LOGINIvy’s Pov Even though I’d been expecting this, I was still shocked. “Hold on, what’s going on?” James asked. “Ms. Carter kidnapped Ms. Sullivan and has been impersonating her ever since.” A cop explained. “What!” Victor exclaimed. “Stop pretending. You already know the truth.” I snapped at him. “And I didn’t kidnap anyone. Ivy Sullivan paid me to do this. Please believe me.” I looked desperately at Paul who hadn’t said a word. He was staring at me in shock and disappointment. “You can explain at the station.” The cop said as they took me away. “Paul please let me explain!” I begged. I was put in the back of the police car and taken away. I felt like criminal. At the station the cops told me they’d found evidence of the kidnapping . “We found the key to the house she was being held in your office,” they told me, “and texts and emails on your phone discussing the kidnapping.” “That’s not my phone.” I insisted. “Clive planted that on me this evening. He works for Iv
Ivy’s Pov “Someone call an ambulance!” One of the guests yelled as everyone rushed to Ivy, trying to revive her. “What’s going on?” Paul asked looking from me to Ivy Sullivan in total confusion. “It’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” I stammered, “I’m not her.” “What are you talking about?” “This isn’t the time.” Victor cut in, “you have to deal with the press and the cops.” He said pointing to some police officers who'd just walked in. “I can’t deal with anything till I know what the hell is going on.” “Then find out. Let the cops explain it to you, I’ll take Ivy home.” He sounded reasonable, but I knew he was again trying to keep me from talking to Paul. But I was in such a state of shock, I couldn’t protest too hard. Paul nodded, kissed me, and went to join the police. An ambulance arrived as we were walking out. “That didn’t go as planned, did it Ivy?” Victor smirked as he walked me to the car. “I don’t know what you and your partner in crime are up to, but
Ivy’s Pov My heart stopped. “He has?” Paul nodded. “I can explain,” I stammered. “You don’t have to.” Paul interrupted, “he told me you’ve been feeling guilty about what happened after my accident. About the way you treated me when you thought I'd never walk again.” I stared at him open mouthed. “I know you regret it, Ivy. But you don’t have to keep beating yourself up about it.” “Paul, there’s something I have to tell—” “Like I said, you don’t have to explain.” He walked toward me and took my hands. “I forgive you.” “You don’t understand. I’m not—” “I know you were scared. We were both scared. But that’s behind us now.” “Paul-“ “Whatever happened, it’s in the past now. We should look forward.” His kissed me. “I love you.” I stared at him helplessly. It would be easier for me to talk if he’d stop interrupting. “I have something for you.” He said and picked up a small jewelry case sitting on his table. He handed it to me and I opened it reluctantly. Inside wer
Ivy's Pov Joe grinned sheepishly at me.“Good afternoon, Ms. Sinclair,” he greeted politely. “You look great.”I couldn’t say the same about him. He’d lost weight and looked stressed and anxious.“What can I do for you?” I asked coolly.“I…er…I came to ask you for a favor.”“A favor?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.“Yes.” He swallowed hard. “I know things haven't exactly been great between us, but I was hoping you could help me.”“With what?”“My job. I had a little trouble and I’ve been suspended. There’s an investigation going on and it could ruin my career.”“What do you want from me?” I asked, barely containing my joy at his predicament.“I just need you to speak to someone on my behalf. You have connections, and I know you could make this go away.”I stared at him as if he were an insect crawling on my arm.“Yes, I do know people I can talk to to help you.” I said finally.“Thanks so much. I-““But I won’t.”His smile disappeared and he stared at me.“What? Why?”“Because you’re w
Ivy’s Pov We both stared awkwardly. “About the plans I’ve made for your merger party.” Victor said quickly. “Ivy insists on hearing them, but it's a surprise for you both.” “Guess we’ll have to wait then.” Paul smiled at me. I forced a smile “You better keep your mouth shut.” Victor warned after Paul left, “remember you'll be in a whole heap of trouble if you say anything. Impersonation is a crime too.” I glared at him as he walked away. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Telling Paul what I’d overheard would put me in a lot of trouble. But I would tell him. Soon. And I made up my mind I wasn’t going anywhere. Whatever Victor and Ivy Sullivan were planning against Paul, they’d have to go through me. *********** Ivy Sullivan’s Pov The next morning I phoned Ivy to remind her to get her dumb ass to the mall by noon. I was surprised to hear how cold her tone was when she answered. “I hope your bags are packed. I don’t want any excuses.” I told her.
Ivy’s Pov Paul was home when I got back.“Hey, where have you been?” He asked, kissing me.“Out, nowhere important. What happened at the company? You look excited.” I said, noticing his wide smile.“I am. Everyone was surprised and really happy to see me. The merger will officially take place at the end of the month, they’re planning a small party to celebrate it.”“I’m really happy for you. I knew you could do it.”“I couldn’t without you.” He said softly, “let me take you to dinner this evening.”“Sure, lets make our last night special.” I said, before I could stop myself.“Last night?” He asked puzzled.“I meant, last night of not having to go to work everyday. Once you become CEO, things will change.” I said awkwardly. I’d have to watch my words He pulled me into a hug.“No, nothing will change.”I sighed softly, wishing we could stay like that forever. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look worried about something?” Paul asked, as we had dinner.I’m okay, just thinking how much







