Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 450

Ivy's expression darkened as she pushed the car door open and stepped out.

When Stella saw her, she shoved Sylvia away and scrambled to her feet, running toward Ivy.

"Mommy, you're finally back! Why didn't you pick me up from school? If you do this again, I'm going to be really mad."

Ivy quickly bent down to scoop her up, overwhelmed with guilt.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"Okay, Mommy, I forgive you."

Stella wrapped her arms around Ivy's neck on her own, resting her head unhappily on her shoulder, completely treating Sylvia like invisible air once more.

Ivy didn't pay any mind to Sylvia either, carrying the child up the steps and into the house.

Sylvia was left standing there, her eyes still red and welling with tears.

She desperately wanted to play the fragile victim in front of Alaric.

But Alaric didn't even glance her way as he followed close behind Ivy.

During dinner.

Sylvia acted as if she owned the place, casually pulling up a chair right next to the child in the dining room.

Alaric figured that since she was his old buddy's woman and Stella's mother, he would just let it slide.

He didn't say a word.

In Ivy's mind, Sylvia was Alaric's ex-wife, so it seemed perfectly normal for her to join them at the table.

She didn't let it bother her.

However, as they ate, Sylvia was clearly eager to show off, constantly piling food onto the child's plate in an attempt to win her over.

She paid absolutely no attention to what the little girl actually liked or disliked.

Stella was getting annoyed and finally yelled out.

"Can you stop putting food on my plate? I don't even like this stuff."

Feigning absolute submission, Sylvia hurriedly scooped the food back off.

"I'm so sorry, Mommy was wrong. Mommy doesn't know what your favorites are. Tell Mommy, and I'll be sure to remember from now on."

Alaric also chimed in to scold her. "Stella, don't speak to your elders with that kind of attitude. Use your words politely."

Stella gave a quiet "Oh" and buried her face in her meal.

Sitting nearby, Ivy had the sudden illusion that she was the outsider here.

But when she thought about it, how could she not be?

Feeling completely sidelined, Sylvia forced her way into the conversation.

"Ivy, I actually have quite a bit of experience with childbirth. If there's anything you're unsure about, just ask me."

Ivy gave a noncommittal hum.

Sylvia plowed on regardless.

"Back when I was pregnant with Stella, I had zero experience and didn't really understand much. It was a terribly difficult labor in the end."

She was guilt-tripping the child once again.

"Stella, Mommy traded her life for yours. Thank God Mommy found you, or I wouldn't have had any reason left to live."

To anyone else, it sounded like she truly cherished her daughter.

Even at five, Stella understood the underlying meaning and was beginning to waver.

After dinner, Ivy chose to excuse herself.

She wanted to give the mother and daughter some space.

Alaric followed her out.

"Why the long face?"