Chapter 40

Race got down from the horse-drawn carriage that brought him, and then he rushed into the Ivy pavilion. He paid no heed to the greetings from the Ivy pavilion guards. Race headed straight to Ivy's room and forcefully opened the door. He found Ivy sipping wine, startled by Race's sudden entrance. Ivy placed the glass on the table while Race immediately lunged at Ivy and embraced his wife tightly.

"What's wrong, Race?" Ivy asked, confused.

"Thank goodness you're alright," Race said.

"Race, I am indeed alright. What's the matter?"

Ivy asked again, then forcibly released herself from Race's embrace. She looked at Race with a puzzled expression, while Race himself gazed at Ivy with a worried expression, his eyes teary.

"Race?"

Ivy gently held Race's cheek.

"Never leave me, Iv! I beg you!"

Ivy furrowed her brow in even greater confusion, but now she gave a faint smile.

"What's really going on? I would never just leave you li