Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 127

Ivy's heart sank, knowing Alaric was absolutely determined to keep their marriage a total secret.

There was no way he would ever agree to meet her sister.

Looking at Gemma's hopeful face, Ivy spun another lie. "He's away on a business trip and won't be back for a couple of weeks. Let's talk about it when he returns."

Gemma frowned, clearly disappointed.

"He's gone for that long? Doesn't that mean you're stuck looking after his daughter all by yourself?"

Ivy didn't deny it.

Taking care of Stella was her primary job, after all.

Especially now that she was living off his massive payouts.

Gemma's heart ached for her. Tears instantly pooled in her eyes.

"Ivy, you must be exhausted. You're working at the hospital, raising a kid, and taking care of me. You shouldn't visit so often. I can look after myself."

She couldn't keep being a burden.

The fact that Ivy was paying for her treatments was already a monumental sacrifice. If Ivy destroyed her own health in the process, getting cured would feel entirely pointless.

"I'm perfectly fine," Ivy assured her.

She offered a reassuring smile and gently squeezed Gemma's hand.

"His daughter is incredibly sweet and well-behaved. She's five, so I just drop her off at St. Jude’s Preschool during the week. I only really have to entertain her on the weekends."

If hospitals weren't such depressing, germ-filled environments, she would have happily brought Stella along for weekend visits.

But for the sake of the little girl's physical and mental health, it was best to keep her far away from the oncology ward.

"Okay, if you're sure," Gemma replied softly.

Seeing her sister brush off the immense pressure, Gemma quietly swore to herself to work harder.

Once her online stories started generating an income, she could finally ease her sister's crushing financial burden.

"Get some rest. Call me if you need anything, but I have to run and pick up Stella now."

Glancing at the clock, Ivy realized she was running dangerously late.

While the teachers didn't mind watching Stella for an extra hour, she didn't want to make a habit of abusing their kindness.

"Go, hurry!" Gemma urged. "Don't worry about me, I'll be completely fine!"

"I am so, so sorry. I was visiting Gemma. She's incredibly sick right now, and I hadn't seen her in days. I was worried she wasn't doing well."

Stella tilted her head up. "The same girl from last time?"

Helping the child into the car, Ivy shook her head.

"No, this is my other sister."

"Mommy, how many sisters do you have?"

Her anger completely forgotten, the little girl happily bounced alongside her.

As they drove back, Ivy patiently entertained her with funny stories about her childhood.

Meanwhile, at Foster Towers.

Leo Archer pushed open the office door and reported respectfully. "Boss, it's time to head out for your afternoon dinner reservation."

Alaric immediately thought back to his last dinner meeting, the one that ended in him blacking out.

The one that ended with him unknowingly violating Ivy.

There was no doubt his drink had been heavily spiked.