∆NO POV∆"Thud!" The Collins household was in chaos for the past few days.Sarah Collins, mother of Jessica paced in the living room, her hands curled into fist as she threw the TV remote on the couch, "every news channel, social media, even magazines and newspapers are talking about that stupid perfume! What on earth is happening here?" The sound of glass shattering echoed from upstairs, making her wince."Baby, stop breaking things!" Sarah shouted gently, though she made no real effort to go upstairs and confront her daughter. Instead, she turned to her husband, Bernard, who is seated on the couch with a frown on his face."I still can’t believe that girl," Sarah sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Ivory, of all people! Who would’ve thought she would get this far with something as ridiculous as making perfume? I scolded her for hating that odd habit in the past, but now people are actually buying it, she is gaining fame and profit over that stupid hobby of hers!" "Ungrateful
∆IVORY∆"Ms. Ivory, we are honored to invite you as a guest to our press conference, Aromatic Aspirations: Celebrating New Brands." The message on my phone is still so unreal, I reread it multiple times making sure it isn't a dream."Finally, my bestie is a celebrity!" Pearl jumped on me to hug, breaking my chain of thought. Immediately I received a call from them, as soon as I answered the call, "Hello, Ivory speaking." "Hello Ms. Ivory, I'm Carla, an assistant assigned to you for this event, we would like to get your address, so that we can send a car and entry pass to you, is it okay with you?" Carla gently spoke, Pearl is already overjoyed hearing it..Though I'm nervous, I finally said, "Sure, I'll share my address with you, by the way is it possible for me to bring my friend along with me?"I don't want to leave Pearl alone, she has been a part of my journey till now, and played a crucial role in encouraging and helping me, Carla immediately responded, "Of course you can brin
∆IVORY∆"Ahhh!" I stumbled, as my heels betrayed me at the worst possible moment, and the cold glass floor invited me to its embrace."Am I going to fall?" The thought screamed in my mind as I closed my eyes in dear, but the answer came quickly.No, I didn’t. I was surprised as my body didn't touch the glass floor, instead, I landed in protective arms, and a gentle embrace kept me safe with the similar fragrance of cologne."You're safe," That husky voice made me open my eyes, and it was him, Alexander Kingston. The man I had been trying so hard to keep my composure around.The disappointment I had moments ago because of his absence now replaced with happiness in his presence, my heart was beating so fast, half from the near-fall accident and half from the realization that I'm still in his embrace.I could feel the weight of the moment, the camera flashes from the press capturing what was probably the most embarrassing yet oddly romantic scene of my life.No, I can't let it happen! I
∆NO POV∆"Ms. Ivory, the rising star of the city," The voice coming out of the television, without thinking twice, Jacob threw the flower vase towards television breaking it being enraged after hearing Ivory's name.His frustration was evident as he kicked the magazines and newspapers scattered on the floor. Each one has a common theme, Ivory’s name, her accomplishments, her rising status with her new start-up."Ivory... Ivory," he spat, his voice laced with bitterness. "Why is she everywhere? Why should her name be on everyone’s lips?" The loud commotion made Robert and Valeria to rush into the living room."Oh my God!" Valeria gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "What on earth have you done, Jacob? Look at this mess!"She stared at the broken television, the imported vases reduced to shards, and the chaos Jacob had unleashed.Jacob stomped on the magazine with the photo of Ivory, "She.... She is the reason mom, that smile on her face as if she is mocking me!" Robert sighed a
∆IVORY∆"Beep"The sound when money is credited to my account, it's always enlightening, I checked my bank balance only to be surprised while smiling like a fool, being independent like this feels truly like a dream come true."Yes, I made it.... I finally made it!" That proud feeling made me to forget the hardships, struggles, inner fear, conflicts, the past few months felt like a whirlwind, a mix of heartbreak, loneliness, achievements, fame and success, everything, a pain that made me shred tears, the same pain turned into happiness bringing a smile on my face.I'm living a life free from shadows once pulled me into darkness, no longer needed to be obedient or submissive to anyone, I'm living for myself, no need to impress anyone, this spotlight came with its own share of doubts and challenges but made me stronger than ever.I've been living in Pearl's house till now, but now I've enough money to buy my own house, so it's time for me to settle down in a house brought with my own m
∆IVORY∆"Regret?" I let out a sarcastic laugh showing her words doesn't show any kind of effect on me. "The only regret I have is wasting my time listening to you and your nonsense, now, get out of my house." Jessica clenched her jaw while glaring at me, "You think you can stop me? I know how to take what I want." I narrowed my eyes at her bluffing, "And I know how to protect what’s mine, I don’t hold on to trash, Jessica, I let it go to make room for treasure." She knows very well who is the trash I'm talking about, her face flushed with anger."Enjoy it while it lasts, Ivory, success is fickle, and when it slips away, don’t say I didn’t warn you." Turning around, she stomped her foot in frustration before storming out, slamming the door behind her."What the hell? Whose house is this?" I sighed while checking the door, "This is my house, which I brought with my own money, how can she slam my door like this? If it breaks, I'll sue her!"I took a breath in relief that my door is
∆IVORY∆"Yes," I responded, feeling the heat pass to my cheeks, even I'm not sure why I'm blushing furiously but I knew it's all because of that teasing smirk on his face as if he is enjoying this situation, his lips curled into a sly smile, "I like it." "Huh?" I blinked being puzzled by his sudden statement not understanding what he meant by he like it, whether the smell or him being the first one to have it!"The scent," he clarified, holding up the bottle and taking another sniff. "I like the smell, it reminds me of you, elegant and bold." I couldn't help but to let out a small smile, but my mind was stuck in a loop, replaying that accidental kiss over and over, the warmth of his lips on mine that's still fresh and raw, I never thought a man's lips could be this soft until his lips touched mine.Every time I tried to push that thoughts of mine, the memory kept coming back in like a whisper I couldn’t ignore anymore, "How it would've felt if it's not a peck but a deep kiss? Doe
∆ALEXANDER∆"Looks like you're so happy tonight?" Kavin grinned while driving the car, and I'm so busy with tracing a finger on my lips where her lips touched earlier.Glancing at Kavin, I said, "Maybe, I should thank you for that," Kavin chuckled keeping his steady gaze at the road, "So, I think I deserve some bonus for my hardwork, right?" Opening my mobile, I sent money to him immediately, "Done!" "Thanks boss," He adjusted the front mirror, "I'll try my best for you from now onwards." I laughed at his words, and stared out of the window, passing cars and corners of roads, but none of these are in mind, the only thing that's running in my mind is her smile and innocent expression of her's, how could I even forget that memorable moment?"The house, just as you said, it was sold for a very low price not even half the original price," Kavin informed me about the house I arranged for Ivory, and I totally forgot about that until he mentioned it now, I smiled, "That's good, as long as
∆IVORY POV∆"Damn Ivory," I almost slapped my mouth for being loose, immediately I stepped back trying to be away from Alexander, "Ummm... Nothing, I'm not worried about anything, why would I even be worried? Why should I?" Alexander crossed his arms, "That's my question too, why should you be worried? Did you do anything?" "Not... Nothing," I knew both my body and voice were trembling, it almost came as if in urgency, but there's nothing I could do seriously, it's not my fault but the fault of the man in front of me."I see," he smiled, I can see a wicked grin on his face, this man is quiet dangerous for innocent people like me.The room still had the soft glow of candles, the scent of roses lingering in the air. Everything screamed romance, but my situation with Alexander was… complicated, to call it romance, it won't be lying in my bed but I'm coffin with roses decorated on me, because he is Alexander Kingston.His gaze shifted around the room before landing on me. His lips twi
∆IVORY POV∆"I know it's hard to believe," Eric winked at Alexander, "But whatever that old man saying, everything is true." Old Master Kingston raised his cane, "Who is old man here? You and your father are old man, not me." "Yes... Yes, we are only old," Eric chuckled, "You're just an youngster, who crossed teenage years." Alexander joined Eric in teasing Old Master Kingston, "Too bad, he still thinks he is just a teenager." "You brats, both of you are seriously annoying," Old Master Kingston sighed, "I don't understand how I raised these both ungrateful brats all these years!" Eric and Alexander laughed hearing to his words, looking in my direction, Old Master Kingston said with a warm voice, "I know it's like one plus one offer, but if you're in a relationship with Alex, Eric will be a third wheel always, they've been best buddies for so long, handling them might be hard, so I'm giving you full permission, you can discipline them in any way you wants, none will question you o
∆IVORY POV∆"Old Master Kingston isn't scary at all," I couldn't help but to remember how kind and sweet he was earlier, I expected him to lash out on us, I thought he would insult me for becoming the wife of his precious son on whom he doted on very much.The family affairs of Kingston's family is quite dynamic, Old Master Kingston is always distant from his eldest son and only grandson, but loves Alexander a lot, that's why the majority of the Kingston family belongs to Alexander.Even after being fiancee of Jacob for so long, I never got to know about Alexander much, maybe it's because I was into only Jacob, and never cared much about others, even now I don't think I would ever know the secrets of this family, as I'm just a contract wife to Alexander Kingston.I was looking at the gifts they sent to the room, seriously I never expected a bride price, and this is too huge.Just as I was caressing the heirloom box, I heard a knock on the door, and a middle aged woman who earlier guid
∆PEARL POV∆"So beautiful!" Looks like it's not exaggerating when they said that the flowers found in Kingston family garden can't be found anywhere.The garden was glowing under golden sunlight, the gentle fragrance of roses, jasmine, and lilacs filling the air as I walked in between those flowers.It was one of those rare peaceful moments where I could simply admire nature without any distractions. The vibrant petals were dancing in the light breeze, and for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of calm which I never felt before.That was until I heard his voice."You look like one of these flowers, you know, pretty but probably hiding thorns."I sighed before turning around, Eric Lawrence stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, with an usual smirk on his face.The sunlight made his sharp features even more strikingly attractive, and I hated how effortlessly charismatic he was when people struggling hard just to look attractive, but look at him no need to worry about anyt
∆NO POV∆"I'm not angry with you," Old Master Kingston said, his deep voice filled the living room, "Why would I even angry with you, my dear? In fact, I couldn't bring myself to be angry with you, because you did nothing wrong." Ivory, who had been sitting in a stiffened position finally took a deep breath in relief.For some reason, those words brought an odd sense of relief, as if she had unknowingly been waiting for his approval."I'm actually quite pleased," the old man continued, a rare smile formed up on his face unlike his stern expression like always.His sharp eyes shifted to Alexander, and his smile turned into something smug. "Finally, this aloof and clueless son of mine has managed to marry someone sweet and kind like you, I can be rest assured now thinking my dumb son is in safe hands." Ivory blinked in surprise, while Alexander jusr rolled his eyes.Eric, standing beside Alexander let out an exaggerated gasp before bursting into laughter."Did you just call your own
∆NO POV∆"I'm scared," Ivory whispered the moment she stepped out of the car. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her dress as her stomach twisted in knots, just as standing in front of a huge mansion, which is intimidating as a hell made Ivory to think about running away without even turning around.She hadn't even taken a step forward, yet she was already regretting coming here.Pulling Alexander's sleeve, Ivory mumbled, "Is it okay to leave?" Eric, ever the bully, snickered beside her. "You can leave if you want, but take your husband with you because that old man is definitely going to kick him out."Ivory swallowed hard, turning to Alexander with pleading eyes. "Maybe we should just...." Before she could finish, Alexander smacked Eric on the back of his head, making him yelp. "Shut up before I bury you in the garden, idiot." Eric rubbed his head with a glare. "Why are you hitting me? I'm just speaking the truth! I'm sure your father is gonna explode when he hears about this ma
∆NO POV∆"What'll happen?" "Old Master is so furious, this time young lady can't escape!" "I never expected long lost daughter of Collins family would be this promiscuous!""Though an adopted daughter, young lady Ivory is very elegant and matured!" The servants of Collins mansion whispered among themselves watching the scene in front of them, the mansion had never felt so suffocating as today.The grand living room was silent except for the sound of Jacob Kingston and Jessica Collins kneeling before the wrath of Old Master Collins.The old man sat on the couch gripping his cane so tightly as if he was controlling his frustration.His aged face, twisted in rage eager to discipline two people kneeling infront of him.His granddaughter, his own flesh and blood, had humiliated their family in the worst possible way, he tried his best to hide everything till now, but things got out of control in the wedding."You ungrateful disgrace!" His voice roared through the room like a violent sto
∆NO POV∆"Yours?" Ivory asked, her voice sounding almost a whisper. "Are you claiming ownership on me?"Alexander didn't even hesitate, with a proud smile, he nodded, "Yes, any objection?" The priest cleared his throat and announced, "You may kiss the bride."Ivory’s heart jumped to her throat. "Oh no, the kiss! It's not like the first time we are kissing each other, but... But, that and this are different, what am I supposed to do now?" She braced herself, cheeks already burning, mentally preparing for the inevitable. "Is he really going to kiss me in front of everyone? Right here, right now?" The entire hall was silent, holding its breath, watching with anticipation.Just as she thought he would lean in and claim her lips, Alexander did something completely unexpected, he pressed a warm, and gentle kiss on her forehead instead.The crowd gasped. Even Ivory’s breath caught in her throat in surprise."I love keeping things private," Alexander whispered in her ear, "Whether a kiss
∆NO POV∆"Did I mishear him?" Ivory blinked at him, and dumbly said while her lips were barely forming the word, "Huh?" Alexander Kingston, the infamous trillionaire bachelor, stood before her with a confident smirk, hands in his pockets, as if he hadn’t just thrown a bomb into the middle of a collapsing wedding."I'm a much better choice, handsome, rich, a gentleman, good at everything, and most importantly, I'm from the Kingston family, so, Ivory, why don't you marry me?"Ivory felt her soul might leave her body for a brief second, "Ummm..." "What?" Sarah almost shouted, practically choking on air, "How is this possible? Why would you marry her?" Old Master Collins' eyes widened in shock, his grip tightening on his cane, as he didn't expect something like this from Alexander."How can she marry yo..." Before Sarah could start another dramatic rant, Alexander raised his hand lazily, stopping her mid-sentence. Then, as if nothing in the world could faze him, he turned back to Ivo