Chapter 14 Advise Him to Get a Divorce Ivan was a little surprised as he looked at me. He and I had never even really spoken to each other in the past, let alone eat together. When we met each other, we basically didn’t even utter greetings. We would just exchange looks But this had to do with his good friend’s marriage, and he knew how intricately linked the Sadler and Payne families were. After some thought, he said, “Alright. Let’s meet tonight, then I have time tonight. ” “Sure! I know of a coffee house with fantastic coffee, and the location’s really condy and cozy–it’s perfect for achat. Here, why don’t we exchange nuinber? I’l send you the location. Lenthusiastically pulled out my phone to take down Ivan’s number. He glanced at it before handing me a piece of paper and a pen. “No, thanks. Just write the name of the place here. ” What the hell was wrong with him? Did he live on a tree or something? I gave him an incredulous look before writing Serendipity’s address on the paper. “See you at 8:30 pm, then. ” I cheerily put the pen down before leaving, feeling happy. He wouldn’t see me there, of course Ashley was the one he would meet The thought of this kept me excited for the rest of the day. I looked forward to the mument Ivan and Ashley met, and I decided to head there in disguise so I could witness such a historical moment. It was no wonder Rowan and Ivan were buddies–they’d even fallen for the same woman. I just didn’t know whether van had fallen for Ashley at first sight of whether he’d developed feelings for her after spending time with her. It it hadn’t been love at first sight, I would be in for disappointment tonight. I changed into a loose, black shirt and pants. Teven got myself a wig. When it was around 8:00 pm, I headed to Serendipity. Instead of heading inside, gared inside though the floor–to–ceiling windows. Sure enough, Ivan was already seated in a comer. In fact, it was the one I’d always gone for He wore a simple white T–shirt, and his hair fell carelessly over his forehead. He looked younger than he usually did, and his demeanor was cold and reserved. He sat there quietly while sipping on his coffee. He wasn’t even looking at his phone. Where was Ashley?t looked at the counter, trying to search for her figure. I failed to find her despite looking around for quite a while, and my perverse behavior caught wan’s attention. He stood up when he saw me and left the coffee house. I wanted to run but thought it would be inappropriate. “Are you blind, Iory? This was the first thing van “politely said to me when he came out. “You’re a doctor, aren’t you? Can’t you be a little less harsh?” took off the wig, feeling frustrated. It had been sweltering with that thing on. “You invited me here for a chat, yet you stood out here in a wig without going inside. What are you playing at? He frowned at me. Isald defiantly, “I’m here, aren’t 17 1 was just trying to see whether you were inside. ” He didn’t waste his breath on me. Instead, he pushed open the door and ordered, “Goin. ” I stomped inside reluctantly, the wig in hand. As 1 walked past the counter, I looked around again. Ashley wasn’t around. I asked one of the staff, “Where’s Ashley?” “Today’s her off day!” she answered. My face fell, and my excitement was extinguished. I trudged owes to van’s table and sat down, ordering a black coffee as I usually did. Then, i sipped it silently Iven looked at me. “Didn’t you say you wanted to talk to me about you and Rowan?” Ishrugged. “I changed my mind. Look, how about just treat you to a cup of coffee? Youcan drink it up and head home to get some rest. As soon as the woods were out of my mouth, I sensed the frostiness he exuded. His gaze was sharp, too. He could give Rowan a run for his money. He growled, “Did you play me? “No, I just suddenly felt like there’s nothing much to say about my relationship with Rowan. All of you know I’ve harbored a one–sided love for him for years, right? But he doesn’t like me. Γ “He didn’t like me in the past, he doesn’t like me now, and he won’t like me in the future. What’s there to talk about? I muttered. “If you really want to help me, po convince him to get a divorce!” Ivan stared at me, seemingly trying to determine whether I was telling the truth. My heart trembled a little from his appraisal. I picked up my coffee and pretended to take a sip. After a while, he finally said, “You two are in a political manage. It’s not as simple and straightforward as a guler marriage–I don’t think you need me to tell you that. Before anything important happens, you guys are stuck together. Rowan won’t agree to a divorce. ” “You know him pretty well, don’t you? That’s what he said, too. ” I sighed. “I suppose you guys are brothers for life. ” He didn’t say anything, merely sipping his coffee. I didn’t want to talk to him anymore–Ashley wasn’t around, and was merely a supporting role. I didn’t need to have too much to do with a show’s leading characters After three minutes of silently drinking our coffees, I got up to settle the bill. Ivan stood up and stopped me like a perfect gentleman, “I’ll get it. ” “Alright, then. “I didn’t turn him down. The money meant nothing to him, anyway Ashe paid, I took the opportunity to slip out of the coffee house and drive off. I was tuming at a crossroads when I saw him leave the coffee house in the rearview mito. He stared in the direction my car was headed. I shook my head and sighed. I looked like Ivan was destined to always be a step behind Rowan. I’d tried to help him twice, but both attempts had failed. Whatever was linking Rowan’s and Ashley’s faces had to be made of steel. I felt like continuing to force Ivan into the equation would just be a waste of time. I’d be better off kicking up my feet and waiting it out. There were just more days, anyway, I could wait for that long As I’d expected, Rowan didn’t retum home for the next week. We were back to how we were before this–we didn’t communicate or see each other I was pleased by the freedom and that I had time to do what I wanted to do, when Benjamin was discharged, I picked him up at the hospital and even treated him and Ashdry to a Chapter 14 Advise Him to Get a Diverce Then, I focused on practicing the cello. I had to hone the skills I’d abandoned for the past few years. At the same time, I had my herbal concoctions three times a day. Those, coupled with Ella’s cooking, made me gain a pound or two. “Have you been taking a special elixir or something, Ivy? Look at how rosy and spirited you loold” Jean pluched my face when we met up. “I’ve been having herbal. concoctions for my health and taking more meals. Looks like my weight–gaining plan is working,” I said happily. “Damn it!” Natalie exclaimed. “We’re all clamoring about losing weight, yet here you are, drinking herbal concoctions to gain weight!” Olivia swatted her. “Oh, come on. You should be satisfied with what you’ve got–you’ve only gained weight because of your love!” Natalie’s boyfriend was a great cook and had fed her well over the years. She wiggled her head snugly and said, “Jealous, aren’t we? This is the good thing about getting someone whose family background isn’t as good as yours!” Even though her boyfriend didn’t come from as good a family as she did, he made up for it by being a great guy. He didn’t look half–bad, and he was level–headed and gentle. That’s why Natalie’s family hadn’t objected. Suddenly, I thought of Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… something. “Nat, bring me with you if you come across any suitable gigs for me. ” It was so boring being at home all the time. I wanted to work on my career!! לי