Ivy“How long are you staying in town?” I asked Owen. Ever since our impromptu meeting, we’ve kept in touch and he comes over to keep me company and protects me from the harsh realities of not having a male suitor.“Until the assignment is done, which I can prolong if I need to.”Having Owen around has been fun. There isn’t anything romantic between us. I’ve clarified that I am not into him and that I’m not looking for someone to date and he insists he understands.“How is the baby doing?”“Good, I guess. The morning sickness hasn’t been bad and my appetite is coming back.”“I can tell, which is why I bring you something to eat every time I stop by.”“And we appreciate it.” I rubbed my stomach as I looked at the plate of cookies he brought over. “So, how much research have you done for the article?”“Thanks to you, a lot. You’ve really put me in touch with people, and I have viewpoints from both men and women who are for and against the rules your society lives by. The only thing I do

Ivy“Look at Miss Ivy, sleeping in the comfort of her own bed, when she should be working for me.”“Where is my mother?” I asked in a panic.Mr. Ronan was standing in my doorway alone, which meant he probably had other men in the house dealing with my mother.“Don’t worry, we won’t hurt her. We need her to pass along a message to my boys, so we need her alive and able to talk.”“I don’t understand.”I was trying to blame dumb. I can tell him I haven’t had contact with Maverick or Maddox in weeks.“I want my sons to suffer. They need to be taught a lesson and I plan on using you to make that happen.”“Why, I’m not with them anymore. They kicked me out.”“I’m not stupid!” He yelled. “I know they’re in town. They came to see you.”“I’m not going anywhere.”“You don’t have a choice.”Mr. Ronan snapped his fingers and two men came forward and forced me out of bed.I tried to fight back by kicking and screaming, but the more I struggled, the harder they held me.They dragged me downstairs,

Ivy**Breaking News: “Miles Ronan has been defeated by his sons. We have gotten a report that says as of ten pm last night, they removed Ronan from power and are now leading the Knights. Maddox and Maverick have declined to comment. Our very own Leslie Gartle is on location and it looks like people are celebrating. Is that correct?”“Yes, Lawrence. People are rejoicing in restaurants and bars, but some people are not rejoicing and are causing problems. Several people were arrested for looting earlier today, and the fire department has put out multiple fires throughout the city. While we can see this as a victory for women, we can also see this as a moment of chaos and uncertainty.**I turned off the news. I couldn’t take it anymore. All hell broke loose this morning when word got out that Maddox and Maverick overthrew their father. People were happy and scared. They didn’t know what was going to happen and if Maddox and Maverick would differ from their father. “Can you believe all t

MaverickMaddox and I were getting ready to have a press conference to announce some changes we would be making right away, and for the first time in my life, I was nervous about doing my job. I was nervous about the way people would react to the changes and what kind of trouble it would cause. I’m not sure Maddox and I are ready to handle a rebellion.“Thank you for joining us today and for those of you watching at home. Thank you for tuning in.” My voice boomed across the audience thanks to the microphones. It felt surreal like the voice wasn’t mine.“As you know, we have pushed our father out of his position and my we, Maddox and I, are taking over. Our goal is to unite this small country and to bring progress back to our communities, and we are ready to announce some changes that will take place to make this happen.”I looked over at Maddox before I continued my speech.“These changes are meant to empower the women that we have suppressed during the years of my father’s leadership

IvyMy stomach was in knots and it wasn’t because of the baby. Returning to the Ronan family home held some bitter memories for me. It’s going to be weird to see the people I worked with, especially Leah. When I left, she was mad at me for asking her to help us. She was afraid and didn’t want to make anyone mad, especially Miles Ronan, which I understood. Mr. Ronan was mean on a good day and you really suffered if he was having a bad day.“Are you ok?” Maverick asked.“Yeah, just nervous. I’m afraid they’re going to hate me.”“They won’t. They’ll be scared, but they won’t hate you.”Maverick was trying to reassure me, but he doesn’t know how they’ll act. For all I know, they may see me as the enemy for getting out or for sleeping with Maddox and Maverick.When we entered the house, it looked the same, but there was no one around.“Where is everyone?” I asked.“Some of the staff left and the ones that are stayed are probably in their quarters or somewhere else on the property,” Maddox