The Don Waste My Child Chapter 03

The Don Waste My Child Chapter 03

When I came home, the house Kane bought for me was so alive, like there was a party held for me.

A pale smile appeared on my face.

Yet when I opened the door, a woman I didn’t recognize was setting the last dish on the table I chose last year.

“Kane, you have to try this one. It’s my specialty. It is Ivy’s favorite.”

Kane smiled—that easy charm he could turn on like a switch. “Ivy’s favorite? Then I’m sure it will be my favorite too. She’s told me all about your cooking.”

“Ivy said your cooking is the best in West Chicago.”

Ivy pressed her hands to her cheeks, blushing. They looked like a couple who had just fallen in love.

I stepped inside.

Like a stranger walking in my own house.

Ivy’s mother turned, uncertain. “Kane, this is…?”

Kane was on his feet before I could speak.

He put one hand on my shoulder, already pushing. He scanned the room and picked a label for me—the most convenient one he could find.

“She’s my secretary. Dropping off some documents.”

How funny, now I am his secretary.

Outside, he grabbed my hand.

“Ivy’s parents have been pushing her to settle down since the divorce. She panicked. Told them she already had someone new.”

“I just helped her finish the show.”

I didn’t care about the show.

“Kane.” I looked at him. “When did her parents arrive?”

He stopped, caught off guard. Then he said the date. The day of my surgery.

I smiled. Slowly. “No wonder you’ve been so busy.”

Kane tries to explain.

“You know Ivy.”

“She’s been by my side for years.”

“She’s not just a secretary, she is my friend too.”

…

“Kane.” I pressed my hand against his chest and pushed him back. “Have you noticed you’re so thoughtful when it comes to her?”

“Almost like she is your Donna now.”

Kane froze.

The door burst open.

Ivy—three steps at a time—threw herself between us like I was a threat. Like I was the mistress.

“Willow, don’t blame Kane! It’s all my fault.”

Her voice cracked at the right moments. “Kane just thought—since my parents came all this way, and you happened to be away—why not let them stay here?”

“Nothing else. Don’t be paranoid.”

For them, I was away.

That was convenient.

Not just dinner. Not just a meal.

Ivy and her parents had moved into my house.

“If it’s too hard for you, I’ll leave right now. I’ll pack up my parents and go.” She turned, but her feet didn’t move.

Kane pulled her right back.

“Don’t worry. Your parents are not leaving—don’t overthink it. Stay.”

Kane’s voice is so soft.

Ivy looked at me. Her eyes were wet, her voice small. “Willow… do you mind?”

I looked at their hands. So tight.

So I answer.

“No.” The word came out flat. “I don’t mind. It’s Kane’s house. If he wants you here—stay.”

Kane smiles at me, takes Ivy back right in.

Outside the house Kane bought for me.

I thought about everything. Kane and I. Kane and Ivy. What I’d become in this equation. And then I realized—there was nothing left to mind. I was going to leave him.