A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas) novel Chapter 43

“We’re busy here,” Silas said, without looking at the door.

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He shielded Aaliyah’s face with his body, so that whoever it was wouldn’t know she was crying.

When the newcomer didn’t leave, Silas turned, slightly annoyed–until he saw it was Ivy.

“Ivy. I didn’t know it was you.”

Ivy paused for a moment, her eyes widened. “Yes…”

“Give us a moment, please. Aaliyah is gathering herself,” he said.

Ivy hesitated, then nodded briefly before leaving the room.

Once she was out, Aaliyah lifted her head. Her tears had stained his white shirt. “I hope that wasn’t weird,” she sniffed, her voice hoarse from crying.

“What?” he asked, puzzled.

“Me crying in your arms, your wife walking in.”

“Oh, Ivy’s cool,” he smiled. “She’d never think anything weird. So, what’s the plan now? he asked, picking up from where they stopped.

“I don’t know,” Aaliyah said, dabbing her eyes with the tissue in her hand.

Silas watched her, sympathy churning inside him. “You’ll have to say something eventually.”

“I have tried, countlessly–indirectly, but you know, it’s the same–dismissals, threats.”

Silas smiled, watching as she blew her nose daintily. Their friendship had blossomed barely three months after they broke up. They might have been a terrible match as a couple, but they were super compatible as friends.

“Thanks again for the job. I really appreciate it.” She gave him a shaky smile.

“You’re welcome,” he replied warmly. “You know I’m here for you. When you decide to tell your parents, let me help.”

“It’s not that easy, Silas,” Aaliyah said, squeezing the tissue and disposing it. “You’re an independent man. I’m not–at least, not yet.” Her mouth pressed in a thin line, and he suspected she was going to cry again.

Silas pulled her closer, rubbing a hand around her back. “It’s okay. You’ll get through this.”

“I really hope so,” she whispered. Then she pulled back abruptly. “You can’t tell anyone, Silas.”

Her intensity took him by surprise. “Of course.”

“I mean it,” she said, her eyes turned serious. “Words can’t get out about it. Not even to your wife.”

He hadn’t told Ivy anything deep about himself so it was easy to accept Aaliyah’s request. “Definitely ma’am.”

“Thank you,” she said, her expression softened.

She walked to her bag and pulled out another tissue, this time to wipe the tear stains on his shirt. “I can’t let anyone know I cried,” she teased.

Silas chuckled. “I doubt people would believe a whole Aaliyah Salvatore cried.”

She hit him playfully and finished wiping. “Alright done,” she smiled. “Now leave, let me adjust my makeup.”

“Take care, Aaliyah,” Silas smiled.

“I appreciate you,” she murmured.

Silas left Aaliyah in the room and was about to look for Ivy when his phone rang. He brought it out of his pocket and saw it was Thomas calling.

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Chapter 43

He walked into a nearby empty room before answering. “Hello.”

“Hey, Si. How are you?” Thomas said.

“I’m good. You?”

“Good too,” Thomas replied, hesitating. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”

“Yeah. It’s okay,” Silas said calmly.

“I’m sorry for talking about Ivy like that,” Thomas mumbled. “I got so stressed with everything going on.”

Silas heard the sincerity in his brother’s voice and sighed. “I understand you. It’s okay, really. How are you holding up?”

“Terrible,” Thomas admitted. “Wade sent Sonia Raj an official request to access the leaked information, but there’s no response yet.”

“I’m sure she’ll respond soon,” Silas replied assuringly.

Thomas paused again before asking. “How’s Ivy?”

“Good. We just finished our photoshoot some moments ago,” Silas explained.

“Oh great,” Thomas sounded pleased. “Has she released her statement yet?”