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    Ivy bit her lip as she assessed herself in the mirror. The anger inside her had been reced by shame and self-disapproval.


    "Why would you do that?" she muttered to her reflection, seeing the pink flush of embarrassment on her cheeks.


    She had allowed her unprovoked jealousy to push her into saying something foolish, and disrespecting a nice woman. Even if Ss had dated Aaliyah before, it was none of her business then, and it was none of her business now.


    Walking to the couch, she picked up the gown and sighed-she had to dress up herself now. She stripped out of her beige jumpsuit and wore the emerald gown. The silver embroidery around its neck did go with the diamonds Ss had given her.


    She adjusted the Cartier wristwatch and wore the diamonds carefully. After a full minute of battling with the clips, the diamond sat pretty on her neck. She took a step back and examined herself in the mirror. Pleased with her appearance, she left the room.


    When Ivy entered the white room, she was stunned to see Aaliyah seated beside Ss-too close, too engrossed in the conversation to notice her walk in.


    Her cheeks burned as she watched Ssugh at whatever Aaliyah whispered in his ears. His handnded casually on her leg as heughed again. Then he nced up and saw Ivy standing by the door.


    He didn''t flinch. Instead, he signaled for her toe over, his hand still resting on Aaliyah''s leg. Ivy felt anger in her chest as she walked to them.


    God, the audacity of this man to flirt with his ex right in front of her!


    "I see you''re ready," Ss said when she approached them, his eyes roamed


    hungrily around her body before settling on her chest.


    "Yes," Ivy said firmly, ignoring the warmth on her cheeks.


    Ss stood up, his hand lingered a little on Aaliyah''s thigh. "This is Aaliyah," he


    said, gesturing to her. "One of the best stylists in the country."


    "Yes, you said that before," Ivy said tly.


    Ss paused, giving her a look before facing Aaliyah. "This is my wife, Ivy."


    "We met already," Aaliyah said smoothly, her eyes unreadable.


    "Wonderful," Ss smiled, pleased with himself. He turned to Ivy. "Shall we begin?"


    Ivy nodded, biting her lip.


    Aaliyah stood, adjusting her gown as she nodded at Ivy. "Good luck."


    Ivy nodded again and followed Ss into another part of the room. The room was set up with bright lights and colorful backdrops. Three men were operating behind the cameras.


    Ss looked back and gestured. "Come."


    He had thatpelling tone again, that made her obey instantly. She stepped closer, cing her hand in his. He pulled her over, his leg slightly brushing her thighs.


    "Aaliyah did a great job with this dress,” he whispered to her car, his hand dropping to her waist.


    Ivy shivered. Despite the desire she felt, anger found its way to her chest.


    He hadplimented Aaliyah for the dress without acknowledging how beautiful she looked in the gown.


    "What''s wrong?" he whispered again. "You seem... odd."


    Ivy stepped out of his hold, trying to stop the desire from taking over the anger she felt. "I''m good."


    Ss extended a hand, attempting to pull her back to him. "What''s wrong?" "Nothing,” she repeated, stepping further away.


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    "But you still haven''t answered me," he persisted, but she ignored him.


    Ivy walked-nearly running to the changing room. Once inside, she bolted the door and exhaled deeply.


    She had been foolish to fall for his


    bet


    gestures, his gifts-but not anymore. She had told him she wanted


    intimacy, and she would keep it that Way.


    She changed to her beige jumpsuit andid the emerald gown on the couch. As she did, regret filled her heart was ridiculous of her to be jealous of Aaliyah when she did nothing wrong.


    She was going to find her and apologize. First, she removed


    Cartier wristwatch and diamon


    ne shoving them into her bag, then proceeded to find Aaliyah.


    Returning to the white room, Ivy scanned the room. When she didn''t see Aaliyah,


    she asked someone nearby.


    "I saw her walk into that room," Thedy said, motioning to a door behind Ivy.


    Ivy nodded her thanks and proceeded to the door.


    She knocked once. "Aaliyah?"


    Hold


    Hold on, please," Ss called out, but it was toote-she had already opened the door.


    Ivy''s eyes widened at what she was seeing. Aaliyah was buried in Ss''s arms, her face pressed on his neck.