Jamison…
Her lover. Her husband. Her man.
Every one of those words felt unreal when she applied them to him.
A new WhatsApp message pinged–this time, a private chat.
She set down her pen, slid her mouse over, and clicked.
No surprise–it was Dr. Handsome.
Dr. Handsome: Congratulations.
Mrs. Smith: Same to you!
Dr. Handsome: So you two really aren’t having a wedding?
Mrs. Smith: Not for now.
Mrs. Smith: What about you? When are you getting married?
Ivy was taken aback. Wasn’t this the same guy who had confessed his feelings to her not so long ago? Had he really moved on that quickly?
She found it hard to believe.
But deep down, she was honestly relieved. She hoped he’d find happiness elsewhere and stop carrying a torch for her.
Jamison stared at her question, not daring to answer honestly.
If he did, his secret identity would be blown tonight.
He couldn’t risk exposing himself before he and Ivy were officially married.
Dr. Handsome: We just started dating–we need more time before thinking about marriage.
Mrs. Smith: Fair enough. Marriage is a big deal, after all.
Dr. Handsome: And you? Are you sure about your choice?
Ivy stared at the message and silently asked herself the same question.
Was she sure? It wasn’t really something she could decide on her own.
Mrs. Smith: I think so. He’s a wonderful person, and he treats me well. I want to give
1/3
17:07)
it a real chance.
Jamison’s heart raced as he read her words of praise–about him, unknowingly
Dr. Handsome: I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Mrs. Smith: Thank you. Same to you.
The group chat was still buzzing, but Ivy didn’t join in.
She still hadn’t finished her stock analysis for the day, and there were books she needed to read.
She logged off WhatsApp, forcing herself to refocus on real work.
Meanwhile, Jamison was far from calm.
He scrolled through his entire chat with “Mrs. Smith” from start to finish, reading it over and over.
The more he read, the broader his smile became.
When her icon finally grayed out, instead of feeling disappointed, he felt content.
Because no matter what, whenever he wanted to reach out, she would always be there.
He closed WhatsApp and opened Messenger, scrolling to his friend Naylor Wilson. Without hesitation, he typed: I’m getting married.
Emma Windsor was out.
Officer Gallagher had gone out of his way to let Ivy know, apologizing once again for the whole ordeal.
Ivy took it calmly.
She’d expected as much.
But what she didn’t expect was that Jamison had somehow found out as well. He called her right at lunchtime.
“Lunch was delivered–are you eating?” Ever since discovering Ivy’s habit of neglecting her health, Jamison had arranged daily meal deliveries for her and followed up with a call to make sure she ate.
Ivy was mid–bite and rolled her eyes playfully. “Could you stop hovering over me like I’m a toddler?”
17:07
“I’ll stop worrying once you actually take care of yourself.”
“Anyway, there’s something important I need to discuss.”
“Oh? What’s up?”
“Emma’s out. Did you know?”
Ivy was startled. “How did you find out?”
“If it concerns you, of course I have people keeping an eye on things. The moment I hear anything, you’re the first to know.” Jamison’s tone was matter–of–fact, his concern and possessiveness unmistakable.
“I know. There wasn’t enough evidence, so they couldn’t charge her,” Ivy replied coolly, with a faint, unconcerned smile. “It’s fine. Maybe it’s for the best. That advice you gave me before was pretty good–though I’m not sure you have anyone suitable in mind?”
g he
Jamison’s confidence was unmistakable as he chuckled. “Of course I do. Otherwise, why would I be calling you right now?”