Chapter 53

Chapter 38


Ivy POV

I woke up on Frederick's couch and stretched my body so hard. I didn't even think I would sleep comfortably the way I did. I searched for my phone and found it on the floor. The time was freaking me out already, it read 8:46 pm on my phone. I turned around to search for a wall clock and damn, it read the same thing.


It was so late. Yeah I didn't have plans of going back home, our wedding was in four days and the only preparations made were my wedding dress, food, cake, decor. My mom and Frederick's mom helped me pull it off. Frederick had not gotten his clothes yet and he was already talking about canceling the wedding. That was sad though!!!


I stood up from the couch to check if Frederick was around. Was it possible for him to see me and just ignore me? I thought. Or maybe he didn't want to bother me!. I went to the kitchen but no one was there. While I moved back to the living room, I stepped on something sticky.


I picked it up and noticed that it was a sticky note and it had something written on it. It seemed like the owner of the note missed out on something and discarded it. I tried to read and understand the writing on the little paper. A little bit of oil-covered one part of the note so it was hard to read and understand. It read:


'How can I not love you when all you do screams love and call out for me. You are everything sweet and a thousand you bring a million smiles to my face. Your love is sweet, your love is patient, and your love is heal I've seen before. It gets me drunk, it feels like I'm floating. I love you.


It was addressed to Frederick so I figured it came from the maid girl. Was this how far their love had gone? I walked to the window in the living room and peeped through it, I couldn't see Frederick's favorite car parked outside.


Devastated, I ran through the stairs to his room, opened it, and didn't find anyone inside. I checked his study and the other rooms but he was nowhere to be found. I ruffled my hair in frustration and sat on the bed in his room.


I laid and curled my body on his bed and began crying. I didn't want to lose Frederick because of my ambitious career. I picked up my phone and called Abby.


"Hello", I said, my voice quavering.


"Why do you sound like you are a crying baby girl? Let me guess! Frederick right"?


"Abby, I'm in his house. He's not even here and that maid girl isn't here either. I think they spent the night out because I am here".


"What do I always say when you are stressed"?


"Deep breaths", I answered and took two deep breaths.


"Is Frederick really worth it?"she asked me.


"For my career, yes. I need him Abby", I answered and sat back up.


"Nowadays, you cry way too much. You seem to have forgotten that you are a model. Do you want to have eye bags and wrinkles? When was the last time you did your beauty routine? Had a spa session? Don't you want to look great for your wedding?, She questioned.


"There would be no wedding if I do not come up with a plan".


"Alright, let me think of what we can do to secure Frederick and make this wedding happen".


After three minutes of silence, I heard her say "ah-ah", as a gesture that matched 'I got it.


"What's that? Have you come up with a plan"?, I asked excitedly.


"Oh you know me, baby girl, I am a smart woman", she giggled and giggled.


"What's her name"? Abby asked.


"Okay! So, I found a note on the floor. She addressed it to Frederick and included 'from Kharis Carter'.


"So you are tryna say her name is Kharis Carter"? Abby asked.

I could tell that she was munching on something crunchy, her voice gave her away.


"Yes. How does her name help"?


"I need you to trust me Ivy and leave everything to me. Just do as I say".


"I will and that's why I called you. But please, tell me about what you are planning.


"Okay. So, I have a friend who is a blogger. She's going to investigate Kharis and tarnish her image. I'm also going to meet a guy to Photoshop Kharis's picture with a man", Abby said.


"I know just the perfect guy to photoshop her with. It's going to make Frederick believe that it is real. Moreover, Frederick trusts the guy. It puts him in a better place to one have something to do with Kharis".


"Who is this guy?"Abby asked in hushed tones.


"His name is Lois, Frederick's driver".


"I'm going to have to meet with the guy, flirt with him, and get to know him better. Maybe, even take a pic with him. Is he good-looking"?


I chuckled at her question and said "yes".

"We are doing something bad right", I asked her, raising my brows and biting my lip.


"Oh, no baby girl. I wouldn't like this kinda vibe from when we haven't even started yet. How about you leave this to me. You know I gotcha 😉", she said.


Abby has been my best friend since college. I couldn't be more thankful to have someone I could confide in at any point in time. She honestly did have my back, defended, and cared about me.


I remember one time when she hit our college prom Queen. According to Abby, I deserved to be on the throne and in the spotlight and not her. Abby was my mother, father, brother, and sister at any time. She did know how to switch at any given time.


"I have to go now", she said, and immediately, I zoomed out of my thoughts.


"Goodnight. Thank you", I said.


"Oh you do not have to thank me", she said like a typical black woman and dropped the call.


I thought about what Abby had said and quickly went online to book a spa session for us the next day. I called my mom to tell her I wouldn't be coming back home so she wouldn't stay up waiting for me.


"Why are you not coming back?"she asked.


"Huh, well, uhmm, Frederick asked me to spend the night with him", I lied.


"Is he there with you? Can I say Hi"? My mom asked and I could tell she had a big smile plastered on her face.


"He is in the shower right now. When he gets out, I'd definitely greet him for you".


"I'm so happy that you both are happy 😊 and working this out. The wedding is in four days and I can't wait to see you in your dress. I am so proud of you. You found a perfect man", she said.


I tried so hard to control the tears that dripped from my eyes as she said those words to me. If only she knew what was going on. My parents had always wanted me to get married to a wealthy and influential young man, and Frederick was just perfect.


"I know mom. I am happy too. I have to go now", I said and dropped the call. I was about to lie down when I heard a shout from the living room. I stood up and opened the door.


"Miss Ivy. Miss ivvyyy", the person kept calling even as I made my way downstairs. When he saw me, he stopped.


"Good evening Lois", I greeted.


"Good evening Miss Ivy. Mr. Frederick asked me to check on you and make sure you are doing great".


"I'm fine, thank you".


"Okay", he said and was about to exit the room when I called him back.


"Excuse me ,Lois. Are you married, do you have kids"?, I asked him.


He smiled at me and said "no".


"How did you meet Frederick then".


"He ran over me one morning and it knocked me out. He took me to the hospital immediately, paid for my bills, and asked if I needed anything else. I narrated my problem to him and he employed me as his driver. I am so thankful for that".


"Okay. You may go", I said with a smile.


I felt pity for him. I wish there was something else I could do to secure Frederick that wouldn't involve Lois. But, the plan had been made already.


I went back upstairs to Frederick's room, took my bath ,and lay on the bed, fantasizing about the wedding.