Alaric was well aware that Ivy hadn't had an easy life.
Hearing her say that made his heart ache. He raised an arm to pull her close, pressing her head gently against his chest.
"As long as you're a good girl, I'll always treat you well."
Ivy looked up at his sharp, tense jawline, smiling sweetly as she promised,
"Of course. From now on, whatever you say goes. I'll listen to you no matter what."
Alaric couldn't resist leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
Right there in front of Leo, the married couple spent the entire drive wrapped in each other's arms, whispering sweet nothings.
It wasn't until they arrived at the preschool to pick up Stella that they finally reined it in.
The next day was the weekend.
Ivy dressed Stella in a beautiful little dress, fully expecting to take her out with Mr. Foster.
But then Alaric appeared in the doorway and announced to the child:
"Stella, you're going out with Mrs. Gable. She's taking you to The Wonderdome."
Stella looked reluctant, blinking her big, curious eyes as she asked,
"What about you two? Aren't you coming with me? Mommy promised she'd play with me today."
Alaric looked at her with utter seriousness.
"You go with Mrs. Gable first. I have some business to discuss with your mother. Once we're done, we'll come find you."
Children are easily tricked. She assumed her father's word was law.
She nodded in agreement, turning back to Ivy.
"Mommy, don't lie to me. You have to come find me."
Ivy had no idea what Alaric needed to discuss with her.
Seeing how serious he looked, she suddenly felt a nervous knot in her stomach.
She managed a reassuring smile for the little girl.
"Okay, we'll come find you as soon as we're done. Go on with Mrs. Gable now."
Ivy watched as Stella walked over to Mrs. Gable at the door. Once the older woman led her away, Ivy stood up and turned to Alaric.
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Nothing. I'm taking you to the movies."
Like staying home, doing absolutely nothing but cuddling, binge-watching shows, and eating snacks.
He had plenty of opportunities to do that with Ivy.
But Leo had also mentioned that most normal couples went out shopping, saw movies, and ate at nice restaurants when dating.
Alaric wanted to be a normal man for once, taking his girlfriend out to eat, drink, and have fun.
He knew that if they brought the kid, Ivy's entire focus would be devoted to taking care of Stella.
So he had Mrs. Gable take the child away, leaving him free to experience the joy of a normal, everyday date with Ivy.
Seeing the older man stay silent as he led her out the door and into the car, Ivy couldn't help but smile.
Sitting in the passenger seat, she watched him drive and laughed softly.
"I've never actually been on a private date with you before. I have no idea what it's going to be like. I won't lie, I'm really looking forward to it."
Ivy knew she was falling back into the intoxicating trap of Mr. Foster's affection.
But she didn't care anymore.
She just wanted to live in the moment.
Alaric kept his eyes on the road, glancing over at her briefly.

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