towards Lucas, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Brother, oh

r, Ethan's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Behave and watch your language, Ivy. This isn't Eldr

if Ethan's words had sucked the happiness out of he

"In my office, now. There's something important to discuss." Wit

on't be sad. He's happy you're home; he just won't

kly," before turning to leave

oice barely above a whisper. "What

l see for yourself. Now go, before Ethan...explodes." He tried to

ar. What did her brothers want to discuss with her? And why did Ethan seem so

*******

heart racing with anticipation. Ethan's stern expressi

Ethan commanded

rt, but his expression was somber. "How w

lied, trying to

Okay, so what's

husiasm. "Right now, I want

and mirthless. "Baby, you

oice firm. "Ivy, it's t

shock. "What? Marriage

Ivy felt a chill run down her spine. "Y

ctor Blackwood? But h

y this marriage needs to happen. Dad agreed to i

to me. If it was so, you would have told

voice ro

e, brother, I have some dreams, and I don't want

rned red with a

aybe we gave you too much freedom; that's why you'r

s she whispered, "If Dad was her

s somber. "But this i

"What! Why should I be sacr

if we break this deal, it will result in war. Imagine how much blood will be

streaming down her face. "I won't do it! I won't m

********

y sound was her own ragged breathing. She felt a presence in the doorway and li

said, his voice soft. "You

p! You weren't there to support me. I'm fed up with you thr

oom, his movements quiet

e cracked.

don't worry. Look, only the engagement has been fixed; th

narrowed. "

ictor himself can cancel the deal by refusin

ched up in confu

now that. I've shown you the way; now

th determination. "You

eyes crinkling at th

miled, her tears forgotten. "B

, his voice low. "I'll always be h

ound being Ivy's quiet sniffles. Then Julian stood up, his mov

e knew what she had to do. She would find a way to make Vi

. "I'll do it, Julian. I'll find a way

laying on his lips. "I knew I

. "I won't let them dictate my life.

s the spirit, Ivy. Now go, think, and

. "Oh, I'll sabotage it a

***********