Chapter 274
The more Ivy thought about it, the more she pitied Jamison. She never imagined a melodramatic, star-crossed love story like this would play out right in her own circle.
That night, when Jamison returned to the old family house, he immediately sensed something was off. It wasn’t a holiday or anyone’s birthday, yet everyone had gathered together. He stepped inside, glanced around at the familiar faces, then flashed a wry smile. “What’s this? Some kind of intervention?”
Micah was the first to jump up, fists clenched and face flushed with anger. “Uncle, is it true you’re marrying Ivy? How could you? You barely know her! She’s going through a tough time, and you’re taking advantage—is that it?”
Jamison looked at him, shrugged, and walked over to clap his nephew on the shoulder. “Micah, you might want to start calling her ‘Aunt Ivy’ instead.”
“No way! Uncle, you can’t marry her! This isn’t right! You always blamed Dad for stealing the woman you loved, and now you’re taking the one I—”
Before Micah could finish, Carla stormed over and slapped him, hard. “What’s gotten into you? Matters between adults aren’t yours to lecture about! Besides, even if your uncle didn’t end up with Ivy, I’d never allow you to be with her—unless I’m dead and buried!”
Mrs. Ludwig, looking scandalized at her daughter’s outburst, stood up and scolded, “Don’t say such things! Never speak ill of yourself, not even as a joke. And Micah, you’re not a child anymore. When will you finally act your age?”
“Grandma! All I did was fall for a girl—what’s so wrong about that? How am I being immature? If Uncle’s going to marry Ivy, then—then I’ll go on a hunger strike!” Micah blurted out, his voice cracking with childish stubbornness. He stood there, red-faced and trembling, as silence settled over the room.
Jamison hadn’t expected to walk into such a dramatic showdown the moment he came home. He felt a flicker of anger, but it faded quickly. Thinking it through, he realized this confrontation might actually be a good opportunity.
He looked around at the family, his voice measured and calm. “Since everyone’s here, let me clear the air. Yes, I once had feelings for my sister-in-law, but I was young and foolish then. Who hasn’t been swept up by their first crush? We all grow up and move on.”
The entire room looked up in shock, especially Thad Ludwig and his wife, Davina. For years, this subject had been taboo in the Ludwig family—no one dared mention it.
“My sister-in-law and my brother have been happily married for years and have three wonderful children. Their relationship is strong, and I’m genuinely happy for them. Now, I’ve found someone I truly care for, and I’m ready to settle down. Isn’t that something to celebrate?”
When he finished, the room fell silent again.
Finally, Mrs. Ludwig turned to her youngest son, her tone softer but insistent. “So, you’re determined to marry Ivy?”
“Yes. I’m absolutely serious,” Jamison replied.
“I heard you gave her fifty million?” she pressed.
Jamison’s expression darkened as he paused, piecing things together. “You went to see her, didn’t you?”
Mrs. Ludwig said nothing, instead glancing at Carla.
The pieces clicked, and Jamison turned his gaze to his sister, his patience wearing thin. “Carla, I already warned you the other day about calling her and harassing her. How dare you go behind my back again?”
Carla shrank under her brother’s glare, her nerves visibly frayed. “I—it was Mom’s idea. She didn’t want to go herself, so she asked me to—”
Hearing this, Jamison remembered his conversation with Ivy earlier that day—how she hadn’t mentioned any of this. Worry began to gnaw at him.
He had no appetite left for dinner. Without another word, he turned and strode toward the door, tossing a final warning over his shoulder. “If any of you interfere again, I won’t be coming back. Just pretend I’m still abroad and never returned.”