4
After refusing Ivy’s request, I thought the matter was settled, at least for a while.
Then, on Friday evening, Marcus received a call from his old mentor, Professor Albright, inviting us to an academic salon at a lodge in the countryside the next day. We’d stay the night and return Sunday.
Professor Albright was a man Marcus deeply respected, and this was a rare opportunity. He accepted imm-
ediately.
After hanging up, he smiled at me. “Perfect timing. We can relax this weekend. The professor said spouses are welcome, and the place is beautiful.”
I smiled and nodded, thinking the timing was indeed perfect. A great way to avoid any potential drama from
Ivy.
Saturday morning, we set off for the lodge.
When we arrived, the environment was as serene and elegant as promised.
The salon was relaxed and pleasant, attended mostly by academics and their families.
However, during the afternoon break, as Marcus and I were about to take a walk by the lake, a familiar figure came running toward us, a delighted smile on her face.
“Marcus! Mary! What a coincidence! You’re here too?”
It was Ivy.
She was wearing a breezy sundress, looking utterly harmless.
Marcus was surprised. “Ivy? What are you doing here?”
Ivy immediately looked at me, a hint of grievance in her eyes. “Didn’t Mary tell you? Professor Albright is my project advisor! He invited a few of his top students to come and network. I was one of them.”
My stomach dropped. A powerful sense of alarm washed over me.
I had forgotten Professor Albright was her advisor, but this was too much of a coincidence.
I subconsciously tightened my grip on Marcus’s arm.
Ivy, seemingly oblivious to my wariness, continued cheerfully. “This is great! Professor Albright just said we can team up for board games tonight. I’m not very good, so I was hoping I could join you two!”
I looked at her radiant smile, but a chill was spreading through me.
Could it be…
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I made an excuse to use the restroom, locked the door, and opened the forum post again.
It had been updated.
I read through the new entries, feeling my blood turn to ice.
A user had asked her for a progress report.
Ivy’s reply: “First attempt at getting close failed. Got rejected. QAQ”
23 52
Another “mastermind” offered a new idea: “A direct approach isn’t working, so manufacture a ‘coincidence.’
Figure out their schedule and show up where they’re going to be.”
Ivy’s reply: “Good point! I know the husband really respects his old mentor, and I think the mentor has ar
event this weekend…”
And then, the latest update, posted yesterday:
“Got the intel! The mentor invited the husband to a salon at a lodge for the weekend! I immediately went to
the professor and begged and pleaded, saying I wanted to learn and be inspired. He finally agreed to bring
me along!”
“I’ll just pretend it’s a total coincidence! Plan is a go!”
I stared at that last update, almost able to picture her smug face on the other side of the screen.
I took a deep breath, pushing down my shock and anger, and walked out of the restroom.
Marcus was still chatting with Ivy. She was looking up at him with eyes full of adoration, asking him questio
ns about his work.
I walked over, linked my arm firmly through my husband’s, and looked at Ivy with a flawless smile.
“Ivy, what a shame. I don’t think we’ll be able to team up with you tonight.”
The smile on Ivy’s face faltered. “Oh? Why not, Mary?”
I maintained my smile, but my tone was non-negotiable. “Because your brother-in-law will be busy with me. We have some private matters to attend to as a couple. Right, honey?”
I gave his arm a gentle squeeze.
Though he was a bit confused, he immediately nodded along. “Huh? Oh, right. Yes.”
A flash of disbelief and disappointment crossed Ivy’s face, but she quickly forced another smile. “Oh, I see… Well, that’s okay. I’ll just go ask some of the others then…”
I didn’t look at her again, pulling Marcus away.
Once we were out of earshot, I released his arm, my heart still hammering in my chest.
This girl, Ivy, was absolutely relentless.
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