∆IVORY∆"What?" I was taken back by Jessica’s words, not only me Mrs. Valeria and Pearl were also stunned listening to her words.The salesgirl hesitated, casting me an awkward glance before speaking. "Madam, this isn’t even part of our showroom collection. It’s a mediocre design made by a no name intern, and we were planning to dispose of it today, I don’t think it’s suitable for a bride." I blinked.... Once.... Twice....Did she just say… this was an intern’s discarded design?My fingers tightened around the clutch I'm holding.A cold, sinking feeling filled through my chest, but I forced my expression to remain as neutral as possible.So this was what they thought of me? A woman destined to wear discarded scraps while the so-called other woman flaunted a designer gown in my wedding? I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, but my heart burned with quiet humiliation though I don't want to care about it anymore.The salesgirl’s words filled in my ears, but before I could react,
∆NO POV∆"This bitch!" Jacob growled looking at the arrogance of Ivory.Exhaling sharply, his hand back of his neck, as he is controlling the frustration bubbling up beneath his calm and composed exterior, turning to his mother, he complained about Ivory's behaviour, "This is all because of you and your support to her mom, did you see what she has done?" His voice carried the deep anger, but before he could say another word, a harsh slap landed on his cheek.The force of the slap snapped his head to the other side, while his eyes widened in disbelief, "Mom? Did you just slap me?" There is a pure shock filled in voice, as he stared at his own mother who just slapped him in public for a nobody."You deserved it," Valeria snapped, with eyes shining with fury, "This slap is a reminder for your stupid behaviour, today." Jacob touched his stinging cheek, still trying to understand what had just happened. "How can you slap me for that useless wench? Didn't you see how she is behaving?" "
∆IVORY∆"Damn."My steps were paused in the midway, staring at the gigantic bridal showroom in front of me. I cross-checked the address to see whether I'm at the right place or not, it was so massive that I wouldn’t be surprised if it had its own zip code. The shinning glass windows showcased dazzling wedding gowns, each looking more expensive than my entire life savings. "This is too huge," I mumbled, I can feel my knees giving up on all the strength, "I think selling organs illegally is the only way that can make us afford an outfit here!" "Exactly!" Pearl nodded as if she was agreeing with my words, her eyes twinkling like a kid in a candy store. "I never expected we would be doing wedding shopping in a place like this, for your marriage!" "I never expected it either," I sighed, rubbing my temples.I mean, it's just a contract marriage, but this man is doing as if it's a real marriage and we are about to spend an eternity with each other, Alexander Kingston, a man who had m
∆NO POV∆"Why isn't he speaking anything?" Ivory thought to herself, even though she is looking like a princess, still her mind wasn’t on the dress. It was on Alexander who was just staring at her without uttering a single word."Yes," he finally said, with a warm and admiration filled voice, "Beautiful... too beautiful..."Ivory who was upset till then as Alexander didn't say anything felt a sudden rush of heat spreading across her cheeks because of his compliment.She quickly looked away, pretending to examine the dress once again, as if it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.Alexander who loves nothing but teasing Ivory, leaned slightly forward, "I like this dress, what about you? "I think it's expensive," she mumbled worrying about the price of the dress, as it didn't seem to be a normal outfit.Alexander sighed, shaking his head, "Expensive or not, that's not something you're supposed to bother about. What matters is whether it looks beautiful on you or
∆NO POV∆"Yes, Big brother only," Eric grinned gently patting on her head, "Call me that, and I'll do anything for you." Ivory shook her head, "No way... That would never happen..." She still looked awkward and embarrassed hearing to Eric's words, while he pouted, "Why not? I’d be the best big brother ever! I’ll spoil you, protect you, and make sure Alex doesn’t bully you!"Alexander rolled his eyes. "I don’t bully her, you don't have to involve me." "See, you might not bully her now, none knows about it in future right?" Eric narrowed his eyes placing his hand around Ivory's shoulder, "Having a brother was never a bad thing my dear." Alexander sighed at Eric's closeness with Ivory, "Can't you keep your distance from her?" "No..." Eric smirked and glanced at Ivory, "You don't mind this brother being close to you, right?" Pearl laughed enjoying their banter, Ivory crossed her arms moving little away from Eric. "I’m not calling you ‘Big Brother,' that’s just weird, I can't do that
∆NO POV∆"Oh my goodness! Did you see that?" The grand wedding hall was alive with whispers. The wedding arrangements were mixed with both anxiety and nervousness, instead of celebrating the couple, all eyes were on Jessica who is competing for attention with the bride.Dressed in an elegant white frock that flirted dangerously close to resembling a wedding gown, she moved through the hall with the grace like a princess, despite knowing exactly what she was doing."Does she not realize what she's wearing?""Or maybe she does?""What kind of a person is she trying to compete with a bride on her wedding day?" "I heard ever since they found their real daughter, they’ve been treating Ivory like an outsider.""Poor girl... How can they treat such a good girl like that?"Mrs. Rosa, the queen of gossip, nudged Mrs. Katherine with a sly look. "Did you hear the latest thing? There are rumors that Jessica seduced Ivory’s fiance."Mrs. Katherine gasped in shock. "Jacob Kingston? A two-timer?"
∆NO POV∆"Why is the groom wearing such a shabby dress?" One of the ladies in the front row muttered pointing out at the outfit Jacob wearing."Is the Kingston family struggling financially?" Another guest joined, her voice filled with mock concern."It does seem that way," the other one agreed, their tone filled with amusement.Robert Kingston clenched his jaw at the humiliating whispers surrounding him. He felt ashamed and embarrassed, glanced at his wife, Valeria, whose forced smile looked more like a facade."Your dearest son is ruining our reputation," Robert muttered under his breath, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his chair, "See how people are mocking about our financial situation!" Valeria, always one to calm the situation, patted his hand soothingly. "Relax honey, everything will be fine once the marriage is done, let him do whatever he wants, as long as this marriage goes on without any disturbance, that's all I could pray for." Robert gritted his teeth. "
∆NO POV∆"What are you doing here? And what exactly is your relationship with her?" Jacob stared at Eric with a cold face, and his voice is full of suspicion filling the room with thick tension.Eric, however, remained unfazed, as he repeated Jacob’s words mockingly. "What am I doing here? What’s my relationship with her? Is that what you’re so desperate to know?"Jacob didn’t react, but his silence spoke more than any other words.Eric chuckled lightly before answering his own question. "Well, I'll tell you, I’m here for her, I’ve decided to adopt her, I heard the Collins family doesn’t value their daughter, so I thought of stealing her away from Collins family, unlike Collins, our Lawrence family, cherishes their girls.""Lawrence?" Ivory mumbled in surprise, her eyes widening at the weight that the family name carries.Eric turned to her with a charming smile unlike the cold expression he has towards Jacob. "Yes, princess, I’m Eric Lawrence, young master of the Lawrence family, don
∆NO POV∆"Ring... Ring...." The mobile ringtone woke up Jacob, Jessica shouted at him, "Jacob shut that mobile off, I want to sleep..." With a sigh, he turned the mobile off, the morning sun rays passing through the half-closed curtains, casting golden streaks across the marble floor. Jacob sat up in the bed, with furrowed brows as the discomfort in his stomach made him irritated early in the morning.He blinked, adjusting to the light, only to find Jessica sleeping peacefully without anything present to bother her.A strange warmth radiated from her, and for a second, Jacob allowed himself to enjoy the calm moment with her.Then it hit him.The documents.... The proposal.... The goddamn deadline."Shit," Jacob hissed, gently moving Jessica’s arm off him, he glanced at the clock, it's 10:17 am.Too late.He was supposed to finalize the expansion report for the overseas branch last night. But somewhere between Jessica resting her head on his shoulder and whispering, "I’m sleepy, wh
∆NO POV∆"Shall we?" Alexander reached out, gently taking Ivory’s hand into his. His grip was warm, comforting, steady as he asked softly, tilting his head with a small smile.Ivory nodded, matching his warmth. "Sure…" Since it's already time for them to leave, though she loved the hospitality and everything, still she knew she has to leave this place.Eric, who had been watching them from the side, chuckled. "Looks like someone doesn’t want to leave this place, by chance did you fall in love with this place, princess?" Alexander raised a brow, with an amused smile, "What's so great in this place anyway?" Ivory glanced around the Kingston estate one last time, the grand hallways, the faint scent of fresh roses from the garden, the staff who warmly greeted her with genuine smiles… and then her gaze fell back on Alexander’s father, who stood nearby with a proud smile on his face."It feels like home, so of course it's great to be here," she said softly, as this is the first time in
∆IVORY POV∆"Pearl... Stop hugging me, you're so heavy," I groaned in my sleep, rubbing my eyes I woke up feeling warm and cozy. I blinked, realizing something soft wrapped around my waist like a snake.Wait.My heart stopped.Alexander’s hand.So, from the last night, he didn't move at all, even now his hand wrapped against my waist, and I'm also hugging him.Oh god! I must've gone crazy!Panic passed through me as I groaned inwardly, "This man, did he think of me as his comforting pillow or what? If not why did he even hug me that tightly to sleep? Arghh, never thought I would become a human pillow one day!"No matter what I can't argue or fight with him, after all he is my boss, and also a husband, I should respect him for sure, so let's just ignore this incident as if it never happened.Slowly, very slowly, I tried to move away without waking him.I barely shifted an inch before a deep, groggy voice mumbled, "Where do you think you’re going?"I froze. "Uh…"He slightly opened an
∆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