Chapter 22 - Stop

Entering the underground car park Ivy sulked as she got into Noah's black Ferrari. Arriving outside The Merchant Hotel Thomas parked outside and the bell boy opened the door for Ivy.

Getting out she walked up the stairs and into the hotel. Just after the reception desk on the right was a large reception room Ivy could see people mingling inside. Ok, half an hour you can do this she repeated to herself as she walked into the room.

The room was beautifully set up and had waiters serving drinks on golden platters. As she was hungry and hadn't spotted anyone yet she went to the buffet table grabbing a plate and adding some nibbles. Ivy sat down on a small sofa and ate quietly, it was so tasty after not eating the night before then all the bedroom activity. Placing the plate down Ivy got up and walked around.

A waiter offered me a drink and Ivy took it. Not wanting to drink during the day she just held it and looked for someone she knew just to make some small talk. Unluckily for Ivy, she bumped straight into Lauren again.

"Ivy you here too".

"I think I've more right then you".

Smiling at her as she scowls for a second and then regains her white lotus routine crying.

"What's the matter".

Cole came over to calm her down, putting his arm over her shoulder. How does he fall for this every time?

"Ivy, you can be mad at me but leave poor Lauren alone".

"Yes poor Lauren".

Ivy smiled bitterly at this useless couple stood in front of her.

"Lauren are you ok? You...you again what did you steal now?".

Ivy saw a familiar figure approach. Rachel Smith walks up to Lauren and comforts her. Making Ivy the bad guy at this whole reception and her dad wonders why she refuses to go to these events.

"I didn't want to say anything but Coles watch".

Lauren says tearfully.

"Lauren no it's not...".

"It's ok I suppose you should let her keep it".

Lauren says as she sobbed. Ivy knew exactly what she was playing at making her the thief and making her out to be bitterly keeping her ex's things for sentimental reasons.

"Don't try to pull this, this is mine".

Ivy said through gritted teeth. She can have Cole she doesn't care but she can't have her grandpa's watch. Yes, she had let Cole wear it but it was her families an heirloom.

"Why would you have a man's watch if it isn't Coles...give it back."

Rachel grabs Ivy's wrist and flings her other arm in the way to throw her other arm away. She seemed determined to take it off her wrist. In the commotion, a waiter knocked his tray over and all the wine and glass landed on my hand and wrist.

Rachel let go and smirked. Ivy stood shocked and rooted to the ground.

"Ivy... let's get you cleaned...".

Cole looked horrified as well, he knew what this watch meant to me. Ivy had always kept it safe and looked after it. It was priceless to her.

"Step back".

Thomas arrived and pulled Cole and Lauren away from Ivy.

Ivy checked her watch, rubbing its cracked face with her finger. The dial was no longer spinning, she took off the watch and clutched it in her palms.

Her hand was covered in wine and some broken glass had scratched the back of Ivy's hand.

"I'm sorry Ivy...I should have".

Thomas looks at Ivy with remorse.

"No, it's not your fault".

Ivy felt she let her grandpa's down again and her throat choked up.

"But if I had been closer".

"Thomas do me a favour and stop".

Thomas had never seen this look on Ivy's face she looked broken and defeated. Her usual smile gone he would even prefer her angry face or teasing him. This look made him feel off-balanced. He didn't know how to comfort her.

Feeling a bit dizzy Ivy put her hand on Thomas's shoulder once she regained her balance she walked out of the reception room.

The ride back to the apartment was uncomfortable and Thomas wasn't sure what to say to Ivy or what to do. He kept checking in the mirror seeing Ivy rub a few stray tears off her cheeks as she clutched her watch.