“Kyler, didn’t you say you were bringing a woman over for me to set up? I’ve got everything arranged for the show, but where’s your woman? Why are you the only one here?” Finn Miller looked at Kyler with confusion.
Kyler sighed, feeling a bit nostalgic. “I did bring her, but something happened on the way. Let’s just say I played the part of a mover for someone else. Let’s not dwell on it.”
After picking up Ivy, he had messaged his cousin Finn, saying he wanted to impress a woman and take her out. For Kyler, getting close to a woman with a child was challenging, especially someone like Ivy, who was quite serious. He had everything planned and was confident he could win Ivy over. But then that unexpected event occurred. If it hadn’t happened, he might have already had Ivy in the bag.
Finn nodded, saying, “Alright, I’ll treat you to a nice meal today, and then we’ll head to Crimson Cobras tonight to unwind. Let me tell you, there’s a new batch of beauties over there-pure and gorgeous. Each one is stunning, tall, and curvy. It’d be fantastic to bed one of them. I can hardly wait. We can pick a few tonight for some fun.”
Finn placed a hand on Kyler’s shoulder, a lecherous grin on his face.
Kyler chuckled. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate? I don’t know Vernon well. If I upset someone, it’ll just cause trouble for you, right?”
Finn was the young master of the Miller family in Vernon and Kyler’s cousin. Their mothers were sisters. The Miller family held a significant status in Vernon-not a large clan, but they were wealthy businessmen.
Finn waved his hand dismissively. “That’s nothing. In Vernon, I call the shots. You know what kind of person I am.” He confidently patted his chest.
Suddenly, Kyler’s eyes widened. “What the hell!” He spotted a woman in a restaurant.
The woman had a stylish bob haircut and had traded her stockings for a red tracksuit. It was Ivy! She was here! And next to her was that annoying little girl, Vivian.
Wait! Kyler felt a surge of suspicion. Who was the man sitting across from Ivy? Why did he look so familiar?
Kyler noticed the man wore a shirt and faded jeans. Suddenly, realization hit him. It was that guy. Kyler couldn’t believe Kayden was still alive! The last time, Fletcher had stopped him, and Kyler thought Kayden was done for. But here he was, alive and well!
What infuriated Kyler even more was that Kayden was flirting with the woman Kyler had set his sights on. Last time it was Nadia, and now it was Ivy. Was this guy trying to get himself killed?
Kyler was seething with rage, and Finn cursed under his breath, staring at Ivy, “Shit! That woman is incredibly hot, and she’s with a child!”
Finn slapped his thigh and lamented, “What a shame! That woman is dating that guy looking like a loser.”
“What do you think? She’s beautiful, right?” Kyler grinned, showing his teeth.
Finn nodded. “Absolutely gorgeous. I love a woman with kids, especially one as stunning as her. It’s like she’s tempting me to have a little fun with her. I once had a fling with a woman who had a kid, and I still remember it vividly.”
Kyler chuckled. “That’s the woman I was telling you about, but I was intercepted on the way here. I can’t believe she ended up here with that guy.”
Finn looked surprised. “Seriously? The one you wanted to bring?”
Kyler nodded. “Yeah.”
“So that guy next to her is her husband?” Finn asked next.
“Of course not!” Kyler replied. “That guy ruined my relationship with my ex-girlfriend in Inassea. I can’t believe he’s now after the woman I like. He’s clearly targeting me.”
Finn patted Kyler on the arm, confidently saying, “No worries, bro. As long as that guy isn’t her husband and has a history with you, I’ll take care of him. Don’t forget, this is Vernon.”
“But…” Finn flashed a sly grin. “After I deal with him, I hope I can have my turn with that woman after you fu*k her. I can’t resist someone like her. The moment I see her, I want to have her.”
Kyler generously said, “Of course. I was already planning to do that.”
“Great! I’ll teach that guy a lesson right now.” Finn started to head in.
But Kyler immediately grabbed Finn’s arm. “Finn, that guy knows some martial arts. I learned that the hard way last time. I think it’s better if we call for backup.”
Finn frowned but trusted his cousin’s judgment, pulling out his phone to call for help.
Inside the restaurant, Kayden sat across from Ivy and Vivian, creating a scene reminiscent of a family dinner. Vivian was happily chatting away, sharing everything she found delightful.
Seeing Vivian so happy felt like a sharp stab to Ivy’s heart. For her, this was a reunion-a dream come true for Vivian. But Ivy understood that once this meal was over, the disappointment would return. The joy Vivian felt now would turn to sadness later. The thought of Vivian crying for her dad broke Ivy’s heart. She couldn’t bear to hurt that poor child any further!
Just then, Vivian announced she needed to use the restroom, leaving Kayden and Ivy alone.
Ivy looked at Kayden, seizing the moment to say, “Mr. Scott, thank you.”
Kayden glanced up at Ivy, no longer saying he wasn’t her savior. Instead, he replied, “It’s nothing. It didn’t take much effort.”
Ivy shook her head. “I didn’t mean that. I mean, thank you for not hurting Vivian. Thank you for silently enduring being called ‘Daddy’ by her!”
Kayden replied, “It’s fine. She’s just a kid. Let her be.”
Ivy nodded, then sighed. “Actually, that moment was quite beautiful and nostalgic for me. I really wish time could freeze right here.”
Kayden lifted his gaze, staring intently at Ivy. As soon as Ivy met his gaze, her cheeks flushed red. She hurried to explain, “That’s not what I meant! I just want Vivian to be happy. I want her to stay that way.”
After saying that, Ivy quickly picked up a cup from the table, pretending to sip tea. Inside, her heart raced like she had been caught in a lie.
Kayden remained silent, his expression as cold as ever. After a few seconds of contemplation, Ivy finally spoke up, “Actually, I’m not Vivian’s mother.”
Kayden felt a pang in his stomach. Ivy’s words were unexpected. He looked at her.
Ivy’s eyes were vacant, lost in thought. After a long pause, she spoke with sadness, “Vivian’s mother is my sister. Just days after Vivian was born, my sister passed away, and I don’t even know who her husband is. Seeing Vivian, so helpless after her birth, broke my heart. She’s already so unfortunate-without knowing who her father is. I couldn’t let her grow up without a mother, so I decided to be Vivian’s mom. Over the years, I built a lie, telling Vivian her dad is a soldier, protecting the homeland. Then we moved to where we live now. Sometimes Vivian asks if her dad doesn’t want her. To give her hope, I told her her dad lives in the opposite house!”
Kayden nodded slightly. “So when I moved in, she assumed I was her dad.”
Ivy nodded, then looked down, apologizing to Kayden. “I’m sorry, Mr. Scott. I didn’t mean to deceive you.”
“I understand. You’re a wonderful mother,” Kayden said calmly.
“By the way, while Vivian isn’t here, can I ask you for a favor?” Ivy looked at Kayden with a pleading expression.
Kayden nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Can you promise to be Vivian’s daddy?”