Chapter 67: The Bottom Of It
Unlike when he didn’t have his sight but was left to believe what he felt, now, he had his sight and also his feelings. He’d know when it’s fake and real.
Just then, his phone buzzed on the bed beside him. He glanced at the screen and swallowed when he saw it was Ethan.
Stefan’s brow furrowed, thumb brushing over the screen. He didn’t answer. Not with Ivy here. He’d called Ethan because he wanted to ask him to look into Ruby but he had not picked up. Now he was calling and though he wanted to recieve it and make the request as soon as possible, it could wait. He thought as he placed the call on silent.
"Who is it?" Ivy asked casually, stepping closer.
"Ethan," Stefan replied evenly, slipping the phone into his pocket.
He turned his head slightly, expecting to hear a polite remark. Instead, he caught the faintest scoff from Ivy. Not loud, but sharp enough to make Elizabeth glance up. Stefan didn’t miss the way Ivy’s lips curled in distaste.
His stomach tightened and he couldn’t help the frown that creased his brows.
He’d heard that sound before—once, long ago—when Ivy used to gossip about people she disliked. It wasn’t just disapproval. It was contempt. He hadn’t exactly heard it once in the long six months after their wedding and he’d thought she’d probably stopped doing that.
Something twisted in his chest. Why would she react like that to Ethan? Had something gone wrong behind his back?
"Problem?" he asked, pretending not to notice her expression.
"No," Ivy said too quickly, flashing him a smile. "It’s just... Ethan’s always calling. He can be a little much sometimes, don’t you think?"
Stefan didn’t answer right away. He remembered their laughter—six months of it. The quiet moments he’d overheard them having. The soft way she used to say Ethan’s name.