Chapter 123

Ellie

Ivy's joyful cry echoed through the room as she threw her arms around me, squeezing tightly. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement and happiness. "Oh, Ellie, I am beyond thrilled for you!" she exclaimed.

A small smile tugged at my lips. "You are?"

"Of course! You're getting married! We should have a double wedding," she suggested cheerfully.

My laughter rang out, replacing the knot of nerves that had been twisting in my stomach. "I wouldn't want to take any attention away from you on your special day. And I think Giovanni and I would prefer a more intimate ceremony," I replied fondly.

The warmth of Ivy's embrace and her genuine enthusiasm made me feel less anxious about the whole thing.

"Wait until Aidan hears about it," Ivy said.

And...just like that, my anxiety was back.

Ivy frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't tell me you are worried about Aidan knowing."

"Aidan knowing what?"