Chapter 152: The Apologies

Ivy sat on the hospital bench, her nerves calmer now as she waited for Silas to come.

She lifted her head and was surprised to see her dad. She stood up, confusion racing through her. "Dad," she said flatly.

Patrick stepped closer, a shaky smile on his face. "How are you?"

"Good," she said cautiously, remembering all that had happened.

"How's Cole? I got the call from the hospital. I'm his emergency contact," Patrick said carefully, like he was picking his words.

"He's better now. The doctor said the surgery would soon be over," she said, wrapping a hand over herself. "It looks promising."

"Good," Patrick nodded.

They stood there in silence until Patrick cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Ivy," he said, facing her, his face filled with concern. "I should have done better. I'm sorry."

Ivy bit her lip. A part of her wanted to believe the softness in his voice, but the damage was too much, and it hurt.

"I am going to do better," Patrick continued, "For all of you. And I'm sorry about… your mother."

Ivy’s chest tightened at the reminder, and she stepped away from him. "You can't bring her back, can you?"

Patrick’s face went pale. "Ivy…"

"But you can't," she said firmly, anger rising in her chest. "I forgive you, but I… can't forget."

Patrick raised his hand, trying to reach her. "Ivy…"

But she already turned away, ignoring him. He had hurt her too much, and she wasn't ready to process it.

Right now, her priority was Geo and Cole.

Ivy wandered in the ward, her heart aching with longing. Her body ached for Silas, and she wanted to just bury herself in his arms.

She turned to the corner, hoping that by the time she had done her little walk around the hospital, her nerves would have calmed, or her father would be nowhere near, or at least Silas would have been around.

She heard babies' cries, and she followed the sound, eager to see the new humans. But to her dismay, she wasn't allowed in the room.

Feeling a little sad, she turned around, about to return to the reception when she heard her name.

She turned toward the sound and was surprised to see Cheryl. "Cheryl?"

Ivy walked into the room Cheryl was in. Cheryl was laid on the bed, a tag attached to her wrist.

Fear gripped her as she moved closer. "Oh, are you alright? Is your baby alright?"

A small smile appeared on Cheryl's face. "He's here," she said, pointing to her side.

Ivy gasped, her eyes following Cheryl's direction. In a small rectangular cot, a tiny figure moved.

"Is that…"

"Yes," Cheryl laughed. "Go on, touch him."

Despite not wanting to, Ivy found herself by the baby's cot. She looked at him, afraid to touch him. The baby cooed, and Ivy leaned closer.

He looked like Mason. And that made her stomach sink. She straightened up, keeping her expression unreadable.

"Congratulations, Cheryl. I'm happy for you," she said, then proceeded to the exit.

"Ivy, wait," Cheryl said.

Ivy counted one to five before turning. "Yes?"

Cheryl swallowed, and for a brief second, she was her best friend again, the one who had loved her, the one who had moved mountains for her.

"I'm sorry."

Ivy shut her eyes to the statement, her heart still. When she opened them, she saw Cheryl crying.

"I was a fool," Cheryl sobbed. "I was jealous and I… took your man. No best friend should ever do that."

The apology didn't move Ivy, but she didn't leave. She just stood there silently.

"He's not even worth me losing you," Cheryl continued, pouring her heart out. "He cheated on me too, Ivy. That's why he's not here to witness his baby's delivery."

Pity snagged at Ivy's heart. "Sorry you had to go through that."

"Oh, it's not the first time. He sleeps with every woman that comes his way," Cheryl said softly, wiping her eyes. "I knew that. You told me, but I didn't listen. I thought he would change for me."

Ivy wanted to speak before her phone rang. She checked and saw that it was Silas.

"Can you ever forgive me, Ivy?"

Ivy bit her lip, her eyes moving from Cheryl to the new baby before settling on Cheryl again. "Maybe. I don't know," she admitted.

Cheryl broke down in more tears. "Ivy…"

"I have to go now, Cheryl. Take care of yourself. If you need anything for your son, do let me know," she said, turning to the door.

Cheryl's voice cracked. "Ivy…"

But Ivy ignored her, walking out of the room. When she reached the hallway, her nerves settled. She sighed, realizing she had handled that better than she had expected.

"Fuck!" she gasped, running a hand through her hair. She couldn’t deny it; seeing that baby had stirred emotions inside her.

"Ivy!"

Silas's voice interrupted her.

She found him by the exit door and ran into his open arms.

"Baby," Silas said, squeezing her tight.

She rested her head on his chest, her heart beating with emotions.

He was here now.

When she lifted her head, Silas kissed her deeply, and she melted; all her emotions soared at his kiss. When he pulled away, she saw all the love in his eyes.

She touched his face, kissing him again. "I love you."

"I know, baby," he said, placing his hand on her waist. "I love you."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"

"Shh…" He placed a hand on her lips. "You don't have to explain. I'm sorry for my actions."

"It's okay," she smiled, her heart pumping with so much love for him.

"I love you," he said again, and she laughed. He pulled her closer, his erection pressing against her stomach.

Ivy's legs buckled with passion, but she looked at him, embracing all his love without fear.

He lowered his lips to hers again before taking her hand. "Come. They found Rosie."

She stiffened in disbelief. "Are you…"

"Yes," he said firmly as they walked out of the hospital. "She was trying to leave the country with Kim."

Ivy clenched her fists, allowing anger to stir inside her chest. "Is Kim involved?"

"No, she was just being used like the bimbo she is," Silas said. He opened the door for her, and she slid in.

Inside the car, Silas pulled her closer. She leaned into his chest, his warmth easing her nerves.

"You know, Kim released the news about my other brother."

Silas's brow lifted. "How?"

"It's a long story, and I don't want to talk about it. I just want to be in your arms forever."

"I'm all yours forever, baby," Silas said, kissing her forehead. "My entire life is yours."

Ivy chuckled as she closed her eyes, listening to nothing but his heartbeat.

Shortly after, they arrived at the police station where the whole Stone family were. She ran to Theresa and Aria, hugging them both.

"How are you girl? You look good," Aria said.

Ivy wanted to laugh out loud. If only Aria knew that her first outfit had been covered in Cole’s blood. Yet, she smiled, "Thank you."

Theresa came closer with a mischievous look in her eyes. "I have something to tell you later."

"Guys, come, Thomas is inside being interrogated…"

They followed where Thomas was. The room had a two-way mirror. Through the two-way mirror, Thomas pushed Rosie. Rosie had a noticeable bruise on her face.

Thomas leaned closer to Rosie's chair. "Why? Rosie?"

"The funding! Rosie snapped, not hiding her disgust. Rosie was supposed to divorce you with that."

"So, framing me for fraud was your option?" Thomas asked.

Ivy saw Silas clench his hands, unable to keep them to himself. She reached for them, and he nodded at her, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"What do you expect?" Rosie scoffed.

Thomas paced around the room, taking in sharp breaths. He stopped and faced Rosie, "But we were trying for kids. How could you want a divorce when you were trying?"

"I wasn't trying," Rosie smirked, and everyone in the room gasped. "The miscarriages were just acts. I never wanted kids with you."

Thomas staggered, his hands shaking. Ivy's stomach dropped at the pure defeat on his face.

"I'll be back," Silas said and quickly left the room.

Thomas was still talking to Rosie, "You—"

"Fuck off!" Rosie snapped just as Silas entered the room.

He took Thomas out while everyone went to meet them. Ivy's stomach knotted as she tried to process Rosie's words. When they got to the hallway, they met Silas consoling Thomas. Everybody approached them except Theresa. Ivy shook her head as she remembered she got kicked in the stomach for nothing. She clenched her fingers, about to step away when Theresa held her hands.

"I heard your ex-husband surrendered when he got arrested."

Ivy chuckled unexpectedly. "Really?"

"That's what Dad told me," Theresa shrugged, then she pulled Ivy further away from everyone. "I have something to tell you." Ivy's stomach churned at Theresa's tone. "What?"

Theresa's eyes widened with delight. "Though it's still quite early to tell, but I'm pregnant – for Hector."

"Oh!" Ivy gasped and hugged Theresa, totally speechless. "You deserve it, T. You’ll make a great mom."

Tears filled Theresa's eyes when she straightened up. "Thank you, Ivy. I would love for you to be my baby's godmother."

"You—" Ivy paused, emotions choking her throat. "Yes, yes," she laughed through her tears.