Ivy sent a long string of messages, not caring in the least how the other person might react—she was determined to make herself clear.

Mrs. Smith: I don’t care what your intentions are toward me. From today on, please stop—whatever this is!

Jamison read her words, his face unreadable, eyes dark and fathomless.

She really was blunt, wasn’t she? Saying something so direct, not bothering to worry about awkwardness or fallout.

Jamison sat in silence, as if he could see right through his phone to that striking, frosty face. When she was angry, her eyes sparkled—like tiny flames flickering behind them.

Back when they barely knew each other, he’d only thought she had a nasty temper, always on edge, like she’d swallowed a handful of nails—definitely not the pleasant type. But now, after getting to know her, seeing her get riled up sometimes was almost amusing—like a puffed-up hedgehog, prickly but kind of cute. He had to resist the urge to poke at her.

He read her message a few more times, rolling the words around in his mind, until a subtle, knowing smile tugged at his lips. She was a woman of principle—clear about what she liked and what she didn’t, always serious about everything.

A girl like this? No way she’d ever take back an ex. So Micah was out of luck.

Dr. Handsome: Sorry, I thought since we’ve known each other for a while, a little teasing was harmless.

Mrs. Smith: Teasing? I don’t appreciate those kinds of jokes.

Dr. Handsome: I’ll explain to everyone in the group.

Jamison wasn’t sure when he’d gotten so agreeable, but he went straight to the group chat and typed out a message.

Dr. Handsome: Hey everyone, don’t get the wrong idea about me and Mrs. Smith. We’re just friends online, nothing more.

Bob: Huh? Did Mrs. Smith message you privately and lose her temper?

Jay: Dr. Handsome, do you like Mrs. Smith and she turned you down?

Coach Murphy: @Mrs. Smith, Dr. Handsome’s a good guy, and you two live in the same city. Even if you just meet up as friends, that would be nice.

Coach Murphy had taken his team to Neo Haven for a game and met Dale in person. He hadn’t met Dr. Handsome then, but Dr. Handsome quietly paid for everyone’s dinner. Plus, Dale never stopped singing his praises, so Coach Murphy figured he must be a stand-up guy.

Ivy read their messages and replied calmly: There’s no need for this. If you keep talking about it, I’m leaving the group.

Bob: Don’t! We can’t do without you!

Dale: We’ll drop it, please don’t be mad.

Jay: It’s our fault for joking around, especially when you’re not feeling well.

Ivy really was about to leave the group, but seeing everyone apologize so quickly—and even worry about her health—made her hesitate. These people, total strangers, were honestly concerned about her. That was rare.

She was about to reply when her phone screen flashed—a call was coming in.

Unknown number.

She hesitated, then swiped, “Hello?”

“Ivy, it’s me…” came a familiar voice—Micah.

Her brow tightened. She immediately hung up and blocked the number without a second thought.

Micah just wouldn’t give up!

After ending the call, she stepped out of the car and took the elevator upstairs. What she didn’t expect was that the jerk who’d just called her—after being hung up on—was waiting outside her apartment.

“Ivy, weren’t you home?” Micah looked surprised when she stepped out of the elevator.

It clicked for her immediately. He must’ve been ringing her doorbell nonstop, and when no one answered, he tried calling.

Ivy walked over with a cold expression, not saying a word as she unlocked her door to go in.

“Ivy, Ivy-” Micah hurried after her, wedging his foot in the door. “I’m just here to apologize! I was out of line yesterday, I shouldn’t have said those things, I—ow!”