∆IVORY∆"Why her?" A call from housekeeper Lara surprised me while I was in the middle of the conversation.She never contacted me from the day I cut off ties with my so-called family, if so why did she call me, now? With that thing in my mind, I answered the call only to hear about.My grandfather.A bad feeling settled in my stomach as I was talking in the call, the voice on the other end was hurried, almost panicked. "Miss Ivory, please come back immediately, Mr. Dubrey is in the hospital, he wishes to see you."My grip on the phone tightened and I turned completely silent."We… we don’t know anything yet, but he keeps asking for you, please come soon, we will be waiting for you." "I....I'll be there," I said with a dry voice hanging up the call and glanced at Alexander as soon as I hung up, "I think we need to leave, immediately." Alexander frowned with a confused face. "Immediately? To where?""Grandfather… he's hospitalized, he is sick and wants to see me now." I managed to sa
∆NO POV∆"We will reach in no time," Alexander said with a gentle smile, as they're preparing to leave.Eric stopped Ivory, and handed her a small box, "A small token of gift from me!" "No," Ivory refused giving it back to him, "I can't accept anything given by you." Eric pinched her cheeks gently, "Ivory, you can stop hating me, as I said I'll not be coming in between you and him, he is all yours, why hating such an innocent man like me?" "Stop it," she brushed off his hand away, Eric just chuckled, Alexander came in at the same time, "Are you teasing her again?" Eric shook his head with a fake pain, "I didn't, I'm giving a gift with a kind heart, but she refused to accept my kindness." "This man? What exactly is he doing?" Ivory thought to herself, "Is he sowing misunderstandings in between me and Alexander? Just like in those TV shows, white lotus bitches act all innocent in front of the big boss, only to make the female lead suffer, is he doing the same?" Alexander smacked o
∆NO POV∆"Did you forget?" Ivory rolled her eyes, "That day in the bar, thanks to you dragging me there to cry after my break-up, I found this man in my drunken state." As always, Pearl put on a dramatic expression, "Girl, you've to be grateful to me, throughout your life, you should be thanking me for taking you to that bar, especially that night, where you and he met, thanks to that you're enjoying, along with you, I'm also enjoying." Alexander looked confused after watching both Pearl and Ivory standing right there and not coming inside, "Aren't you both going to come inside?" "Yeah, we are coming," Ivory replied, pulling Pearl along with her to go inside, Alexander shaking his head let them inside, "Young girls are pretty hard to understand!" Those words he suppressed within himself, walking in, Pearl leaned closer to whisper in Ivory's ear, "He is pretty loaded, such a rich man like the big boss in those novels!" Ivory grinned at Pearl's words. "I already knew that.""But th
∆IVORY∆"Don't tell me you already started thinking about it, are you?" Pearl wriggled her eyebrows, as she teased me, using a gentle smack with a pillow bringing me out of my thoughts."Ugh, shut up," I groaned, turning over, and buried my face in the soft sheets beneath me, I'm already tired no more strength to fight or argue, can't even think of anything more.Pearl giggled, but I ignored her and closed my eyes as I'm already tired like hell, just as I closed my eyes, sleep is already waiting for me, and instantly, i was dragged into a comforting wave of sleep.I don't even know how long I was asleep, but when I woke up, the first thing I saw was Pearl happily munching on a snack sitting straight in front of me. "What are you eating?" I asked groggily, rubbing my eyes, as I still couldn't come out of my sleepiness."Shrimp san..sandwich," she replied between bites, looking way too involved in killing the shrimp that's already dead in the sandwich, "Tastes so good, do you want so
∆IVORY∆"Are you sure?" Grandpa asked in a disbelief voice, I nodded my head with great difficulty."I'm so happy dear, thank you so much for listening to my request, wait till I get discharged, I'll announce your wedding date infront of everyone." I forced a small smile as Grandpa spoke, but my heart was twisting in pain at his words.His voice was gentle, affectionate too, but the weight of his words crushed me and my heart without any mercy. I clenched my fists tight enough to let my nails dig into my palms, so that I can keep my emotions in control before they burst out."Breathe, Ivory, just breathe," I tried to calm myself as all these overwhelming emotions made me to forget even taking a breath.Holding back everything within me, I spoke as steadily as I could. "You can't stress anymore, please take rest, I'll be leaving now, Grandpa." Without waiting for his response, I stood up from the chair, turned around and walked out of the room. My body moved like a lifeless shell, bu
∆IVORY∆"Pearl, I'll tell you everything later," I tried to calm her first, however Jessica isn't ready to believe me, "You must be bluffing, grandpa would never say that, you're joking, aren't you?" I shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant, despite holding back a turmoil of emotions in my heart, "If you can't believe me, why don't you ask Grandpa by yourself? None are stopping you, right?" Jessica clenched her fist glaring at me. "That’s impossible, I'll not believe you, he would never...." "Oh, but he did," I cut in smoothly, keeping the hair that disturbing on my face, behind my ear, "One more thing, if you think that I'll just sit back and let you people manipulate me into giving up my hardwork, you’re sorely mistaken, those foolish days were gone."Sarah looked furious at me, "Ivory, do you think you can just run away like this?" Bernard’s face twisted in anger as expected, but before they could say anything, I stood up."Now, what I'm trying to say is...." I said, brushing i
∆ALEXANDER∆"Beep... Beep...." I leaned back in the car seat looking into the laptop, just then my phone buzzed in my hand. Eric’s name appeared on the screen, it looks like he is calling me after checking out my message, I picked it up, and before I could even say a word, his amused voice filled my ears."Did she say that for real?" Eric asked, sounding both surprised and entertained by what I've sent through the message.I smirked, recalling Ivory’s words from a few moments back. "Yes, she said it’s something good, I don’t know what she’s going to say, but I've a positive feeling, thanks to that I'm waiting for her to come out and speak to me." Eric chuckled as expected the excitement in his voice didn't reduce even for a minute. "That’s great then, I’ll be waiting to hear the good news from you, Alex." I shook my head, silently waiting for Ivory to come out, "I’m also waiting.""Don’t worry, I’ll be there in a few days. Let’s celebrate together," he added, with sincerity in his
∆NO POV∆"Thump... Thump...." Pearl stomped her foot against the floor wantedly to grab the attention of Ivory, but Ivory didn't respond, the forks and spoons falling down one by one, yet Ivory didn't even turn around.Looking at Ivory's unbothered nature, Pearl's frustration increased.The air in the room was heavy with tension and frustration, but neither Pearl nor Ivory was the type to sit in silence and sulk.Giving up on silent war, Pearl walked to Ivory and stood with her hands on her hips, the annoyance in her face is quite evident, "Do you even know what you're doing?" She shouted, glaring at Ivory, who was sitting on the couch, flipping through a stack of papers.Ivory let out a dramatic sigh, not even bothering to look up. "I'm working, can’t you see that? Do you want me to take you for an eye checkup or what?"Pearl rolled her eyes so hard that Ivory was sure they almost disappeared into the back of her head. "Ivory, do you think I’m joking?"Ivory finally glanced up, wit
∆NO POV∆"Looks like someone is in a good mood today," Berlin teased Alexander who couldn't stop smiling from the moment he got into the car.Alexander smirked, "Well, ofcourse I'm in good mood." "Why so?" Berlin fixed his concentration on road while driving the car, Alexander rolled his eyes, "Unmarried dog like you will not understand even if I explain." Berlin's eyes went wide in shock, "This man seriously unbelievable!" Soon they reached the towering skyline of the business district shimmered under the morning sun. Inside the grand hall of The Zeraphina Hotel, the air buzzed with anticipation. Top CEOs, investors, and business elites from across the country were gathered for the International Economic Conference, one of the most prestigious deals of the year was up for grabs.Among the attendees, Alexander Kingston entered the hall with his usual calm confidence. Dressed in a sharp maroon suit, his aura was polished, unshakable. Right beside him was Berlin who handed him a
∆NO POV∆"Chirp.... Chirp...."The early morning soft sunrays made their way to the bedroom, and outside the window, birds chirped in chorus, and the dew still clung to the petals of the roses in the balcony.Ivory stirred first.Slowly, she opened her eyes to the warm embrace of the sun, and as she turned her head slightly, her gaze fell upon the sleeping figure beside her, Alexander, peaceful and calm. His features, usually serious and intense, were soft in sleep, a small smile formed at the corner of her lips.Carefully, she slipped out from under the duvet, trying not to wake him. Last night memories were still fresh in her mind, to keep her company just because she is scared of thunders, he stayed awake entire night by her side.That gentle and warm gesture of him made her feel safe and happy around him.Without making a sound, she walked on her toes and disappeared into the hallway.The grand kitchen of the manor was quiet, but not for long. Ivory tied her hair into a loose b
∆NO POV∆"Madam, do you want to have breakfast?" The cook asked gently, with a careful voice as she glanced at Jessica lounging in Jacob’s favorite chair, her expression unreadable as always.Jessica let out an annoyed sigh, waving her hand lazily. "Serve it..." she said, while scrolling through her mobile, "Madam, young master Jacob didn't have his breakfast yet," the maid was still saying, Jessica snapped at her, "so what? What should I do if he doesn't eat? He isn't a kid for me to do a job of nanny, if not now he'll eat when he is hungry, so get lost from here and stop annoying me." Listening to that, the maid left from there, and whispered, "Look at her attitude, she isn't even bothered about him eating or starving himself, yet she says that she loves our young master more than Ms. Ivory." "Exactly, when Ms. Ivory was present, not even once young master Jacob starved himself like this, she used to look after all his personal needs carefully, I don't understand why he chosen
∆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