AMYFrom the backseat of the tinted SUV I’d rented two days after my flight landed in Chicago, I watched her— walking hand in hand with the little girl, disappearing into the school building like they belonged.The very image that had torn through me a week ago now stood in flesh, just ahead. I had seen them first on a viral blog post, under a headline that nearly sucked the air from my lungs.BUSINESS MOGUL AND BILLIONAIRE HITCHED LEGALLY!!!It was everywhere. Flashing on my screen, nestled between other posts meant for the elite. But this? This wasn’t just another headline.It was Ivan.My Ivan. Smiling stiffly in a pressed designer suit with a woman I couldn’t place by his side, an older man and a child.I had stared at that photo until my fingers grew numb and my phone grew warm. How could this be real? How could he be someone else’s now?Those eyes of his once looked at me like there was no one else. I didn't think he'd heal from the heartbreak, after everything that had happened
DANICAThe morning started with the same soft chaos I had grown used to— hair ribbons missing, toast slightly burned, and Valerie talking non-stop about unicorn dreams and wanting her breakfast shaped like a heart. Despite the chef being around, I preferred to make my baby's breakfast myself.“Sit still, baby. Let me finish your hair.”“But it's too tight,” she whined, wiggling in front of me.I gently tugged her closer, packing her hair into a ponytail. “If you sit still for two minutes, I’ll let you pick two gummies for your lunch box.”“Two?” Her eyes lit up.“Yes.”She clapped excitedly. “Hurray!”Once her hair was finally done, she hopped down to wear the yellow gown she’d picked out herself last night, the same one she’d said—again—was her new favorite. I watched her twirl, the hem of her dress spinning with her.“You look beautiful,” I smiled, crouching to help her slip on her tiny shoes. “Are you ready for your big day?”She nodded with all the enthusiasm in the world. “Yes! B
DANICAHis words hit like a slap.I blinked. My face burned, but I kept my voice low.“I would appreciate it if you don't speak to me in that manner.” I retorted, between gritted teeth so the sales associate wouldn’t overhear.“I was only stating the obvious,” Ivan replied coolly, a smirk tugging at the edge of his mouth.He strode past me without another glance, his scent lingering—a mix of leather and something rich and expensive. I stared at his back, resisting the childish urge to throw a hanger at it.Instead, I adjusted the hem of my dress and exhaled slowly. Walking behind, the awkward silence stretched between us until he broke it.“You’ll be expected at dinner next weekend. My family’s hosting,” he said, eyes focused ahead. “And you’ll dress accordingly.”My brows creased. “Your family?” That was new. Why hadn't I thought about his family? My in-laws!He nodded once. “You’ll smile when you’re supposed to, nod when spoken to, and make no mention of our agreement. Understood?”
DANICA“What took you so long?” he asked, stopping a few inches from me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “Uhm... S-sorry if we kept you waiting. I wasn't expecting to see you,” I stammered.“Wait for us in the car John,” his gaze barely flickered to John before settling back on me.As John left the store, a sales lady materialized behind us. Her perfect smile, matching her perfect hair. “Welcome Mr. Clarkson! How may I assist you today?”“She needs a complete wardrobe update,” he declared with an air of finality.“But I have clothes—”“You’ll need appropriate attire for family functions and social events.” His tone left no room for argument. His eyes scanned me quickly, disapproving. “This isn’t it.”The associate's eyes lit up like she had won the lottery. “Of course! Right this way.”“Ivan, really, this isn't necessary—”His lips brushed my ears. “Consider it part of our arrangement. Unless you'd prefer everyone who knows me think you have a thing for rags.”
DANICA“Now?”“Yes now Danica, or if you'd prefer… Mrs. Clarkson,” Mia's voice crackled through my phone's speaker, sounding urgent.I fiddled with the handkerchief on my lap, the awkwardness nearly choking me. “Danica will do just fine, Mia,” I replied quietly.“Alright Danica, expect John, the driver in twenty five minutes time.”The call ended with a soft click. The last time Mia and I had spoken on the phone, it was to tell me I’d been dismissed. And now this? I couldn’t help but wonder what she thought of me now. A gold digger, maybe?I cringed at the thought. Mia had always been kind to me back when I was just Ivan’s physical therapist. I only hoped that wouldn’t change now.I dragged myself over to where Valerie was playing with Ella and the rest of her toys. She looked completely absorbed in whatever magical world she’d created, her face lit with joy, making my heart to ache with relief. The hospital visits Ivan had arranged seemed to be working. Fewer seizures meant fewer tea
IVAN“Get me coffee.”“Yes, sir” Mia's voice crackled through the intercom. Staring at the empty mug on the desk, which seemed to be mocking me, I needed a refill as quickly as possible. My eyes flicked to the towering stack of files on my desk. The pain of no longer being handicapped was real. But I'd be damned if I ever chose sitting in a wheelchair all day, compared to this, even if my bones ached from overuse.My phone buzzed endlessly, lighting up with notifications. I ignored it, flipping through the bulky pages that urgently needed my attention, my signature appearing at the bottom of each like a stamp.“Your coffee, Mr. Ivan.” Mia entered my office, her footsteps made light clicking sounds, as she placed another mug of freshly brewed coffee on my desk, at the same time taking away the empty one. “Anything else sir?”“Yes,” I replied, already reaching for the coffee. “Run me through my schedule.”“Of course,” she began smoothly. “You have a virtual meeting at twelve with Mr. P