Chapter 4
1076 Words
IVY'S POV
I went to see Jacob the next day just as I told Beatrice. She looked happy to see me even though something seemed off.
"I'm sure Beatrice sent my message across." I began in hopes not to mention the reason for my presence.
"I haven't forgotten, Miss. You'll get it before the end of today and it'll include your salary for this month and next. I'll also advise that you take a temporary break from work." He informed me.
"Don't you think I deserve the slightest explanation?" I asked in disbelief. There was no way he was indirectly firing me or was he?
"Like I said, everything is in your best interest. And you may want to leave as we speak." He lowered his voice as if he was trying to pass extra information to me.
"I hate you, Jacob.' I retorted before turning to leave.
"It's a huge sum, my love. It might keep you a lot longer than you think." He smirked, eyeing me from head to toe.
On my way back home, I recalled that I was supposed to meet the old woman who had been very fond of me ever since I saved her life. I had planned for a turnaround but not this quickly. She made mention of her son searching for a companion to settle down with and if I had kept to my original schedule, I should have met with her and her son today.
What got to me the most was that I was so busy spending time with Kristen that I forgot to even give her a call or something. I checked for my phone only to see that she was disappointed by my actions. I dialed her number immediately in hopes that she'd pick up my call.
"Good day, ma'am. I'm so sorry I didn't show up as we spoke earlier. I promise something came up that I forgot." I explained myself over the phone
"I'll always try to understand, but yesterday was not just about me, you were finally supposed to meet my son and you didn't just disappoint me, you did the same to him." The hurt from yesterday was still evident in her voice from the way she spoke.
"I'm so so sorry, ma'am. We can reschedule if you don't mind."
"How about today?" She asked with excitement I didn't want to kill.
"Fine. Leave the location and time for me in a text message. I'll show up as soon as it's time." I promised while I could hear how overjoyed she was.
"Alright, daughter. I'll be expecting." She told me before hanging up the call.
I couldn't imagine what the outcome of the meeting would be. Even though I never had a particular preference when it came to men, I was now worried about a lot of things including Height, statute, and occupation… whichever one it was, I was going to find out soon.
"Hey, what's up?" Kris asked me to enter the house. I had gone out so early that she had no clue when I left the house.
"I'm good. I went to see my boss and I'll be out for a while." Immediately, my phone buzzed. It was the old woman, Cordelia's address.
"I forgot to ask. Are you seeing someone?" I heard the words leave her mouth all of a sudden.
"Not really. I'll tell you when I'm back though.
With that, I ate a little food and zoomed out again. I gave the driver the address she sent to me and while he drove me there, the only thing I did was imagine.
"I'm on my way. I'll be there in five." I texted her back.
She was already in view when I arrived at her house. She hurried to where I was about to pay off the cab driver and took care of my bills.
"How are you, my dear?" She asked with a broad smile on her face.
"I'm okay ma'am how about you?" I returned her homely gesture.
"Nothing could have made me happier than you being here. Come on, let's go." She took me by my right hand and led me into the beige-colored bungalow. It had a little garden in a corner and neatly trimmed grasses.
"You'd have to be a little patient, my dear, Salvatore might take a while to return." She apologized on his behalf.
"No issues," I replied, wearing her kind of smile
"I'm glad you're fine with it. Do you mind helping me out in the kitchen? I just want you to always be around me now that you're here." She admitted shamelessly making both of us chuckle.
"Your wish is my command, ma'am."
She took me to her medium-sized kitchen. It had a little dining in it, so she let me sit down while I diced some carrots for her.
"Ivy?" She called out quietly making me tilt my head towards her.
"Yes ma'am."
"It's 'mum' You can call me mum." She corrected.
"Yes, mum." I shyly corrected myself, returning my attention to the carrots.
"Are you seeing someone?" She asked with evident fear in her voice.
"I'm not," I replied simply while she sighed in relief.
"Salvatore already signed the papers yesterday and even though he insisted on making it a contract marriage first, I just wanted to be sure you're not in a relationship."
I paused in my actions, letting her words sink deep.
"Contract marriage?" I asked in a barely audible voice.
"Yes. You'd live together for six months and if both of you don't fall with each other then you can both go your separate ways. Wait give me a second." She hurried out and returned with a paper. "This is the least I could do for two adults that I love so much." She smiled and handed me her pen.
"I trust your decision, Mum. Where do I sign." I told her after taking my time to think it through.
She showed me where to sign and immediately I did, someone I never thought I'd see again appeared from nowhere.
"You came at the perfect time, son. Meet Ivy, your new bride, and Ivy, meet Salvatore, my son, and your husband henceforth." She giggled while I stood there in shock.
I studied the paper I had just signed, only to confirm that it was the same man I had performed a one-night stand with two days ago. Salvatore Eric Astor.
- Writer
