A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Hiking in Tamalpais

“You’re doing just great Theresa said, her voice full with excitement

Ivy groaned already regretting her decision: She adjusted the backpack for the umpteenth time as she followed. Theresa daintily

She should have known hiking was a horrible mistake when Themsa showed in the house with a backpack filled with chunky water bottle, a first aid kit, a pair of hiking poles, and snacks–snacks sheedn’t even been able to eat yet

Ivy panted as she followed Theresa down the rugged trail. Theresa was enjoying the hike a little too much–much to her disdain. She was smiling, talking as though they weren’t clambing a mountain

Hector, their hir quide, paused and glanced at them. How are we doing, ladies?”

“Great” Theresa said

“Terrible,” Ivy replied.

Theresa and Hector laughed

“Don’t worry, it gets easier Hector assured her.

Ivy frowned. Of course it was easy for him.

“When we get to the top, it’ll be worth it. The view is to die for, Hector added.

“You heard that? Hang in there, Theresa said.

Ivy groaned again as she adjusted the backpack. Heat pricked her neck, making her scratch. If there was one lesson to learn here, it was that she detested hiking, and she and Theresa would have to bond over another hobby

She climbed, hearing nothing but dirt and scattered rocks under her feet. She had to give it to Tamalpais—it was gorgeous with huge redwoods kissing the sky. As they climbed higher, the scenery changed–the air grew colder, the mountain steeper

Hector pointed to a distance. “That part over there? The people of Coastal Ridemo used to live up there. Enjoying the cold. thriving as a nation.”

Ivy listened, welcoming a chance to catch her breath.

“That is so humbling and refreshing to know Theresa said.

“They lived there for centuries” Hector added. “Until they even moved.”

Ivy was impressed by Hector’s culture and happy he got to share it with others.

“The trail is getting steeper Time to use your poles, Hector instructed,

Ivy groaned but obeyed. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on the path. A step after the other, she planted the poles firmly in the dirt.

When they finally reached the top, Ivy’s legs throbbed. For a moment, her discomfort didn’t allow her to enjoy the sight When she finally did, she gasped,

“Told you,” Hector chuckled.

It was magnificent to see the world from this height. Ivy’s heart fluttered at the sight

“It’s beautiful,” Theresa said, her voice thick with emotions.

“It’s breathtaking” Ivy added.

For a moment, she forgot the pain in her back and the burning in her feet.

“Take your time to appreciate it before we head back down,” Hector said

And Ivy did just that. She closed her eyes, using her other senses to feel the moment. The air smelled like damp earth, untouched by city life.

And the sounds–God, the sounds. Birds called, leaves rustled in the wind—it was just too beautiful.

Finally, they drank some water, ate some snacks before proceeding back down. The path down was easier, and Ivy soon realized just how badly she wanted to be done.

When they reached the state park, Hector show fully an up. Once Ivy was done, she waited for

Theresa under one of the visitor canopies.

Successfully unlocked!

“That was fun, Theresa said as she returned. “We should do that sometime again.”

“Absolutely not, Theresa, Ivy said firmly.

Theresa laughed. “It’s because it’s your first. Don’t worry you’ll get used to it.”

Try doubted

no point arguing

ma treat you to lunch Theresa offered, standing

ina Teika to check up on someone first

Aght could drive you there,” Theresa said kindly

by sighed as regret tightened her chest the felt bad for wanting to see Rita while they were hanging out fut Theresa did

to mand. She drove to Rita’s house, and even stayed in the car, waiting for her

by proceeded to fota’s house and knocked on the door. The door was opened by the young lady Ivy saw on the bicycle yesterday

Hello se smuled

Hey y said 7m here to see Rita”

On Ms Donovan rent around the lady smiled “I only babysit her child. You can call her, or maybe, come back?”

Donovan, Ivy thought. So Rita was not married yet

“Okay. I just come back? Ivy replied

“What’s your name so I can-

Don’t worry about that” Ivy interrupted with a smile, turning to leave. “Bye”

When the returned to the car Theresa asked. “So quick?”

“Yes, the’s not around Ivy replied

“Okay. After lunch, where are you going?” Theresa asked, starting the car.

“Eagleheart hospital. I’m going to see my dad,” Ivy lied, then forced a smile.

Lunch with Theresa was good. They ate and talked. By the time they parted ways at the hospital, Ivy was already missing

her

She made her way to the nurses‘ station and was directed to Dr Collins‘ office. She knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he called.

Ivy stepped inside

“Hello, Ivy,” Dr Collins greeted, gesturing for her to sit. “What can I do for you?”

“Hi, Doctor. I’m here to know about my mother’s condition.”

Dr Collins’s eyebrows lifted. “Thope there’s no problem?”

Ivy’s cheeks burned. “I recently found out that my mom was depressed before she… passed”

“She was,” Dr Collins confirmed with a nod. “She came in almost every week for her medication.”

Ivy’s chest clenched. “Was it that bad?”

“Well, I’ve seen similar cases, but yes–it

t was

severe, Dr Collins admitted. “But I tried my very best to manage it. And she

was very cooperative; always showing up, always taking her medication.”

Ivy’s stomach sank. Her dear mother had been severely depressed. “Do… you know… why it happened?”