∆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∆"I'm here for you," Eric stood at the doorstep, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his coat. Ivory folded her arms, "For me? For what?" His gaze shifted between Ivory and Pearl, and his face holding an usual smirk just like always, "First of all, can I come in, or do I have to stand here and freeze to death?"Pearl swallowed hard, feeling a sudden tension in the air because of Eric and Ivory staring at eachother with no words."Please come in," she said, stepping aside to let him in.Ivory, sitting on the couch with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Eric, I have no idea why you're at my house, but how did you even find out where I live?"Eric let out a low chuckle as he stepped inside, looking around. "Is your house hidden in the middle of a forest and cloaked with witches’ magic or something? Because when I checked, it was quite easy to find, am I wrong or am I a wizard?" Pearl rolled her eyes rubbing her temples, "Great, another person with a sarcastic
∆NO POV∆"Let go of her hand," Alexander said in a furious tone, shoving Eric's hand away as he settled beside Ivory on the couch, Eric rolled his eyes, "It's not like her hand is going to melt just because I touched, right?" Alexander gritted his teeth, as if he mouthed something, the tension in the room thickened, a palpable wave of unease washing over them, as both Eric and Alexander were exchanging glances with furiousness.Ivory’s heart raced looking at the tension filled room, she could feel the heat rising in Alexander’s cheeks, his protective instincts are quite evident."He must be jealous that Eric is holding someone's hand other than him," she thought to herself with a small smirk dancing on her lips despite the situation, "No wonder he looked so furious!" Alexander turned to her, his expression softened slightly as soon as his eyes met her, but the frustration remained the same. "What are you both speaking about?""Nothing," Ivory replied quickly, her voice light but la
∆NO POV∆"Yes, I'm asking you to Marry me!" Simple words yet stunned everyone, Ivory stared at Alexander as if he had grown two thorns on his head. The words he had just spoken repeated continuously in her mind, refusing to calm down.For almost few minutes, she was sure she had misheard him, but no, his confident expression, the slight tilt of his chin, and the absolute certainty in his voice confirmed that Alexander Kingston had indeed just proposed.Eric, grinned inwardly with pride. "Well done, Alex!"Meanwhile, Ivory still couldn't come out of the dazed mind and stammered, "Marriage? You?" Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Am I not fit for marriage?"Ivory shook her head quickly, only to get glared by Alexander, "Huh?" Ivory smiled awkwardly shaking her hand as a gesture asking him not to misunderstand her, "No, I mean, it’s not that... I just..." She sighed, struggling to find the right words. "This doesn’t make sense! How can I marry you?"She turned to Eric, hoping for some ba
∆NO POV∆"Are you sure?" Ivory asked, with a voice filled with uncertainty, as she couldn't believe that the great Alexander Kingston is so eager to marry her.Alexander nodded firmly. "I've never been more sure in my life." As soon as the call connected, he let Berlin to know everything and, instructing him to bring the contract immediately to the location sent by him.After ending the call, Alexander turned to Ivory. "Don't worry, I'll not let Jacob to marry you, that'll never happen, the one who is going to marry you is only me." Eric cleared his throat reminding Alexander it's not only him in the room alone with her, the other two people also present.Ivory gave a small nod, still trying to make her tiny mind to understand his words.Suddenly, he handed her a platinum card. She frowned, staring at it in confusion. "What’s this for?" She asked while looking at it carefully with amusement filled eyes, the card in hands looking so simple but she felt like it weighed a thousand p
∆NO POV∆"How am I looking Darling?"With a sexy walk, Jessica twirled showing her delicate lace lingerie hugging her curves.Pulling up the lingerie, she exposed her toned thighs and danced in front of Jacob, moving her hips up and down.Pouring the whiskey in glass, she brought it to Jacob.Giving the glass, she climbed onto his lap, her fingers traced teasing patterns on his bare chest while his hands roaming on her body with eyes full of lust."Jacob, do you really need to marry Ivory?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with fake concern as she leaned in, brushing her lips against his jawline, "I still can't believe that you agreed to marry her, and at the same time my parents are also asking me to calm down, not to speak about this any longer, are you abandoning your Jessie?" "No way, I would never abandon you Jessie, you're my everything," Jacob clenched his jaw, taking a sip of whiskey, he kissed her, the whiskey dripped from Jessica's lips.Jacob licked the dripping whiskey fro
∆IVORY∆"I hate this!" Pearl huffed in frustration, as we stepped into the bridal showroom, her frustration evident in every step.I'm also frustrated just like her, but we can't do anything, "Calm down, Pearl, let’s just get this over with and we can leave quickly." She glared at me, but followed me inside, it's one of the popular bridal showrooms of the city, no ordinary people can come here.Looks like Mrs. Valeria did everything to book a slot here for us.The moment we entered, Mrs. Valeria rushed toward me as if she had been waiting for this exact moment. "Oh dear! I knew you’d come, I’ve been waiting for you! You're finally here!"I forced a small smile, not bothering to reply, as she no longer holds the same respect as before in my heart.Pearl, however, had no such restraint like me, "So, is she going to be doing the bridal shopping with you, Mrs. Valeria?"If there's someone who can be sarcastic with a sweet tone, it'll be obviously Pearl, she deserves all kinds of awards f
∆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∆"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