James knew that once his friend holds a vendetta, he makes sure to ruthlessly pursue revenge. "Which of the Ivys, Hale or Anderson...." "Ivy Anderson," Jake responded, clenching his fist tightly beside him. Not only did Ivy expose he was gay, but she also dug up his dirt. "Someone offered to help..." James told him, starting the car. "He knows the best way to take her out." "I can take her down myself," Jake spat, inwardly his mind was picturing Ivy in a miserable state. He had just the best way to get back at her for the troubles she had caused. James patted his shoulder. "Don't forget she is married to Zack Anderson; that man is trouble." Jake slapped his hands away, displeased. "There is no trouble I can't handle." "Okay," James shrugged. "Whatever plan you have will go more smoothly with an alliance. Let's meet her; she knows the ins." "Who is she?" Jake asked. "An acquaintance," he replied. "Do I know her?" Jake frowned; he was sure he knew who he was talking abo
It didn't take long to finish the last scene of the day. "Alright, let's wrap it up," Director Tim clapped, standing up from his chair. "I stink," Anna muttered. She was covered in mud, same with Ivy as it was a joint scene. She fixed her gaze on Ivy and smiled mockingly. "You look dashing in slime." The sarcasm again, she had been doing this the whole day. "While you look like a goddess of mud," Ivy returned the sarcasm. Anna looked down at her body, then raised her head. "Thanks for the compliment." "You're welcome." They were growing closer in friendship. Ivy initially thought they wouldn't get along, but here they were bantering. Ivy did a small stretch, then yawned widely, moving towards the trailer to change out of her costume. While she took off the clothes, she staggered slightly before regaining her footing. She shook her head as her vision felt blurry. The day's shoot took a toll on her, and she couldn't wait to get some rest. She sluggishly wore her dress and g
Panic surged through her as she sensed the nefarious aura emitting from them. She began to piece up the fragment of the odd phenomenon, but the dire question was, what do they want? They certainly don't seem friendly. She frantically attempted to start her car again but the creaking sound deterred her escape. She turned back to check on Ivy. Behold, she was sound asleep. "IVY! IVY WAKE UP!" She bellowed, her scream piercing the air before it abruptly cut off. She turned her gaze to the incoming threat; her eyes widened as the dark shadow loomed closer, its presence shoving her mind into tumult. "Ivy!" She jumped to the back seat, grabbing her phone; her hands quivered as it slid on the sleek screen. She tried to unlock her phone but she couldn't get her own password right. A plunk sound made her heart skip a beat. She accidentally tossed her phone due to fright; she looked downward to find it, but there was no clear view in her car. "Shit." She cursed silently. Her own desi
Zack's hands gripped onto the steering wheel, thinking of the best way to navigate through the desperate situation. He had never felt this anxious in his life. His mind was apprehensive of the foreboding result if he didn't find her in time.Arriving at the city took an hour due to his fast acceleration. The road was scarce of cars, with only a few passing here and there.His first clue to start the search was the production studio. He passed through the location with his eyes pinned on his surroundings in case of sighting any Rolls-Royce.Unfortunately, there was none. He kept driving further in hope to find her, going round the city with his eyes darting around his surroundings.With no luck in his two-hour search, he dialed Bryan's number to inquire about the police progress."Have they found her yet?" He asked, expecting a positive response, but instead, it was the opposite."Sir, it will be hard to find her without some sort of hint," Bryan responded nervously because he knew how
Zack veered backwards, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make out who he saw. The bloody blonde hair and weak-looking eyes came into focus. "Edmond," Edmond gazed at him with a flash of respite in his eyes, his leg quivering, barely standing on his feet. With no strength left in him, he gave in to his leg's command, falling towards Zack. Zack quickly caught him before he could fall to the ground. The stench of blood wafted into his nose, making him grow more anxious about his wife's safety. Since Edmond was in this particular state, how about his wife—what will happen to her? What are the kidnappers planning to do to her? "What happened, Edmond? Tell me." His hoarse voice was filled with concern. He laid him down on the ground and adjusted his head to a comfortable slope. "What happened?" He repeated his question, but Edmond grasped his arm with his shaky hand, wincing in pain. Zack, noticing this, realized he needed immediate treatment, but the problem was his car has run out of g
"G, she is awake..." He informed his partner who was at the other end of the spacious room."She is what?" His partner, G asked in disbelief, "it has only been two hours."He marched forward to see it for himself if she really was awake. Behold, her eyes were open with a faint gaze, steady on the other guy.Ivy was trying to comprehend her surroundings, mainly the people staring down at her. "Where am I? Who are you?" But then she felt a dull headache causing her to wince, clutching her forehead.The two men exchanged looks, surprised by her sudden awakening."Did you give her the exact dosage I asked you to?" The guy G, who seemed to be the leader, gave the other a stern look. "Did you?.""Yes... I did... The exact amount... I think..." Though he told him so, he wasn't so sure himself."You fool, I told you to double the pills. Did you or not?" His gaze was fierce, piercing into his partner, making him step back in fear. "I didn't, cause I thought you said..." Before he could say the
"Isabelle, you?" Ivy's mouth was slightly agape, staring at the same woman who had tried to ruin her reputation nearly a month ago.She hadn't attempted to determine who would have abducted her, but she never would have imagined Isabelle of all people. She requested to be sure. "You are the one who did the drugging, right? You were the one who paid those thugs to kidnap me."Isabelle finally shifted her gaze towards Ivy, the smirk still visible on her cheek. "Bravo." She scoffed and shifted her gaze back to the windshield.Ivy's was unable to respond to her words. She had always thought Isabelle to be a sly and manipulative individual because of how she deceived the media, orchestrating her own attack, but for her to be so ruthless to the extent of indulging in such a hefty crime never crossed her mind."Then why did you allow me to discover you as the mastermind behind my abduction? What if I rat you out when I escape?"Isabelle snorted, looking at her derisively. "Do you think you c
"Ivy..." His hoarse voice was cracked; his eyes beamed with a sea of relief, coupled with a hint of fear as the thought of losing her was still fresh in his mind."Hubby..." Ivy picked up her pace to reach him, and they enveloped in a tight embrace. She nestled deeper into his embrace, feeling his warmth seep into her bones as her hands were firmly wrapped around his neck. Her pulse settled, returning to normal, with her eyes moist but no tears flowed down her cheek. She never thought she would feel this way in his embrace. The mild air of emotions swirling around her was something she simply couldn't ignore."Are you hurt?" Zack withdrew from their embrace and examined her with concern, checking for any harm.Ivy shook her head, still gripping onto his sleeves."Are you sure?" Zack asked uncertain, he could feel the coldness on her skin from his fingertips. "You're cold." He then wrapped his hands around her, he didn't have his suit with him, so he used his arms instead and took her
The question hung in the air, thick and heavy. Ivy’s breath hitched as Nadia’s words landed like a direct blow. The anger that had fueled her outburst at the cemetery now mingled with a chilling dread. She looked at Nadia, really looked at her, seeing the raw grief and desperate need for answers reflected in her tear-filled eyes. This wasn't just about her own loss anymore; it was about Nadia's too. "I…" Ivy started, but her voice seemed lost. She wanted to deny it, to protect Nadia from the harsh reality, but the lie wouldn't come. How would she even explain that? She had let her anger take over, and now she had Nadia hearing her accusations. "Answer me. Is it true?" Nadia pressed firmly, her voice trembling... Ivy froze, her eyes wandering over Nadia's face. Her anger was long gone, now replaced by uncertainty. Should she tell her? But there was no proof yet, and she didn't want Nadia to get involved. "Ivy, answer me. 'Cause it seems like an accident to me. Why would you acc
As Ivy's screams echoed through the cemetery, Steve's face turned pale as he had become the center of attention. Ivy's words about him being a killer sent the mourners murmuring, whispering among themselves. Zack continued holding Ivy back, with Irene later stepping in. The fire in Ivy's eyes continued to burn fiercely, something Steve had never seen in her eyes before. This wasn't the same sweet, innocent daughter he used to know; he usually compared her to her mother, but Ivy had proved to be different—a drastic gap that sent his head spinning. He could no longer keep his cool; neither could he stand the scene unfolding, so he silently slipped out of the crowd, casting a brief yet menacing gaze at Ivy. "Ivy, please! Stop!" "You are not thinking clearly..." Zack and Irene's words faded into the background as Steve made his way to his car and slid into it, as though trying to shut himself off from the world. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered inside him. Ivy
The sky was a deep, foreboding gray, as if it too were mourning the loss of Judy. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth as Ivy walked behind the hearse, her eyes fixed on the polished wooden casket adorned with a spray of white lilies, Judy's favorite flowers.As they reached the gravesite, the mourners gathered around, their faces etched with grief and sorrow. But Ivy's eyes were fixed on one person alone, one person she wished she could crush, melt, break, or kill if it wasn't against the law. Steve stood in front of everyone else, his face showing the grief more than anyone else. Many would relate, after all, it's his sister that died, but Ivy saw through that facade. It seemed Steve enjoyed killing; he should start bracing himself for his own death!"Ivy. Ivy! Snap out of it, okay?" Zack called, pulling Ivy from her thoughts. "Don't cause a scene, at least not now."Ivy didn't even realize her face was scrunched like a ball that had been crushed by a hydraulic press. She
Ivy trudged through the front door, feeling emotionally drained. The image of Judy’s lifeless body repeatedly flashed before her eyes as she blinked back the tears that had threatened to fall.She felt like she was drowning, unable to escape the overwhelming ache that had settled in her chest. It stung so much that she could hardly breathe. With a shaking hand, she reached for the sofa, collapsing into it, craving the comfort that it should offer, but it never came. All she felt was numbness that refused to go away. The pain of losing a loved one... it was so familiar, so daunting, bringing back old painful memories. Judy was gone just like that? Now she was nothing more than a memory, one she wished she could bring to life once again. Tears flowed down her cheeks, having lost the will to fight them.She took a deep breath and pulled out her phone to call Zack, the one she could lean on.Zack picked up on the first ring, his voice sweet and casual. "Hey, how are you?"Ivy sniffled, tr
The courtroom erupted into chaos, and Steve's face turned beet red with anger and frustration. He abruptly stood up and stormed out of the room. Ivy watched him go, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. She felt a sense of vindication, knowing that Jeremy had been found guilty, sooner Steve will be next.Ivy pushed the thought aside and turned to Zack, a smile spreading across her face. "We did it," she whispered, her eyes shining with tears. Zack grinned back, pulling her into a tight hug. As they hugged, Ivy's mind began to wander to Judy. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The call from the hospital had seemed so urgent, so real. What if it wasn't a ruse? What if Judy was hurt? Ivy's smile faltered, and she pulled back from Zack. "I need to go to the hospital," she said and Zack's expression changed from celebratory to concerned. "What's wrong?" Ivy hesitated. "I don't know if the call from the hospital was real or not. But I need to check. What if Jud
The courtroom was packed as Ivy and Zack took their seats behind the prosecutor's table. Steve arrived shortly and sat across from her, his eyes cold and calculating. Ivy's heart raced as she avoided his gaze, focusing instead on the prosecutor, who was shuffling through his notes.The judge, a stern-looking woman, entered the courtroom, and the bailiff called the room to order."This court is now in session," the judge declared, her voice firm and commanding. "The case before us today is the state versus Jeremy Hale. Mr. Prosecutor, you may proceed with your opening statement."The prosecutor, a tall, imposing man with a confident smile, stood up, surveying the courtroom before beginning his statement."Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the case before us today is a heinous crime. A young woman's life was almost cut short due to the reckless actions of the defendant, Jeremy Hale. We will present evidence that shows his actions were not only negligent but also intentional."Ivy felt a
The ride to the court felt like an eternity; it was as though the car was moving at a slow pace, which wasn't the case at all. Ivy let out a big gush of air, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She was determined to see justice served, but the news about her aunt's accident weighed heavily on her heart.She glanced at Zack, who was seated beside her, his expression a mask of calm determination."Hey, you okay?" Zack asked, noticing her gaze.Ivy nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit nervous."Zack's eyes narrowed slightly. "I can tell by the way you're playing with your nails."Ivy's expression faltered for a moment as she stared at her hand and realized she had indeed been fidgeting with her nails. She dropped her hand, feeling a slight flush rise to her cheeks. "I guess I am a bit more nervous than I thought," she admitted, trying to laugh it off.Zack smiled reassuringly and took her hand in his. "It's okay to be nervous, Ivy. This is a big day. But you're prepare
Ivy stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blazer for what felt like the hundredth time. She took a deep breath, exhaled deeply, and nodded to herself. Today was the day she'd finally face Jeremy in court and put him to justice.The door creaked open, and she turned around to find Zack dressed in a crisp, navy-blue suit, his tie perfectly knotted. He caught her eye and smiled, his expression confident."You okay?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close."Yeah, I am..." Ivy responded, her voice low but laced with steel. "I'm ready."Zack smiled softly, spun her around, and enveloped her in a reassuring hug. "You're going to do great."Ivy's warm smile faltered as she leaned into the comfort of his shoulders. The silence between them was soothing, filled with the gentle sound of his breathing. But the shrill ringtone of her phone pierced the calm, jolting her upright.She pulled away, her eyes locking onto the screen as she hesitated. The number was unkn
Ivy sat on the edge of the bed as Dr. Harrison examined her. Meanwhile, Zack watched anxiously from the corner of the room, his heart pounding in his chest. "Well, let's see," Dr. Harrison said, his brow furrowed as he checked Ivy's vitals. "Your blood pressure seems a bit low, and you're a bit pale. Have you been experiencing any other symptoms?" Ivy shook her head. "Just nausea and this… this bleeding from my nose." Dr. Harrison nodded thoughtfully. "And when was your last period?" Ivy hesitated, suddenly remembering she hadn't really considered that. "I… I'm not sure. Maybe a week ago?" Dr. Harrison's eyes widened slightly. "Mr. Anderson, I think we should run some tests. Just to be sure." Zack's heart sank. "What kind of tests?" Dr. Harrison hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Well, given Ivy's symptoms and the missed period, I'd like to rule out a few possibilities. We'll need to do a blood test and a pregnancy test." Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. "A pre