2025-05-28 20:23:00
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272. Fun Day
Back at his company, Van sat at his desk, sunlight streaking through the tall windows of his corner office. The skyline stretched endlessly behind him, but his focus remained on the paperwork in front of him. Legal briefs, financial updates, acquisition reports—he had spent most of the past week getting his affairs back in order after being cleared of the lawsuit. Though he’d been declared innocent, the tension of those weeks still clung to his shoulders. The trial had cast a shadow over his company, but his team had stood strong, and now it was time to prove that Van Everest’s name still meant something. "Mr. Everest?" Naya’s voice came through the intercom. "There's someone here to see you. He says it's urgent." Van didn’t even glance up. "Tell him to schedule an appointment. I’m not available for walk-ins." There was a pause. "He says he’s a representative from Benedict Arlow." That name gave Van pause. He sat back in his chair slowly. "Send him in." Moments later, the door
271. Not Guilty
Van sat in his office, the skyline stretching out behind him in tall silver lines. Naya entered without knocking, her expression cautious but composed.“Mr. Van, Benedict Arlow has arrived.”Van set down the proposal he’d been reviewing and nodded once. “Send him in.”A few seconds later, Benedict Arlow stepped into the room.He looked as poised and confident as ever, dressed in a flawless three-piece suit, his hair slicked back with the same calculated precision Van had seen at the Amaranthine dinner. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, landed on Van with a quiet intensity.“Mr. Van,” he said, offering a hand.Van rose from his seat but did not offer his hand. “Arlow.”Benedict smiled faintly and sat down across from him. “I thought I’d stop by personally. I assume you’ve given my proposal some thought.”Van leaned back in his chair. “I have.”“And?”"I’m not interested.”The room fell into a brief silence.Benedict didn’t flinch. Instead, he adjusted the cuff of his jacket, unhurried. “
270. Advice
The reception buzzed with warmth and joy, a perfect continuation of the elegant ceremony that had preceded it. The ballroom was cast in soft golden light, the chandeliers glittering like frozen fireworks above a sea of smiling guests. Ivy stood with a flute of sparkling juice in hand, her gaze drifting over the crowd. It felt good to see Van’s family celebrating something beautiful—no schemes, no hidden dangers, just laughter and music.Macy and her new husband were the stars of the evening. They moved from table to table, accepting congratulations, pausing for photos, laughing at old stories. Macy’s gown shimmered as she danced, the soft veil tucked behind her shoulder like a whisper of the ceremony that still clung to her.Van had taken a seat beside Ivy at their family table, the twins on either side of him, giggling as they played with the party favors. His expression was relaxed, eyes softer than Ivy had seen in weeks. For a few brief hours, he wasn’t the CEO navigating legal lan
269. The Wedding
The wedding reception unfolded in a grand hall adorned with golden chandeliers and soft, twinkling fairy lights. Every corner sparkled with elegance, from the cascading ivory floral arrangements to the flickering candles that lined the long tables. A gentle waltz played as guests mingled, laughed, and toasted to Macy and her new husband, Julian.Van’s family had taken up a long table near the front of the hall, close to the dance floor. Ivy sat between Van and the twins, who looked angelic in their mini formal wear. Ivy had changed into a flowing lavender gown with delicate beading at the shoulders, while Van wore a crisp, dark suit with a matching tie. He looked calm and content for the first time in a while, basking in the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones.Lila, radiant in a champagne-colored dress with lace sleeves, floated around the room with the ease of someone who had always belonged. She spoke to guests, helped Ivy settle the twins, and even danced once with Van’s brot
268. Home, Your Family
The city shimmered with early spring sunlight as Ivy stepped out of the car, her eyes drinking in the familiar skyline with a complex rush of emotion. It had been weeks since she walked these streets — months filled with quiet village mornings, twin laughter, and cautious peace. Now, the city felt loud again, but in a way that didn’t overwhelm. It felt like a gentle hum instead of a scream.Naya was already waiting for them near the private entrance of the company building. She looked relieved to see Ivy, her normally professional demeanor giving way to a warm smile. “You look amazing,” she said sincerely, giving Ivy a quick hug before peeking into the car. “And the twins! My goodness, they’ve grown!”“Come on, Naya,” Van’s voice called from inside, and Ivy glanced back at the kids. “Let’s get them upstairs before someone tries to photograph us.”Ivy scooped up Chloe while Naya helped Billy out. Lila trailed behind, clutching a carefully packed bag, a little too cheerful.She hadn’t e
267. Back To The City
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the gauzy curtains of the old cottage, casting a golden hue on the wooden floors. Ivy stood by the window, a steaming mug of tea in her hands, her eyes scanning the horizon where the village rooftops sloped against a backdrop of misty hills. Birds chirped softly, and from the kitchen came the faint clinking of dishes as the twins helped set up breakfast. It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful.Since Van left for the city, the house had grown quieter. Not in a lonely or painful way, but in that subtle, watchful quiet that made Ivy's skin prickle. Lila had been coming around more often, always with some excuse — a pie she baked, a new storybook for the twins, or a fresh bouquet of handpicked flowers. At first, Ivy had welcomed the visits. The village was small, and new friendships were precious.But something about Lila’s presence had begun to change. It was in the way she lingered just a second too long when she hugged the twins. The way her v
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