Chapter 45

After a while, Liam sighed and said, “It’s all good now. Let’s toast to my babe’s success.” Zelda smiled faintly and took his hand. Meanwhile, Ivy waited outside, scanning the road. Her heart was light. She had earned the scholarship—Aaron would be proud. Just then, Joe appeared out of nowhere. “Ivy,” he said, grabbing her wrist tightly. “What are you doing?” she snapped. “Let go of me!” She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. “I want you to come with me,” he growled. “I’m not letting you leave today.” “What? Are you insane?” Ivy shouted, struggling harder. “I’m not going anywhere with you!” Joe’s jaw clenched. “You’re mine.” “Who do you think you are?” she shouted. “Let me go!” “Oh really?” Joe’s voice twisted with anger. “So now I mean nothing to you?” Without warning, he shoved her against a tree and pinned her there. Ivy winced, pain shooting through her back. Then he said something that made her blood run cold. “Did he fuck you so good?” Ivy’s eyes went wide in shock. ****