Chapter 636

Ivy looked at him and sighed inwardly, a mix of resignation and frustration.

“Can’t you just… change your plans for me?” Jamison finally asked, essentially forcing her to choose between her career and her husband.

Her face fell instantly.

If it had been anyone else, Ivy wouldn’t have hesitated–her answer would have been a firm no.

But this was Jamison–her husband, the man who’d supported her unconditionally at her lowest point, her rock and her rescuer. After a brief silence, she finally relented, “Can’t I at least try the internship first? Maybe the real work environment isn’t what I imagine. Give me some time, and maybe I’ll change my mind.”

If she didn’t go, she’d always wonder–always regret it.

Jamison could tell she was giving in, even if her answer still wasn’t what he wanted. Not wanting to pick a fight with his wife, he hesitated, then compromised as well.

“Alright, do the internship. But you’re taking a bodyguard. Your safety comes first.”

“Of course. I know.”

She’d never planned to ditch the bodyguard anyway. Self-preservation was one of Ivy’s strong suits.

With the matter settled, Ivy’s expression softened. She leaned in and kissed Jamison, lowering her pride to coax him a little. “Thank you, babe. I know you’re just looking out for me.”

Jamison was no fool. He’d long since figured out his wife’s tricks–whenever she sensed he was about to lose his temper or get annoyed, she’d treat him like a sulky kid and coax him with a kiss or some sweet words.

Usually, he fell for it–and even enjoyed it as a little private ritual between them.

But tonight, his annoyance ran deeper than usual.

So, her usual tactics weren’t enough.

After the kiss and her attempt to soothe him, she noticed he hadn’t softened. She glanced up, searching his face. “Seriously? Are you actually mad at me?”

Jamison forced a smile and lied through his teeth, “No, just tired. Let’s get some sleep.”

Sleep?

Ivy almost laughed in disbelief.

They hadn’t seen each other for two days, and by their usual standards, tonight should have been wild–at least once, maybe more.

And here he was, for the first time ever, saying he was “too tired” and just wanted to sleep?

She stared at him. “You sure?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, what if I’m not ready to sleep yet?” For once, Ivy was the one to make the first move, a rare act of boldness.

She’d kept track of her cycle–her period was coming up soon. A little extra activity now was good for circulation, good for her hormones, too.

Sure enough, Jamison looked genuinely surprised.

Their eyes met. Ivy’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but since she’d already put herself out there, she decided to go for it. She sat up and started unbuttoning his pajama shirt.

Jamison frowned. “Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Exactly what married couples are supposed to do,” she replied, leaning in to kiss him.

Jamison didn’t push her away–he even kissed her back, twice. But only twice.

Then he gently took her shoulders and put some space between them.

“Ivy, I really am tired tonight. How about a rain check? I’ll make it up to you.”

His voice was gentle, but Ivy could hear the distance, the brush-off in his tone.

He was shutting her out–emotionally.

She stared at him, hurt flickering in her eyes.

She’d always believed that married couples could fight, yell, disagree–but as long as the love was still there, one night in bed together could fix anything.

But tonight, they hadn’t even fought, not really. And here he was, using intimacy–or the lack of it–as punishment. Even after she’d made the first move.

Chapter 636

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. She turned away, her voice quiet and wounded. “You’re rejecting me? We haven’t even been married that long, and you’re already bored? Already tired of me?”

“That’s not it.” Jamison rushed to explain. “Of course not. I’m just honestly exhausted. And haven’t you always complained I wear you out? I’m giving you a break for once, and now you’re accusing me.”

He tried to make light of it, but Ivy didn’t buy it.

He might as well have just said, “I’m not in the mood tonight.”

These half-hearted excuses only made it worse.

Fine, if that’s how he wanted it, she’d save herself the humiliation. Without another word, she turned away from him and pulled the covers over herself.

Jamison got what he wanted.

But staring at her back in the darkness, he felt even worse than before.