MasukFifteen minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the rich scent of butter and Grace’s excited giggles. Ivy poured the batter carefully while Grace stood on a chair, clutching a spatula far too big for her tiny hands.“Slowly, sweetheart,” Ivy said patiently. “If you rush, it’ll get messy.”Josh st
Ivy clicked her tongue and playfully smacked his arm. “That’s because you were the one who dragged me into that ridiculous plan to take back my house from Rico.”“And you agreed to it,” Josh shot back.“Because I thought you were just some crazy guy looking for entertainment,” Ivy said honestly.Jos
Ivy, who had been busy tossing salad at the dining table, could only laugh. “You two are like kids fighting over Grace’s attention.”Natasha chuckled softly. “She’s right, Ivy. At home, whenever Nathan sees a cute toy, the first thing he says isn’t about me—it’s always, ‘Grace would love this.’”Nat
FOUR YEARS LATER“Grace! Don’t run in the hallway!”Ivy’s voice echoed through the living room, which was now a battlefield of toys, stuffed animals, and a sticky spill of apple juice on the glass table.The little girl with golden-brown hair looked back for half a second before bursting into laught
Josh leaned back on the living room sofa, his gaze fixed on Alena, who was cradling the tiny baby in her arms with the gentlest smile he had ever seen. Grace looked utterly peaceful, occasionally letting out a small yawn and stretching like a kitten in her grandmother’s embrace.“Mom, it’s been almo
The first few days after Ivy came home from the hospital felt like the beginning of an entirely new chapter in their lives.The once-quiet house was now a world of baby cries, Ivy’s soft lullabies, and Josh’s panicked voice every time their little girl so much as twitched.“Josh, please… it’s only t
As his sleek car pulled away from the front of the restaurant and disappeared down the now-empty road, Ivy stayed where she was, her eyes fixed on the spot where it had vanished. Of the men who had escorted him, only two remained, stationed at what they considered discreet locations. Ivy had hated t
Ivy remembered his warning clearly. Every word. But that didn’t mean she was ready to say it out loud—especially not to Mr. Kim. Ugh! Just look at Josh, so sure of himself, saying whatever he wants like it’s his place. She was going to make him regret that.“Ivy?” Luna asked, narrowing her eyes susp
“Thank you for the lunch,” Josh said with a satisfied expression. “I really enjoyed the meal.”Mr. Kim looked pleased by the compliment. “The dish Ivy prepared is one of our restaurant’s best. Come back anytime you need an extra boost of energy. From the sound of it, your job must be quite stressful
He kept walking until he stood just a few feet away from her. Ivy turned to offer her usual “Welcome,” but the words froze on her lips when she saw who it was.“What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised.“Lunch,” Josh said casually. “Where should I sit?”Ivy rolled her eyes in annoyance. “You c







