LOGINFifteen 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
After trying on several dresses, Ivy finally decided on the ivory gown. The boutique consultant beamed with approval, while Joshua looked as though he’d just won a prize.“Your turn,” Ivy said with a sly smile.Joshua frowned. “My turn?”“Your wedding suit. Did you think I’d be the only one doing fi
They moved on to the guest list. Ivy grew a little nervous, knowing her circle could never compare to Joshua’s. “I can count on one hand the people I’d invite,” she admitted softly.Joshua reached over, taking her hand. “That’s not a problem, Ivy. What matters isn’t the number—it’s who’s there. Thi
In the exclusive dining room of the hotel, Nathan and Elizabeth were already waiting.Elizabeth greeted them with a warm smile the moment they arrived, while Nathan’s expression remained more guarded. After the initial small talk faded, it was Joshua who steered the conversation to where it needed t
It was already late when Nathan and Elizabeth finally said their goodbyes and returned to the hotel. The apartment grew quiet again, leaving only Joshua and Ivy on the sofa. The soft glow of the lights wrapped the room in warmth, as if protecting the intimacy of their private conversation.Joshua le







