Chapter 25

Ivy, back then...

I paced back and forth in our living room, my slippers sliding against the carpet with each turn. My eyes darted to the clock on the mantel, its hands mocking me with their slow crawl. Aidan would be here any minute, and my stomach twisted into a thousand knots just thinking about it.

"Sweetheart, you're creating a path in the carpet," Mom teased from the kitchen doorway, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Is this how you act when you're expecting a new boyfriend?"

"Mom!" I protested, a blush creeping up my cheeks despite the playful scold in my voice. "It's not like that. Aidan and I are just... working on a project. That's all."

"Of course, sweetheart," she said, her laughter light as it filled the room. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before she turned back to whatever magic she was working up in the kitchen.