Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 120

"Is it anywhere else besides your neck?"

Ivy shook her head frantically. "No, just there."

Despite her denial, Elena's trained eyes easily spotted the faint bruising trailing further down beneath the fabric.

Did Alaric do this to her?

No, that didn't make any sense.

If Alaric had done it, he wouldn't have called her all the way over here to inspect it.

Which meant Alaric wasn't the culprit.

Was this girl sleeping around behind his back?

Alaric and Stella had obviously been worried and asked her about the marks, and because she was too terrified to confess, she made up a ridiculous lie about a bug bite.

Once Elena pieced together what she assumed was the truth, the suffocating jealousy instantly vanished, replaced by smug satisfaction.

She quickly finished applying the cream and snapped her medical bag shut.

"It's nothing serious. It'll clear up in two days."

Ivy hastily pulled her collar up. "Thank you, Dr. Sinclair."

"Don't mention it."

Convinced the marks weren't left by Alaric, Elena felt her animosity toward the girl evaporate.

She looked at Ivy with an almost pleasant smile. "What was your name again?"

Ivy answered politely, "Ivy. Ivy Sawyer."

Elena smiled. "That's a pretty name. Is Alaric home today?"

It was Sunday, so he probably hadn't gone to the office.

Ivy nodded.

As she watched Elena walk upstairs, Ivy's heart continued to race erratically, absolute dread churning in her stomach.

She had no idea if the doctor had seen through the lie.

And she had no idea if Elena was about to rat her out to Alaric.

Ivy's face scrunched up in pure panic, feeling like she was walking on a tightrope over a blazing inferno.

Elena reached the study and knocked on the heavy wooden door.

The real issue was that Ivy was far too beautiful and far too young.

If she stayed at the estate and Stella completely latched onto her as a mother, there was a very real danger that this impenetrable man would eventually fall for her too.

She had to get Ivy out of this house at all costs.

Alaric barely processed a single word she said. His mind was entirely consumed by the fragmented, explosive memories of the night before.

All he could focus on was why she refused to let him take responsibility.

Completely agitated, he waved a dismissive hand.

"Get out."

Elena stood her ground, pushing harder.

"Alaric, Stella is at a highly impressionable age. I'm genuinely terrified that spending too much time with a girl like Ivy will corrupt her."

"That is none of your concern. Do your job as a doctor and stay out of my family's business."

Snapping back to reality, Alaric locked a lethal gaze onto Elena. "Are you absolutely positive it was a hickey?"

Intimidated by his tone, Elena nodded firmly. "I'm positive. And judging by the bruising, it happened last night."