Chapter 44

(IVY POV)

I sat on my seat , my fingers tapping anxiously on my knee, trying to mask the tension building inside me.

I could see Ethan and Lily exchanging curious glances from the corner of my eye.

They were bound to ask questions sooner or later. And I had hoped it would be later.

"Mum, why are we here?"

Ethan finally broke the silence, his voice innocent and probing.

I tried to smile, keeping my tone light.

"Nothing really just some catch ups with another friend"

Lily leaned forward, her big eyes narrowed with curiosity.

"What other friend, Mummy? And why this place?"

I checked my watch for the hundredth time, forcing a chuckle.

"Another old friend, honey. We're just… helping out."

I kept my eyes fixed on the building across the street, where Dr. Collins was supposed to be.

The small talk continued. I answered their questions about the building, trying to distract them with playful answers.

But my eyes kept darting back to the entrance, my heart thumping in my chest.

I was