“I’m just helping you take back the dignity they tried to tear from you, Ivy. I’m not as cruel as you think.” Josh spoke casually, like it was nothing.Ivy didn’t respond right away. Her silence stretched as she processed his words, weighing them carefully.“In that case,” she finally said, “don’t c
“I want you by my side,” Josh said, smiling with unmistakable intent. “Officially.”Thank goodness Ivy wasn’t mid-sip. If she had been, she probably would've spatted her coffee straight at him. Honestly, maybe she should’ve done just that, because Josh clearly hadn’t thought twice before blurting th
“Ugh, how long was I out?” Ivy mumbled, her voice husky from sleep as she squinted against the light creeping into the room.And then—she turned her head. A large, warm arm was still wrapped around her, holding her close.“Is he some kind of hibernating bear?” she murmured with a small laugh.Carefu
Because the space between them was shrinking. Each small step closing it further.Ivy took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The room was quiet—not awkward, but real. So real it made her nervous. No declarations. No love confessions. Just two people slowly letting their walls down.Jos
“You sure this is the place?” Josh asked, a bit skeptical, though he still followed as Ivy walked ahead with undeniable excitement.He glanced around—the alley was narrow, lined with plastic stools in bright colors. Red and yellow lanterns hung low overhead, and the air was thick with the scent of f
"Are you... sad?" Josh asked cautiously.Ever since Ivy had gotten into the car, she hadn’t said a word. He’d assumed today would go just like the others—he’d drop by her workplace, hang around while she said her goodbyes, then... go home.Or maybe they'd end the evening at one of his favorite bars.