Chapter 13: A Rose

After finishing her little magic trick, Ivy's face suddenly filled with regret.

Kate noticed the change in her expression, a faint crease appearing on her brow as she tightened her hold on the rose she'd just accepted.

"I forgot to tap your ear and ask, 'Guess what this is?'" Ivy pouted. "Wasn't that trick a little underwhelming without the surprise?"

Kate said nothing, simply tapping Ivy's head lightly with the rose, as if dealing with a little fool.

The crew member reviewing the side shot of the moment couldn't believe her eyes—Kate was smiling! Well, barely, but that tiny dimple was all the confirmation she needed. Watching it on replay, she too was beaming in delight, unable to resist the sweetness of the scene.

Still dissatisfied, Ivy pressed on, "Were you surprised at all?"

Kate shook her head.

Ivy's face fell as she lowered her head in disappointment. "It really was a failed trick."

The cameraman had to restrain himself from reassuring her—even he, a hulking six-foot guy, had felt a flutter of romance at the sight. This was gold; he could watch it all day!

Kate rose from her seat, walked over to a workbench, and carefully wrapped the white rose in paper before placing it in a capsule-like glass container. She then slipped it into her bag, which she handed to her assistant to keep close.

The production crew around her shared a silent sentiment: with that many layers of protection, one could only think Kate Stone feared someone might try to steal her rose!

Returning to Ivy's side, Kate asked, "Where did you sneak off to grab that flower?"

Guiltily, Ivy stuck out her tongue. It was true, she had swiped the flower from the greenhouse, but "sneaking" was a strong word! She had done it quite openly… and would even pay for it later, so technically, she'd bought it.

Kate then added, "This greenhouse belongs to my grandmother. She'd notice even a single petal missing."

Ivy froze as if turned to stone, unable to move or respond, like a little figurine.

No one had told her the venue was owned by her grandmother!

In her head, Ivy was already addressing the grandmother as "Granny."

Stiff with guilt, Ivy squirmed, giving the nearest staff member a scowl, silently expressing her outrage.

The staff had to stifle their laughter. Watching Ivy "lose her dreams" was priceless. Renting out such an impressive greenhouse in this prime area—did she really think Kate's family would be concerned about a small flower fee?

The team had already informed Ivy that without Kate's arrangements, they'd never have gained access to the place. So really, if she was in hot water, it wasn't their fault!

About to cry, Ivy gently poked Kate's leg, scratching a bit on her pants for good measure, and murmured, "Can you… maybe ask Granny not to mind? I really didn't mean it."

Kate sat up straighter, her posture almost rigid.

With no response from Kate, Ivy, her "puppy eyes" in full effect, looked up and pleaded, "Please, please, please?"

Finally, Kate held Ivy's errant hand still. "You gave the flower to me. It's mine now."

Though her expression seemed indifferent, her words were telling; if her grandmother found out, she would take the blame.

Feeling cheeky, Ivy put on a serious face, scolding, "You should've told me earlier. I wouldn't have taken it. I'm sure Granny would miss even one bloom. Maybe I should return it."

The cameraman held his breath—little Ivy was fearless!

Kate asked, "Would you take back a gift given to someone else?"

Ivy replied, "But you're not just anyone."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Ivy felt something was off, quickly adding, "I mean, I'll just buy another one, and you can return this to Granny. Please?"

Since Kate's comment about her grandmother noticing every petal, all Ivy could think about was putting the flower back. She wasn't even thinking about filming anymore—she just didn't want Granny to be upset!

Kate, having had enough of the topic, said, "Even if you put it back, it wouldn't last long."

Ivy opened her mouth to argue but found herself speechless. She had indeed cut the rose, and it would only wither quickly if put back, even if it looked whole on the surface.

"Let it go," Kate said with a touch of regret.

"Well, could I at least apologize?" Ivy said softly, hoping she could appease "Granny." "Just one quick apology—please?"

Kate coughed softly, glanced at the time, and dialed a video call.

Unaware, Ivy took the phone, about to bring it to her ear, and nearly dropped it upon seeing the video screen—like holding a hot potato!

Before she could react, the call connected.

Onscreen, a kind, elegant older woman appeared. Ivy immediately pointed the phone at Kate, heart pounding with nervousness.

"Hi, Grandma, I'm in the middle of filming," Kate introduced briskly, "and my partner here wanted to say hello."

Ivy's face turned purple with embarrassment. She wanted to explain, not a partner, just a fellow cast member!

"Hello, Grandma!" Ivy managed, her voice bright, though internally she was a nervous wreck.

"Oh, one of Kate's lovely friends!" The grandmother's laugh was warm and sincere. "So today's date is at my flower house?"

"Oh, yes! It's beautiful here," Ivy exhaled in relief, glad the grandmother had no misconceptions.

"It is, isn't it?" the grandmother said proudly.

In that moment, Ivy found her utterly charming, that confidence so strikingly similar to Kate's. It was clear where her manner came from.

Gathering her courage, Ivy spoke softly, "Grandma, I did borrow a rose, not realizing it was yours. I… I apologize!"

The older woman's face softened momentarily before she brushed it off, reassuring her, "Don't worry, dear. It's just one flower—take it as you like."

Ivy's face lit up. "Thank you! I'd love to help you plant more sometime!"

The grandmother chuckled warmly, "Is that why you called?"

"I can't take a bloom from you without a proper apology," Ivy said, sneaking a look at Kate. She was totally to blame for scaring her!

"You're a good girl," the grandmother said with a smile. "Now, enjoy your date, and have fun."

Ivy nodded sweetly, saying her goodbyes.

As she ended the call, Ivy felt relieved, her earlier guilt finally lifting—until she looked up and found the entire production team staring at her.

If she could read minds, they'd all be saying, "Good heavens! She just met Kate Stone's family on their first date! What progress!"