Chapter 282
But courtesy is a two-way street, so she replied generously, “Dr. Ludwig’s not so bad himself. I’d say we’re a good match.”
Jamison’s smile deepened. “So all those nice things you said about me to Carla—turns out you really meant them.”
Ivy had told Carla that Jamison’s wealth was honestly the least impressive thing about him. Besides that, he was handsome, tall, and full of energy.
Jamison couldn’t help but tease, “If you ignore my looks for a second, aren’t there at least a few things you appreciate about my personality?”
Ivy pressed her lips together, her bright eyes searching his face as if giving it serious thought. Then, just to get a rise out of him, she said, “Without your looks? Not much to talk about.”
Jamison didn’t reply–he just caught her hand and pulled her straight into his arms. But as he leaned in for a kiss, Ivy quickly protested, “Hey, I’ve got makeup on! Don’t smudge it.”
“I’ll touch it up for you.”
“No way.” She shook her head firmly. “Katrina is waiting outside. Come on, let’s go, or she’ll start thinking we’re up to something shady.”
She grabbed his hand and practically dragged him towards the door. Jamison went along, putting on an exaggerated show of reluctance–but didn’t make any real effort to resist, letting her pull him all the way to the front hallway. But just as Ivy reached out to open the door, Jamison suddenly yanked her back.
“Hey! Jamison, you-” Ivy started to protest, but before she could finish, that kiss he’d been denied landed anyway.
A moment later…
The elevator was uncomfortably quiet with all three of them inside. Katrina, ever the lifesaver, silently handed Ivy a compact mirror and a tube of lipstick. “You might want to fix your makeup,” she whispered.
Ivy wished she could melt right into the floor.
Chapter 282
Katrina then, barely suppressing a grin, handed Jamison a tissue. “Dr. Ludwig, you might want to wipe off the lipstick.”
Jamison said nothing, but the look on his face said plenty.
The tension in the elevator was thick, so Katrina racked her brain for something—anything—to say. “So, Dr. Ludwig… are any of your friends or family coming today? Or am I going to be the only awkward third wheel?”
Jamison quickly wiped his mouth, then glanced at Ivy. “Almost forgot to mention–my brother and Naylor will both be there. We’ll all have lunch together.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. “Your brother’s coming too?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
Katrina looked surprised as well. “Does that mean your family approves of Ivy?”
Jamison’s expression grew complicated. “That’s not really the point. But at the very least, my brother isn’t on the opposing side.”
So, the Ludwig family wasn’t united on this–some were giving their tacit approval, while others were against it.
Ivy didn’t say anything out loud, but she felt a bit helpless inside. She’d never wanted to be the cause of someone else’s family drama, but this wasn’t something she could control.
Regardless, the die was cast. All they could do now was face whatever came next. She’d assumed that today’s ceremony would go off without a hitch. But to their surprise, when they arrived at the registry office, they found a whole crowd of familiar faces waiting at the bottom of the steps.
Ivy’s heart clenched at the sight. Baillie was the first to spot Jamison’s car, nodding as he announced, “They’re here.” Rosetta, holding a bouquet of flowers, hurried forward as soon as she saw her daughter step out. “Ivy, you’re here!” she exclaimed, radiating happiness.
Ivy wanted nothing to do with her, so she pretended not to hear and followed Jamison up the steps. But after only two steps, Carla blocked their way. “Jamison, are you really going to chase your own happiness and just leave your nephew behind?”
Chapter 283