Mag-log inFifteen 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
Clara sat in her office, her expression composed, every movement precise. On the desk lay a brown envelope, waiting to be opened. She didn’t rush—Clara always savored the moment when her plans began to take shape.A knock at the door. Her assistant entered, carrying a stack of photos. “Miss, we’ve
Clara closed her phone slowly, as though holding back the fury threatening to erupt. She lowered herself into her chair, fingers tapping against the desk in a steady rhythm.“Viona…” she muttered. “You really dared to cross the line.”A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Her assistant stepped in,
“Miss, Mr. Jung has asked you to come home tonight. He says there’s something important he needs to discuss.”Clara drew in a slow breath. “Fine. Prepare the car.”***In Mr. Jung’s study, the faint aroma of herbal tea hung in the air. The middle-aged man sat with his back straight, eyes sharp as he
Josh turned, answering with casual ease, “Then I wouldn’t have heard you laugh, would I? I love your laugh, Ivy. It’s worth more to me than any business meeting.”She clicked her tongue, fighting a smile. “You always know how to say the right thing.”“I’m being honest.” He stepped closer, his finger







