Chapter 46

An hour later, they returned home. Ivy went straight to her room without a word. She stepped into the bathroom, shut the door behind her, and turned on the shower. She sank to the floor under the spray, still dressed, her thoughts spiraling. Joe, you're a jerk! She scrubbed her skin furiously, as if she could wash away everything. Tears blurred her vision. Her voice trembled as she whispered, “I hate myself.” She didn’t know how long she sat there. Eventually, she stepped out of the shower, changed into dry clothes, and heard a knock at the door. One of the maids called out, “Your mom wants you downstairs for dinner.” Ivy dried her face, pulled on a hoodie, and headed down quietly. She ate quickly, barely touching her food, then rushed back to her room without a word. *** Aaron watched her leave the table. “She didn’t even finish,” Jack said softly. “Did you guys fight again, Uncle?” “No,” Aaron said with a sigh. “She’s upset… because of me.” *** Ivy sat on the edge of her bed, her min