Chapter 287
Jamison quickly stopped him. “Not yet, please. This is a personal matter—I’d rather not announce it to the whole group.”
The truth was, he still hadn’t told Ivy that he was “Dr. Handsome.” If Dale spilled the news in the group chat and Ivy saw it, she’d easily connect the dots—same wedding day, same group nickname. She’d definitely start to suspect, and his cover would be blown.
They’d just gotten married. The last thing he wanted was to start their first day as husband and wife with an argument.
Of course, Dale Sullivan had no idea about any of this. He just saw Jamison’s hesitation and, though puzzled, didn’t press further. “Alright, then. When you think the time is right, you can tell everyone yourself.”
Jamison nodded. “Sure. Once we’ve planned the wedding, I’ll make sure to invite everyone from the group.”
He truly meant it. After everything was out in the open, once their relationship was rock solid and the wedding was on, he wanted those friends who’d witnessed their journey—even if only online—to be there and celebrate with them.
After the call, Jamison returned to the table. His phone kept lighting up with WhatsApp notifications.
Ivy glanced over at him, her beautiful eyes laced with playful annoyance. “See what happens when you make such a big deal out of things? Now you can’t even eat in peace.”
Jamison just smiled. “It’s alright—good news is meant to be shared.”
The words echoed gently in Ivy’s heart. But aside from Katrina, she didn’t really have anyone to share with—at least, not in real life. Then it struck her: she did have friends, even if they were just “online friends.” They’d never met, but after all these years, they counted for something.
Why not share the news with them?
As Jamison turned to chat with Ivy, she picked up her phone and logged into WhatsApp. She dropped a bombshell in the “Stonks Only Go Up” group.
Mrs. Smith: Guys, I got married!
She didn’t wait for replies—she just sent a celebratory cash gift to the group.
Almost instantly, replies started popping up.
Bob: Mrs. Smith, you got married? It’s not April Fool’s, is it?
Jay: She sent money—must be real!
Coach Murphy: Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
Dale chimed in last, his message a bit different from the others: @Mrs. Smith, you got married today too?!
His words immediately aroused everyone’s curiosity.
Jay: @Dale, what do you mean? Did you get married today too?
Dale: Not a chance—I don’t even have a girlfriend.
Bob: Then what are you getting at?
Dale Sullivan, unable to reveal the truth, improvised: Seems like today is a lucky day. I’ve got friends on my feed tying the knot too.
Ivy didn’t think much of it. In a country with hundreds of millions of people, tons of couples got married on the same day. Even when she and Jamison had registered that morning, there were several newlyweds taking photos at the office.
Mrs. Smith: That’s right! Today’s a great day for a wedding.
Bob: @Mrs. Smith, when’s the big ceremony? You said before you weren’t having one—changed your mind?
Ivy stared at her phone, thinking for a moment before replying: We might have one, but it’s not on the calendar yet.
Jay: Just let us know in the group—when it happens, we’re all coming to celebrate!
Mrs. Smith: You bet.
She smiled, imagining that if she and Jamison ever did have a real wedding, she’d hardly have any family or friends to fill the seats. At least she could invite her online crew; let them bring their partners and fill a table or two.
Coach Murphy: Where’s Dr. Handsome? @Dr. Handsome.
Bob: Probably swamped at work.
Dale: He really is busy today—probably hasn’t checked his phone.
Ivy watched the screen, secretly hoping for a message. She wanted Dr. Handsome’s blessing, for reasons she couldn’t quite name.
But he never showed up.