Stop Running Love, I Found Our Child novel Chapter 8

On the surface, he was a perfect gentleman, unfailingly polite and measured.

In reality, he was aggressively decisive, painstakingly meticulous, utterly ruthless, and deeply calculating.

She had tried to offer a word of caution, but knowing she couldn't sway him, she could only watch as the young woman ran off.

...

Ivy sat numbly on the sofa in her cramped apartment, staring blankly at the ultrasound results in her hand.

She had no idea how much time had passed.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a text from her college friend, Zoe Chandler.

[Ivy, didn't we agree to work that restaurant gig tonight? Where are you?]

The message jolted Ivy back to reality. With her senior year course load being light, Zoe had hooked her up with a waitressing gig at The Jade Pavilion, promising a few hundred bucks for a single night's work.

Thinking it would be an easy way to make cash, she had agreed.

Her mind was a chaotic mess, but she wasn't the type to flake on a commitment. Wiping away her tears, Ivy texted Zoe back, saying she was on her way.

The November air hadn't turned freezing yet, and she hailed a cab to the venue.

During the ride, she managed to keep her emotions locked down tight. She almost convinced herself that Cole hadn't come home, hadn't shattered her heart, and certainly hadn't been standing next to that gorgeous woman.

But the moment she stepped out of the car, the biting wind hit her, and for some inexplicable reason, a lump formed in her throat. Tears spilled over her lashes, dropping like heavy pearls.

Zoe texted again, asking for her ETA.

Ivy frantically wiped her cheeks and replied that she was outside.

This was one of Newport City's most elite establishments, boasting classic, opulent decor. Most of their clientele were high-rolling corporate executives, meaning their standards for servers were exceptionally strict.

Zoe had mentioned that as long as they didn't mess up, they could walk away with massive tips on top of their hourly wage.

Zoe met her at the staff entrance.

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