After Shirley left her room, Ivy, who was still foming, grabbed her phone and tried calling Wren again. Her nails tapped impatiently on the screen as she waited. Just when she thought he'd ignore her call like all the others, he finally picked up "What is it?" Wren's voice was low and clipped, laced with thinly veiled irritation.

hy's heart sank at his tone but masked her disappointment. "Wren, where have you been these past few days? I've been calling nonstop! You weren't answering. and I was worried sick!

There was a pause on the other end before Wien replied flatly, "Something came up. Don't call me unless it's important. I'll hundle everything when I'm back" by's stomach twisted at his detached words. She hurriedly spoke up, her voice tight. "But tomorrow is our eng Before she could finish, Wren hung up

Staring at the screen, Ivy felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. She tried calling him back, but it went straight to voicemail.

Hertrembling hand tightened around the phone before she let out a scream of frustration and hurled it at the wall. The phone shattered, pieces scattering across

the fleet

e room

Heränger uncontained, I grabbed whatever was within teach-lamps, vases, books and sent them crashing to the floor in a blind rage. It wasn't until the was in shambles that her fury subsided, replaced by a searing jealousy that bummed even brighter.

She had worked so hard to drive clara out of the Zachmans, but When was still hung up on that woman. She would never allow anyone to get in between her and

She glared at the mess she'd made, her chest heaving, before picking funoushy.

up her cracked phone. Her mind raced as she opened the messaging app and began typing

"Wren, I'm back in Phoypolis now. You're not home, and Clara's gone, too. Did you two leave together?"

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as anger and despair chumed inside her.

"Is she still upset about us? I tried reaching out to her, but she wouldn't respond. Does she not like me being her sister-in-law?"

She fut send, waited for a beat, and quickdy typed another message.noveldrama

send me her contact info? I want to apologize to her in person. She's your sister, and I want her blessing for our engagement

The messages she sent disappeared into the void-something that had never happened before.

When had always been so gentle and attentive toward her. As long as he wasn't busy, he'd immediately reply to her messages. That warmth and care drew her in, mulang ber believe there was no room in his heart for someone like Clara. Her fund trembled as she sent two more texts, her desperation bleeding through

**Worn, are you hiding something from me?"

"Air you luaving second thoughts about marrying me?"

Her chest tightened as she stared at the screen, terrified of his response or worse, no response at all.

By nightfall, there was still nothing. The put in her stomach grew as she heard the sound of the front door opening downstairs.

"Mr. Zadiman's home," she muttered to herself, quickly wiping her face and forcing tears into her eyes. She needed him on her side.

Descending the stain, Ivy called out, her voice soft and tearful. "Mr. Zachinan

Carlisle had been busy these past few days, and it wasn't until he saw Ivy that he remembered the matter with Wren

"You're bark, Ivy Dad Wreck you up?" he asked

J

by legitted her actions after cooling off from the day she had tattled. She knew Wien's temper, and she was sure this would have rubbed him the wrong way. Bowden Wien didn't come to see her and Carlisle didi't bring it up, she didn't have the nerve to call and explain herself. But with their engagement set for doctorrow, she couldn't keep up the pietener of playing coy anymore.

Seeing by sitting fee withher head down and not saying a The housekeeper, looking nervous, replied, "Mr. Wiendster

a word, Carlisle frowned. He mad