Ivy practically burst through Zack’s office door, a gleeful smile threatening to split her face. Already burdened by the weight of his earlier encounter with Bella, Zack rolled his eyes in frustration.
"Why can’t you knock on the door?" he grumbled.
Unfazed by his irritation, Ivy skipped closer, her mood buoyant after the call with her father. She sauntered right behind his chair and began kneading his shoulders.
"You must be tired," she cooed, not replying to his question. "A massage is just what you need."
"There is no need," he grunted, half-heartedly attempting to shrug her hands off.
Ivy, however, was not easily deterred. "Relax, Zack," she purred. "Just let the tension melt away." She continued her massage, her fingers working deftly to ease the tension in his muscles.
This time, Zack offered no further resistance. He leaned back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips as the soothing pressure eased the tightness in his shoulders. A flicker of surprised pleasure crossed his face, momentarily banishing the frown that had been etched there.
Ivy’s lips quirked into a triumphant smirk. She knew how to please Zack, how to tie him down with her. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she continued to knead his shoulders, the subtle power playing clear in her demeanor.
"Papa called me," she started slowly. "He wants us to attend a banquet at the mayor’s residence this weekend. He’ll arrange the invitations himself."
Zack’s eyes lit up at the mention of the charity gala, a prestigious event he had long sought to attend. The prospect of meeting with the city’s elite and influential figures was too enticing to ignore.
He had been trying to get an invitation there but with no fruitful results. Ivy’s words piqued his interest.
"Are you sure?" he asked, looking up at Ivy with genuine eagerness.
Ivy’s smile was dazzling as she sauntered around his chair, perching herself on his lap and wrapping an arm around his neck. Zack tensed for a moment but didn’t push her away this time.
"Yes," Ivy confirmed. "Papa wants us to meet influential figures and secure important deals."
Zack’s excitement grew. He had been hunting for an investor for a new project ever since Mr. Clark had pulled out, and this gala could be the golden opportunity he needed.
"I’ve been wanting to attend that party," he said. "Thanks to Mr. Hill for arranging the invitation."
Ivy’s confidence was palpable. "He loves me and will do anything to make me happy. With me by your side, you have nothing to worry about."
She leaned in and kissed his lips. Zack didn’t reciprocate, but he didn’t stop her either, allowing her to take the lead as usual. Unfazed, Ivy pressed closer, her kisses trailing down to his throat. Her fingers deftly unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, her touch lingering on his skin.
Zack’s hand clamped down on Ivy’s wrist, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Ivy, stop it."
But Ivy, fueled by desire, ignored him, her lips trailing fire down his neck. "Make love to me," she breathed.
"We are in the office," he hissed, his tone turning harsh. "Stop it." He couldn’t stand her clinging touch.
"I’m your fiancée," Ivy countered with wounded pride. "Why can’t you love me?"
"Be reasonable, Ivy," Zack snapped, pushing her away. He stood up abruptly. "Go back to your cabin. I have work to finish."
Ivy wasn’t finished. She grabbed his arm, spinning him around to face her. A dark scowl marred her features.
"Are you still thinking about Bella?" she spat. "Don’t be a fool, Zack. That woman can only bring you disappointment. I, on the other hand, can help you achieve everything you ever wanted. Can’t you see it?"
Zack knew he had to tread carefully. "You’re overthinking it," he said placatingly. "I just reminded you because this is inappropriate. This is our workplace." He turned his back to her and added, "Wait for me at home tonight. We’ll have dinner."
Ivy smiled. The anger and disappointment clouding her face slowly dissipated. "Okay, I’ll wait for you," she agreed, her voice regaining its sweetness. "I’ll have the housekeeper make your favorites. Be home early." With a delightful mood, Ivy sashayed out.
Left alone, Zack stood rigid, fists clenched at his sides. Every encounter with Ivy left a sour taste in his mouth. But for now, he had to play along. "Soon, I’ll achieve my goal and break this relationship," he mumbled. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶
At the end of the day...
Theodore’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was his grandfather. A knot of worry tightened in his stomach as he heard his grandfather’s voice, heavy with despair he rarely displayed. He was instructed to come to the mansion urgently, alone.
"Alright, Grandpa. I’ll be there."
Theodore ended the call and stared at the phone, a dilemma gnawing at him. He had promised Bella he’d pick her up and visit Selena at the hospital together. But the sudden phone call from his grandfather made him wonder what had made him depressed. With Franklin around, Theodore couldn’t take anything lightly.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that Franklin was behind his grandfather’s sudden despair. "I need to find out what’s going on," he muttered.
With a pang of guilt, Theodore dialed Bella’s number. "Hey, what’s up?" he asked with a tinge of apology in his tone. He had to break their plan to visit Selena.
"Winding up for the day," Bella replied, the clatter of papers filling the phone. "Are you coming?"
He let out a defeated sigh. "I need to go to the mansion."
Bella’s movements paused. "Is everything alright there?"
"I don’t know. Grandpa called me urgently."
A beat of silence followed, and then Bella spoke, "Okay. Go and see him."
Theodore was relieved that Bella didn’t whine for not keeping his promise. "I’ll try to come back before dinner. Wait for me," he promised.
Bella smiled. "See you at dinner."
After ending the call, Theodore couldn’t shake off the sense of unease. He quickly grabbed his keys and headed out, determined to find out what was troubling his grandfather.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Determined to find out who was Bella’s husband, Zack decided to follow her. The moment he saw her emerge from the office building, he lurched the car forward, pulling over right in front of her. Rolling down the passenger window, he revealed his face to her.
"Get in," he said.
Bella, however, wasn’t interested in going with him. Her jaw set, she bypassed his car entirely, scanning the street for a taxi.
"Bella, please," he pressed. "Just get in. I’ll take you wherever you need to go."
She whirled around, her eyes flashing with a mixture of annoyance and helplessness. "Mr. Hudson," she said icily, "stop chasing me. Miss Ivy won’t like it when she finds out about it. She’ll make my life here a living hell."
"Don’t worry about Ivy," he reassured her. "I’ll protect you."
"I don’t need your protection," she snapped almost immediately. "Please don’t come after me."
Wasting no more time, she hailed a cab and vanished into the backseat before Zack could utter another word. He watched the car speed away, a frustrated growl escaping his throat. His grip tightened on the steering wheel.
"You are destined to be mine, Bella," he muttered with a chilling possessiveness. "There is nowhere you can run."
Zack followed the cab, his gaze fixed on the retreating taillights. He wasn’t about to give up. He was determined to have Bella, one way or another.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
