59. Revenge is Best Served Cold

Ivy

I start getting ready for the party. I pick out the perfect dress and slip it on, feeling the soft fabric hug my body in all the right places. It's a sleek green cocktail dress that oozes elegance and confidence. I glance at myself in the mirror.

"You look gorgeous. Everyone at the party will be jealous," Ryder comments from the side.

I turn to him and laugh. "Are you being sarcastic?"

He shakes his head. "Heck no, I am dead serious," he says and kisses me on the forehead.

"Did you invite everyone?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Even Mindy? I really wanted her to come," I said.

Ryder narrows his eyes. "What are you scheming, Ivy?"

I feign shock. "Scheming? Why would you think I am scheming!?"

I playfully bat my eyelashes at Ryder, trying to maintain my innocent facade. "I just thought it would be nice to have Mindy there. It's not like I have any ulterior motives or anything," I say with a mischievous grin.

Ryder chuckles, seeing through my act. "Ivy, you always have something up your sleeve. J