Chapter 719

Ivy recounted the scene exactly as she remembered it.

It had happened right after she’d been brought home, when she’d gone for a checkup at the hospital. She’d run into Jamison in the elevator, where they’d exchanged sharp words–neither of them in the mood to back down, and they parted on a sour note.

But as she left the hospital, her eyes were drawn to the massive digital display in the lobby, where Jamison’s credentials and accolades rolled across the screen. The sheer number of his titles and honors had stunned her for the first time.

Then she saw him again: Jamison, kneeling on a gurney, fighting to save a patient’s life as they rushed down the corridor into the emergency room. In that moment, he was a force of nature–a real–life hero.

Back then, Ivy had never really reflected on any of this. But now, with Sophia’s questions prompting her to revisit those memories, she realized something—

Maybe she’d agreed to Jamison’s whirlwind proposal not just for the five million, and not just because he was ridiculously handsome. Maybe it was also because of what Sophia had called his “boundless compassion” and “greatness of character.”

Honestly, she thought, Dr. Ludwig amazed her more and more every single day. And every day, she found herself falling for him just a little bit more.

That evening, Jamison didn’t get home until nearly seven. As soon as he picked up Ivy, they headed straight to the old family estate.

She noticed how tired he looked. “Want me to drive?” she offered gently. “I napped after shopping, so I’m wide awake.”

He’d been hungover from last night, spent all day at work, even had surgery–he had to be exhausted.

“It’s fine,” Jamison said, glancing at her with a soft smile. “I’ll just take it slow. I already told them to start dinner without us, so there’s no need to rush.”

Ivy nodded, relieved. “Good. No point making everyone wait–besides, even if we ate together, I’d still have to sit at a separate table.”

Jamison sighed, a little exasperated. “You’re still hung up on that? You’ve had two PCR tests, both negative. The doctors have ruled everything out.”

She was stubborn. “That’s not enough. I want to get tested again at three and six months. If it’s still negative then, I’ll relax.”

Knowing there was no changing her mind, Jamison just smiled and switched topics. “So what did you and Sophia buy today?”

“Not much for me. Sophia, though–she went all out. Spent over ten grand.”

Jamison’s eyebrows shot up. “She really went that big?”

“Honestly, she seems like she comes from money. The way she talks, her manners–her family’s got to be well–off. After Dale showed up, they actually hit it off. He ended up giving her a ride back to the hotel.” Ivy had a feeling there might be some sparks between those two.

If that turned out to be true, she’d feel like a matchmaker.

After all, she’d started that WhatsApp group, and it was because of her that the six of them had met.

Jamison saw right through her thoughts and couldn’t help but rain on her parade. “If she really is a trust fund kid, there’s no way she’d end up with Dale. He comes from a pretty average background–the only reason he’s doing well is because he’s talented and made it into a big tech firm. But in his field, thirty–five is pretty much the cutoff. Who knows what the future holds?”

Ivy knew why he was so familiar with Dale’s situation, so she asked, “When you helped Dale’s niece get a discount on her surgery, did you look into his family’s background?”

Jamison looked surprised. “Dale told you about that?”

“Yeah. He really admires you, and he’s grateful. He told me all about your heroic deeds.” Ivy glanced at him, her brow furrowed in curiosity. “But when we first met, I had such a bad impression of you. Why didn’t you ever try to explain yourself?”

Jamison smiled. “Would you have believed me if I had?”

Ivy paused, then realized he was right. “Honestly, no. I was so convinced you were the worst, no explanation would’ve changed my mind.”

“Exactly. So why waste my breath?” His tone was calm, almost nonchalant. “I’ve never felt the need to explain myself. If someone really cares, they’ll see the truth. If not, there’s no point trying to convince them.”

Ivy understood that feeling. She was the same way.

If someone didn’t get her, it just meant they weren’t on the same wavelength.

And if they weren’t, why force it?

“Hold on–by that logic, you shouldn’t care about me either. So why did you…” Ivy broke into a smile. “Isn’t that a bit of a contradiction?”

Jamison laughed. “That’s what makes you the exception. You’re the only one I’ve ever made an exception for. The only one who made me break my own rules, again and again.”

Ivy didn’t reply, but her heart felt light and full. Her Dr. Ludwig–stoic on the outside, vibrant and colorful beneath the surface.

And she was the lucky one who got to see those hidden colors, the parts of him no one else could ever reach.

When they arrived at Ludwig Mansion, the family dinner was nearly over.

Carla was back tonight, her eyes swollen from crying. Davina was by her side, gently consoling her.

When Jamison and Ivy walked in, Danny told the kitchen to bring out the plates they’d kept warm.

Ivy was starving, and with everything going on with Carla, she knew there was nothing she could say to help, so she focused on eating.

Thad came over and sat across from Jamison, getting straight to the point. “Heard you broke Farley Shepherd’s nose?”

Jamison’s voice was even. “Yeah. He was going to press charges, but the lawyers settled it.”

Thad gave a derisive snort. “The nerve of him. Does the Shepherd family really think they can push the Ludwigs around now that they’ve made a little money?”