Chapter 7 FALLING APART AT THE SEAMS

Ivy and Arnold's last encounter in yet another garden lingered like a haunting melody as Ivy tried to shake off the memory, but these words echoed in her mind: "I cannot stop thinking about you". Knowing that Arnold had feelings for her calmed her but still.

"You took my innocence away while being engaged?" Ivy thought out loud, her eyes filled with drops of tears; "How do you defend that Arnold? How?" she said at the top of her voice.

Ivy felt an undeniable connection to him. Yet the weight of his engagement pressed heavily on her heart, but his silence at the utterance of her inner turmoil weighed more. Arnold's visit was a distant memory as evening drew closer.

As the evening drew darker, ivy was faced with her canvas turned black with a number of muted colors signifying sadness, anger and despair. Freya entered the studio, breaking Ivy's reverie. "Ivy, are you still at it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. Ivy turned, forcing a smile. "Just trying to capture the sunset," she replied, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Freya approached, her eyes narrowing as she inspected the canvas. "You know, it's okay to feel confused about Arnold. It's normal." "Because it seems you're capturing the sunset darker than it actually is."

Ivy stiffened, bracing herself for the conversation she didn't want to have. "I'm fine, Freya. Just busy with my art, this has nothing to do with Arnold". She denied.

Freya crossed her arms. "You've been 'busy' ever since the ball. It's like you're trying to paint over your feelings."

Ivy sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I can't let myself get distracted. I have to focus on what matters."

But Freya's words dug deeper. The truth was Ivy was terrified of what Arnold represented-a chance at love, yet also the potential for heartbreak.

As Ivy returned to her painting, her mind wandered back to Arnold. Despite the promise he had made to Lady Isabella, their connection felt too real to ignore. She had to confront her feelings, or they would consume her.

Later that evening, Ivy decided to attend a nearby art gallery, trying to clear her head. The gallery was a calm haven, brimming with the vivid hues and feelings of different painters. She had a moment of clarity as she was walking through the hallways and examining each piece.

But her thoughts quickly shifted back to Arnold. What would he think of her art? Did he even care? The questions circled endlessly until she stumbled upon a portrait that caught her eye.

It was a painting of a couple, lost in their own world, their eyes reflecting a shared understanding. Ivy felt a knot form in her chest; it was everything she wanted and feared at the same time-a bond that might shatter her heart.

She was about to walk away when she heard a familiar voice. "Ivy!"

Arnold stood there, his presence unsettling yet reassuring. His smile broadened as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

I needed a change of scenery, she said, trying not to lose her cool. "And you? Shouldn't you be with Lady Isabella? It's quite late." Arnold's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of regret crossing his features. "I wanted to see you. I've been thinking... a lot."

Ivy's heart raced at his admission. "What about?" "About us," he murmured as he inched forward. "I have the unshakable impression that there is something unique between us. Something worth exploring."

Ivy felt the walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble. "But you're engaged, Arnold. You can't just... ignore that." He sighed; frustration evident in his voice. "I know, but it doesn't change how I feel. Can't we just talk? Just figure this out together?"

They located a peaceful area of the gallery that was hidden from inquisitive eyes. There was an intense tension in the air that was both exhilarating and terrible. He started, trying to think of the perfect phrase, "Ivy." I've never had this kind of feeling towards someone.

His confession sent shivers down her spine. "What about your responsibilities? Your family? Your engagement?"

"They're all complicated," Arnold admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But I can't deny what's happening between us. It feels... real."

Torn between duty and desire, Ivy felt the weight of the moment. "This isn't just a fling, Arnold. It's more complicated than that."

He said, "I'm willing to figure it out," with sincerity. "However, I must know whether you share my sentiments."

Ivy peered into his eyes, searching for the truth, and her heart raced. "I do care about you, Arnold. But I'm scared of what that means. I can't be the reason you ruin your life, but at the same time you're ruining mine, and we just met." Ivy said, chuckling.

"Then let's not ruin anything," he said softly. "Let's see where this takes us. Just one day at a time."

For the first time in what felt like forever, Ivy smiled, a flicker of hope igniting within her. "Okay. One day at a time."

They stood in silence, the weight of their connection palpable. Each moment stretched into infinity as they leaned closer, sharing a tentative yet exhilarating kiss. It was a kiss filled with promise, desire, and the chaos of uncharted territory.

After pulling away, they shared a knowing glance. Ivy felt a mixture of exhilaration and fear. "We can't let anyone find out," she whispered.

"Agreed," Arnold said, his expression serious. "But I want you to know I'm here for you. No matter what."

With that, they parted ways, both feeling the thrill of newfound connection and the weight of their circumstances. As Ivy walked back through the gallery, her heart raced with the possibility of love, but the reality of their situation loomed overhead.

Ivy and Arnold spent the next four days in a blur of emotion. Ivy poured her heart and soul into her artwork, with each brushstroke portraying her inner struggle. Her heart fluttered every time she thought of Arnold, but the reality of his engagement troubled her.

The demands of his family weighed heavily on Arnold, who went through the motions of his daily existence but became increasingly restless; he had never felt so alive as when he was with Ivy. Arnold found himself split between his obligations and his growing love for Ivy.

Later that week, Arnold invited Ivy to a charity event he was hosting. What an exquisite excuse to see his forbidden love because it was a chance to spend time together in a more public setting, although still under the scrutiny of society.

Ivy stood in front of her mirror as dusk drew near, a knot of uneasiness growing in her gut. Her pulse beat with uncertainty beneath the gorgeous gown she was wearing.

The event was a whirlwind of glamour, and as Ivy entered, she spotted Arnold across the room. Despite being surrounded by guests and looking fine in his fitted suit, his gaze kept going towards her.

Ivy felt a bolt of excitement as their gazes connected. They exchanged smiles before Arnold made his way through the crowd to find her.

"You look stunning," he said, admiration evident in his voice.

"Thank you," Ivy replied, feeling her cheeks flush.

There was an obvious chemistry between them when they interacted. But every time a guest approached, Ivy felt the weight of their reality pressing down on her.

"Are you okay?" Arnold asked, noticing her distraction.

"I just... it feels strange being here, knowing..." Ivy trailed off, the weight of his engagement hanging heavy in the air.

"I know. But I want to enjoy this moment with you, no matter how complicated it is," he replied, his eyes sincere.

As the evening progressed, they found a quiet corner of the event, away from prying eyes. "Can we steal a moment?" Arnold asked, taking her hand.

They stepped outside onto a balcony overlooking the gardens, the moonlight illuminating their faces.

"I want to be honest," Arnold said, his expression earnest. "I'm falling for you, Ivy."

Her heart raced at his confession. "But what about Isabella? Your family?"

"I can't let fear dictate my life anymore. I want to explore this connection with you," he said, stepping closer.

Ivy felt a surge of hope, yet uncertainty still lingered. "This is a risk, Arnold."

"Life is full of risks," he replied softly. "But I believe you're worth the risk." He spoke

Full of doubt and worry, Ivy replied "it's been a wonderful experience, I shall retire back home now."

Arnold knew he had pressed on his luck too far this very evening as he watched her leave his event. One can only hope they avoid the forthcoming triangle, for it would be an unpleasant sight.