Chapter 3

A few months later, Gareta entered Ivy's room carrying many boxes, almost obscuring her face.

"Young mistress, these are new clothes from young master Race," Gareta said, seeking permission to enter the dressing room.

Ivy sighed deeply, tired of Race's behavior. Her husband was genuinely fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband. Race provided for all of Ivy's needs, even in excess. However, Race rarely returned to the pavilion, perhaps only once every two weeks. And even then, he would only stay briefly and get angry at Ivy, always finding faults with her in front of him.

After placing the clothes that Race had given her for the umpteenth time, Gareta left and approached Ivy, sitting on a chair near the window.

"Young mistress, what would you like for lunch? Selina and the cook are preparing sauced meat. Would that be alright?"

"I'll eat anything, Gareta. Um, may I ask?" Ivy said.

"Of course, young mistress."

"Who brought those clothes? Did Race send them by carriage again?" Ivy asked although she knew that Race couldn't have brought them himself.

Seeing her servant unable to answer and looking at her with pity, Ivy smiled and swiftly waved her hand to dismiss Gareta.

"No need to answer! I can guess your answer, Gareta. Go back to the kitchen!"

Ivy, feeling lonely in her room, found it difficult to sleep. She remembered her presence as a threat to Race. She edged down from the bed and walked toward the window. Ivy looked out the window and glanced downward.

"Would it hurt if I fell from here?"

"It would hurt more than Mother's or Charly's blows," Ivy continued her monologue.

Brakkk!!!

The door to Ivy's room was forcefully flung open from the outside.

"Are you crazy? Didn't I say that if you want to die, don't do it in my pavilion!"

Race dragged Ivy towards the bed. He seated her somewhat roughly, nearly causing Ivy to fall backward.

"Are you crazy?" Race reprimanded.

"Me?" Ivy asked innocently.

"Yes, who else? If you're not crazy, why would you think of jumping from that window?"

"Jump? How could he know that I was thinking like that?" Ivy wondered.

"Answer me! Why are you silent? You won't lack anything here. I'll take responsibility for your finances, food, clothes, and all your needs. So, be quiet! Sit calmly, enjoy your luxurious life here, and don't even think about dying. Understood?" Race yelled, surprising Ivy.

Ivy stared intently at Race, realizing that everything he said was true. She lived a life of abundance, luxury, and lack of nothing. However, Race didn't understand Ivy's feelings. Race didn't know how much Ivy wanted to live an everyday life like everyone else. Moreover, now that she was a wife, Ivy wanted to be treated like a wife, not like a hostage, as Miranda had described.

Race stared sharply at Ivy, noticing her teary eyes.

He took a frustrated breath and roughly wiped his face. Seeing Race so frustrated, Ivy hesitantly reached out and took Race's hand without permission.

"Sorry, Race," she whispered.

Race was surprised by Ivy's words. Normally, he would immediately reject Ivy's touch, but this time he remained silent and stared at Ivy with widened eyes.

"I will follow your words, Race. I won't think of dying anymore. Once again, I apologize for making you so angry," Ivy said again, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Why am I staying silent when this girl touches me? Why do I worry about the dreams that constantly come to me about this girl? What's happening to me?" Race pondered in his mind.

***

In the Bungalow Pavilion, Race and Winter were drinking together tonight.

"Are you sure you've never met Ivy?" Winter asked.

"Yes," Race replied curtly.

"You're strange, Race. She's your wife, not a stranger."

"I know."

"Then why do you act that way? Aren't you

hurting her gentle heart?"

Race glanced briefly at Winter before taking another sip of his drink.

"I have taken responsibility for her. I provide for all her needs, and she has many servants accompanying her. She lives a luxurious life, and she lacks nothing. What more does she need?" Race said.

"Race, Ivy needs more than just material things. Doesn't she need attention and you more than anything?" Winter disagreed with his cousin.

Race smirked and poured more drink into his glass.

"This is just a marriage of convenience, Winter. Besides, we will eventually part ways. I have no intention of living with that girl forever."

"If that's how you think, why did you agree to this arranged marriage? Aren't you hurting someone now?" Winter asked again, his expression serious, displeased with Race's attitude.

"Because it is my destiny. In the end, this destiny is also for you, Winter. In the future, I will do anything for you, the crown prince," Race said, successfully confusing Winter.

"For me?" Winter asked.

"Yes, Ivy is not a good woman for me or you. I will end it before you become the first victim because of Ivy."

"What do you mean, Race? Why would I be a victim of Ivy? Who is she?" Winter became more puzzled by Race's words.

"She is a noblewoman from the West," Race said casually.

"I know that, but what do you mean by me being Ivy's first victim?"

"Just follow my words, Winter!"

"Is my suspicion about Ivy correct?" Winter wondered to himself.

***

Ivy was walking alone in the side garden of her pavilion. She looked amazed at the neatly arranged flower garden.

"It turns out that many beautiful flowers are growing in this pavilion filled with cold people and rude servants. What kind of flower is this? Purple orchid?"

Ivy smiled happily and reached out her hand without hesitation to touch the flower. Someone quickly pulled Ivy's hand.

"Are you foolish or what?" Winter said.

Ivy furrowed her brows upon seeing Winter's arrival in her pavilion.

"Why?"

"Don't you know?"

"What?"

"That flower is poisonous, Ivy. Don't you know?"

"I have no idea at all. Can such a beautiful flower be poisonous?" Ivy looked confused and gazed at the flower again.

"You're truly innocent, Iv. You didn't touch it, did you?" Winter asked to confirm.

"Well... I haven't touched it yet. Thank you for preventing me from touching it."

"By the way, why did you come here, Winter? Is there something to discuss with Race? We don't live together," Ivy asked again.

"I know."

"So?"

"Can we talk privately?" Winter asked with a serious expression.

Winter and Ivy ended up strolling around the garden while continuing their conversation.

"So, you know nothing about Race?" Winter asked.

"No, nothing at all. That's why I don't understand why Race sees me as a threat, especially to you, Winter," Ivy replied.

"I also don't know what Race's intentions are, but so far, I don't feel that you're a danger to me, Iv. That's why I came here to see for myself," Winter explained.

Ivy smiled and touched her neck, which sent shivers down her spine.

"My neck is tingling. There's magic that's about to harm someone," Ivy thought.

Ivy's eyes then focused on the forest and saw a golden arrow heading toward them.

"That's magic. I have to protect Winter."

Quickly, Ivy hugged Winter, using herself as a shield.

"Hey! Why are you hugging me all of a sudden? What are you doing?"

"J-just stay quiet for a moment!"

"Ivy! Let go of me! What are you doing?"

Winter forcefully broke free from Ivy's embrace. Ivy finally released her hold on Winter.

"Ivy! What happened to you? Why is your face turning blue?" Winter started to panic.

"N-no... it's nothing..."

***