Ivy Morris was walking quickly down the sidewalk, clutching a blue folder in her hands. The sound of her heels on the pavement echoed like a rushing clock—click, clack, click—reminding her that time was not on her side. The interview at the Hilson Grand Hotel was her one chance to turn things around. After months of being unemployed, this was the only thing standing between her and unpaid rent.

But of course, the universe had other plans.

“Please, can someone help me? The wheel’s stuck.”

The desperate voice came from the street. Ivy paused, glanced at her watch, and muttered, “Oh no, not now.” She turned and saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair struggling to free one of the wheels caught in what looked more like a bear trap than a manhole. The poor woman was pulling and pushing, grumbling all the while as the chair squeaked.

“Hold on, ma’am. I’ll help you,” Ivy said, rushing over.

The woman sighed in relief. “Thank you, dear. I thought I’d be stuck here for the rest of my life.”

Ivy crouched down and tugged at the wheel. Nothing. She tried again. Still nothing.

“What is this thing? A hole or a trap?”

The woman chuckled. “Seems like fate wants us to become friends.”

Ivy huffed, pushing harder. “Fate could have helped me get to that interview instead.”

After five long minutes and a leg muscle practically screaming for help, the wheel finally popped free with a loud clack that scared a nearby pigeon.

“There you go—free as a bird,” Ivy said, out of breath and sweating.

“You’re an angel, sweetheart. What’s your name?”

“Ivy Morris.”

“Nice to meet you, Ivy. I’m Elizabeth Cooper.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Elizabeth, but now I really have to run or I’ll miss my job interview.” And she ran.

When she reached the hotel, it was 11:05. The interview had been scheduled for 11:00. The doorman gave her a sympathetic look. “Sorry, miss. They’ve already finished.”

She hurried up the steps, knocking on the glass door. “Please, I’m Ivy Morris. Something unexpected happened.”

The manager appeared cold and impatient, holding a stack of résumés. “Miss Morris, the interview ended five minutes ago.”

“But it was only five minutes. I helped a woman—”

“We’re not hiring kindness, miss. We’re hiring punctuality.”

The words hit Ivy like a punch. She had nothing to say. She just stood there watching the man walk away. She walked out of the hotel with teary eyes, the blue folder now feeling like it weighed a ton.

“Great. I saved someone’s day and ruined mine,” she muttered.

But fate, with its strange sense of humor, wasn’t done yet.

“Ivy, wait.”

She turned around. Elizabeth Cooper was coming down the sidewalk in her wheelchair, now being pushed by a well‑dressed driver. “Did you get the job, dear?”

“No. I was five minutes late.”

Elizabeth frowned, truly upset. “Then it was my fault.”

“No need to worry, ma’am. It’s my own fault. That hole was tricky, but the clock was worse.”

Elizabeth looked at her for a long moment, then gave a small smile. “You have a good heart, and I believe people like you deserve opportunities.”

“Opportunities?” Ivy raised an eyebrow, suspicious.

“Yes. How about we go grab a coffee? I’d like to talk to you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to. You’ve got your own things to do.”

“Sweetheart, my only appointment today is with fate.”

Ivy blinked, confused, but agreed.

At the café on the corner, Elizabeth ordered two cappuccinos and began talking as if she had known Ivy for years. “You’re determined, empathetic. Do you know what you’re missing?”

“A job?”

“Exactly. And maybe a husband. You’re not wearing a ring, so no husband, right?”

Ivy nearly choked on her coffee. “My life’s already chaotic enough on my own. I don’t have time for dating.”

Elizabeth gave a sly smile. “Just wait. I want you to meet my son.”

A few minutes later, Derek Cooper walked in—tall, perfectly dressed in a gray suit and looking like he was late for a million more important things.

“Mom, what happened? The driver said it was urgent.”

“Sit down, Derek. This is Ivy Morris, the young woman who helped me earlier today.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said flatly.

Elizabeth folded her hands, pleased. “Ivy, my son needs a wife.”

Silence. The three of them stared at each other.

“Mom,” Derek started laughing in disbelief. “You’re joking, right?”

“No, I’m completely serious.”

“Serious? You brought in a complete stranger off the street to—to marry me?”

Ivy raised her hands. “Oh, no. Wait a second. I just pulled a wheelchair out of a pothole. I’m not trying to marry anyone because of that.”

Elizabeth, calm and steady, replied, “You helped me without expecting anything in return. That says a lot about your character. And that’s exactly what Derek needs—someone to remind him what it means to be human.”

Derek sighed, stunned. “Mom, come on. I have a reputation, a company, a life.”

“And you could lose all of it if you don’t agree.”

His eyes widened. “What did you just say?”

“Exactly what you heard. If you don’t agree to marry Ivy, you’ll be removed from the board of Cooper Enterprises.”

“That’s blackmail,” he shouted, jumping to his feet.

“Call it whatever you want, dear. I call it motherly love.”

Ivy stood frozen. “Excuse me. Is this a nightmare? Because it feels way too real.”

“It’s very real, sweetheart,” Elizabeth answered with a calm smile. “And it’ll be great for both of you.”

Derek ran his hands over his face. “This is completely insane. I don’t even know this woman.”

“Perfect. Then you’ll have time to get to know her after the wedding.”

Ivy stood up, outraged. “Mrs. Cooper, with all due respect, I am not marrying a complete stranger. Especially not a grumpy stranger who clearly wishes he were on another planet.”

“I really do wish I were somewhere else,” Derek said. “But I’m not grumpy.”

Then Elizabeth dropped the final bomb. “Ivy, if you accept, I’ll guarantee you a steady job, a good salary, and your own apartment. It’s just a contract. No romance unless you want it. Just a partnership.”

Ivy hesitated. The words steady job and salary sounded like music from heaven. She looked at Derek, who was shaking his head in disbelief.

“All right,” she said, taking a deep breath. “But it has to be temporary.”

“Temporary?” Derek repeated, horrified. “You’re seriously going along with this?”

“Looks like you’ll have to go along with it, too.”

Elizabeth clapped her hands, delighted. “Excellent. You two are getting married tomorrow.”

“What?” they both shouted at the same time.

Elizabeth just smiled. “Oh, you’ll thank me later.”

“Why?”

“Trust me.”

And at that very moment, Ivy Morris had the strange feeling she’d just been dropped into a romantic comedy written by fate itself.

The next morning, Ivy woke up thinking it had all been a crazy dream. But then her phone buzzed. It was a message from Elizabeth Cooper: The car is waiting for you. See you at the courthouse at 10:00 a.m. Wear something nice, sweetheart.

Ivy sat up in bed, eyes wide. “Oh no. This is real. This is very real.”

She jumped out of bed and ran to the closet. She flung open the doors and stared at her clothes like they were plotting against her. “What do you even wear to a fake wedding with a grumpy billionaire? Is there a dress code for that?”

After fifteen minutes of panic, she chose a simple beige dress, the only thing remotely presentable.

Outside, a driver in a suit was waiting beside a black limousine.

“Good morning, Miss Morris. Mrs. Cooper asked me to pick you up.”

“Of course she did,” Ivy muttered, climbing into the car.

During the ride, she stared out the window as the city passed by in slow motion. People going to work, drinking coffee, living their normal lives. And her—she was on her way to marry a stranger.

“My life’s turned into a soap opera,” she whispered.

When she arrived at the courthouse, Derek was already there. He wore a flawless gray suit, but his expression said he’d rather be anywhere else in the universe. Elizabeth stood beside him, smiling like she was planning a Sunday picnic.

“Ivy, darling, you look lovely.”

“Thanks,” Ivy replied, looking around. “Where’s the rest of it?”

“The rest?” Elizabeth blinked, confused.

“You know—flowers, guests, a cake—something that feels like a wedding.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Sweetheart, this is just a contract. No need for all the theatrics.”

Derek crossed his arms. “Finally, something we agree on.”

Ivy took a deep breath. “All right. Let’s just get this over with before I change my mind.”

The three of them stepped inside the courthouse. The place was small, quiet, and smelled faintly of old paper. The clerk, a middle‑aged man with thick glasses, greeted them with a polite smile.

“Good morning. Documents, please.”

Elizabeth handed everything over with the efficiency of someone who had planned every detail.

The clerk checked the papers, adjusted his glasses, and looked at Ivy and Derek. “Any legal reason why this marriage cannot take place?”

Ivy opened her mouth to speak, but Elizabeth jumped in. “None whatsoever.”

Derek let out a dramatic sigh.

“Very well. Mr. Derek Alexander Cooper, do you take Miss Ivy Anne Morris as your lawful wife?”

Derek looked at his mother. Elizabeth gave a sweet smile, but her eyes clearly said: Say yes or lose everything.

He swallowed hard. “I do.”

The official turned to Ivy. “Miss Ivy Anne Morris, do you take Mr. Derek Alexander Cooper as your lawful husband?”

Ivy looked at Derek. He looked just as uncomfortable as she felt. For a moment, she thought about running, but then she remembered the overdue rent, the pile of bills, the empty fridge.

“I do,” she said almost in a whisper.

“Perfect. Sign here, here, and here.”

Ivy took the pen. Her hand trembled slightly as she signed the document. Derek signed right after with the same excitement as someone signing a parking ticket. The official stamped the papers with a loud thump.

“Done. You are now husband and wife. You may kiss if you want.”

Awkward silence. Ivy and Derek looked at each other.

“No, thank you,” they said at the same time.

Elizabeth let out a little laugh. “Oh, you two are adorable.”

“Mom, please,” Derek muttered.

As they left the office, Ivy was holding the marriage certificate like it was some alien document.

“So that’s it. I’m officially married.”

“Technically,” Derek said, adjusting his tie.

Elizabeth clasped her hands, beaming. “Now, let’s go home. I have a surprise for you.”

Ivy frowned. “What kind of surprise?”

“You’re going to live together.”

“Of course,” they both shouted.

“Well, you’re married. It would be strange to live apart, wouldn’t it?”

Derek ran a hand down his face. “Mom, that wasn’t part of the deal.”

“Sweetheart, marriage is the deal, and couples live together.”

Ivy tried to argue. “But Mrs. Cooper, I have my own apartment.”

“That tiny place with the leak in the ceiling? No, dear. You’re going to live in the family penthouse.”

Derek rolled his eyes. “This just keeps getting better.”

In the limousine on the way to the penthouse, the silence was deafening. Ivy looked out the window. Derek was on his phone ignoring everything. Elizabeth, sitting between them, looked like the happiest person in the world.

“You’ll see. In a few months, you’ll be thanking me.”

“I doubt it,” Derek mumbled.

Ivy sighed. “I still can’t believe I did this.”

“Welcome to the club,” Derek said, still staring at his phone.

When they arrived at the penthouse, Ivy’s jaw dropped. The place was enormous—floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a panoramic view of New York, modern and flawless décor.

“This place is bigger than my whole building,” Ivy said, amazed.

“I’m glad you like it, dear,” Elizabeth smiled. “Your room is upstairs.”

“Room? Singular?” Ivy’s eyes widened.

“Yes, dear. You’re married.”

Derek stepped in quickly. “Mom, I’ll sleep in the office.”

“No, you won’t. You need to look like a real couple.”

“Wait—” Ivy raised her hands. “I didn’t agree to this.”

Elizabeth patted her shoulder. “Dear, it’s just for the contract. You can put a pillow in the middle of the bed like in those old movies.”

“This is ridiculous,” Derek scoffed.

“What’s ridiculous is wasting an opportunity like this,” Elizabeth replied seriously. “Trust me—you’ll thank me.”

And with that, she walked out, leaving Ivy and Derek alone for the first time as husband and wife.

They looked at each other. Ivy crossed her arms. “So now what?”

Derek sighed. “Now we try to survive this.”

“I should have left that wheel stuck in the hole,” Ivy muttered.

Derek almost smiled. Almost. “Couldn’t agree more.”

And just like that, the marriage of convenience became real—two strangers, one marriage certificate, and a completely uncertain future. But Elizabeth Cooper smiled, satisfied, as if she had just completed the perfect plan—because deep down she knew exactly what she was doing.

The next day, Ivy went back to her small apartment to pack her things. The place was modest, with a tiny kitchen and a window that faced the alley out back, but it was hers—or at least it had been. She opened the closet and started tossing clothes into a suitcase, still trying to process everything.

“Married? I’m married,” she murmured, shaking her head.

That’s when the door burst open.

“Ivy Anne Morris!”

It was Rachel, her best friend since school, wide‑eyed and holding her phone.

“Rachel, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“I gave you a heart attack? Girl, you got married and didn’t tell me. I had to find out through New York Society’s Instagram.”

Ivy blinked. “Wait—what do you mean Instagram?”

Rachel turned the phone toward her. There was a photo of Derek entering the registry office with the caption: Billionaire heir Derek Cooper gets married in surprise ceremony.

Ivy groaned. “Oh no.”

Rachel sat on the bed, arms crossed. “Well, are you going to tell me, or do I have to learn everything from the internet?”

Ivy sighed and told the whole story. The hole in the sidewalk, the missed interview, the coffee with Elizabeth, the crazy proposal, the threat of being disinherited. When she finished, Rachel was speechless.

“You’re telling me you got married because you helped a lady on the sidewalk?”

“That’s unbelievable.”

“I know, Rachel, but now I’m stuck in a deal with one of the most powerful families in New York.”

Rachel burst out laughing. “Girl, your life turned into a movie—like Cinderella, but with no glass slipper and way more drama.”

“It’s not funny,” Ivy said, throwing a pillow at her.

“Oh, it is. So what now? Are you living with him?”

“I already am—in the penthouse, with a panoramic view and everything.”

Rachel jumped up. “I need to see this.”

“No, you really don’t.”

“Yes, I do. Come on, take me there.”

Ivy rolled her eyes but smiled. At least she had a friend to make this madness a bit more bearable.

Hours later, Ivy came back to the penthouse with her suitcases. Derek was in the living room working on his laptop, a perfectly placed cup of coffee next to him. He didn’t even look up.

“You’re back.”

“I’m back,” Ivy said, dropping her bags on the floor.

Silence.

She walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge. It looked like a museum display. Everything was lined up, labeled, and sorted by category.

“Who organizes a fridge like this?” she mumbled.

“People who like order,” Derek replied, still looking at his screen.

“People who like order—or people who seriously need to relax?”

He finally looked at her. “Do you have a problem with organization?”

“No, I just think life doesn’t have to be so stiff.”

Derek turned back to his laptop. “Stiff is different from functional.”

Ivy grabbed an apple and bit into it loudly just to annoy him. “Functional is boring.”

“Boring is efficient.”

“Efficient is dull.”

Derek sighed and closed the laptop with a sharp click. “Do you always have to get the last word?”

Ivy smiled. “Always.”

As days went by, living together turned into a comedy of errors. Derek woke up at six, worked out, had breakfast, and left for work with the punctuality of a Swiss watch. Ivy woke up at nine, tripped over the rug, drank coffee in her pajamas, and took half an hour to pick an outfit.

One morning, Derek walked into the kitchen and found Ivy singing and dancing while frying eggs.

“What are you doing?”

“Making breakfast. Want some?”

“No, I already ate at six.”

“Of course you did,” Ivy rolled her eyes. “Because you’re a robot programmed to be perfect.”

“I’m not a robot. I just have discipline.”

“Discipline is overrated.”

He grabbed a water bottle and left the kitchen.

Ivy yelled after him. “One day you’ll learn how to have fun!”

“I doubt it,” he shouted back.

But things started to change. One night, Derek came home late and found Ivy on the couch watching a comedy movie and laughing out loud.

“Do you always laugh like that?” he asked, dropping his briefcase.

“Only when it’s funny. Want to watch?”

“No, I have work.”

“You always have work.”

He hesitated. “It’s my job.”

“And your job can’t wait fifteen minutes?”

Derek looked at the screen. The movie looked silly, but Ivy was laughing so hard he ended up sitting down. Fifteen minutes turned into thirty, and thirty turned into an hour. When the movie ended, Derek realized he had relaxed for the first time in weeks.

“It was… tolerable,” he said.

Ivy smiled. “Admit it. You liked it.”

“I’m not admitting anything.”

But he almost smiled. Almost.

Meanwhile, in the penthouse office, Elizabeth Cooper watched everything from a distance. She knew exactly what she was doing. One day, she called her personal lawyer.

“I want to transfer twenty percent of Cooper Enterprises shares to Ivy Morris Cooper’s name.”

The lawyer blinked, surprised. “Mrs. Cooper, are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Do it today. Quietly.”

“But that’s a considerable amount. Does Miss Ivy know?”

Elizabeth smiled. “No, and she doesn’t need to. Not yet.”

The lawyer nodded and left. Elizabeth looked out the window, satisfied. “You’ll thank me later,” she whispered.

Ivy and Derek continued their dance of opposites. He complained she left the lights on. She complained he always kept the remote in the exact same spot. He said she was messy. She said he was robotic. But little by little, something was changing. Derek began to notice the house felt more alive with Ivy around. And Ivy began to realize that behind that armor of seriousness, Derek had a heart.

One night, as they ate dinner in silence, Ivy asked, “Why are you so serious all the time?”

Derek stopped chewing. “Because life demands seriousness.”

“Life demands balance. You can be responsible and still have fun.”

He looked at her, thoughtful. “Have you always been like this? So optimistic?”

“Not always. But I’ve learned that complaining doesn’t help. Laughing does.”

Derek stayed quiet—and for the first time, he started to think maybe she was right. Without realizing it, they both began to learn something important from each other. Derek learned that life didn’t have to be perfect to be good. And Ivy learned that discipline wasn’t a cage. It was freedom.

Behind the scenes, Elizabeth Cooper watched everything, pleased. Her plan was going better than she expected—and without anyone knowing, she had already set the stage for something that would change everything.

A few days later, Ivy started working at the Cooper Group’s hotel—the Hilson Grand Hotel. Grand and elegant, with crystal chandeliers, red carpets, and perfectly uniformed staff. Ivy walked through the main lobby, clutching her bag tightly.

“Breathe, Ivy. You’ve got this,” she whispered to herself.

At the front desk, a middle‑aged woman wearing glasses greeted her with a warm smile. “You must be Ivy Morris. Welcome. I’m Grace, the administrative supervisor.”

Grace had gray hair pulled into a loose bun and a motherly way that immediately made Ivy feel comfortable.

“Nice to meet you, Grace.”

“The pleasure’s mine, dear. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

As they walked through the hallways, Grace explained, “This is the event hall. That’s the main kitchen. And over there—well, that’s where Britney usually is.”

Ivy stopped. “Britney?”

“Britney Jones.” Grace made a face. “Oh, you know her.”

“Unfortunately.”

“Then you already know what you’re in for,” Grace sighed. “She got promoted to manager a few weeks ago, and ever since then, she acts like she owns the place.”

Ivy swallowed hard. Britney Jones had worked with her years ago at another hotel. They never got along. Britney had always been jealous of anything Ivy achieved—and now she was here as the manager.

“Great. Just great,” Ivy muttered.

It didn’t take long for them to cross paths. Ivy was organizing some files in the meeting room when the door burst open.

“Well, well, well—look who’s here.”

Britney—tall, blonde, a fake smile and eyes sharp as knives.

“Hi, Britney,” Ivy said, trying to stay calm.

“I heard you married into the Cooper family. How convenient.”

Ivy took a deep breath. “That’s none of your business.”

“Oh, but it is—because now you work here. The Hilson is part of the Cooper Group.” Britney stepped closer, crossing her arms. “I don’t care who you married, Ivy. In here, you report to me. Got it?”

Ivy held her gaze. “Got it.”

Britney smiled smugly and left, slamming the door. Grace came in right after, shaking her head.

“Was she always like that?”

“Worse,” Ivy replied. “Much worse.”

But Britney wasn’t alone in her mission to make Ivy miserable. The next day, while Ivy was having coffee in the break room, a man walked in. Tall, dark‑haired, with an arrogant smile.

“You’re the new one, right? Ivy?”

“Yes. And you are?”

“Mark. Mark Evans. I’m in events.”

The name sounded familiar. Then Ivy remembered. “Mark Evans… aren’t you Rachel’s ex‑boyfriend?”

His smile faded. “Yeah—and you’re her best friend, the one who always took her side, even when she was wrong.”

“She wasn’t wrong. You were just a terrible boyfriend.”

Mark stepped closer, irritated. “Watch what you say.”

“Or what? You’ll tell the manager on me?”

He gave her a sideways smirk. “I won’t need to say a word. I’ll just make sure your time here is… unpleasant.” And he walked out.

Grace, who had overheard everything from the doorway, walked in, shaking her head. “Oh boy. Two enemies on your first day. That might be a record.”

“I just wanted to work in peace.”

“Sweetheart, nobody works in peace around here. But don’t worry—you’ve got some friends, too.” Grace winked and offered her a cookie.

Ivy smiled. At least she had one ally.

In the days that followed, Britney and Mark began plotting. They spread rumors in the hallways, stirred up drama, tried to sabotage Ivy’s work. One morning, Ivy was asked to organize an important meeting with investors. She carefully prepared everything—presentations, reports, and coffee. But when she arrived in the meeting room, she saw that someone had switched the documents.

“What is this?” one of the investors asked, flipping through the completely wrong report.

Ivy turned pale. “I—I don’t understand. I had everything ready.”

Britney, sitting in the corner of the room, smiled subtly. “Unfortunately, Ivy wasn’t able to prepare the reports correctly.”

That’s when the door opened. Elizabeth Cooper entered—elegant as always—smoothly rolling her wheelchair into the room.

“Sorry for the interruption, gentlemen.”

Everyone stood up at once. “Mrs. Cooper, what a surprise.”

Elizabeth looked around, her eyes settling on Ivy, who was visibly nervous. “I heard there was a problem with the documents.”

Britney stood up quickly. “Yes, Mrs. Cooper. Unfortunately, Ivy—”

Elizabeth turned to Britney with an icy smile. “Really? That’s strange, because I personally asked Ivy to prepare those documents—and she’s never let me down.”

Britney swallowed hard.

Elizabeth continued, “Unless, of course, someone sabotaged her work.”

The room fell completely silent.

Elizabeth took the documents from the investor’s hands and examined them. “These aren’t the original reports. Someone switched them.”

Ivy’s eyes widened. Britney turned pale.

Then Elizabeth turned to Ivy and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “If there’s anyone here who deserves a promotion, it’s Ivy Morris.”

The shock was instant.

“Mrs. Cooper—” Ivy began, unsure of what to say.

Elizabeth raised her hand to stop her. “As of today, Ivy Morris Cooper is promoted to Vice President of the Hilson Grand Hotel.”

Britney’s face lost all color. Mark, who had been watching from the doorway, was left speechless. The investors started to applaud.

Ivy, still in shock, tried to process what had just happened. “Mrs. Cooper, I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say thank you and accept it, dear,” Elizabeth replied with a warm smile.

“Thank you,” Ivy said, moved.

Britney stormed out, slamming the door. Mark vanished quickly. After the meeting, Grace ran over and hugged Ivy.

“Vice President—oh my goodness, you just rose faster than an elevator.”

Ivy laughed, still dizzy from it all. “I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it. And now Britney will have to swallow all that arrogance.”

Ivy looked around. The other staff members were greeting her with respect. For the first time, she didn’t feel like just the girl who married a billionaire. She was someone who had earned respect—and that bothered a lot of people.

That night when Ivy got home, Derek was on the couch reading reports.

“I heard you got promoted,” he said without looking up.

“Did your mother tell you?”

“Everyone told me.”

Ivy sat next to him. “Do you think she did it just because I’m your wife?”

Derek finally looked at her. “No. She did it because you deserve it.”

Ivy blinked, surprised. “Really?”

He almost smiled. “My mom is a lot of things, but she’s never unfair.”

Ivy smiled, too. And for the first time since it all began, she felt that maybe this crazy marriage had brought something good after all. At least at work, she had finally earned the respect she always deserved.

In the weeks that followed, Ivy threw herself into her work. As Vice President, she now had responsibilities that once seemed impossible. But to everyone’s surprise—and her own—she was doing very well.

Grace, her loyal friend, never missed a chance to joke. “Who would have thought, huh? The girl who pulled a wheel out of a hole now runs half the hotel.”

“I’m not running anything, Grace.”

“Sweetie, you’re the Vice President. Even the coffee listens to your orders.”

“Coffee listens to no one. It only exists to save us.”

Grace burst out laughing. “I liked you from day one.”

Ivy smiled. Having Grace around made everything easier.

But not everything was smooth. Britney still gave her dirty looks in the hallway. Mark avoided Ivy like she had the flu. And the whispers continued: She only got that job because of her husband. Must be nice having a powerful mother‑in‑law.

Ivy heard it all, but didn’t reply. She knew words wouldn’t change minds. Only actions would—and her chance to prove herself came sooner than expected.

The hotel was organizing a major corporate event. International investors, influential businesspeople, even a few local celebrities were expected. It was the kind of event that couldn’t go wrong.

Ivy personally oversaw everything. She checked the ballroom, the lighting, the menu, the guest list.

Grace showed up with a clipboard. “All set, boss. Even the napkins are folded into swans—because apparently swans mean sophistication.”

Ivy laughed. “You think I’m overdoing it?”

“Overdoing it? Sweetie, you checked the ballroom temperature three times. But that’s fine. I’d rather have a perfectionist boss than a careless one.”

“Thanks. I think.”

When the night of the event arrived, the ballroom looked flawless. Sparkling chandeliers, decorated tables, soft background music. Guests began arriving—elegant and demanding.

Ivy moved through the room, making sure everything was running smoothly. That’s when the problem started. One of the waitresses, a young woman named Emily, tripped and dropped a tray of drinks right next to one of the most important guests of the evening, Jonathan Pierce—a billionaire investor known for his explosive temper. The drinks splashed slightly onto his suit. Emily turned pale.

“Sir, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”

Jonathan stood up, furious. “An accident? This suit costs more than you make in a year. I want this incompetent woman fired immediately.”

The entire room fell silent. Emily began to cry. Britney, who had been watching from a distance, quickly stepped in with a fake smile.

“Mr. Pierce, I apologize on behalf of the hotel. We’ll take care of her dismissal right away—”

“Wait.”

Ivy’s voice cut through the tension. She walked calmly to the center of the room.

“Mr. Pierce, I understand your frustration. But before we make any decisions, I’d like to review what happened.”

Jonathan looked at her with impatience. “And who are you?”

“Ivy Morris Cooper—Vice President of the hotel.”

Britney clenched her teeth.

“May I check the security footage? It’ll only take a minute.”

Jonathan huffed but motioned with his hand. Grace ran to the control room and came back with a tablet. Ivy watched the footage, then showed it to Jonathan.

“Look here, sir. Emily didn’t just trip. Someone pushed the drink cart right as she was passing.”

Jonathan squinted at the screen—and then it was clear. Mark had pushed the cart on purpose, causing the accident.

Jonathan’s expression changed. “So, it wasn’t her fault.”

“No, sir. It was sabotage.”

Ivy turned to Emily, who was still shaking. “You won’t be fired. On the contrary—thank you for staying calm under pressure.”

Emily let out a sigh of relief and wiped her tears. Jonathan, impressed, extended his hand to Ivy.

“You’re brave and smart. Well done.”

Ivy shook his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Pierce. And I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll make sure your suit is cleaned at no cost.”

Jonathan smiled—a rare sight. “Don’t worry. I have others.”

He returned to his table, satisfied. Britney, on the other hand, was visibly upset.

Grace walked over to Ivy and whispered, “You just earned the respect of the toughest man in New York. That deserves a trophy—or at least a piece of cake.”

Ivy chuckled softly.

But the night wasn’t over yet. As Ivy chatted with a few guests, the ballroom doors opened. Elizabeth Cooper entered, as elegant as ever, pushed by her driver. The whole room turned to look. Elizabeth smiled and waved at the guests, who greeted her with immediate reverence. She went straight to Ivy.

“Good evening, dear.”

“Mrs. Cooper, I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I always show up at the right time.” Elizabeth looked around, taking in the impeccable event. “You did a magnificent job.”

“Thank you. I had a great team.”

Then Elizabeth turned to the guests and raised her voice. “May I have everyone’s attention for a moment?”

The room went quiet.

“I want you all to know—this is Ivy Morris Cooper, my daughter‑in‑law. And from today on, no one will ever again underestimate her talent, her intelligence, or her worth.”

Applause erupted. Ivy felt tears threaten to fall but held them back. Elizabeth stepped closer and took her hand.

“You deserve every bit of the respect you’re getting, dear. And anyone who says otherwise will have to answer to me.”

Ivy smiled, deeply moved. “Thank you, Mrs. Cooper—for everything.”

“Call me Elizabeth. After all, we’re family.”

The applause continued. Grace, standing in the corner, wiped her eyes with a napkin. “Oh my goodness, I’m crying. This is ridiculous,” she mumbled, sniffling.

Jonathan Pierce stood and raised his glass. “A toast to Ivy Cooper—the woman who proved that competence doesn’t come with a last name.”

Everyone raised their glasses.

Ivy looked around the room, seeing the same faces that once doubted her now clapping in her honor. It wasn’t just about the Cooper name anymore. It was about the respect she’d earned with hard work, intelligence, and courage.

That night, Ivy realized something important. She was no longer just the girl who once helped an older woman on the sidewalk. She was a woman who had discovered her own worth—and even more than that, she had earned the true admiration of her mother‑in‑law, the woman who, with just a single cup of coffee, had changed her life forever.

When the event ended, Ivy went home exhausted but happy. Derek was waiting in the living room.

“I heard you were the star of the evening,” he said.

Ivy smiled, kicking off her shoes. “Your mother exaggerated as usual.”

“She doesn’t exaggerate. She just announces the truth a little louder than most.”

Ivy laughed. “That’s one way to put it.”

Derek looked at her—and for the first time there was something different in his eyes. Respect, admiration, and maybe… something more.

“You’re doing a great job, Ivy.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Thank you.”

They stayed quiet for a moment, and something in the air shifted—but neither of them said a word. Not yet.

The next morning, Ivy was sipping her coffee when Derek walked into the kitchen, already in his suit.

“I have an important meeting today,” he said, picking up a cup.

“Oh, nice. Good luck.”

“Actually, I wanted to know if you’d like to come with me.”

Ivy stopped chewing. “Come with you to a meeting?”

“Yes. It’s about the company’s strategies. I thought it might be interesting for you to attend. As Vice President of the hotel, it makes sense for you to know more about the group.”

Ivy hesitated. “I don’t know, Derek. Corporate meetings aren’t really my thing.”

“You organized an event with international investors. That’s more corporate than any meeting.”

She smiled. “Good point.”

“So—come. I promise it won’t be boring.”

“Corporate meetings are always boring.”

Derek almost smiled. “Then you’ll make it less boring.”

Ivy laughed. “All right. I’ll come.”

Hours later, Ivy and Derek walked into the Cooper Enterprises building. All glass and steel—employees rushing by.

“Wow,” Ivy said, looking around. “This is serious.”

“It’s the operation center. Everything happens here.”

They took the elevator to the twentieth floor where the meeting would take place. Grace, who had been invited to assist with logistics, was already there.

“Ivy—what a lovely surprise.”

“Grace, you’re here, too?”

“Yes, dear. Where there’s trouble, I’m there. It’s basically my life motto.”

Ivy laughed.

Grace leaned in and whispered, “Careful. Britney’s here, too. And from the look on her face, she’s up to something.”

Ivy glanced around and saw Britney talking to Mark in the corner. The two of them were exchanging quick glances in her direction.

“Of course they are,” Ivy muttered.

The meeting began. The room was full of executives, managers, and investors—all dressed sharply, all with serious expressions. Derek sat at the head of the table—though Ivy didn’t realize how significant that was. She was focused on the documents that had been handed out.

The topic: international expansion. New hotels, new markets, new partnerships. One of the executives began presenting the financial data. Ivy followed along carefully, taking notes. Then something caught her attention. One of the numbers didn’t add up. She frowned, double‑checking it.

“Excuse me,” Ivy said, raising her hand.

The executive paused. “Yes?”

“Sorry to interrupt, but I think there’s a mistake in the spreadsheet.”

Britney, sitting across the table, gave a subtle smile. “Ivy, that spreadsheet has been reviewed three times. There’s no mistake.”

Ivy looked at the numbers again. “The revenue projection for the third quarter is off. The calculation doesn’t reflect the updated exchange rate.”

The executive blinked, confused.

“Exchange rate?”

“Yes. If we’re expanding into Europe, we have to account for the euro’s fluctuation—and this is using the rate from six months ago.”

Silence. The executive quickly flipped through the papers.

“She… she’s right.”

Britney turned pale.

Derek watched Ivy with an unreadable expression.

“And there’s more,” Ivy continued. “The market analysis for France is incomplete. It’s missing the impact of local tourism regulations. That could directly affect the project’s feasibility.”

One of the investors leaned forward. “Do you speak French?”

Ivy nodded. “Yes. I studied it in college. And Spanish—because we’re also considering Spain. I speak Spanish, too.”

The investor smiled, clearly impressed.

Britney, now desperate, tried to cut in. “Ivy, with all due respect—these analyses were done by experts.”

“Then the experts made mistakes,” Ivy said calmly. “Because the numbers don’t match.”

Grace in the corner of the room was trying not to laugh. Mark, realizing the plan was falling apart, tried to change the subject. “Maybe we should move on and review this later.”

Derek finally spoke. “No. We’ll review it now.”

His voice had authority. The room fell completely silent. Ivy looked at him, surprised by his tone.

“Can you present your correction?” he asked.

“Of course.”

She stood up, took a marker, and walked to the whiteboard. With clarity and precision, she redid the calculations, explained the inconsistencies, and proposed adjustments. Then, to everyone’s surprise, she gave a summary in three languages—English, French, and Spanish. The international investors were stunned.

When she finished, the room was completely quiet—then the applause started. At first, slowly. Then louder and louder.

Ivy, feeling shy, returned to her seat. Derek was watching her with something she couldn’t quite read—pride, admiration, something else.

The French investor stood up. “Mademoiselle Cooper, you just saved this project from a financial disaster. Congratulations.”

Ivy smiled, still trying to take it all in. “Thank you. I just did what needed to be done.”

Britney looked furious. Mark avoided everyone’s gaze. Grace, on the other hand, looked absolutely delighted.

After the meeting, the investors surrounded Ivy, asking questions and praising her sharp thinking. Derek waited until everyone had left before walking over to her.

“You are amazing.”

“Thanks. But why was everyone listening to you like you were… wait.” Ivy looked around. The room was empty except for the two of them. “Derek, what exactly is your position at the company?”

He hesitated. “I’m the President of Cooper Enterprises.”

Ivy’s eyes widened. “What? I thought you knew.”

“How would I know? You never told me.”

“I figured it was obvious.”

“Obvious? Derek, you’re the President of one of the biggest companies in New York and thought that was obvious?”

He shrugged. “Didn’t my mother mention it?”

“No.”

Ivy ran her hands over her face in disbelief. “So that meeting—you were testing me?”

“Not exactly testing, but… yes. I wanted to see how you’d handle it.”

“And did I pass?”

Derek smiled—a real, rare smile. “You didn’t pass. You nailed it.”

Ivy felt her face flush. “So this whole thing was a setup?”

“No. Britney and Mark really did mess with the documents. They switched the numbers on purpose.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. And you caught it on your own.”

“This family is full of surprises,” Ivy said, shaking her head.

Derek took a step closer. “Ivy, you’re brilliant. And not just because you fixed the numbers. It’s because you have something most people here don’t have—courage.”

“Are you complimenting me?”

“Just stating a fact.”

She smiled. “That’s as close to a compliment as I’ll get from you, isn’t it?”

Derek nearly laughed. “Probably.”

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. There was something in the air—something different. But before either of them could say anything, Grace walked into the room.

“Sorry to interrupt this movie moment, but the investors are waiting for you two at lunch.”

Ivy blinked, coming back to reality. “Right. Let’s go.”

As they walked out, Grace whispered to Ivy, “He was looking at you with that look.”

“What look?”

“The look of someone falling in love and not ready to admit it.”

“You’re imagining things, Grace.”

“Sweetheart, I’m seeing what’s obvious. You two are the ones who are blind.”

Ivy shook her head, but deep down, part of her agreed. Walking ahead, Derek glanced back and met Ivy’s eyes—and in that moment, he realized she wasn’t just his wife on paper. She was a brilliant, courageous, and genuine woman—and he was starting to fall for her. He just didn’t know how to deal with it yet.

After lunch with the investors, Derek went back to the office while Ivy returned to the hotel. The afternoon went by quickly, but Ivy couldn’t stop thinking about the meeting. Derek was the President. The President. And without knowing, she had corrected errors right in front of the company’s top executives.

“Oh my gosh, I could have made a complete fool of myself,” she muttered, sitting in her office.

Grace walked in with a cup of coffee. “Are you talking to yourself again?”

“I’m still processing the fact that my fake husband is the President of a billion‑dollar company—and I didn’t know it.”

Grace laughed. “Sweetheart, you’re married to the man. How did you not know?”

“Because he never told me. I thought he was just some regular executive.”

“A regular executive who lives in a penthouse and has a personal driver.”

Ivy paused. “Okay—maybe I should have suspected something.”

“At least now you know. And you crushed that meeting, so it’s all good.”

“Thanks, Grace.”

Just as Ivy was about to leave the hotel, her phone rang. It was Derek.

“Hi.”

“Hi. Are you free tonight?”

“Free? Why?”

“I’d like to take you to dinner—to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

“Your success in the meeting.”

Ivy hesitated. They had never gone out together. Not really.

“Derek, we don’t have to.”

“I know we don’t have to. But I want to.” There was something different in his voice—softer.

Ivy smiled without realizing it. “Okay. What time?”

“Eight. I’ll pick you up at home.”

“You already live at home—with me.”

“Then I’ll pick you up in the living room.”

Ivy laughed. “Deal.”

At eight, Ivy was dressed in a simple light green dress and low sandals. Nothing too fancy. After all, it was just dinner. Or at least that’s what she kept telling herself.

Derek walked into the living room, also dressed up but without a tie—just a blue dress shirt and dark slacks. He stopped when he saw her.

“You look beautiful.”

Ivy felt her cheeks warm. “Thanks. You look… presentable.”

He smiled slightly. “Presentable? That’s a compliment coming from me.”

“Mm‑hmm.”

“Shall we?”

They went to a nice restaurant—elegant, but not flashy. Warm and welcoming. The lighting was soft. Music played in the background. Only a few tables were taken.

“How did you find this place?” Ivy asked, looking around, impressed.

“My mom used to bring me here when I was a kid.”

“Really? Elizabeth Cooper came to a regular restaurant?”

Derek laughed. “She wasn’t always famous, Ivy. There was a time when we were just… normal.”

“Hard to picture.”

They sat and ordered. The conversation started light—about the hotel, the meeting, the investors. Then Derek grew serious.

“Ivy, I need to tell you something.”

“What—is it about today? About the meeting? You already told me you’re the President. Got more surprises? Are you also the owner of the city?”

Derek chuckled. “No. But I didn’t tell you everything.”

Ivy frowned. “Go on.”

“That hotel—the Hilson Grand. That expansion project—it all belongs to my family. To Cooper Enterprises.”

“Wait… the hotel where I work? It’s yours?”

“Technically it’s the company’s. But yes.”

“So you’re… my boss?”

“Technically, yes.”

“And you knew this the whole time?”

“Yes.”

“Derek, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because I wanted to see who you really were—no pressure, no influence.”

“So it was a test.”

“At first—yes. But later it wasn’t.”

“When did it stop being a test?”

Derek looked her straight in the eyes. “When I realized you didn’t need my last name to shine.”

Ivy stayed silent. There was something about his honesty that disarmed her.

“You know what’s funny?” she said at last.

“What?”

“Even being the President of a billion‑dollar company, the boss of hundreds of people, and practically owning New York… you still forget where you leave your house keys.”

Derek blinked, then laughed—a real, genuine laugh. “That’s true.”

“Yesterday you searched for ten minutes. They were in your jacket pocket. I know—and you even asked me if I’d seen them.”

“You’re right. I’m a disaster with keys.”

“At least you’re honest.”

The tension faded. The conversation flowed again. But then Derek grew serious once more.

“Ivy, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Oh my goodness, Derek. How many secrets do you have?”

He smiled faintly, but he was nervous. “It’s not a secret. It’s a confession.”

“What is it?”

“When my mom forced me to marry you, I thought it was the worst idea ever.”

Ivy tried not to show that it stung a little. “I thought so too.”

“But I was wrong.”

She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t expect it—but I fell in love with you.”

The world seemed to pause.

“You… what?”

“I fell in love with you, Ivy. Truly.”

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

“At first, I was angry—frustrated. I thought you were just another person trying to take advantage of my family, dear. But then I saw you work. I saw how you treat people. How you stand up for those who can’t. How you laugh at the silliest things and turn hard moments into something light.”

Ivy felt her eyes start to water.

“I realized you’re not just smart or brave. You’re real. And that’s rare.” He reached for her hand across the table. “I fell for the woman who pulled a wheel out of a pothole. The woman who missed an interview to help someone. The woman who faces jealous co‑workers with a smile.”

Ivy let out a shaky laugh. “Derek, I—”

“You don’t have to say anything now. I just wanted you to know.”

“No, I need to say something.” She took a breath. “When your mom made me marry you, I thought I was making the worst decision of my life.”

Derek gave her a soft smile. “Fair enough.”

“But you surprised me—even though you’re serious, methodical, and completely obsessed with organization.”

“Hey—”

“You have a good heart. And I started to see that, little by little.” She squeezed his hand. “I fell in love with you too, Derek.”

His eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really. Even though you’re hopeless with keys.”

Derek laughed, moved—and for the first time since they met, they looked at each other not as strangers in a contract, but as two people who had found something unexpected: love.

Derek stood, walked around the table, and held out his hand. “Care to dance?”

“Here—in the middle of the restaurant?”

“Why not?”

She laughed and took his hand. They danced slowly, swaying to the soft music. Ivy rested her head on his shoulder.

“Who would have thought, huh? All because of a hole in the sidewalk.”

“Best hole of my life,” Derek said.

Ivy let out a quiet laugh—and in that moment, something changed. The marriage that had started out of duty—out of convenience—became something real. That night marked the beginning of true love, born out of chaos but solid as fate.

When they got home, Derek stopped at the bedroom door. “Good night, Ivy.”

“Good night, Derek.”

They looked at each other for a long moment—and then, for the first time, they kissed. A soft, sincere kiss full of promise.

When they pulled apart, Ivy smiled. “That was unexpected.”

“Perfect,” Derek said, smiling too.

That night, they both went to sleep knowing their lives had changed forever. The contract was still in effect. But now what bound them wasn’t paper—it was love.

The penthouse, once quiet and orderly, now had life—laughter, conversations, even small debates over which movie to watch. Elizabeth watched it all from a distance, pleased. Her plan had worked better than she expected.

One morning, Ivy was in the kitchen making coffee when her phone rang.

“Mom, what a surprise.”

“Hi, sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m great. And you two?”

“We’re good. Actually, your father and I were thinking of paying you a visit.”

Ivy nearly dropped her cup. “A visit? Here in New York?”

“Yes. It’s been so long since we’ve seen you—and we want to meet your husband properly.”

Ivy smiled, touched. “Of course, Mom. When are you coming?”

“How about next week?”

“Perfect.”

When Ivy hung up, Derek walked in, already dressed for work.

“Who was that?”

“My mom. My parents are coming to visit next week.”

Derek stopped mid‑tie. “Your parents?”

“Yes. They want to get to know you better.”

“Are you nervous?”

“Me? Nervous? Of course not.”

Ivy laughed. “You’re nervous.”

“I’m not.”

“You are. You just tied your tie three times.”

Derek looked down and realized she was right.

“All right—maybe I’m a little nervous.”

Ivy stepped closer and adjusted his tie. “Relax. They’re going to love you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I love you—and they trust my judgment.”

Derek smiled and kissed her forehead. “You always know what to say.”

The following week, Ivy was at the train station waiting anxiously. When her parents appeared, she ran to hug them.

“Mom, Dad.”

Linda Morris—a warm woman with gray hair—hugged her daughter tightly. “My girl—you look so beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Thomas Morris—a kind‑faced man with calloused hands—hugged her, too. “We’ve missed you, sweetheart.”

“I missed you, too. So much.”

Derek stood a few steps behind, watching. Ivy called to him, “Come on, Derek. I want you to meet my husband.”

Derek stepped forward and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Morris. Mrs. Morris.”

Thomas shook his hand firmly with a measuring look. “Nice to meet you, son. So—you’re the man who married my daughter.”

“I am, sir. And I promise to take good care of her.”

Linda smiled, squeezing Derek’s arm. “I’m sure you do, dear. Ivy spoke very highly of you on the phone.”

Ivy blushed. “Mom.”

“What? It’s true.”

Derek smiled, clearly pleased.

On the way to the penthouse, Linda kept talking. “New York is so big and loud—but beautiful. Very beautiful.” Thomas stared out the window, amazed.

When they arrived, both were stunned.

“My goodness,” Linda murmured. “Ivy, you live here?”

“I do, Dad. It’s Derek’s place. I mean—our place.”

Linda walked over to the window and looked out at the skyline. “This place is bigger than our whole town.”

“I thought the same thing at first,” Ivy laughed.

Thomas stepped closer to Derek. “You must work hard to afford all this, son.”

“I do, sir. But Ivy works hard, too. She’s the Vice President of the hotel.”

Thomas blinked, surprised. “Vice President?”

Ivy nodded proudly. “Yes. I managed to stand out.”

Linda hugged her daughter again. “I always knew you’d go far, sweetheart.”

That night, Ivy prepared a homemade dinner. Nothing fancy—just something simple that reminded her of home. While they ate, Thomas finally brought up the real reason for the visit.

“Ivy, there’s something we wanted to talk to you about.”

“Of course, Dad. What is it?”

Thomas and Linda exchanged a look.

“Well—you know our little candy business, right?”

“Of course. The home bakery.”

“Yes. And… things have been going really well lately. Better than we expected,” Linda continued. “We’ve been getting lots of orders—even from nearby towns—and we’ve been thinking about expanding.”

“That’s wonderful,” Ivy said, moved.

Thomas raised his hand. “But we’re not here to ask for money, Ivy. Let’s make that clear. We’re here to share our dream—and we wanted your opinion.”

Ivy felt her eyes fill with tears. “Dad. Mom. I’m so proud of you both.”

Derek, who had stayed quiet, leaned forward. “Mr. Morris, may I ask you something?”

“Of course, son.”

“Have you ever thought about opening a second location here in New York?”

Thomas blinked. “New York? No. That would be way too expensive.”

“What if I invested in the business?”

Silence. Linda and Thomas froze. Ivy looked at Derek, surprised.

“Derek—”

“You have a great product. You’re dedicated. You’re passionate. The only thing stopping you is the startup cost—and I can help with that.”

Thomas shook his head. “Son—that’s very generous, but—”

“It’s not generosity, sir. It’s an investment. I believe in your business—and more than that, I believe in Ivy’s family.”

Linda covered her mouth, moved to tears. Ivy held Derek’s hand under the table.

Thomas took a deep breath. “Are you serious, son?”

“Completely. I’ll help you open a small location in Manhattan. A cozy spot in a good area—and you’ll keep full control of the business.”

Ivy couldn’t hold back her tears. “Derek, thank you.”

He squeezed her hand. “It’s the least I can do—for the family of the woman I love.”

Linda started crying, too. Thomas stood up and extended his hand to Derek. “Son, I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you accept.”

“I accept. And thank you.”

That night, after Ivy’s parents had gone to bed, she and Derek sat out on the porch.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Ivy said.

“I know. But I wanted to.”

“Why?”

“Because when I heard your dad talk about his dream, I saw the same determination I see in you. And I thought—these are the people who raised the amazing woman I love.”

Ivy rested her head on his chest. “You won my heart all over again today.”

“Just today?”

She laughed. “Every day, actually.”

Derek kissed the top of her head. “Then we’re even.”

In the days that followed, Derek helped Thomas find a commercial space in Manhattan—a small, charming spot, perfect for a bakery. Linda couldn’t stop making plans—décor, menu, packaging. Ivy had never seen her parents so happy.

On the day they signed the lease, Thomas pulled Derek aside.

“Son, I need to tell you something.”

“Of course, sir.”

“When Ivy called to say she’d gotten married, I was worried. I thought she rushed into it. That she didn’t really know you.”

Derek listened quietly.

“But now—seeing how you treat her, how you care about our family—I know I was wrong.” Thomas placed his hand on Derek’s shoulder. “You’re not just her husband. You’re the right man for her.”

Derek felt a lump in his throat. “Thank you, Mr. Morris. That means a lot.”

“Take care of my girl, all right?”

“Always.”

Linda showed up with Ivy, both laughing about something.

“What are you two talking about?” Ivy asked.

“Men’s stuff,” Thomas replied with a wink.

Ivy rolled her eyes but smiled.

That night before bed, Linda said to Ivy, “Sweetheart, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Mom. And Derek—he’s special.”

“You’re lucky.”

“I know. But he’s lucky to have me, too.”

“That’s true. You’ve always been strong‑willed.”

“I learned from the best.”

Linda hugged her daughter. “You’re still the same simple girl we raised—just with a bigger life now.”

“I’ll always be the same, Mom. I promise.”

When Ivy’s parents returned to the countryside, they left New York with full hearts. Their dream was coming true. And Ivy—she had found not just a husband, but a life partner. Someone who loved her for who she was—and who loved her family, too.

That night, as Ivy and Derek lay in bed, she said, “Thank you for everything you did for my family.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“Yes, I do. Because you didn’t do it out of obligation. You did it because you wanted to.”

Derek turned to her. “Ivy, your family is my family now—and I take care of my family.”

She smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

And for the first time since it all began, Ivy realized something important: that marriage, which started by chance from a random sidewalk moment, had become the best decision of her life.

Two months later, Ivy woke up with a strange feeling. She rushed to the bathroom and, for the third morning in a row, felt sick.

Derek appeared in the doorway, worried. “Again?”

Ivy waved her hand, trying to catch her breath. “It must be something I ate.”

“You said that yesterday—and the day before.” Derek crossed his arms. “Ivy, I think you should see a doctor.”

“I’m fine. It’s just a passing discomfort.”

But Derek wasn’t convinced. That afternoon, after yet another episode of nausea, Ivy finally agreed to take a test. Rachel, who was visiting, held her hand.

“Do you think it could be—?”

Ivy looked at the pregnancy test in her hand. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

“There’s only one way to find out.”

Ivy went into the bathroom, took the test, and waited the longest three minutes of her life. When she looked at the result, her heart stopped: two lines. Positive.

“Oh my God.”

Rachel knocked on the door. “Well?”

Ivy opened the door slowly, holding the test.

Rachel looked and screamed. “You’re pregnant!”

Ivy was still processing. “I—I’m going to be a mom. And Derek’s going to be a dad.”

“Oh my gosh, Ivy—this is amazing.”

“Yeah. It is amazing.”

When Derek came home that evening, Ivy was nervous. She had prepared a special dinner and placed a small box in the center of the table.

“What’s all this?” he asked, dropping his briefcase.

“Dinner. Something special.”

“Did I forget an important date?”

“No, but today is still important.”

Ivy pushed the box toward him. “Open it.”

Derek opened it and found a tiny pair of baby shoes inside. He blinked, confused.

“These are… baby shoes.”

“Yes. Baby shoes.”

“I know they’re baby shoes—but what—” And then it hit him. Derek’s eyes widened. “Ivy, are you—?”

She nodded, tears in her eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

Derek froze for a second, then jumped up, knocking over the chair. “I’m going to be a dad!”

Ivy laughed, emotional.

Derek ran over and picked her up, spinning her around. “Derek—careful.”

“Sorry, sorry,” he said, setting her down with exaggerated care. “I just—oh my gosh, Ivy, we’re going to have a baby.”

“Yes, we are.”

He held her face in both hands. “You just gave me the best news of my life.”

“I thought that was when I agreed to marry you.”

“That’s tied for first.”

Ivy laughed and kissed him.

But while happiness filled the penthouse, something was about to threaten the couple’s peace.

The next morning, Derek was in a business meeting at the office when a woman walked in—tall, elegant, dressed in a flawless red suit. Carla Monroe, a businesswoman known for her ruthless ambition.

“Derek Cooper,” she said, extending her hand. “We finally meet.”

“Miss Monroe—a pleasure.”

“Call me Carla. And the pleasure’s all mine.”

The meeting went on, but Carla never took her eyes off Derek. She asked questions, laughed at his answers, and was clearly trying to impress him. After the meeting, she approached him in the hallway.

“Derek, I loved Cooper Enterprises’ proposal. I think our companies could gain a lot together.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“You know, I heard you’re single.”

Derek frowned. “No, I’m married.”

“Married? That’s not mentioned anywhere in the media.”

“Because my personal life is private.”

“I see. But what if I told you we could build an empire together? Combine our fortunes, our influence—”

“Miss Monroe, I’m married and happy. I’m not interested in anything that isn’t professional.”

Carla smiled, but her eyes were cold. “I understand. Well, the offer stands… in case you change your mind.”

Derek just nodded and walked away.

When he got home, Ivy was on the couch reading a book about pregnancy.

“How was your day?” she asked.

“Interesting. I met a businesswoman who clearly doesn’t understand the word no.”

“What kind of businesswoman?”

“Carla Monroe. She proposed a partnership—and hinted at something more.”

“Something more?”

“Yes—but I made it clear that I’m married and happy.”

Ivy smiled. “Good to know.”

Derek sat beside her and placed his hand on her belly. “How’s our baby doing?”

“Probably the size of a raisin.”

“A very important raisin.”

Ivy laughed.

But the peace didn’t last long. In the days that followed, Carla started showing up at events, meetings, even the hotel. She always found an excuse to talk to Derek.

“What a coincidence seeing you here. We need to go over that proposal. Do you have a minute?”

Derek remained polite but firm—until one day Carla went too far. During a gala event, she approached Derek with two glasses of champagne.

“A drink?”

“No thanks. I’m driving.”

“Derek, why do you keep avoiding me? We could be amazing together.”

“Miss Monroe, I’ve already made it clear.”

“You made it clear that you’re married. But marriages end—especially ones of convenience.”

Derek tensed. “How do you know about that?”

“I have my sources. And I know your marriage started as an agreement. But I’m offering something real—power, influence, an empire.”

“My marriage may have started as an arrangement—but it turned into something real. And I love my wife. So, with all due respect, I’m not interested in your offer.”

Carla was about to respond when a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Carla Monroe.”

Elizabeth Cooper arrived in her wheelchair with a graceful but dangerous smile.

“Mrs. Cooper,” Carla said, forcing a smile. “What a surprise.”

“The surprise is that you’re still here after being told no.”

The room went quiet.

“My daughter‑in‑law is the only woman worthy of this name. And anyone who messes with her will find out what a mother‑in‑law’s power really looks like.”

Carla turned pale. “I didn’t mean to offend—”

“You did. And now you’re going to leave—politely.”

Carla looked around. Everyone was watching. With no choice, she left.

When Derek told Ivy everything, she couldn’t stop laughing. “Your mom is amazing.”

“She’s terrifying.”

“Terrifyingly amazing.”

Derek hugged Ivy. “Carla figured out she’s up against a united family—and a woman who can’t be taken down.”

“That’s because she hasn’t seen an angry pregnant woman yet,” Ivy said.

“Heaven help me,” Derek laughed.

“Good to know you’ve got my back.”

“Always.”

In the following days, Carla made one last attempt—flowers, messages, invitations—but Derek ignored it all. Eventually, she gave up and returned to her city. Grace, who had been watching everything from the hotel, said to Ivy, “That woman really thought she could steal your husband.”

“She might have tried—but Derek’s mine. And with a baby on the way, she didn’t stand a chance.” Ivy placed a hand on her belly. “Not even close.”

“You’re glowing. You know that?”

“I’m happy.”

“And you deserve it. After everything you’ve been through.”

Ivy looked out the hotel window. Months ago, she was just an unemployed girl who helped a lady stuck in a pothole. Now she was a Vice President, a wife, and soon a mother. Life had completely changed—all because she chose to help.

That night, as Derek and Ivy had dinner, he said, “You know what I realized?”

“What?”

“That hole in the sidewalk changed everything.”

“It’s true. If I hadn’t stopped, we wouldn’t have met. We wouldn’t be here—and we wouldn’t be expecting our baby.”

“So I thank that hole every single day.”

“Me, too.”

And in that moment, they both knew—no matter who tried to get in the way—they were a family, and nothing could change that.

The next morning, Ivy was at the hotel reviewing some documents when Grace came running in.

“Did you see the news?”

“What news?”

Grace turned her phone toward her. On the screen, a headline read: Henry Cooper returns to New York after five years.

Ivy frowned. “Derek’s father?”

“Exactly—and from what I’m reading, he’s not happy about his son’s marriage.”

“What do you mean?”

Grace read aloud, “Close sources say Henry Cooper disapproves of the marriage and intends to reverse the situation.”

Ivy dropped her pen. “Reverse it? How?”

“I don’t know, honey—but if I were you, I’d keep an eye out.”

Ivy called Derek. He answered on the third ring. “Hey, love.”

“Derek—did you see the news about your father?”

Silence. “I did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to worry you—especially now that you’re pregnant, Ivy.”

“Derek—we’re a couple. You can’t protect me from everything.”

“I know. I’m sorry. But my father—he’s complicated.”

“Complicated how?”

“Ambitious. Cold. He only cares about business and power. When my mother proposed our marriage, he was against it. But she owns more shares than he does, so he couldn’t stop it. And now—now he’s back. He’ll probably try to stir up trouble.”

“We’ll face it together,” Ivy said, tightening her grip on the phone.

“Together.”

Two days later, Henry Cooper called for an emergency meeting at Cooper Enterprises. All the executives, shareholders, and even the press were invited.

Ivy was nervous. “Why the press?”

“Because my father loves putting on a show,” Derek said, adjusting his tie.

Elizabeth, standing calmly beside them, said, “Don’t worry, dear. Your father‑in‑law is all theatrics—but I know the script.”

Ivy gave a small smile, but her nerves were still there.

The event hall was packed—cameras, reporters, executives in sharp suits. Henry Cooper stood on stage—tall, gray hair, a piercing gaze. When he saw Derek, Ivy, and Elizabeth walk in, he smiled—but it was a cold smile.

“My son. Elizabeth. And Ivy—is that right?”

Ivy extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper.”

Henry shook her hand, but there was disdain in his eyes. “The pleasure is mine.”

Derek tensed up.

The meeting began. Henry spoke about the company, about expansion, about the future. Then he got to the main topic.

“As you all know, my son Derek is the President of Cooper Enterprises—and as such, his personal decisions directly affect the company.”

The room went quiet.

“Recently, Derek got married to a woman—ordinary. No connections. No influence.”

Ivy felt her face heat up. Derek clenched his fists.

“But I, as both a shareholder and a father, believe it would be more beneficial for the company to form an alliance with someone from our circle—like, for example, Carla Monroe.”

Murmurs broke out across the room. Ivy looked at Derek, stunned. “Is he serious?”

Derek stood up. “Dad—this is ridiculous.”

“What’s ridiculous is choosing emotions over business,” Henry said, smiling.

Derek walked up to the stage and took the microphone. “With all due respect, Dad—the only woman I love, and the one I’m married to, is Ivy Morris Cooper.”

The room fell completely silent.

“I’m not getting a divorce. I’m not marrying Carla Monroe. And if that bothers you—you’ll just have to accept it.”

Ivy felt her eyes fill with tears.

Henry was visibly upset. “Derek, you’re making a mistake.”

“No—the only mistake would be walking away from the woman I love.”

Applause began to rise in the room.

But before Henry could respond, Elizabeth stood up. She made her way to the stage, pushing her wheelchair with purpose.

“Henry, dear.”

“Elizabeth—stay out of this.”

She smiled. “Since you love alliances so much—here’s mine.”

Elizabeth opened her purse and took out an envelope. “Our divorce.”

The audience gasped. Henry’s eyes widened. “What?”

Elizabeth opened the envelope and pulled out the papers. “I signed them this morning. Just needs your signature. Don’t worry—it’s already with the lawyers.”

“Elizabeth, you can’t—”

“I can—and I already did.” Then she turned to the crowd. “And one more thing.”

The room fell into complete silence.

“As of today, all my shares in Cooper Enterprises are transferred to Ivy Morris Cooper.”

The announcement hit like a bomb.

Ivy was frozen. “What?”

Derek looked at his mother, stunned. “Mom—”

Elizabeth smiled at Ivy. “You deserve it, dear—for everything you’ve done. For who you are.”

Ivy couldn’t hold back the tears. The audience erupted in applause. Henry was furious—but there was nothing he could do. He left the stage, slamming the door behind him.

Ivy walked up and hugged Elizabeth. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re my daughter now—and I take care of my family.”

Derek joined them, wrapping his arms around both. And in that moment, the entire room gave them a standing ovation.

After the event, Ivy was still in shock. “I—I own part of the company?”

Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, dear. Twenty percent of the shares are in your name.”

“Why?”

“Because you showed you’re not here for money. You’re here for love—and that’s rare.”

Ivy hugged Elizabeth again. “You changed my life.”

“You changed mine, too, dear.”

When they got home, Ivy was still trying to take it all in. “I’m a shareholder. Me—the girl who missed an interview to help an old lady.”

“And now you own part of Cooper Enterprises,” Derek laughed.

“My life is a romantic comedy—a good one.”

“The best.”

Derek pulled her close. “You deserve all of this, Ivy. And more.”

“All I wanted was a job—and I ended up with a family.”

“And a baby.”

Ivy laughed. “And a baby.”

They stayed quiet for a moment, just enjoying the peace. Then Ivy had an idea.

“You know what we need to do?”

“What?”

“Celebrate—but our way.”

“And what’s our way?”

“Pizza and a bad movie.”

“Perfect.”

That night, while eating pizza and watching a silly movie, Ivy realized something. She had everything she ever wanted—love, family, respect, and a future. All because one day she chose to stop and help someone. And that choice changed her life forever.

In the days that followed, news of Elizabeth’s divorce and the share transfer took over the headlines. Henry Cooper tried to fight it, but legally there was nothing he could do. Elizabeth had been smart. Everything was documented, signed, and filed.

At the hotel, Grace couldn’t stop laughing. “Your mother‑in‑law is a legend. Divorcing him in public—that’s pure cinema.”

“She’s amazing,” Ivy smiled.

“And you, too, dear. Owner of twenty percent of Cooper Enterprises. Who would have thought?”

“I still can’t believe it.”

“Believe it—and enjoy it. You deserve it.”

Ivy looked out the hotel window, gazing at the city beyond. She had started out as an unemployed girl. Now she was a Vice President, a shareholder, a wife, and a soon‑to‑be mother. Her life had completely turned around—and all because of a hole in the sidewalk.

That night, Derek and Ivy had dinner with Elizabeth.

“Mom—thank you for everything you did today,” Derek said.

“I only did what was right. Your father was always too ambitious. It was time to set some limits.”

Ivy held her hand. “You’re the best mother‑in‑law in the world.”

Elizabeth laughed. “And you’re the best daughter‑in‑law—and soon the best mom.”

Ivy gently touched her belly. “I hope so.”

“You will be. I’m sure of it.”

Derek looked at the two most important women in his life—his mother and his wife—and felt deeply grateful.

“Thank you both for coming into my life.”

Elizabeth blinked. “Are you getting emotional, dear?”

“Maybe.”

Ivy laughed. “That’s my fault. I’m making him sentimental.”

“And I don’t mind one bit.”

Elizabeth raised her glass. “A toast—to family, to courage, and to sidewalk holes that change lives.”

Ivy and Derek laughed and toasted. And that night, they all knew—no matter what the future held—they were in it together. And nothing and no one could change that.

The next morning, Ivy woke up feeling different. She was no longer just the Vice President of the hotel. She was a shareholder of Cooper Enterprises. Derek was beside her, still asleep. She watched him for a moment and smiled. Who would have thought that serious, methodical man would become the love of her life?

She got up carefully and went to the window. New York City sparkled below—and for the first time, Ivy felt like she had control over her own destiny.

When Derek woke up, he found Ivy in the kitchen sipping tea.

“You’re up early.”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Thinking about the baby?”

“Thinking about everything. The baby, the company, Britney and Mark.”

“What about them?”

“They’re still working at the hotel. And after everything they did—”

“You want to fire them?” Derek asked.

“I want to settle this once and for all.”

Derek held her hand. “Then do it. You have the power now.”

Ivy took a deep breath. “I’ll call a meeting.”

That afternoon, Ivy scheduled a meeting at the hotel—just her, Britney, and Mark. Grace, who had heard about it, showed up with a mischievous grin.

“Finally going to put those two in their place?”

“I’m not putting them in their place. I’m putting an end to this.”

“Either way—it’s going to be interesting.”

When Britney and Mark entered the conference room, they were visibly nervous. Britney tried to keep her usual poise, but her eyes betrayed her fear. Mark looked pale.

Ivy sat at the head of the table, calm and composed. “Have a seat.”

They obeyed. Britney was the first to speak. “Ivy, if this is about—”

“Let me speak first.”

Britney closed her mouth.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

Mark swallowed hard. “We do.”

“Then I’ll be direct. You tried to sabotage me. You spread rumors. You altered documents. You did everything you could to bring me down.”

Britney lowered her eyes.

“I’m not finished yet.”

Silence.

“For months—you made me question my worth. You made me feel like I didn’t belong here.”

Mark looked like he wanted to disappear.

“But do you know what I realized?”

They looked at her.

“That you didn’t do all that because I was unqualified. You did it because you were afraid.”

Britney blinked, surprised. “Afraid?”

“Yes. Afraid I’d prove I was capable. Afraid of losing control. Afraid of being overshadowed.”

Mark finally spoke. “You’re right.”

“I am.”

“I was angry—angry that Rachel broke up with me. And I took it out on you.”

Britney hesitated, then admitted, “I’ve always been jealous of you, Ivy—since we first worked together. Everyone liked you—and I… I never had that.”

Ivy stayed silent for a moment. Then she took a deep breath.

“You both wronged me a lot—but I don’t want revenge.”

Britney and Mark looked at her, confused.

“You don’t?”

“No. I want you to learn from this—to use it as a chance to start over.”

“Start over? How?” Mark asked.

Ivy opened a folder and pulled out two envelopes. “You’re both fired.”

Britney gasped. “Fired?”

“Yes—but not the way you think.” She slid the envelopes toward them. “Inside those envelopes are letters of recommendation. I wrote them myself.”

Mark stared at his envelope, stunned. “Why?”

“Because I believe in second chances. You made mistakes—but that doesn’t define who you are forever.”

Britney started crying. “Ivy, I… I don’t deserve this.”

“Maybe not—but I choose to forgive you anyway.”

Mark opened the envelope and read the letter. His eyes filled with tears. “You… you wrote kind things about me.”

“I told the truth. You both have talent. You just need to use it the right way.”

Britney wiped her tears. “I’m really sorry, Ivy.”

“I know.”

“I was a fool,” Mark said. “And you didn’t deserve any of it.”

“Thank you. But now it’s time for both of you to move on—and become better people.”

They stood up. Britney reached out her hand.

“Thank you for everything.”

Ivy shook her hand. “Good luck.”

Mark also shook Ivy’s hand. “You’re amazing—and I hope you find all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you, Mark.”

Once they left, Ivy stayed in the room for a moment. She felt light, as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

The door opened and Derek walked in. “How did it go?”

“It was… freeing.”

Derek stepped closer and hugged her. “I’m proud of you.”

“Why?”

“Because you chose forgiveness instead of revenge. That takes real strength.”

“I didn’t want to carry around anger. It’s just not worth it.”

“A person’s strength isn’t in what they achieve—but in how they choose to forgive.”

“I like that quote.”

“I borrowed it from you.”

“You’re getting sentimental.”

“It’s your fault. You—and this baby.”

Ivy gently touched her belly. “Best reason ever.”

As they left the room, Grace was waiting in the hallway.

“Well—what happened?”

“They were let go—but with dignity.”

“Dignity? After everything they did?”

“Yes—because holding a grudge would only hurt me.”

“You’re better than I am, honey. I would have made a dramatic speech with background music.”

“I thought about it—but forgiveness seemed more powerful.”

Grace hugged Ivy. “You’re an inspiration. You know that?”

“Thank you, Grace.”

“So—what’s next?”

Ivy looked at Derek and smiled. “Now, we focus on what really matters—family.”

That evening, Ivy and Derek had dinner with Elizabeth.

“I heard you fired Britney and Mark today,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes. It was necessary.”

“How did it go?”

“Hard—but right.”

“You’re becoming an incredible leader, Ivy.”

“I learned from the best.”

“Flatterer,” Elizabeth chuckled.

“My mother’s right,” Derek chimed in. “You really have a gift for leadership.”

“I’m just doing what I think is right.”

Elizabeth took her hand. “And that’s exactly why you’re perfect for this family.”

Ivy felt her eyes well up. “Thank you—for everything.”

“You’re my daughter now—and I’ll always be here for you.”

In the days that followed, news of Britney and Mark’s dismissal spread through the hotel. But instead of gossip, there was respect. Staff talked about how fair and generous Ivy had been. She could have humiliated them—but she chose forgiveness. That’s what a real leader looks like.

Grace, hearing the comments, smiled with pride. “My friend is amazing,” she whispered.

One morning, Ivy was in her office when she got an email. It was from Britney: Ivy, I just wanted to thank you again. I got an interview at another hotel thanks to your letter. I promise to do better. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t deserve it.

Ivy smiled and replied, I’m happy for you, Britney. Good luck in this new chapter.

Shortly after, another email arrived. This time from Mark: Ivy, I was wrong about everything. You’re an incredible person. Thank you for giving me a second chance. I wish you and Derek all the happiness in the world.

Ivy closed her laptop, content. It was the end of jealousy, the end of scheming—the end of a cycle, and the beginning of something new.

When Derek got home that evening, he found Ivy out on the balcony.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m great.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“How much life has changed. Just a few months ago, I was unemployed—lost, with no direction. And now… now I’m a Vice President, a shareholder, a wife, and a soon‑to‑be mom.”

Derek hugged her from behind. “And the most incredible woman I know.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“I’m being honest.”

Ivy turned to face him. “Thank you—for everything.”

“Thank you—for teaching me how to truly live.”

They kissed as the city lights sparkled in the background. And in that moment, they both knew—the maturity they had gained wasn’t just about business or success. It was about choosing love, choosing forgiveness, choosing kindness. And that choice marked the beginning of a new chapter—not just for the company, but for their lives. A chapter filled with peace, love, and family. And all because of a pothole that changed everything.

A few months later, spring arrived in New York. The trees were blooming, the air was fresh, and the city felt renewed. Ivy stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the white dress she had chosen for the ceremony. It wasn’t fancy. It was simple, elegant—and perfect for her. Rachel appeared behind her, already dressed as a bridesmaid.

“You look beautiful.”

Ivy smiled, gently touching her now round belly. “I look like a whale.”

“A beautiful whale.”

“Thanks—I think.”

Rachel adjusted Ivy’s veil. “Who would have thought, huh? The girl who pulled a wheel out of a hole is now renewing vows with a billionaire.”

“You’ll never let me forget that, will you?”

“Never. It’s the best story I’ve ever heard.”

Ivy looked at her reflection in the mirror. A year ago, she’d been unemployed—lost, unsure of what to do with her life. And now… now she had everything.

“Rachel—thank you for being here.”

“Always, my friend. Always.”

Across town, Derek was getting ready with Elizabeth’s help. He was fixing his tie for the fifth time.

“You’re nervous,” Elizabeth said, smiling.

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. You’ve adjusted that tie four times.”

Derek sighed. “Okay—I’m a little nervous.”

“Why? You’re already married.”

“I know—but this time it’s different. This time it’s real.”

Elizabeth held her son’s face in her hands. “It was always real, sweetheart. From the moment you really saw her.”

“Thank you, Mom—for everything.”

“I just gave a little push. You two did the rest.”

“The best push of my life,” he said, hugging her.

The ceremony was held in the garden of a boutique hotel in Manhattan. Small, intimate—just for friends and family. When Ivy arrived, the afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light. The chairs were decorated with white and pink flowers. A small orchestra played softly in the background.

Linda and Thomas Morris were in the front row, already in tears.

“Mom, the ceremony hasn’t even started yet,” Ivy joked.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m already emotional,” Linda replied, wiping her eyes.

Thomas smiled proudly. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

Grace was there, too, sitting with a few colleagues from the hotel. When she saw Ivy, she gave her a thumbs‑up and whispered, “Go get him, boss.”

Ivy laughed softly.

When the music changed, everyone stood. Derek was at the altar waiting—and when he saw Ivy walking toward him, his heart skipped a beat. She was glowing. The simple dress, the rounded belly, the shy smile—she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Ivy reached the altar and whispered, “Hi.”

“Hi,” Derek replied, smiling.

The officiant began. “We are here today to celebrate the love between Ivy and Derek—a love that began in an unexpected way, but became real and deep. They are already legally married. But today they choose to renew their vows not out of obligation—but out of love.”

Derek took Ivy’s hand.

“Ivy—when we met, I was convinced my life was perfect just the way it was—organized, predictable, under control.”

Ivy smiled. “And then I showed up and messed it all up.”

Derek laughed. “Yes. You messed everything up—left the lights on, lost the remote in impossible places, sang in the shower at six in the morning.”

Everyone laughed.

“But you also brought light. Brought laughter. Brought life.” His voice wavered a bit. “You taught me that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be good—and that love doesn’t need logic. It just needs to be true.”

Ivy was crying.

“I love you, Ivy—and I promise to keep loving you every day—even when you leave the lights on.”

More laughter from the guests.

Ivy wiped her tears and took a deep breath. “Derek, I was lost when I met you—no job, no direction, no hope. And then I helped your mother—and then she forced me to marry you.”

Laughter filled the garden.

“But you know what’s funny? I complained a lot at first—thought it was the worst decision of my life.”

Derek pretended to be offended.

“But I was wrong—because you showed me that love isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the little moments.” Ivy squeezed his hand. “It’s about watching bad movies together. It’s about laughing at my terrible jokes. It’s about holding my hand when I’m scared.” Her voice trembled. “You gave me a family. You gave me a home. You gave me a future.” She gently touched her belly. “And soon—we’ll give our child the greatest gift of all—a home full of love.”

Derek pulled Ivy close and kissed her forehead. Elizabeth, in the front row, was crying openly.

“My babies,” she murmured, holding a tissue.

Rachel was also crying, trying to stay composed as the bridesmaid.

The officiant smiled. “Derek and Ivy—do you have rings to exchange?”

Derek took a simple ring and placed it on Ivy’s finger. “With this ring, I renew my promise to you.”

Ivy did the same. “With this ring, I promise to love you forever.”

“Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife—again.”

Everyone laughed.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Derek pulled Ivy close and kissed her as the guests clapped and cheered with joy.

When they pulled apart, Derek looked at Ivy and said, “Who would have thought? It all started because of a pothole.”

Ivy laughed, wiping away tears. “And look where we are now—truly married, with a baby on the way, and a whole life ahead of us.” She leaned her forehead against his. “The best life.”

The reception was simple and joyful—tables decorated with flowers, delicious food, soft music. Thomas gave an emotional toast. “To my daughter, who’s always had a heart of gold—and to my son‑in‑law, who was wise enough to see it.”

Linda added, “And to the pothole that brought you two together.”

Everyone laughed and raised their glasses.

Grace came up to Ivy. “You deserve all of this, dear.”

“Thank you, Grace—for everything.”

“Now go enjoy your party—and don’t forget to save me a slice of cake.”

“I promise.”

When night fell, Ivy and Derek were on the dance floor, swaying slowly.

“Are you happy?” Derek asked.

“More than I ever imagined.”

“Me, too.”

Ivy looked around—her family, her friends, her husband. All of it represented love, resilience, and second chances.

“You know what I realized?” she said.

“What?”

“That life is all about choices—and I chose to stop and help your mother that day.”

“I’ll always be grateful for that.”

“Me, too.”

They danced in silence for a few more moments. Then Ivy felt something—a kick. Small, but unmistakable.

“Derek.”

“Yes?”

“The baby kicked.”

Derek immediately placed his hand on her belly and felt it—another kick. His eyes filled with tears.

“Our son.”

“Our daughter.”

“You think it’s a girl?”

“I’m sure.”

Derek kissed her gently—and in that moment, surrounded by love and happiness, they both knew this was only the beginning. The beginning of a family. The beginning of a new journey. And all thanks to one simple act of kindness—because sometimes fate just needs a little nudge… or a stuck wheelchair on the sidewalk.

As the celebration went on, Elizabeth watched from a distance, smiling. Her plan had worked better than she ever imagined. She hadn’t just found the perfect daughter‑in‑law—she had brought together two souls who were meant to meet. And now she would soon be a grandmother.

“Mission accomplished,” she whispered, raising her glass.

Ivy and Derek kept dancing, unaware of the world around them. There was only the two of them—and the love they had built together. A love born from chaos, strengthened through challenges, and made eternal through choice. The choice to love. The choice to forgive. The choice to believe.

And so, Ivy Morris and Derek Cooper proved that true love doesn’t need a grand beginning. It only needs hearts willing to open—and a pothole on the sidewalk.

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