Ivy’s interest was piqued. She glanced away from her laptop to her phone. “Come on, just finish what you’re saying. I’m not embarrassed, so what are you being shy about?”

Jamison was caught off guard by her bluntness, her no-nonsense attitude momentarily throwing him off track. Odd, considering he was a surgeon–someone who’d seen the human body up close in every possible way–he shouldn’t be flustered by a conversation like this. Yet when Ivy called him out so directly, he found himself at a loss for words.

He was silent for a couple of seconds, searching for his composure before answering. Straightforward as ever, “Well, it’s been proven medically: an active sex life can help with menstrual pain.”

“Mm.” Ivy’s attention drifted back to her laptop as she typed away in her group chat, her tone nonchalant. “That all?”

“One last thing. The most important, actually. Micah and the Windsor family struck a deal–he called off the engagement with Emma. The Shepherds handed over a piece of land the Windsors have wanted for years as compensation.”

“What?” The news caught Ivy off guard–her eyes flicked back to the phone. “They really broke off the engagement? Emma agreed to it?”

“Emma didn’t have a say. Your greedy father made the decision for her. That land has been on the Windsors’ wish list forever. What I’m getting at is, with no engagement tying him down, Micah’s bound to come after you even more relentlessly. If you and I were together, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble–so maybe think it over.”

Jamison stopped, giving her time to process everything. Ivy ignored her group chat, frowning thoughtfully as she replayed Jamison’s words in her mind.

She had to admit, he’d come prepared. Who else tried to win a woman’s heart with a logical, point-by-point breakdown, like he was solving an equation? Was this just how science-minded guys operated?

The first two points–whatever, take them or leave them.

But that third point…

Even Professor Penn had suggested, more than once, that finding a boyfriend–maybe even getting married–could help ease her cramps. She’d planned to see Dr. Brown about it, but the appointment never happened. Dr. Handsome had offered to set something up, but she’d declined.

So far, she hadn’t found a better solution for her pain. Maybe this “balancing act” actually was worth a try.

As her mind wandered down Jamison’s reasoning, Ivy’s imagination conjured up scenes that made her cheeks burn. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

Then there was that fourth point…

She couldn’t help but wonder–if she really did end up with Jamison, how would Micah react?

And to take it a step further–if she actually married Jamison and became Micah’s aunt by marriage, what would Micah do then?

The thought jolted her back to reality.

Good grief.

She was actually considering the possibility of being with Jamison.

No way. Absolutely not.

She didn’t need a man. Didn’t need romance.

All she needed was to focus on her studies, her career, and making money. That was the recipe for a carefree, happy life.

Jamison’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Ivy, are you listening? Have you made up your mind?” She blinked, refocusing on her phone. Her answer was unwavering. “I have. My answer’s no.”

On the other end, Jamison’s brow furrowed. He gave a short, rueful laugh–one that carried a hint of self-mockery.

“Of course. That’s just like you, Ivy.” His words held a mix of frustration and defeat.

He never would have guessed that the woman Micah–a total lightweight–had managed to land, would keep shooting him down like this.

Was he actually less of a catch than Micah?

“Anything else? If not, I’m going to bed,” Ivy said, eager to end the call. She didn’t trust herself not to waver if they kept talking.

Truth was, the idea of an end to her pain–and the thought of being Micah’s aunt–were both strangely tempting.

Her cramps truly were torturous, and nothing in medicine had worked. When science failed, sometimes you couldn’t help wishing for a miracle.

And if she became Micah’s aunt, that might finally get him off her back and give her leverage against the Windsor family. Two birds, one stone–no downside.

But inviting trouble was easy; getting rid of it was another story.

She was more afraid of being trapped by Jamison than by Micah and the Windsors combined. Jamison, sensing her impatience, tried one last time. “You’re really not coming to the art show this weekend? It’s a rare opportunity–it’d be a shame to miss it.”

“Not going.” She ended the call before he could say more.

The truth was, the gallery owner, Sawyer, had already set aside two tickets for her. She and Katrina had made plans to go Monday, avoiding the weekend crowds.

Even if her own work wasn’t being exhibited, she’d never miss a show of this caliber. But this time, after three years away, her painting had been selected–and given a prime spot in the gallery. How could she not go?

But there was no reason to involve Jamison.

It was getting late. Ivy stifled a yawn.

As she was about to shut down her laptop, she noticed a blinking icon in the corner of her screen. Frowning, she reluctantly clicked it open.

She was curious what Dr. Handsome had to say.

To her surprise–it was also about the art show!

Dr. Handsome: Are you interested in the exhibition? A friend gave me a few tickets. If you’d like, I can have them delivered to you by courier.