Ivy sighed silently; she knew Susan was right. There was someone else who would stop her from doing anything reckless, and that’s Zack. But that won’t make her change her mind. She was firm on her decision, not regarding the risk to be taken.
She just had to wait for her full recovery and discharge before getting ready to execute whatever she planned on doing.
Susan stayed bedside her for quite some time; they changed the topic, happily chatting before Zack arrived.
The moment Zack stepped into the room, Susan gathered her belongings, flashing Ivy a warm smile. “I should get going now, take care, okay?”
As she left, Zack’s serious expression softened. He sat on the bed, wrapping his hands around Ivy.
Ivy was growing accustomed to the newly developed intimacy and connection between them, and she was truly grateful for having someone like Zack by her side. Cuddling her made her feel relief. “You will be discharged tomorrow. A personal nurse will assist you at home,” he said, his voice soft and gentle, which was a stark contrast to the tone he used with her at the earliest time of their impulsive marriage.
Ivy couldn’t help but smile at his care and affection. She had never felt so much gratitude to anyone to this extent in her life, and she was finding it hard to express her feelings. “Hm,” she hummed her response, enjoying the moment because she knew the tension that would unfold as soon as she left the hospital.
They stayed wrapped in each other’s arms, basking in the warmth and comfort of their embrace until exhaustion finally took over. Ivy’s head rested on his chest as she drifted off to sleep.
When Zack noticed her slumber, he traced his fingers on her skin, breathing in the scent of her hair. He continued cradling her close, listening to her slowed and relaxed breathing.
Life was unpredictable, the same as the decisions one makes sometimes. He didn’t think a day would come when he would feel so much love, care, and compassion towards anyone. Brushing it off wasn’t the best thing to do to himself, as his feelings for her kept tugging him relentlessly, and he simply couldn’t resist its tenacity.
He chuckled at his thoughts, stroking her back tenderly while his mind teased him. His smile faltered for a moment, cradling closely, the space between them disappearing. In this moment, everything felt right; he was lost in the beauty of his own serene thoughts.
The next day she was discharged, she animated with respite, walking out of the hospital with Zack and a few of the guards stationed inside the building. She noticed the significant increase in their numbers, which was understandable given the present situation. It was quite risky to let their guard down, especially now that she miraculously and unexpectedly survived the accident that could have taken her life. She was sure her survival was an unforeseen feat of virtual triumph to her unidentified adversary, and she basked in the recess of danger, anticipating her next move.
A man she didn’t quite recognize opened the door for them; he seemed to be the new driver. Her accurate guess drifted her mind to recall Louis. She had been wanting to ask about him, but whenever she and Zack were together, she got carried away so much that she couldn’t remember to ask him.
But now seemed like a good time. She got into the car followed by Zack. As they settled on the back seat, she asked, “How’s Louis?”
Zack glanced at her, letting out a silent sigh. “He’s…” He hesitated, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular. “Ivy, he…”
“He what?” Ivy asked, her heart pulsating. Her eager gaze never faltered, curious to hear what Zack was going to say.
“Ivy…” Zack called, his gaze focused on her…
Ivy sensed bad news coming; Zack’s expression hinted at a heart-wrenching response that she couldn’t bring herself to experience again. A silent gasp escaped her lips, shaking her head at his inevitable response. “No, don’t tell me…”
“He’s dead too,” Zack finally broke the news. “He lost too much blood.”
Ivy sighed sorrowfully, her firm resolve soared. “This has to end as soon as possible. I’m tired of this loss.”
Zack also wanted the same. The two people who had been with him for years suddenly lost their lives to some cunning criminal who certainly didn’t hold any vendetta against them, but they ended up falling into his mess.
“The battle is tougher than I imagined, but it doesn’t mean it won’t end. It will soon,” Zack stated optimistically. “There are several professionals working on his case as of now. I hope for a better result.”
Ivy hissed, staring out the window. Zack caught her subtle disapproval and couldn’t help but ask. “What’s going on in your mind, Ivy? What do you mean by ending this and not wanting me to stop you…”
Ivy remained silent for a brief moment before replying. “I know you will disagree. I believe my plans will be effectual if my guess is…”
“Ivy. Spill it,” Zack interrupted, slightly exasperated. “Stop beating around the bush.”
Apparently, her hesitance to share it with him made him think it wasn’t the smartest idea.
Ivy stared at him, not breaking eye contact for a second. “…”
A vibrating sound interrupted them; Zack’s phone buzzed in his breast pocket. He quickly answered the call, irked by the abrupt interruption. He didn’t notice the name on the caller ID.
“Hello, who’s this?”
“Is that the way you greet an old friend?” The voice sounded calm and collected, with a hint of sarcasm.
Zack’s eyebrows furrowed, trying to make out who the caller was. “Who the hell are you?” he asked sternly. “I don’t have an old friend.”
A soft chuckle could be heard from the background. “How could you, Emerald.”
Ivy silently listened to their conversation as she observed Zack’s obliviousness. “Who is that?” She asked, leaning in closer.
Zack placed the phone away from his ears. “I don’t know…”
“Emerald, don’t pretend you don’t know me,” the unknown voice sounded again, with a higher volume.
“I said I don’t know you and don’t care to know whoever you are; you are disturbing my peace,” Zack spat annoyed. Being who he was, he had no patience with people, especially those he was unmindful of.
The caller chuckled and scoffed. “Okay, if you say so. I wonder how peaceful your life is now after all these years.”