“I still hope you’ll move in with me soon.” After kissing her again, his eyes burned with intensity as he made his request once more.
Ivy was breathless, cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. She practically shoved him out the door. “You should go home.
now!”
After closing the door behind him, she leaned against it, taking a long, steadying breath as she tried to calm herself.
She lifted her hand, gazing at the diamond ring glinting on her finger.
She was getting married.
Right now, in this moment, the reality sank in–she was really getting married.
Katrina came downstairs again, this time moving lightly and silently.
As she reached the living room and turned toward the entryway, she saw her friend leaning against the door, lost in thought and staring at her own hand. Katrina frowned in confusion. “Ivy, what’s wrong? Did Dr. Ludwig leave?”
Snapping back to the present, Ivy quickly dropped her hand and returned to the living room. “Nothing, he just left.”
Katrina gave a sheepish smile. “I swear, I didn’t mean to interrupt earlier. I heard nothing downstairs, so I thought Dr. Ludwig had already left. Who knew you two were still-”
Ivy’s cheeks turned even redder, and she couldn’t find a response.
Then Katrina caught sight of the dazzling ring on Ivy’s finger and her eyes widened. “Wow! That’s quite a diamond! Did Dr. Ludwig just give that to you?”
Ivy glanced at the ring again, trying to sound casual. “He just picked it out, said I
could make do with it.”
Katrina grabbed her hand for a closer look, admiring the stone. “There’s no way is a random choice. He definitely put a lot of thought into it.”
this
Ivy didn’t reply, but in her heart, she agreed.
“Ivy, this is wonderful. Dr. Ludwig really loves you.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Ivy said softly.
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“You need to cherish this, and him. Whatever happened in the past, just let it go.” Katrina’s voice was gentle but earnest.
Ivy nodded, silently promising herself: look forward, don’t look back–choose happiness.
Wednesday arrived as promised.
Ivy woke up early and took special care getting ready.
Katrina helped style her hair, pinning a sheer white veil among the curls.
“This is the trend for civil weddings now,” Katrina explained with a smile as she
finished. “You’re still a bride, after all.”
Ivy didn’t protest, tilting her head as she looked at her reflection.
Her cheeks were rosy, her smile soft and gracious–she truly looked like someone
who had been cherished.
Her phone rang.
Katrina handed it to her. “It’s Dr. Ludwig. He’s probably downstairs.”
Ivy answered.
“I’m almost there. Are you ready?” Jamison’s voice came through, warm and calm.
“All set. I’ll come down–no need to come up.” Ivy tried to sound casual.
Jamison chuckled. “What’s the rush? The registry office isn’t going anywhere.”
Only then did Ivy realize her eagerness to get on with things might have made her seem less reserved than she meant.
“Whatever you want,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
She’d only meant that it was easier to just meet downstairs and go together.
A few minutes after they hung up, Jamison came upstairs anyway.
This time, Katrina was determined not to be the third wheel. As soon as Jamison stepped inside, she grinned mischievously. “I’ll just wait outside and give you two some privacy. Don’t mind me!”
Ivy blushed even deeper at her teasing.
Jamison was dressed in a sharp suit today, looking more handsome and charming
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than ever–clearly, he’d put effort into his appearance.
Ivy had always known he was attractive, but seeing him now, her heart skipped a beat.
She stood rooted to the spot as he approached, his gaze warm and slightly awed.
“Ivy, you look incredible.” The words were simple, but the way he said them made her glow inside. Ivy had always been confident in her beauty, and today, she felt she truly deserved every compliment.