Chapter 67

Three unfamiliar faces stared back at her from the photo. One had glasses, his smile warm and honest – he looked like the dependable, quiet type. The other two were both towering men, their skin bronzed, radiating strength and athleticism. But from the picture alone, Ivy couldn’t tell which one was Dale, which was Coach Murphy, or who exactly was Dr. Handsome. Still, all three men were fairly attractive – a definite step up from the average guy you’d pass on the street.

She minimized the picture and scrolled further through the chat, hoping to figure out who was who. Then she learned that Dr. Handsome hadn’t even shown up!

Of the three men at dinner, the one with glasses was Dale – a software engineer at a major tech company. The two giants were Coach Murphy and his team’s power forward. Apparently, Dale had a bit of a crush on the player, so Coach Murphy brought him along for dinner.

Ivy couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.

Meanwhile, the group chat was still buzzing.

Bob: “You guys called it a night already? Why not go all out and have a few more rounds?”

Coach Murphy: “We’ve got team stuff tomorrow. Next time, when everyone’s here, we’ll make sure to party till we drop.”

Dale: “I went to pay the bill, but the manager said someone had already covered it!”

Jay: “That’s weird. Who paid?”

Everyone started speculating, curious about the mysterious benefactor. Then, Dr. Handsome finally appeared.

Dr. Handsome: “I paid. Sorry for bailing on dinner tonight.”

Dale: “You had surgery – totally understandable.”

Jamison had actually arranged to have the day off. He’d planned to sleep in, get a workout, and then finally meet everyone in person that evening. But that morning, Micah had called him in for an emergency – he needed to check on Ivy’s condition. Later, there was a sudden crisis on the ward: one of his post-op patients developed a severe complication, and Jamison had to rush back to the hospital to help save them. They’d pulled through, but the patient was still in critical condition. As the attending physician, Jamison didn’t dare leave, so he called Dale Sullivan to explain. To make up for missing dinner, Jamison had Naylor track down the restaurant’s front desk and quietly paid everyone’s bill.

Bob: “Dinner felt incomplete. Mrs. Smith wasn’t there, and Dr. Handsome had to bail at the last minute…”

Dale: “No word from Mrs. Smith all day.”

Jay: “She hasn’t posted on the forum or updated her market analysis either. Maybe her health…”

Everyone kept chatting and tagged Mrs. Smith again.

Ivy had come to the chat full of anticipation, hoping for a glimpse of Dr. Handsome – curious to see if he really lived up to all the hype. Who’d have thought he’d cancel?

But Dale was certainly easy on the eyes, and the glasses gave him a gentle, intellectual vibe. Coach Murphy, on the other hand, was built like a linebacker, with sun-kissed skin and undeniable charisma.

Seeing everyone tagging her and asking after her health, Ivy finally replied: “I’ve been under the weather these past few days – just resting up in bed.”

Bob: “Oh no, is it serious? When do you think you’ll feel better?”

Mrs. Smith: “Thanks for asking – I’m much better today.”

Dale: “Mrs. Smith, Dr. Handsome couldn’t make it tonight either. Did you see the photo I posted? That’s me with Coach Murphy and his forward.”

He re-sent the picture.

Mrs. Smith: [thumbs up] “You’re all so handsome! I was supposed to treat you all this time, but Dr. Handsome beat me to it and picked up the tab.”

Coach Murphy: “There’s always next time! You can treat us then.”

Though he was joking, Ivy replied in earnest: “Deal. Once I’m well, if there’s another chance to meet in person, I’ll be there.”

Since her “second chance” at life, Ivy had no real friends in the real world except Katrina. Who would have thought a handful of “WhatsApp friends” from the online world would become a much-needed ray of light in her otherwise lonely life?

The chat continued, but Ivy’s cramps were still bothering her. She put down her phone and went to bed early.

The next morning.

Still feeling unwell, Ivy skipped her usual morning jog. It was Saturday – no need to worry about the markets. She planned to sleep in, then once she felt better, check out her new apartment and pick up some essentials. Katrina would be on summer break after her exams, and it’d be the perfect time for her to move in.

Drowsy and half-awake, Ivy heard raised voices outside her room.

“What are you doing here? You don’t even love me! You just want to see her – don’t think I don’t know!” Emma’s voice was shrill, her words half-choked by tears.

Then came Micah’s pleading: “Of course I love you! We’re about to get engaged, how can you say that? I only helped Ivy yesterday out of basic decency – she fainted on the street, and I just happened to be there.”

“Just happened to be there? Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Ivy was jolted awake, straining to listen. She’d hoped the argument would blow over quickly so she could use the bathroom, but Emma’s wailing only escalated. Soon, other members of the Windsor family joined in, some comforting, some scolding.

Suddenly, Ivy felt a warm rush – if she didn’t get to the bathroom soon, she’d have a mess on her hands. She had no choice but to open the door and step into the hallway.

The living room fell silent. Every eye turned to her, as if everyone had just remembered she existed.

Ignoring them, Ivy walked straight to the bathroom.

Emma swung around to glare at Micah, catching him staring after Ivy. She lost it, pounding on his chest.

“You say you don’t love her, but you can’t take your eyes off her! Micah, you bastard! I’m done! We’re over – do you hear me?”

Emma’s temper flared; she wasn’t thinking about consequences.

Adkins and Rosetta, alarmed, immediately tried to rein her in. “Emma, that’s enough! You can’t just throw away years of a relationship. If you let Micah go, do you really think you’ll find someone better?”