Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 223

Ivy had lost track of how many miles she had dragged herself behind Alaric.

She was panting heavily, her face drenched in sweat.

Completely out of gas, she collapsed right onto the manicured grass by the sidewalk.

Realizing she wasn't behind him, Alaric jogged back and stood over her, an imposing figure.

"What are you doing? Taking a break?"

Ivy glared up at him. "There are people everywhere! If you keep dragging me around like this, aren't you worried someone you know will start asking questions about who we are?"

Though she had lived here for half a year, she barely knew the neighbors.

But Alaric was different. He and Stella had lived here for five years; he had to know people.

Alaric brushed off her concern, glancing at his smartwatch.

"We have ten minutes left. If you don't get up and finish the run, don't expect to get out of bed tomorrow morning."

His threat hung heavy with implication as he turned and jogged away, leaving her on the ground.

Ivy was speechless.

Watching his retreating figure, she scrunched up her face. She didn't even have the energy to cry.

She couldn't afford to be bedridden.

She had too much to do—she had work, and she needed to visit her sister.

Dreading the final ten minutes, Ivy forced herself to her feet and pushed forward with everything she had.

Just as a wave of dizziness hit and she stumbled, a hand reached out to steady her.

Ivy's head snapped up to see a young stranger standing beside her.

She quickly waved in gratitude. "Thank you so much."

"No problem."

The young man held onto her arm, flashing a bright, sunny smile.

"I haven't seen you around before. Do you live in the neighborhood?"

Ivy opened her mouth to reply, only to catch a pair of glacial eyes glaring at her from ahead, looking ready to devour her whole.

A shiver ran down her spine. She immediately pulled away from the young man, gave a quick nod, and sprinted forward.

Alaric stopped jogging and began a brisk walk back to the house.

Ivy hurried to keep pace with him. Seeing his dark expression, she quickly explained.

"I... I almost tripped, and he was just passing by and kindly caught me."

Not running sounded perfect.

If she had to wake up at dawn to exercise every day, she'd drop dead.

Back in high school gym class, her terrible stamina had caused her to pass out multiple times.

Living at The Starlight Estate had finally allowed her to build up a little health; if she kept this up, her bones would shatter.

Alaric headed straight upstairs to shower.

Ivy trailed inside at a leisurely pace.

Sitting at the dining table with Stella, Elena watched Alaric and Ivy walk in together.

A toxic brew of jealousy roiled in her stomach.

They had gone for a morning workout together.

Wasn't Ivy supposed to be the nanny?

How dare she prance around in workout gear running alongside Alaric?

Were the sounds she heard last night real?

Had Alaric and Ivy actually...