AXEL'S THREAT (SEVENTEEN)

Ivy Pov

After what happened in the car, I tried not to make Axel mad at me again. Not because I'm afraid of him, but because I want to minimize the fights between us. I have plans for my wedding anyway. So I have to make the situation around me conducive and calm.

"Darling, we are really happy that you will be our daughter-in-law."

"Thank you very much Mrs. Lindsay for helping prepare our wedding."

"Call me Lindsay. No need to be that formal. After all, now you are part of our family. You should call me mama."

"Ah yes, mama."

My tongue felt like it was made of wire instead of flesh and blood. My tongue was very stiff when I was forced to call Lindsay mama. Huh, I don't have a fussy mama who likes to control my life like Lindsay Krueger. This woman was truly a true two-faced socialite. Her every word and behavior is not really sincere in my opinion.

"What about the wedding dress you ordered, mom?" Axel asked his mother after taking a sip of wine.

It seems that Axel is more compact with his mother than with his dad. Since then, Jonathan Krueger hasn't said much. He mostly listened to his wife's chattering chatter while occasionally sipping his coffee.

"Don't worry. Everything will be ready before your wedding party. By the way, we will also invite the best orchestra group to enliven your wedding reception."

"I agree about orchestral music. Also organize a dance session for the bride and the guests."

"I already told Megan. You don't need to worry, Honey."

"Thank you so much for helping us get this far." I tried not to sound bitter. I think Axel knew that I didn't like this wedding plan so his palm was on my thigh to stroke me a few times.

But I don't like being touched by him. I pushed his hand away roughly and returned to my boring prawn salad. I really want to go home and end this ridiculous charade.

"Ivy doesn't seem too enthusiastic about her wedding."

Did Jonathan Krueger just talk about me? good! It turned out that his silence was not because he was bored or unenthusiastic, but because he was secretly observing his future daughter-in-law who had been stirring her food without really putting the expensive dish into her mouth. I shouldn't have been surprised because Jonathan Krueger has had a pretty dangerous reputation in the business world. His calm style really deceives everyone, to the point that sometimes he has secretly attacked his business rivals without anyone ever realizing it.

"Ah yes, I was just nervous."

"No need to be nervous, honey. Weddings are fun. Look at Jonathan and I, we are going through our marriage full of joy."

"Yes, you two are a perfect couple."

"Too bad your parents couldn't keep the harmony together long enough. I heard back then your mother had another man besides your dad."

The smile on my face faded. That's for sure, no way no. Lindsay Krueger just said something about my parents huh? She even sounded like she was insulting my mother with her scornful tone of voice.

"My mother must have had a reason for doing that. You are not in the capacity to speak of my parents's past."

"Oh I'm sorry Honey. Isn't that a fact that everyone knows all along? It's not a secret anymore."

Lindsay howled like an evil vixen. I'm getting sick of sitting with the Kruegers. They're a terrible bunch of people who really don't get along with me. Imagine if I married Axel and had to see them every day. Oh no, my life will definitely suffer more than my life living with my dad.

"Lindsay, you've said too much. You offended Ivy."

"Oh Jo, I'm just saying what I've been hearing among my friends. That's not wrong at all is it? Didn't Abraham also say that to you? But I wonder, why has Abraham not tried to find another wife so far?"

"That's none of our business, Lindsay. After all, Jonathan really loves his ex-wife."

"Ahh Sharon is indeed a very lucky woman."

I had clenched my fists in my lap. These two disgusting old people are simply too much. And I think Axel saw my anger right now. He tried to hold my clenched fist in my lap, but I pushed him away roughly.

"I think my and Axel's marriage was too soon."

I'm happy because Lindsay and Jonathan were surprised to see me who suddenly said loudly in front of them.

"I'm not ready to get married in two weeks. If you want this marriage to continue, I want it to be postponed until next month. Or else, just cancel this wedding."

"Ivy what are you doing? Didn't we discuss earlier that our marriage will still be carried out."

"I can't, Axel. I need time. You have to postpone it if you don't want me to cancel it."

Axel growled angrily beside me. He probably didn't dare to show his rough side in front of his parents or threaten me. Yeah that's great. And look at Lindsay Krueger's stupid face looking at me in shock because she didn't think I was brave enough to go against her son's decision. Tch, from now on I won't be silent if someone insults me or insults my family.

"Actually, what's going on? Are you guys having a problem?"

"I think Ivy is just nervous, dad." Axel quickly answered his dad's question before I could open my mouth to say something to my future dad-in-law.

"Why do you want to postpone your wedding, Ivy?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Krueger. But I'm very nervous and I need time to think. And because marriage is so sacred, I don't want to make a mistake that will make me regret it."

My heart was pounding waiting for the words Jonathan Krueger would say. He is the head of the family who holds the main control in his household. Axel and Lindsay Krueger will not argue in the slightest even though they disagree with any decision Jonathan makes.

"Honey, but I've already booked the wedding dress and building to catering. Everything will be messed up if we suddenly postpone their wedding."

"That's right, dad. The preparation is seventy-five percent."

The mother and son apparently worked together to break my argument. Hmm well, they don't know what I can do to cancel this wedding.

"But I think Ivy does need time. You guys made this wedding too fast and seem rushed. Don't you want to date Ivy?"

"Ee... I don't think that's necessary." Axel denied quickly.

"I need to get to know Axel more. There are many things I didn't know about Axel all this time."

"Baby is not necessary. Don't we already know each other's personalities? We have also frequently collaborated on several projects."

"Marriage and business are two different things."

Yes! Jonathan Krueger seems to agree with me. He glared at his son, and made Axel slowly stop his intimidating gaze for me.

"If you think that marriage equals business, you will not succeed. Even though this marriage does have a business element, you have to take your marriage seriously. From your heart. So I guess Ivy is right, your wedding will be postponed until next month."

My lips pulled up to form a very wide smile. This decision is a big relief for me. I will have more time to plan the annulment of this marriage. I'm sorry Mr. Krueger, I can't marry your son of a bitch.

"Dad... how about the catering and all the preparations?"

"You can tell them tomorrow that the wedding is postponed. It's not difficult right?"

"But Honey..."

"No Lindsay, we have to give Ivy a chance to prepare herself."

"Thank you very much Mr. Krueger. You really understand me."

I smiled wickedly at the bitterness felt by Axel. I'm sure he was very upset because I managed to win this argument, while he was defeated badly because he couldn't move with his dad's decision.

"I really hope your wedding will go well, Ivy. What happened to your parents is nothing to be sad about. It was already the best decision between your dad and your mother. So far I know Sharon as a good woman. So I'm sure she must have a reason behind her decision to divorce your dad."

"Thank you Mr. Krueger. I guess what happened to my parents should be up to them. I or anyone out there has no right to judge them."

Ahh... this dinner turned out to be a pleasant ending. Not as bad as I imagined. At least I managed to laugh at Axel and Lindsay who were now looking at me sullenly. Though to be honest I can't be too complacent right now. There are still things I need to do to perfect my plan. And most importantly I have to be aware of Axel and Lindsay who might do something behind Jonathan Krueger.

-00-

Ivy Pov

"Remember Ivy, our wedding was only postponed, not cancelled."

Axel's words were still ringing in my ears after I got out of his car and walked into my lonely house. People seemed to have fallen asleep and sunk into their own sweet dreams. It would be nice if I could also have sweet dreams like them and not have to think about Axel's threats.

After we separated from Axel's parents, Axel's attitude became colder and fiercer. Axel pulled me roughly towards his car which had been prepared by the vallet. Axel even threw a very small tip at the vallet roughly. I was really angry at his attitude. But just as I was about to give the extra money to the valet, Axel grabbed my hand and pushed me hard into the car. My leg almost sprained because I fell over in his car. And didn't give me the slightest chance to scream at him or groan in pain because he immediately closed his car door roughly.

Huh, now I know that Axel has a really bad temper. If we get married later, I will definitely be a very unhappy wife. Axel could have beaten me up if I didn't behave the way he wanted.

Annoyed by all the things I got today, I took off my torturous heels and held them in one hand. I hobbled up the steps one by one in front of the port of my house, then pushed the door slowly. Before I closed the door, the corner of my eye suddenly caught the silhouette of a person standing by the pillar. The person smiled a little embarrassed because I caught him peeking at.

"Get out of there, Jayde. I've seen you."

"Yeah, I should have hidden behind the bushes."

"You saw all the things that happened between Axel and me?"

Jayde nodded slowly and walked over to me. His face showed deep concern because I had to go through all that.

"Are you okay?"

"No. Wait for me by the pool."

I don't need to explain what I mean. Jayde must have understood. Because after I walked to my room to change into my pajama dress, I heard the sound of Jayde's footsteps walking away towards the backyard. Yeah, this is the perfect time for an intense confiding session with Jayde, right?