Chapter 4 A morning after

Ivy's POV

The morning light streaming through the windows was blinding, even with my eyes closed. My head pounded like a drumline, and my body ached in ways I hadn't anticipated. Slowly, reality seeped in. I wasn't at home.

I opened my eyes with caution. Alexander lay beside me, his arm resting casually over his chest. His breathing was slow and steady, completely at peace. Memories from last night crashed down on me-his smirk, his touch, his whispered words.

And how Nathan has ended up destroying my birthday with my best friend, Sara.

I sat up slowly , trying not to disturb him. My dress was crumpled on the floor, and my heels scattered near the door. I needed to slip away before he woke up. No awkward goodbyes, no explanations.

As quietly as I could, I slipped out of bed, picked up my dress, and tiptoed out of the room. My shoes dangled from my fingers as I made my way down the hallway, ignoring the curious looks from the cleaning staff.

By the time I made it outside, the fresh air hit me like a slap. I inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself.

"Ivy?" My sister's voice rang in my head as I finally got home, drenched from the leftover rain.

I stepped inside, and there they were-my parents, my younger sister, and even my nosy neighbor Mrs. Evelyn.

"Where have you been?" Mom demanded, crossing her arms.

"I-" My words stuck in my throat. What could I even say? "Out."

"All night?" My Dad shouted "You didn't even think to call us? Do you know how worried we were?"

"You can't keep running away from this," Dad said, his voice softer now. "We know that last night wasn't easy for you, but shutting everyone out isn't the answer. Whatever happened, you're not alone, Ivy."

I stopped in my tracks, my back to them. "It doesn't matter," I whispered. "It's my mess to deal with, not yours."

"I needed space, okay?" I snapped. "I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself."

Mom's face softened, but Dad's remained hard as stone.

"Space?" Mom's voice cracked. You didn't answer your call all night! Anything could have happened to you!" "Ivy, we've been patient with you, but you can't keep doing this! This isn't just about you anymore!"

I dropped my bag by the door and turned to face them. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Emma stepped forward, her brows furrowed. "It means that ever since your birthday last night, you've been acting like the rest of us don't exist. Do you even know how much you've worried Mom and Dad?

You just stormed outside the part, wandering into the streets without minding to listen to any of your family member. And now this?"

"It's not that easy, Emma," I muttered, my voice shaking.

"Then explain!" Mom pleaded. "Talk to us, Ivy. Why couldn't you talk to any of us?"

My throat tightened. I couldn't talk to them. How could I? How could I explain that Nathan, the man I thought I could trust, had destroyed every bit of felt I'd ever felt? That his betrayal had left me so shattered, I sought solace in the arms of a stranger just to forget?

"I don't want to talk about it," I said firmly, brushing past them.

"I'm fine. Can you all just... not right now?"

"Ivy, stop it," Mom said, her voice breaking. "We love you. Don't you see that? Whatever it is you're going through, we're here for you. Please, let us help you."

Tears pricked my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn't face them. Not now. "I just need time," I muttered before heading up the stairs.

"Ivy," my sister, Emma, whispered, following me. "Are you okay? You look... rough."

I sighed, tossing my heels aside. "I'm fine. Just tired, okay? Please let it go."

Weeks passed, but things didn't settle down. The guilt from that night lingered like a shadow, but I buried it beneath work and endless distractions. Or at least, I tried.

"You look pale," Emma commented one evening as we sat in the living room.

"Thanks," I replied dryly. "Love the concern." flipping through channels on the TV.

"No, I mean it." She frowned. "You've been acting strange lately. Are you sick?"

I waved her off. "I'm fine."

But I wasn't. My appetite was gone, nausea hit me at random times, and my body felt like it was on an exausting ride. At first, I blamed stress. Then, reality hit me like a heavy weight.

One morning, I stood in the bathroom, staring at my reflection. Dark circles shadowed my eyes, and my skin was pale. My stomach churned, and I gripped the sink, willing myself to stay upright.

"Emma," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think I need a pregnancy test."

Her eyes widened. "Oh my God, Ivy. Are you serious? Is it-"

"Don't!" I cut her off. "Don't ask questions. Just help me."

The next day we went to the hospital, without informing mom or dad. By the time we got home, my hands were shaking as I stared at the test. Emma sat beside me, biting her nails.

"Are you going to do it or just stare at it?" she asked.

"I'm going, I'm going!" I snapped, snatching the test and locking myself in the bathroom.

Minutes felt like hours as I waited. When the timer buzzed, I couldn't bring myself to look at the result.

"Well?" Emma shouted through the door.

I took a deep breath, glanced at the test, and froze. Two lines.

I opened the door slowly, extending the test towards her.

"I'm pregnant," I whispered.

Her jaw dropped. "Holy-does he know?"

I shook my head. "No. And he's not going to and I don't think Nathan is responsible for this pregnancy."

"Watch me," I said, my voice firm. "This is my problem, not his."

"But who is he?" Emma insisted

I hesitated, memories of Alexander flashing through my mind. His piercing blue eyes, the way he smirked like he knew every secret I had.

"Nobody," I lied. "It doesn't matter."

"Ivy," she said cautiously, "you can't just hide this."

"You're seriously not going to tell him?" she asked, shocked.

"No," I said firmly. "This is my life, my choice."