Chapter 27

When I showed him the marks, his face turned pale. My heart sank into my stomach. A sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I jumped off his lap, fumbling to button my clothes with trembling fingers. "Ivy, I swear I don't know how those scratches got there," Aaron's voice cracked. "Save it. Those scratch marks speak for themselves," I snapped, my voice ice-cold. He grabbed my hand. "Trust me—" I yanked away, refusing to meet his eyes, afraid he'd see them swimming with tears. "Ivy, please." Aaron pulled me close, his touch burning my skin. "Let go," I whispered through gritted teeth. "Just hear me out—" "Don't bother explaining. You don't owe me anything," I cut him off, my words dripping with hurt. "Honey, please—" A knock at the door interrupted his plea. Aaron reluctantly released me, hastily buttoning his shirt before opening the door. There stood Dad, his greeting dying on his lips as he spotted me. "Honey?" I forced a smile. "Surprise, Daddy." "What brings you here, sweet