Undressed By His Arrogance

But then his mind flickered elsewhere — to Sylvia. His pulse tightened slightly. Damn it, he needed her. "What has Sylvia been up to these days, Anna?" he asked casually.

Anna frowned slightly. "Uh... I don’t know, really. Last I heard about her — from Trish, I think — she’s been working hard to get her feet back on the ground again. Trying to rebuild her life." She paused, then her lips curved into a smile. "I like that Trish, by the way. That Sharona, though..." Anna made a small, disapproving noise.

"She has an odd air about her."

Of course, his wife would never be on his side. "I guess she finally let go of Joey then?" he asked.

Anna sighed softly. "It would appear so," she said. "Sylvia just needs to keep her mind busy, that’s all. I know she loved that boy but well..."

Joey. That boy had always been the weak link, Sylvia’s vulnerability, the one thread he could pull to unravel her entire resolve.

If she thinks I’m helping her get Joey back, she’ll play her part. She’ll do what I ask.

He pulled his phone from his pocket. He stood. "If you’ll excuse me, dear. I have a few calls to make."

Anna didn’t ask who he was calling. She didn’t want to know. She just watched him go. She had learnt to accept him that way. Since her grandfather died, Tom had changed toward her. She could see it even if she pretended not to.

*****

When Ivy got back home, the world looked like a dream. Her front porch — her quiet, cozy sanctuary — had been transformed into a wild, breathtaking explosion of color. Roses, lilies, tulips, hydrangeas, orchids — there were so many that she could barely find a place to step. The flowers spilled over the steps and onto the walkway.

Each bouquet carried a single card. Every one of them read the same thing: I love you. Over and over.

She pressed her hand to her mouth, laughing softly — half giddy, half overwhelmed. Her eyes stung as she whispered, "You hopeless man..."

Her fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone. The smile that spread across her lips was unrestrained, glowing.

Me: Okay, okay... I get it. You’re all caught up now.

She bit her lip as she waited for his reply, her heart thrumming.

Boss: So?

She rolled her eyes, chuckling. Her thumbs flew over the screen.

Me: I love you too. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Boss: Good. Get dressed. Reese is coming to pick you up soon.

Me: Can’t we just stay in tonight?

Boss: I have to introduce you to someone before the wedding.

Me: Okay then. See you.

Ivy read the last text twice, her stomach fluttering. Introduce me to someone? She maneuvered her way into the house and placed her phone on the counter.

The house was quiet except for the gentle hum of the fridge. She made herself a sandwich and a cup of coffee, her thoughts wandering to how easily he’d said I love you that morning. Her heart still hadn’t recovered. She smiled to herself, sipping the rich, bittersweet coffee. I love you too, she thought, her chest tightening.

She rinsed her cup, wiped the counter, and went to her room to change. She brushed out her hair, leaving it loose, and dabbed on a touch of perfume.

By the time she stepped out for her second cup of coffee, the familiar sound of a car engine drifted through the quiet street. A deep, rumbling purr.

She grabbed her purse, threw on a light cardigan, and hurried out the door, locking it behind her. Reese was already stepping out, tall and imposing as ever.

"Good evening, Miss Morales," he greeted. He opened the door for her.

"Evening, Reese," she said. "Where are we going today?"

"Orchards’ Ville," Reese replied, closing the door behind her before sliding into the driver’s seat.

The drive stretched on, the city slowly giving way to sprawling countryside. Fields rolled by, bathed in the golden-orange light of the setting sun. Ivy leaned against the window, her mind wandering.

After nearly an hour, the landscape shifted again. The air seemed fresher, touched with the scent of citrus and flowers. And then she saw it — a grand stone arch ahead of them, framed by vines and white blossoms. Carved elegantly across the top were the words: ORCHARDS’ VILLE.

The gates opened automatically as they approached, revealing a long, cobblestoned road flanked by manicured lawns and charming buildings.

Ivy pressed her hand against the glass, eyes wide. "Oh my God," she whispered. "This place is beautiful."

There were stores, a library, a cozy corner café, and even a florist shop with pastel petals spilling out into the walkway. Ivy’s eyes widened as the car rolled past it all. "This... this all belongs to Winn’s family?" she murmured under her breath. Her stomach knotted.

The world he belonged to suddenly felt much larger than the one she’d ever known.

When the car turned toward the end of the street and the mansion came into view, her mouth went dry. "What in the world?" she gasped, stepping out of the car as the gates closed behind them. She’d thought she’d seen wealth before — after all, she’d worked for him — but this was another universe entirely.

Winn stood by the entrance, hands in his pockets, watching her reaction. He still had on the same shirt from that morning, sleeves rolled up now, collar undone — the sight of him against the backdrop of that house made her heart stutter. "You gotta be kidding me, Winn? This is your grandfather’s?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said, walking toward her, a hint of pride in his tone. "My love of investing in real estate came from him. He taught me everything I know."

"Wow! Jeez, wow!" she breathed, spinning slowly to take it all in. But before she could gush further, a loud bark tore through the air. Deep, familiar, and wild with excitement. Ivy froze, then broke into laughter.

"No way!" she gasped, turning toward the sound.