Chapter 455
In Jamison’s arms, Ivy nodded, then shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “It doesn’t hurt so much anymore. I just feel sore… and completely drained.”
Jamison pressed his lips into a thin line. He couldn’t even find the heart to scold her.
They held each other in silence, oblivious to the fact that they were still in Jamison’s workplace, where a colleague could stumble upon them at any moment and their professional reputations could take a serious hit.
Not far away, Celeste stood watching, seeing it all unfold with painful clarity.
Suddenly, she understood exactly why she’d lost.
A moment ago, that woman had stood toe-to-toe with her—sharp, composed, every word precise and brimming with confidence. She was unmistakably tough, someone who could easily be the heroine of her own story.
But the instant Ivy was in Jamison’s arms, she transformed—soft and delicate, every bit the damsel in distress, looking so vulnerable that anyone’s heart would melt.
And with a face that stunning, honestly, what man could resist?
Jamison’s every move broadcasted concern. He bent his head and whispered something in Ivy’s ear, making her laugh and playfully swat at him, the very picture of someone utterly devoted and spoiled.
Celeste felt a surge of contempt, then spun on her heel and marched back to her office.
“She’s gone,” Jamison murmured, patting Ivy’s shoulder. “You can drop the act now.”
Ivy frowned, lips pouting. “I wasn’t acting. I really don’t feel well. Can’t I have a hug when I’m miserable?”
Jamison chuckled, pushing her gently away so he could pinch her nose. “Don’t think that just because you’re being cute and needy, I’ll let you off the hook for what you pulled today.”
Ivy pressed her lips together, silent.
She knew she’d never outsmart his sharp instincts.
Jamison’s eyes narrowed as he thought back to Celeste’s reaction. “What did you talk about with Dr. Quinn?”
“Nothing much. She helped me out, so I thanked her,” Ivy replied.
“That’s it?”
“What else did you expect? That we’d fight over you?” Ivy looked up at him, her eyes wide and disarmingly innocent.
Jamison pursed his lips, unable to argue with her logic. “I just didn’t want her to give you a hard time.”
“Relax. If anyone was bullied, it wasn’t me. Just don’t blame me for stirring up drama with your colleagues.”
Jamison gave a wry smile. “Right. As if anyone could actually push you around, Ivy.”
“Still, since she helped me, I decided to go easy on her.”
He shrugged. “Whatever you want. As long as you’re happy.” His voice turned soft and doting, but his expression shifted the next second to something more serious. “I heard you fainted from low blood sugar. Did you go the whole day without eating?”
Ivy hesitated, searching for an excuse. “It wasn’t on purpose. I just… couldn’t eat anything.”
That, at least, was true.
Cramps so bad she felt like she might die—who could have an appetite in that state?
“Come on. Let’s get some food in you first.” Jamison took her hand, deciding to make sure she ate before bringing up the rest.
Ivy, her legs no match for his long stride, had to hurry to keep up, looking up at his profile as he led her down the hall. “Um… since I’m already at the hospital, maybe we should visit your mother first?”
“No. Food comes first.”
“But if we eat now, it’ll be too late by the time we’re done…”
“Then we’ll go tomorrow. You said you’d visit her tomorrow anyway.”
Ivy fell silent, sensing his lingering annoyance and knowing better than to press the issue.
What Jamison didn’t say was that his mother had just come out of surgery that afternoon, was still weak and barely conscious. There’d be no point in visiting tonight—better to wait until she was awake and could actually talk.
Once the couple left, a few heads popped out from nearby offices, each face marked by shock and disbelief.