Chapter 2 Not Your World, Ivy

Ivy didn't sleep much that night.

She kept replaying the moment their fingers touched... how his cold blue eyes looked straight into hers... how he said her name like it meant something.

"Tell your boss I only want you to deliver from now on."

It wasn't a compliment. It wasn't even said with a smile. But still, it did something to her heart.

She had served coffee to hundreds of people since she came to New York, but no one had ever made her feel so nervous... or seen.

Her small room in the shared apartment was barely big enough for her bed and a desk. Her roommate was out late, so she sat near the window, watching the city lights blink in the dark sky. She hugged her knees and let out a slow breath.

Get a grip, Ivy. He's a billionaire. You're just the coffee girl.

She knew that people like Adrian Blackwood didn't look at girls like her for long. He probably already forgot what he said. Maybe he said things like that all the time.

Still, when morning came and her manager at JavaLuxe said, "Hey Ivy, Mr. Blackwood's office just called. They asked for you again," her heart jumped.

He remembered.

---

This time, Ivy made sure her bun was neat. She wore the cleanest apron she had and even added a bit of lip balm. Not that she was trying to impress him-at least, that's what she told herself.

She walked through the city like she owned the sidewalk, though deep down, she still felt like a nervous girl from nowhere.

When she reached Blackwood Enterprises, the lobby felt just as grand as the first time. But this time, her steps were steadier.

The same guard nodded at her. "Top floor. He's expecting you."

He's expecting me...

The elevator ride felt longer than usual. Her heart beat louder with every floor it passed.

By the time she reached the 52nd floor, her palms were sweaty again.

The blonde receptionist looked up this time. "You must be Ivy," she said, her voice cool.

"Yes," Ivy replied quietly.

"He's inside. Don't waste his time."

The words stung, but Ivy said nothing. She walked to the door and knocked softly before entering.

---

Adrian Blackwood sat behind a large desk, typing on a sleek laptop. He wore a dark grey suit today, with a black shirt underneath. He didn't look up right away.

"You're late," he said calmly.

Ivy blinked. "I'm sorry. It's exactly 9:00-"

"I asked for 8:45," he interrupted, now looking at her.

Her heart raced. "No one told me..."

He watched her for a second, then leaned back in his chair.

"I'll tell them next time. Sit."

"I-uh-I'm just here to drop the coffee-"

"I said sit."

Ivy looked around, confused. There was a small chair in front of his desk. Slowly, she sat, still holding the tray.

He stood and walked toward the window again, like before. The morning light outlined his tall frame. He wasn't just handsome-he was powerful. Like the world moved when he said so.

"I had a meeting scheduled," he said after a pause. "But I cancelled it."

She frowned. "Because of me?"

He turned his head slightly. "Does that scare you?"

Ivy looked at her hands. "A little."

He smiled for the first time. It wasn't warm-it was sharp, like he enjoyed being a little dangerous.

"I'm not here to scare you, Ivy. I'm just curious."

"About what?"

He walked closer. Slowly. His footsteps echoed.

"You don't fit in this city. You walk around like you're invisible. But you have something... quiet. Real."

She looked up, eyes wide.

"No one's ever said that about me," she whispered.

"That's because they weren't paying attention."

His words made her chest feel tight. Not in a bad way. In a way that made her feel... wanted.

He reached for the coffee she brought.

"You got it right this time," he said.

"Same order as yesterday."

"But you remembered. That matters."

Ivy didn't know what to say. No one had ever noticed the small things she did. She worked hard, stayed quiet, and kept to herself. She didn't expect praise or attention.

Especially not from a man like this.

---

Suddenly, his phone rang. The loud sound broke the moment like glass shattering.

He didn't answer it.

Instead, he sat on the edge of his desk, his eyes still on her.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Ivy?"

The question hit her like a surprise slap.

"No," she said quickly.

"Why not?"

"I-I just haven't had time. And... I guess I haven't met the right person."

Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Or maybe you're scared."

She looked down at her shoes. "Maybe."

He tilted his head. "Have you ever been in love?"

She shook her head.

"Touched?"

She looked up, her cheeks burning. "What kind of question is that?"

He gave her a half-smile. "An honest one."

"No. I've never... done anything."

The air between them grew quiet. Heavy. Tense.

Then he stood, walked around the desk, and opened a drawer. He pulled out a silver envelope and handed it to her.

"What's this?"

"An invitation. Charity gala. Tomorrow night."

She blinked. "Are you inviting me?"

"I'm asking you to come as my guest."

"I'm just your coffee girl."

He leaned in slightly. "Not to me."

She stared at him, heart racing. This couldn't be happening. Was this a joke?

"Why me?" she asked.

"Because I want to see what happens when I bring someone real into a room full of liars."

She swallowed hard. "I don't have a dress for something like that."

"Wear anything. Or wear nothing. Either way, you'll outshine them."

Her breath caught in her throat.

"I-I don't belong in your world."

"Maybe not. But I'm bringing you into it anyway."

---

She left his office clutching the invitation like it was made of gold.

Back at the café, her manager gave her a weird look.

"You alright?" he asked. "You're glowing."

"I'm fine," Ivy said, tucking the envelope into her bag.

But she wasn't fine.

She was excited. Nervous. Confused.

Was this really happening?

Was she really going to a billionaire's gala?

---

That night, Ivy stood in front of her mirror for hours. She had nothing fancy to wear. Her dresses were all plain or too old. She didn't have heels. She didn't even have makeup beyond a cheap lip gloss.

Tears pricked her eyes.

What am I doing? I'll look like a joke.

Then she remembered his words.

"Either way, you'll outshine them."

No one had ever believed in her like that.

No one had ever looked at her like that.

She opened the invitation again and stared at it, hands shaking.

Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow, my life could change.

And deep in her heart, she knew it already had.