning. The footage the polic
"How come the number is saved on your contact list? Give an explanation for that," one of the reporters queried.Isabelle, seeing the reporters slowly drifting from her side, began to panic. "That can't prove anything... I don't... I don't know him... I swear."The officer didn't say anything but took her phone and dialed Desmond's number. Immediately, Desmond's phone, presently in the hands of the officer, rang. The officer gave her a stern look. "How would you explain that?"The reporters were in an uproar."So she faked her attack.""Is she a normal human being?""See how far she went just to destroy another.""She is so despicable."Ivy smirked. The reporters hadn't seen what she really had for them yet; they were already criticizing her.Ethan was dumbfounded. He had made arrangements with Joan to put Desmond's number on Ivy's phone, or did she put it on Isabelle's phone instead. Did she betray them? The moment he thought of this, he received a text.*I swear I added the man's nu
Ivy, followed by Joan, Susan, Stephen, and director Tim, left the hall. "Ivy," Stephen called her. "I'm sorry for not believing you.""You don't have to apologize, producer Stephen," Ivy replied with a slight smile."No, I have to apologize, I already decided to replace you if not for director Tim," Stephen said."Ivy, I mean Mrs. Anderson, can I talk to you? Please." A feminine voice interrupted their conversation. Ivy turned to see who it was. Seeing Isabelle's PA outside the hall, Ivy chuckled. "You left her too. You shouldn't have; now who is going to assist her."Isabelle's PA sighed; she knew Ivy was right, but she came outside to clarify some things with Ivy. "No offense, Mrs. Anderson, you are too ruthless. Why do you have to push her to the edge? You could have just refuted earlier, not when the situation has escalated to this extent.""Can you hear yourself?" Ivy spat. "You were there when she pulled my manager's hair, and you were aware when she was planning to frame me for
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