Chapter 8

Ivy's smile grew wider as she set her belongings in Victor's bathroom, her mind racing with mischief. "Perfect, mean Victor," she whispered to herself. "Who do you think you are, wanting me to stay with you, then why did we stay in separate rooms? I am your fiancé, after all."

As she finished unpacking, Ivy's thoughts turned to Maria's words: "Sir likes to be neat about his things; he doesn't like his things messed up." A sly smile spread across her face as she remembered the warning.

After her shower, Ivy made a point to spread Victor's carefully arranged products all over the bathroom. Shampoo, body wash, and skin care products were scattered everywhere, their sleek packaging now cluttering the countertops. Ivy's laughter echoed through the room as she imagined Victor's face when he saw the mess.

As she changed into a fresh outfit, Ivy heard the sound of a dog barking. Confused, she wondered when Victor had gotten a pet. She hadn't seen any sign of a dog when she arrived.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Ivy made her way downstairs, her heart pounding with excitement. Who could be visiting, and what was with the dog?

Ivy descended the stairs; she was met with a sight that made her heart skip a beat. A muscular, long-haired boy with a chiseled jawline and piercing eyes was playing with a dog on the couch. His smile was radiant, like a bunny's twitching nose, and it lit up the entire room. The boy's gaze locked onto Ivy, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins.

"Hey, I'm Ryder, Victor's cousin," the boy said, his voice deep and smooth.

Ivy's eyes widened as she took in Ryder's rugged good looks. "And I'm Ivy," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryder's smile grew wider. "Little Smith, my brother's fiancée, who doesn't know you?"

Ivy's cheeks flushed at the nickname. "Wow, but I didn't see you at the party," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Ryder shrugged. "I was out of town."

Just then, his dog, Max, ran towards Ivy, his tail wagging furiously. Ryder laughed. "Looks like Max likes you."

Ivy sat down, and Max jumped onto her lap, nuzzling her hand. She giggled as Max licked her palm. "Aww, he's so cute. I always wanted to have a pet, but after Ethan's dog died, he never allowed me to have one. Heartless."

Ryder chuckled. "Well, Max likes you. Normally, he doesn't get along with anyone easily, so you can take care of him. By the way, that's why I came here. I just came back last night, and my brother is sending me again for some business. This time, he's sending me out of the country, and there's no one to take care of Max. He's bitten his last three caretakers, so...will you take care of him?"

Ivy's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Wow, I would love to spend time with Max."

Ryder's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Well, Victor doesn't like dogs. He's a cat person, after all."

Ivy laughed, a wicked glint in her eye. "Then I'm definitely going to keep him."

Ryder grinned. "Little Smith, I like you. So, I'll give you some free advice: it would be better for you if you don't make Victor angry."

Ivy's smile grew wider. "I was born to raise his temper."

Ryder laughed, a deep, throaty sound. "Poor Victor. Well, I'm leaving now. Nice to meet you, Ivy."

"See you again," Ivy replied, waving goodbye as Ryder left with a smile.

As the door closed behind Ryder, Ivy turned to Max and whispered, "Looks like we're going to have some fun, buddy." Max wagged his tail in agreement, and Ivy knew she had found a loyal companion in this new, unfamiliar world.

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Ivy savored the warmth of Max's presence, feeling a sense of comfort she hadn't experienced since arriving at Victor's penthouse. As Maria busied herself with lunch preparations, Ivy beckoned her to join her at the table.

"Please, Maria, sit and have lunch with me," Ivy said, her voice gentle.

Maria hesitated, her eyes darting towards the door as if fearful of being caught. "No, Ms. Smith, sir will not like it. I am not allowed to talk to you much."

Ivy's eyes sparkled with defiance. "What nonsense! Please call me Ivy; don't call me Ms. Smith. We're not in some formal setting, and I'm not that rude boss of yours."

Maria's expression remained cautious. "But sir won't like it, Ms. Smith."

Ivy sighed, her shoulders sagging in frustration. "Fine, but at least talk to me normally. I promise there will be no problem."

As Maria reluctantly sat down, Ivy noticed the stiffness in her demeanor. "Are you going to stay here, Maria?"

Maria shook her head. "No, Ms. Smith, I will leave as soon as my work is over and return tomorrow morning."

Ivy's heart sank, realizing she would be alone with Victor soon. But then Max, sensing her distress, nuzzled her hand, and Ivy's face lit up with a smile.

"Thank God, at least you're here to give me company, Max," Ivy cooed, scratching behind his ears.

Maria's eyes flickered towards Max, a hint of warning in her voice. "Sir will not like his presence, Ms. Smith."

Ivy's smile turned mischievous. "I don't care; I love him."

As Maria finished her lunch and excused herself, Ivy spent the afternoon with Max, playing with him in the penthouse's spacious living room and watching him chase after toys. The stunning city view and Max's joyful barks filled her with a sense of freedom she hadn't known in weeks.

But as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the penthouse, Ivy's thoughts turned to Victor. She wondered what he would say when he found out about Max's presence, and a shiver ran down her spine at the prospect of facing his anger.

As she walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows with Max by her side, Ivy steeled herself for the confrontation ahead, her heart pounding in her chest. Little did she know, Victor's return would bring more than just anger.

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