the dining table, enjoying their breakfast. Ivy, however, was absent, busy get

tyled and makeup applied. "To meet my f

ned stern. "No need; y

ther, let me live freely for at least

ead of the table, inte

with gratitude. "T

ce firm. "It's not saf

she'll be alone? She'll have his protection. Besides, Ivy needs som

d to leave. Ethan's voice stopp

halfway out the door

ration wash over her. She knew this small taste of

******

When she finally burst through the door, apologetic and flustered, Ava teased, "Gi

ll know how it is. Ethan's always breathing down my

you're under your brother's control like

so you can't understand. It's complicated. Be

you're late, you're buying lunch. And don't

nd chatted, enjoying their

Lila, how's th

ge, but I'm loving it. I'm learnin

proud of you. I'm still trying to fig

You'll find your way, Ivy. You're tal

to have fun along the way. L

a gushed about her new boyfriend, and Ava shared

ess. "I wish I could fall in love like you guy

oncerned glances. "What

on't have the right to fall in love. My brothers wi

. "That's so unfair! You des

e. Family loyalty comes first. I just wi

here for you, no matter what. And who says y

hanks, guys. Just tal

he club with us tonight? We can sneak you out and show you a good time." Ivy sm

favorite coffee, declined her friends' invitation. "You guys enjoy

pilling scalding coffee all over his expensive suit. "Oh sh*t, I'm so sorry! I

er distress. "Little Smith, you would have burnt yourself, and I don't like

are you so worried about me?" She tried

take care of what's mine. Your brothers are careless, leaving

g. "Who are you?" she demanded, try

up slightly. "Your future husband, Victor Blackw

er rising. "You're so rude," she spat

fingers tightening. "Get used to it," he

h a sleek black car. Ivy protested, "I can go alone," but Victor's vo

n drove her home. The tension between them wa

e journey, little Smith." His eyes lingered on hers, a

ce turned away, hiding her turmoil. Victor's sm

********