Chapter 72Ivory was shocked that the first thing that popped into her mind was if Marvin was dead or alive. Maybe it was that incident five years ago, she began to think the worst case in any scenario. She wasn’t certain what she would have done if Marvin was reported dead, but again, why was the first question on her mind? Too shocked to move, or to cry, the phone had slipped from her ear, even Arlo couldn’t get himself to hang up. He was more shocked than everyone concerned. For a minute he thought he was doing a good job with Marvin. He thought being a dad came naturally, so he allowed himself to bask too much in the pleasure of how easy it was and then lost it all. As he stood there in the emergency room with his son connected to beeping machines and all, another thought that devastated him completely would be the look on Ivory’s face. How would he face her? What would he say to her that would make her forgive him?His phone still pressed to his ear, the silence between them
Ivory clenched her fists, suppressing all the emotions brewing within. Arlo was unconscious from his own heart injuries, and Marvin was hooked up to machines but all they could think about was whether or not the child was Arlo’s.What happened to the kind-hearted Mr. Luca Covelli who accepted her with kindness on the first day? What happened to the warmth she felt with him? Was it a Covelli thing for them to show kindness only when it was favorable?“I pray the DNA results show that Marvin is not a Covelli. I will single-handedly take care of my son.”Just then, the ward door opened slowly and Ivory raised her gaze to find Arlo staring back at her. His gaze on her was firm and unwavering. “Arlo!” Crystal and Mr. Luca Covelli chorused, taking his side quickly.Arlo slowly pulled away from their grip, closing the door behind him before stepping into the doorway fully. His gaze remained on Ivory, unwaveringly.“What did I just hear you say?” Even though his voice was still weak, his
Chapter 74“How could it be for show? You kissed me first!” Arlo insisted. You see when you are desperate for something, you want to hold on to anything that gives you hope. It may have been pathetic but holding on to that kiss, clinging onto that gesture was Arlo’s only hope. “I was only proving a point,” she shot back, walking past him. But Arlo was not having. Before she could pull the door open, he pulled her by the arm, pinning her to the wall. His gaze lingered on her eyes before dropping to her lips. “You’re driving me crazy,” he confessed, “You don’t know what you’ve just done.”Ivory wriggled from his hold, aching to be free from his suffocating presence.“You drove me to prison, I guess we are even now.”At that accusation, Arlo narrowed his eyes shut, clenching his jaws.“Would I ever be forgiven of that sin?” He asked, his voice barely audible. “I don’t know, Arlo. Would you forgive me if the cases were reversed?”If he said yes, then he would have been lying.But he
Ivory’s POV My husband was working late again. He had been working late every day for the last six months.And some days he wouldn’t even come home. For every night I woke up alone, every business trip, and every impromptu weekend meeting, I repeated one line to myself like a mantra— “Damian loves working, and he loves me.” With that, I turned a blind eye to all his excuses, the ones that made sense and the ones that didn't. I endured them all. I never confronted him, never asked for more. It was another late night, and I thought to bring him some dinner. I shouldn’t have bothered. I should’ve stayed home, at least, I wouldn’t have to watch my husband thrust into another woman like a sex-starved wild animal. He seemed to be enjoying himself so much that he didn't notice me standing there, he didn't even care that he was fucking another woman with our wedding ring on his finger. Tears rushed to my eyes, blurring my sight. I wiped them away quickly and turned to walk away, but
Ivory’s POV The blindfold dropped and I came face to face with a man glaring at me like a wounded lion. His eyes were a darkened shade of midnight blue, cold and analytical, with an intensity that seemed to pierce through my very soul. His face was all sharp angles- chiselled jawline, highcheekbones, and a hint of stubbles scattered across his chin. He had a charming face that would sweep anyone away under the right circumstances. But right now,the dangerous aura hovering around him had my heart racing uncontrollably. As if he could smell my fear, his lips curled into a slight, predatory smirk. "Did you really think you could hide from me?" He said in a low, steel voice that sent chills down my spine. "No one hides from me, Lori, no one..." "Lori?" I muttered silently, tilting my head in confusion. "What's going on?" My name is Ivory, I wanted to say but did I really need to correct my brooding captor? "Where's my money?" He demanded, his voice rising."Look, if Camille and
Arlo’s POV For the last four years, I dedicated my time and resources combing through the surface of this earth for Lori. I was blinded by rage when I discovered Lori’s betrayal and went in search of her. I had spent so much time looking for her, that part of the rage I felt had now been replaced with something I didn’t want to feel- worry. Finally, I found her under the most upsetting circumstances.She got married? To what? A good-for-nothing dog that kept cheating on her? I should’ve blown out his brains when I had the chance but Willis, my second-in-command wouldn’t let me leave any trace of myself behind. We were now on air, going back to my home which I have missed for four years now. No one would have ever thought that I would pause my life, or my business in search of a girl. But Lori wasn’t any other girl, she was my girl, I loved her, more than anything else. And because I loved her, I was hurt by her betrayal. I was more than just hurt, I was broken. And now, she w
IVORY’s POV Outside the house, I found him waiting at the garage. My stomach churned with a mix of anticipation and dread. He gestured for me to get in the car and I reluctantly complied. Partly because I was hungry, and partly because I had a bad headache. I wanted to ask where we were, what he did for a living, why he had so many men around, where he was taking me, but I decided against all ofthat. I stared out the window, trying to make sense of my scattered thoughts. How would I get out of here? Would I ever be free? How much exactly is Lori owing this man? Who is this man for fuck’s sakes? And who isLori? The car came to a halt and our first stop was a luxurious boutique. I hesitated at the door, glancing at him. “Come out,” he demanded, “You need a few clothes.” “If I had known I would be kidnapped, perhaps I would’ve packed some clothes.” Scary man’s lips lifted in a smirk as he turned to face me. “Kidnap is nothing compared to fraud and betrayal, pet.”“I don’t se
IVORY’s POV I could barely taste the food, but at least one of us was having a good time. The drive back home was silent, and weighing on me heavier than I expected. As the day progressed, my breathe grew even narrower. What if I got caught and I really didn't come back alive?Would anyone mourn my death? Knowing the answer to that question made this mission even harder. But I had to give it a try and I swear, I wouldn't look back when I finally gained my freedom out of this beautiful hellhole. As the sun began to set, I became more and more determined to come out successful. I stood in front of my mirror, scanning my reflection. "There's nothing you can't do, Ivory. You can do it!" On the other hand, scary man had a refined taste in clothes.I wore a deep, striking red dress that clung to my curves. The sides were bare, giving a seducing view of my boobs. It was meant to draw attention and turn heads when I arrived at the party. I took a deep breath and adjusted the silve