CHAPTER 60: CHAPTER 60 JOINT LAYOUT

Ivy’s POV

I couldn’t believe how well my plan was working.

The rumors were everywhere online now—everyone was talking about me being pregnant with Ryan’s child. I imagined Kane would be thrilled.

Just then, my phone lit up with a call from Kane.

"Well, well," his voice dripped with smugness. "I’m impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you, pulling off something this clever."

I beamed at his praise, relief washing over me. Finally, I was safe from his threats.

"Is there anything else you’d like me to do?" I asked sweetly, twirling my hair around my finger. No harm in showing my eagerness to please him.

"Go to the Blackwood mansion," Kane instructed. "Tell Ryan’s grandmother about your pregnancy. Evelyn has been desperate for a great-grandchild for years."

My stomach knotted at the thought. Evelyn Blackwood had always seen right through me, making no secret of her distaste.

"She won’t accept me," I protested, my voice smaller than I intended. "She... she doesn’t like me."

"The baby changes everything," Kane assured me confidently. "Trust me, I know my mother. Just go."

I bit my lip, weighing my options. If this worked—if I could actually marry into the Blackwood family—I’d have everything I’d ever dreamed of. Wealth, status, security... it was all within reach.

"Fine," I agreed. "I’ll go right away."

I hung up and rummaged through my closet, finally finding what I needed—a tight dress with strategic ruching that created the perfect illusion of a small baby bump. I smoothed my hands over the fabric, admiring my reflection. Convincing enough.

An hour later, I stood at the grand entrance of the Blackwood mansion, my heart hammering against my ribs. The butler’s face soured when he saw me, but I pushed past his disapproval.

"I need to see Mrs. Blackwood immediately," I insisted. "It’s urgent family business."

I was left waiting in the formal sitting room for nearly thirty minutes. Just when I thought she wouldn’t see me, Evelyn Blackwood entered, her silver hair perfectly coiffed, her posture regal despite her advanced age.

"Mrs. Blackwood!" I cried, throwing myself dramatically at her feet. "Please help me! I’m carrying Ryan’s baby, and I don’t know what to do!"

I clutched at the hem of her expensive slacks, forcing tears to stream down my face. Evelyn stared down at me, one eyebrow arched skeptically.

"Is that so?" she asked, her voice cool and measured.

"Yes! I have proof!" I fumbled in my purse, producing the medical reports Kane had arranged. "These are from the hospital. Please, you’ve always wanted a great-grandchild, haven’t you?"

I watched her face carefully as she examined the documents. Kane had been thorough—even the family doctor had been bribed to confirm my story if necessary.

Slowly, the ice in Evelyn’s expression melted. Her lips curved into a smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she looked from the papers to my strategically protruding belly.

"Well, well," she murmured, suddenly all warmth and graciousness. "Who would have thought you’d be the one to give this family its next generation? Get up, dear. No Blackwood child should have its mother on her knees."

The transformation was dizzying. One minute I’d been groveling; the next, I was being guided to the most comfortable chair, with Evelyn herself adjusting cushions behind my back.

"Prepare the east guest room for Ms. Hart," she commanded the hovering housekeeper. "And tell the kitchen to prepare some bone broth with ginseng. Order some bird’s nest soup as well. The baby needs proper nourishment!"

I could barely contain my elation. Just like that, I’d gone from outcast to cherished vessel. The power was intoxicating.

"It’s such a blessing to carry Ryan’s child," I said, placing my hands protectively over my fake bump. "I just wish he would acknowledge us."

"Don’t you worry about Ryan," Evelyn patted my hand. "He’ll come around. For now, you’ll stay here where I can keep an eye on you. Whatever you need, just ask."

I smiled demurely. "Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood. You’re so kind."

"Call me Grandmother," she insisted, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

After a lavish meal where the staff treated me like royalty, I was shown to a luxurious bedroom suite. As I sank into the impossibly soft mattress, I couldn’t help but giggle at how easily I’d manipulated my way into the Blackwood fortune.

This was just the beginning. Soon, Ryan would have no choice but to marry me. His precious Serena would be forgotten, and I’d have everything Sophie had ever wanted but failed to get.

I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face, dreaming of diamond rings and society galas,never once considering that my house of cards might come tumbling down around me.

***

Serena’s POV

I’ve been stuck in this hospital bed for three days now, and I’m going absolutely crazy.

The doctor’s orders for complete bed rest feel like torture for someone used to running a design studio.

My only entertainment has been watching the shadows creep across the wall and nurses bustling in and out.

Well, that’s not entirely true. There’s also been Ryan.

Despite my protests, he’s barely left my side these past seventy-two hours.

He converted the small couch in my hospital room into a makeshift bed, refusing to go home even when I insisted. "Your security team can watch me," I’d argued on the first night.

"I’m not leaving you," he’d replied simply, his voice leaving no room for debate.

It should annoy me, this possessiveness.

But watching him now, asleep in that uncomfortable chair with his suit jacket draped over his chest and his hair falling across his forehead, I feel something dangerously close to tenderness.

He stirs suddenly, as if sensing my gaze. His eyes find mine immediately, alert despite the early hour.

"How are you feeling?" he asks, voice still rough with sleep.

"Like I’m going to die of boredom before this baby ever has a chance."

A smile touches his lips. "The doctor said you can leave today if your vitals stay stable."

He stands, stretching his tall frame, and my eyes involuntarily trace the way his shirt pulls across his shoulders.

When he catches me looking, I quickly avert my gaze, but not before noticing the knowing glint in his eyes.

"Hungry?" he asks, reaching for his phone. "I can have something brought in."

"Hospital food is punishment enough without adding breakfast to the mix."

He chuckles, and the sound does strange things to my insides. "I meant real food. From that French bakery you like on Fifth."

I blink in surprise. "You remember that place?"

He smiles, a quiet, almost rueful expression in his eyes.

"I’m sorry I didn’t know any of this about you before, Serena. But now... I know what you like to eat, how you take your coffee, the little habits that make you... you."

The air between us suddenly feels charged. I search for a sarcastic reply but find none.

"You don’t have to do all this," I say instead, gesturing vaguely at him, at the room filled with flowers he’s had delivered daily.

"I want to." He moves closer, perching on the edge of my bed. The mattress dips under his weight, sliding me fractionally toward him. "You’re carrying my child."

"Our child," I correct automatically.

His eyes darken at my words. "Our child," he repeats, and there’s something possessive in the way he says it that sends a shiver up my spine.

His hand reaches out, hovering questioningly above my stomach. I hesitate, then nod. His palm settles gently over where our baby grows, warm even through the hospital blanket.

"Have you felt movement yet?" he asks, his voice hushed with wonder.

"No, it’s too early. Another month, maybe."

His thumb strokes absently over the blanket, and I try desperately to ignore how intimate this feels, how natural. For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like if things were different between us—if we were just a normal couple excited about our first baby.

But we’re not normal. We’re divorced. He lied to me for years. He kept me hidden away like a shameful secret.

And yet... the way he’s looking at me now...

"Ryan," I say, my voice wavering slightly. "What are we doing here?"

He knows I don’t mean in the hospital.

"To win you back," he answers honestly, his eyes fixed on mine. "To make you fall in love with me again."

I open my mouth to argue, but his phone buzzes, cutting the moment short. He frowns as he checks it.

"What is it?" I ask.