A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 88: Hiking in Tamalpais

"You're doing just great Theresa said, her voice full with excitement

Ivy groaned already regretting her decision: She adjusted the backpack for the umpteenth tas she followed.

Theresa daintily

She should have known hiking was a horrible mistake when Themsa showed in the house with a backpack filled

with chunky water bottle, a first aid kit, a pair of hiking poles, and snacks-snacks sheedn't even been able to eat

yet

Ivy panted as she followed Theresa down the rugged trail. Theresa was enjoying the hike a little too much-much

to her disdain. She was smiling, talking as though they weren't clambing a mountain

Hector, their hir quide, paused and glanced at them. How are we doing, ladies?"

"Great" Theresa said

"Terrible," Ivy replied.

Theresa and Hector laughed

"Don't worry, it gets easier Hector assured her.

Ivy frowned. Of course it was easy for him.

"When we get to the top, it'll be worth it. The view is to die for, Hector added.

"You heard that? Hang in there, Theresa said.

Ivy groaned again as she adjusted the backpack. Heat pricked her neck, making her scratch. If there was one

lesson to learn here, it was that she detested hiking, and she and Theresa would have to bond over another

hobby

She climbed, hearing nothing but dirt and scattered rocks under her feet. She had to give it to Tamalpais-it was

gorgeous with huge redwoods kissing the sky. As they climbed higher, the scenery changed-the air grew colder,

the mountain steeper

Hector pointed to a distance. "That part over there? The people of Coastal Ridemo used to live up there. Enjoying

the cold. thriving as a nation."

Ivy listened, welcoming a chance to catch her breath.

"That is so humbling and refreshing to know Theresa said.

"They lived there for centuries" Hector added. "Until they even moved."

Ivy was impressed by Hector's culture and happy he got to share it with others.

"The trail is getting steeper Tto use your poles, Hector instructed,

Ivy groaned but obeyed. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on the path. A step after the other, she planted

the poles firmly in the dirt.

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When they finally reached the top, Ivy's legs throbbed. For a moment, her discomfort didn't allow her to enjoy

the sight When she finally did, she gasped, "Told you," Hector chuckled.

It was magnificent to see the world from this height. Ivy's heart fluttered at the sight

"It's beautiful," Theresa said, her voice thick with emotions.

"It's breathtaking" Ivy added.

For a moment, she forgot the pain in her back and the burning in her feet.

"Take your tto appreciate it before we head back down," Hector said

And Ivy did just that. She closed her eyes, using her other senses to feel the moment. The air smelled like damp

earth, untouched by city life.

And the sounds-God, the sounds. Birds called, leaves rustled in the wind-it was just too beautiful.

Finally, they drank swater, ate ssnacks before proceeding back down. The path down was easier, and

Ivy soon realized just how badly she wanted to be done.

When they reached the state park, Hector show fully an up. Once Ivy was done, she waited for

Theresa under one of the visitor canopies.

Successfully unlocked!

"That was fun, Theresa said as she returned. "We should do that sometagain."

"Absolutely not, Theresa, Ivy said firmly.

Theresa laughed. "It's because it's your first. Don't worry you'll get used to it."

Try doubted

no point arguing

ma treat you to lunch Theresa offered, standing

ina Teika to check up on someone first

Aght could drive you there," Theresa said kindly

by sighed as regret tightened her chest the felt bad for wanting to see Rita while they were hanging out fut

Theresa did

to mand. She drove to Rita's house, and even stayed in the car, waiting for her

by proceeded to fota's house and knocked on the door. The door was opened by

the young lady Ivy saw on the bicycle yesterday

Hello se smuled

Hey y said 7m here to see Rita"

On Ms Donovan rent around the lady smiled "I only babysit her child. You can call her, or maybe, cback?"

Donovan, Ivy thought. So Rita was not married yet

"Okay. | just cback? Ivy replied

"What's your nso | can-

Don't worry about that" Ivy interrupted with a smile, turning to leave. "Bye"

When the returned to the car Theresa asked. "So quick?"

"Yes, the's not around Ivy replied

"Okay. After lunch, where are you going?" Theresa asked, starting the car.

"Eagleheart hospital. I'm going to see my dad," Ivy lied, then forced a smile.

Lunch with Theresa was good. They ate and talked. By the tthey parted ways at the hospital, Ivy was already

missing

her

She made her way to the nurses’ station and was directed to Dr Collins' office. She knocked on the door.

"Cin," he called.

Ivy stepped inside

"Hello, Ivy," Dr Collins greeted, gesturing for her to sit. "What can | do for you?"

"Hi, Doctor. I'm here to know about my mother's condition."

Dr Collins's eyebrows lifted. "Thope there's no problem?"

Ivy's cheeks burned. "I recently found out that my mom was depressed before she... passed"

"She was," Dr Collins confirmed with a nod. "She cin almost every week for her medication."

Ivy's chest clenched. "Was it that bad?"

"Well, I've seen similar cases, but yes-it

twas

severe, Dr Collins admitted. "But | tried my very best to manage it. And she was very cooperative; always

showing up, always taking her medication." Ivy's stomach sank. Her dear mother had been severely depressed.

"Do... you know... why it happened?"

Dr Collins's brow creased as he leaned forward. "She didn't share much-she was quite secretive. But she hinted

that there were problems at home."

Ivy's heart plummeted. "Problems at home?"

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"Yes. Like in her marriage, Dr Collins clarified.

"No," Ivy said, shaking her head. "It can't be. My parents' marriage was fine. It

had to be something else."

"Like I said, she hinted at it," Dr Collins said gently.

Ivy sighed. "When did it start?"

Dr Collins clicked through his records. "Her first medication was issued on August

22nd, 2014."

Ivy gasped. That was way before Thomas allegedly took her land. Her stomach clenched at the pain, she didn't

know to believe

"She started to see a therapist seven months after, but | doubt they would share anything, you know, patient

confidentity" Dr Collins said apologetically

"Thank you, doctor," Ivy said, standing up slowly.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Ivy. If there's a way | can help, please givea call." He handed her a card.

Ivy nodded, taking it, then left without a word.

Chapter & Hiking

Once she was outside, she exhaled, briefly blinded by pain. Thomas was innocent

and her parents had issues in their marriage?

There was only one person who had the answer. She marched to Room 309 and found the room empty

She made her way to the nurses station "Hello nurse. Has Patrick Scott been discharged?"

The nurse checked the computer. "No, he is in a private room."

hy's brow furrowed, "What room, please?"

I'm sorry, | can't share that information. Only authorized visitors can see him-per

patient's request"

Of course

Ivy clenched her fist, her pain had transformed into anger, Patrick had changed

his room because of her

There was so much she needed to know

And she wasn't going to rest until she got to the bottom of it

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