Chapter five

Ivy waited the whole day, but the boss didn't return. The long day was boring as she was told to only roam around the living area and her room. She accepted the hospitality, as it was a lot better than roaming the streets with no place to stay.

She was about to sleep when the butler knocked on the door. "Miss, could you please come outside."

"Sure," Ivy replied as she came out of the room.

"Well um…," he hesitated before letting it loose. "He said you should leave before he comes back."

"But I want to thank him," she explained.

"I'm sorry, miss, you have to go," he ushered her out of the room.

"Please let me stay, I have nowhere to go, please," she pleaded.

"Miss, let me show you to the door," the butler insisted.

"Let me spend the night; in the morning, I'll leave. Please," she rubbed her hands together, pleading.

"You have to understand, I don't own this place; I am only following orders," he said apologetically.

"Plead with him," Ivy still insisted on staying.

"Miss, please this way," he was fed up.

"Please, can I…," she sighed, "never mind." She had to accept the fact that she was now a beggar, all thanks to Dave.

They were almost at the entrance before a man appeared. The man's presence halted Ivy's movement as she was forced to take a good look at the figure that made her stop in her tracks. He was dressed in a designer suit; his elegance was on a whole different level compared to other men she had seen before. It had the capability to leave every woman stunned and captivated at his presence that matched the description of a powerful king.

"Why is she still here? I thought I made it clear I wanted her gone before I return," his monotonous voice resounded through the place and brought Ivy back to the present.

"I'm sorry, sir, she…," the butler was about to explain before Ivy cut him off.

"Hi, I am Ivy Hale; it's a pleasure to meet you," she brought out her hand for a handshake. The charming king ignored her like she didn't even exist.

"Xavier, escort her out," he ordered and went inside.

"Yes, Sir. Miss, please leave; don't make me use extreme means; it will be better if you go now. He has a temper," the butler explained while showing her the door.

Ivy's mind was conflicted; she had other reasons why she wanted to talk to him, but he was not a nice guy. Not nice one bit. He didn't even let her thank him. She sighed then took one step towards the door in defeat. She stopped, then closed her eyes, hesitated to take another step but finally did. She was only one step away before she turned around and suddenly ran back inside, leaving the butler stunned.

She followed the direction of the rude man, his bedroom was wide open as he was speaking to someone through the phone. Ivy hid behind the door, listening to the conversation.

"I'm busy, don't have time for chit-chat,"

The caller from the other end said. "So you can't even attend the family dinner. Did we offend you?"

"No," he replied as he was taking off his tie.

"Or is it because I told you to never return home without a wife?" the caller asked.

'A wife.' Ivy took down everything.

The rude man sighed, "yes."

"So you haven't found one?" the caller asked, displeased.

"Here we go again with me needing a wife."

'Need a wife.' She frowned.

"Son, you have to get married, you are getting old. Do you want me to die before I see my grandchildren?" he sounded like a weak old man.

"You have an elder son; give up on me," he replied.

"Zack,"

'So that's his name.' Ivy was still listening.

"What's your problem with women?"

"I'll hang up now," he said, ready to end the call.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait. Fine, if you don't want to get married, don't call me father anymore," the caller said.

"Are you disowning me?" Zack frowned.

"Yes," the caller hung up.

Zack tossed his phone on the bed, not fazed by his father's words. He was about to unbutton his shirt before an uninvited guest appeared from nowhere.

"Please let me spend the night."

"Why are you still here, GET OUT!"

"So rude." She didn't say that out loud. "Please."

"Do you want me to call security?" He sounded serious, as he picked his phone.

"No, please, I am homeless. Please let me stay a little, please."

"You have no shame, do you?" He said in contempt.

"Yes, you are right, I don't, I don't, okay, please, you have no idea what I've been through," she said with teary eyes.

"Your problem," he replied as he attempted to shut the door behind her.

Ivy wasn't letting go; she held the door with all her might, Zack let go, and she fell but stood up immediately.

"Pl…"

"Go away," Zack refused to let her speak before he cut her off.

Then it struck her; she wondered where this boldness was coming from, but she was thankful she had it; if not, she wouldn't be able to move on.

"I heard you are looking for a wife over the phone. Let's get married," she proposed.