Ivy fell silent, her mind replaying his words: “I have a girlfriend now.”

The funny thing was, she hadn’t even had time to process the idea of being someone’s girlfriend–let alone that she actually had a boyfriend now.

“So, what do you want to eat? Come on, think fast.”

“I don’t feel like going out.”

“Then should we cook at home? Do you even know how to cook?”

“Nope.”

“That’s perfect, because neither do I.”

Ivy stared at him in surprise. “I always thought you were good at everything. Didn’t expect there’d be something you couldn’t do.”

With his usual cocky confidence, Jamison replied, “These hands are meant for saving lives, not scrubbing pots and pans.”

The truth was, he’d grown up in a world of privilege, constantly surrounded by nannies and housekeepers. Even during his years abroad, he’d had someone to take care of the basics. There’d never been a need for the golden boy to cook for himself.

Ivy was left speechless.

After a chuckle, Jamison added, “Oh, by the way–Naylor wants to meet you tonight.”

Ivy immediately frowned. She still had the mark of a slap on her face–definitely not the time to meet his friends.

“Um… I’m really not feeling well today. Honestly, I’d rather not go out. Maybe another time?”

Jamison had been gearing up to show off, ready to brag to his best friend about finally being off the market. He hadn’t expected Ivy to shoot him down so directly.

When the line went quiet, Ivy said softly, “I should go. Bye.”

Before Jamison could answer, the call had already ended, leaving nothing but the dial tone in his ear.

His mood soured a bit. He sat there for a moment, brow furrowed, then finally called Naylor.

“Dinner’s off for tonight. I’ll set something up later.”

Naylor, who had seen more than his fair share of situations like this, caught on instantly. “Let me guess–she didn’t say yes, did she?”

“That’s not it. I’ve got to work late tonight,” Jamison lied without a hint of hesitation.

“Oh, come on! It’s obviously because she turned you down. Don’t tell me you haven’t sealed the deal yet?”

“Please. We’re officially together now. She’s just not feeling well and wants to stay in.”

“Wow, look at you, already protective.”

After Naylor’s teasing, Jamison’s mood dipped even lower. Still, that didn’t stop him from heading straight to his girlfriend’s place after work.

Ivy was in the kitchen, struggling with pots and pans, when she heard the front door open. Her spirits lifted–she thought Katrina was home. She poked her head out, smiling. “Katrina, you–Wait, what are you doing here? Who said you could just let yourself in? This is my apartment. Ever heard of respecting the owner?”

Jamison stood there, dinner in hand, giving her a cool, indifferent glance. He ignored her completely, swapped his shoes, and strode inside.

Ivy’s expression darkened. “Hey, I’m talking to you!”

Jamison kept ignoring her, but suddenly he sniffed the air, his voice sharp with suspicion. “What’s burning?”

Ivy spun around in a panic. “Oh no–my food!”

Thick smoke was pouring from the pot on the stove. She rushed over and, in her haste, grabbed the spatula to stir–only to discover the handle was scorching hot.

“Ow!” she yelped, dropping the spatula with a clatter that echoed through the kitchen.

Jamison was by her side in a heartbeat. He switched off the stove right away and turned to her. “Did you burn yourself?”

Ivy scrunched up her face. “I’m fine, really. Didn’t get burned…”

He took her hand and checked for himself. She was telling the truth, but when he looked up, his eyes darkened as he noticed the mark on her cheek. “What happened to your face? Who did that to you?”