Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 1

Ivy Sawyer married for a $200,000 settlement.

The man was ten years older than her and had a five-year-old daughter.

After giving the settlement to her parents as repayment for raising her, Ivy packed her meager belongings and moved out.

Arriving at the address her new husband had given her, she stared at the magnificent estate before her.

Ivy thought she had the wrong place.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, a sweet, clear young voice rang out from nearby.

"Ivy, you're finally here!"

Before Ivy could react, the little girl threw herself forward, hugging Ivy's legs. She tilted her round head up, beaming brightly.

Ivy knelt to hug her back, asking in disbelief,

"Is this your house?"

Stella nodded, taking Ivy's hand with her soft little fingers and leading her into the villa.

The housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, hurried over to take Ivy's luggage.

Ivy still couldn't quite believe it.

The man she married was actually this wealthy. He had casually handed over a $200,000 settlement and lived in such a luxurious home.

But then again, the man did have an extraordinary presence and dressed impeccably.

Even though he was thirty-two, he was undeniably handsome.

At the very least, he was miles better than the disabled old man her parents had tried to force her to marry.

Following the child into the villa, Ivy took in the bright, lavish decor. The gleaming marble and gold accents caught the light beautifully.

It was as luxurious as a palace.

She was in awe.

Mrs. Gable stepped forward and gestured.

"Mrs. Foster, right this way upstairs. I'll show you to your room so you can get settled."

Ivy nodded, nervously following Mrs. Gable while holding the child's hand.

Mrs. Gable led her to the room, put her luggage away, gave her a few instructions, and then left with the child.

Standing in the elegantly minimalist room, Ivy looked down at her outfit.

White sneakers, jeans, and a white t-shirt. She looked completely out of place in such an opulent setting.

Thanks to her nursing background and relentless efforts, she managed to pull Stella back from the brink of death.

The next day, Stella's father found her. He asked what she wanted, offering her money or to grant her one unconditional wish.

Ivy had looked at him blankly.

She blurted out, "Your daughter said you're single. Will you marry me? But you have to give me a $200,000 settlement."

Ivy knew.

No man would agree to that.

But Stella's father agreed.

He transferred the $200,000 to her on the spot and took her to City Hall to get their marriage license.

Ivy also knew that his willingness to marry her was just to find a stepmother for his child.

She had no idea where Stella's real mother was.

Or how Stella's parents had divorced.

Perhaps she was just too exhausted.

Leaning back in the tub, Ivy had no idea when she drifted off to sleep.