Chapter 211

Jamison Ludwig’s brow furrowed. Was this the real reason she’d turned him down?

But during all those checkups, hadn’t she always said she’d never been with anyone? He’d been puzzled himself–how could she have protected herself after three years in captivity? Still, he’d chosen to trust her, unconditionally.

Yet now, she was asking this question. Did she lie to the doctor during those exams?

Did she lose her innocence?

Jamison’s thoughts spun in frantic circles as his fingertips hovered over the screen, hesitating as he struggled to find the right words.

Ivy Windsor, seeing his prolonged silence, already guessed his doubts.

Mrs. Smith: Looks like you think I have.

Dr. Handsome: I’m a doctor, I don’t care about things like that. Honestly, what matters to me isn’t some physical detail, but the other person’s health.

After sending the message, Jamison felt a restless unease pulsing in his chest. He paused, then continued typing.

Dr. Handsome: And if the other person is a doctor too, he probably feels the same way I do.

Dr. Handsome: Forgive me for asking, but is this why you turned him down?

Ivy bit her lip, reasoning that since they’d never meet in real life, she might as well be honest.

Mrs. Smith: I’ve never had that kind of experience. But after what I went through, I have too much trauma around intimacy.

Mrs. Smith: And because of all that, my reputation’s been ruined. No one believes I’m still innocent. Not even my family.

Jamison’s heart clenched. His hand trembled as he reached for the screen.

So this was the real reason she kept love at arm’s length.

No wonder neither Professor Penn nor Professor Brown could convince her of the joys of finding a boyfriend–she never budged.

Taking a slow breath to steady himself, Jamison reread her message and tapped out a reply.

Dr. Handsome: I believe you. And I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. [hug emoji]

A faint, bittersweet smile played on Ivy’s lips.

Mrs. Smith: Thank you, stranger.

But as soon as she sent it, regret gnawed at her. She shouldn’t have blurted out so much on impulse. What if he wasn’t trustworthy and spread this around? Her username carried weight on the forum, and she’d be working in the finance world for years to come.

Mrs. Smith: Sorry for oversharing. I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight.

With regret heavy in her chest, Ivy quickly signed off.

Jamison stared at her now–dark profile picture, setting his phone down with a tangled, aching heart.

She hadn’t spelled it all out, but he could imagine the nightmares she’d endured. Just picturing her desperation and helplessness during those years made him curl inward with pain.

And all of it–every scar–had been inflicted by the people closest to her.

His phone rang, jolting him from his thoughts.

He glanced at the screen. Naylor Wilson. That guy had been abroad on business for two weeks, just got back yesterday. Looks like he’d finally shaken off the jet lag and returned to full energy.

“Hey,” Jamison said, starting up his car and answering with a cool tone.

Naylor’s voice blared with surprise. “Heard you finally have a shot at love? Is the ice man melting?”

Jamison pressed his lips together, wordless.

“Not denying it, huh? I’m gone for half a month and come back to rumors that you’re crushing hard on Miss Windsor? Confessing in public, rushing to her defense–what’s going on?”

Jamison replied dryly, “You change girlfriends like most people change shirts. Why’s it so strange if I fall for a woman?”

“Come on, why her? You know Ivy’s history–plus, she used to date your nephew, and your family would never approve.”

“My happiness is my own business,” Jamison cut him off, unwilling to hear any objections, even from his closest friend–even if that friend was the mentor’s golden boy.

“I’m driving. If you’ve got nothing important to say, I’m hanging up.”

“Wait, wait! I’m at the Black Pearl Tavern–just closed a huge deal. Come out and celebrate!”

“Just finished work, I’m wiped. Not coming.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I won’t try to talk you out of it. I actually want you to get out there. Besides, I heard you haven’t won Ivy over yet–I’ve got loads of experience in this department. Let me give you some tips!”

Jamison, still brooding, hesitated, then agreed. He needed a distraction, and maybe Naylor’s advice wouldn’t hurt. So he drove off toward the Black Pearl.

Katrina Lester was away on a business trip with her advisor, leaving Ivy alone at home.

When dinner time rolled around, Ivy surveyed the contents of her fridge and decided to whip up something simple just to fill her stomach. She overestimated her culinary skills, though–the vegetable and egg noodles she made turned out nearly inedible.

To make matters worse, the medicine she’d taken had left her stomach queasy. That bowl of noodles became even harder to swallow.

She picked up her phone, ready to order takeout, when it suddenly buzzed.

Jamison.

She stared at the screen for a few seconds, reluctant to answer. If he found out she was home alone, he’d probably show up right away. Alone in a house, sparks of attraction could easily turn into something uncontrollable.

So she declined the call and shot him a quick text: Took my meds already, I’m going to nap.

Jamison knew she was avoiding him on purpose. He wanted to call again, but chasing her would only make him look desperate. He set his phone aside, but worry gnawed at him.

He did the math–her period was due soon. After more than a week on medication, would she still be in as much pain as before?

He remembered Naylor’s advice: as long as she didn’t reject him outright and seemed to care, sometimes a more assertive approach was needed. The more gentlemanly and respectful he acted, the more things seemed to stall.

Jamison thought for a moment, resolve hardening. He’d go straight to Golden Maple Estate after work–no more waiting around.

Meanwhile, after Ivy’s polite refusal, she noticed he hadn’t replied. She felt a little upset, and her own mood soured in turn.

But that didn’t change her mind.