Fourty six

I bolted out of Alex's room as if my life depended on it, my heart racing like I'd just been caught sneaking cookies before dinner. Did I really just have a conversation with him while standing in his bathroom? I nearly tripped over my own feet as I rounded the corner, the memory of his calm, slightly amused expression still playing in my head. How is he always so composed? Meanwhile, I was turning into a walking tomato.

I tried to steady myself, leaning against the hallway wall, pressing a hand to my flushed face. "Pull yourself together, Ivy," I whispered to myself. "You've faced worse things in life than waking up in Alex's bed... right?" Though, I couldn't help but think that "facing worse" and "embarrassing myself beyond belief" were entirely different categories.

I took a deep breath, patting my cheeks to calm the redness. Today was the last day of the business trip, and we were heading back to the mansion. The mansion—where I could hide in my room and pretend none of this had happened. I pushed the thoughts aside and made my way to my room.

As soon as I stepped inside, the staff were already buzzing around like little bees, folding clothes, packing bags. Louise, bless her, gave me one of her signature raised eyebrows, though her smile was soft.

"Good morning, Ivy. I see you're feeling better today, she said, clearly trying to hold back whatever she was dying to say about the fact I had just fled from Alex's room.

"Morning," I mumbled, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, much better. Thanks for... you know, everything."

Louise gave me a knowing look, but before she could respond, Arabella swirled into the room in all her fashionable glory. "Darling! There you are. We've got a lot to do!"She clapped her hands together as if this was the most exciting thing she'd ever done. And knowing Arabella, it probably was.

"I... what?" I blinked at her. "Do we really need to dress up? We're just heading back, right?"

"Just heading back?" Arabella scoffed dramatically, her eyes wide. "Sweetheart, there might be media present. You can't be caught looking anything less than fabulous!" She practically gasped at the idea of me being underdressed in front of the cameras.

I sighed, but there was no use arguing. Arabella had already set her sights on me like a hawk on a field mouse. "Okay, fine,"I relented. "But nothing too fancy, alright?"

Arabella hummed, already sifting through my wardrobe with a gleam in her eyes. I turned back to Louise, who was expertly folding a pair of jeans.

"Do you think he thought it was weird?" I asked, lowering my voice, my fingers fiddling with the hem of my shirt.

Louise didn't look up, but the amused twitch of her lips gave her away. "Oh, you mean waking up in his bed and then running out like your hair was on fire? Not at all."

I groaned, slumping into a chair. "I looked ridiculous, didn't I? I don't even know why I said half the things I did."

Louise finally glanced at me, her expression soft. "Honestly, Ivy, you were sick. No one's going to fault you for that. And Alex..." she trailed off with a thoughtful look. "He didn't seem upset, did he?"

I thought back to his expression—the softness in his voice, the way he didn't seem fazed at all. If anything, he was... amused? And way too composed for my liking. "No... he was fine, I guess," I muttered. "Just too calm. As usual."

"That's Alex for you," Louise said with a shrug. "He's always been like that."

Arabella popped out from behind a garment rack, a flowy cream blouse in one hand and a lilac skirt in the other. "Alright, darling, time to get dressed! Chop-chop!" She waved the outfit at me like it was the Holy Grail.

I stood up, giving Louise one last desperate look. "Pray for me."

"You'll survive," Louise said, barely containing her laughter.

A few minutes later, I was standing in front of the mirror, Arabella fussing over every tiny wrinkle. "You look perfect," she said, stepping back to admire her work. "This'll make sure all eyes are on you when you step out."

"Great. Exactly what I wanted," I muttered sarcastically, though I had to admit, the outfit did look nice. I didn't feel too overdressed—just... appropriate, I guess.

There was a knock on the door, and one of the staff members peeked in. "Miss Ivy, the car is ready whenever you are."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, I'll be right out."

Arabella grabbed my arm, her eyes sparkling. "Remember, darling, chin up, smile, and own it. You've got this."

"It's just a car ride back," I said, shaking my head, but Arabella waved me off.

As I stepped out into the hall, Louise gave me an encouraging nod, and I felt my nerves settle a little. Everything would be fine. Today was just another step toward whatever crazy thing was waiting for us next.

But first, I had to survive the car ride with Alex.