The room suddenly fell into silence as everyone tried to register what they had heard. After a while, Kendra, Ivy and Jacob finally blinked.
"What?!" The three of them asked at the same time.
"Let's get married," Kieran repeated, this time, with a definite tone. His expression was very serious when he said those words without even batting an eye.
He added, "You didn't expect that my child would be born away from his father, did you? If you did, think again."
"Married?" Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. She did not expect him to speak about marriage immediately after hearing that she was pregnant with his child.
In fact, she did not think he would speak about marriage at all!
Kieran looked at Ivy's shocked face and said flatly, "My child is not going to be tagged a bastard, not for any reason."
Immediately he said that, Ivy's shock melted into a look of worry and sadness. The man was right. Without a father figure, the child would be tagged an illegitimate or a bastard and that was not something she could bear.
On the other hand, neither she nor the man knew each other. Yet, he had spoken about marriage without giving it a second thought. Or, did he think marriage was a game or even a child's play?
Next to Ivy, Kendra finally found her voice. She turned to Kieran and explained in a whisper, "Marriage? Wow! I didn't expect you to be so sharp."
Jacob, who was still reeling from the shock, blinked rapidly and muttered disbelievingly, "I think I must be in a dream." He held his head and closed his eyes when suddenly he felt something prick him on his skin. "Ouch!" He cried, opening his eyes immediately.
"Now you know," Kendra simply stated as she returned to his sitting position. She looked at Ivy who was silent. It was clear that the girl was giving Mr. Declan's words a thought.
Kendra said nothing to Ivy. She might be worried about her but her friend was no child. Ivy was more than capable of making her own choices. Besides, they were already twenty-three and were already full-grown adults.
She exhaled slowly as she lowered her gaze and placed a hand on Ivy's thigh, giving it a soft, reassuring squeeze. It was her way of reminding Ivy that she would be with her every step of the way.
Five minutes passed and Ivy still didn't say anything. The silence in the room was beginning to have a bad effect on Jacob who was already starting to sweat. He glanced at his boss and frowned.
'How did he manage to look so calm even in agonizing moments?' he wondered as he shook his head. 'He's most likely thinking about work right now. Heartless!'
Unknown to Jacob, what went on in Kieran's mind was completely different. He was not thinking about work or anything related to work. In fact, he was thinking of what to do next in case Ivy refused the marriage offer.
Although he had no plans for marriage or starting a family—not in the nearest five years—, Kieran knew that he had no choice since it had already come to this. He knew more than anyone else what growing up without a father was and he would not subject his child to the same fate.
Even though it was not in his initial plan when he decided to return to New York city, he was willing to make some changes. But then, the woman's silence gradually became uncomfortable.
She was most likely going to reject him, Kieran knew this. But, he still wanted to hear it from her.
After what seemed like an eternity, Ivy finally looked up. She met Kieran's eyes with a determined gaze and nodded.
"Okay," she simply said.
Kieran's brow rose. "Okay?"
Ivy nodded and as a faint smile crept to her face, she repeated, "Okay… Let's get married."
"…"
Jacob and Kendra's jaws dropped to the ground as their heads quickly whipped towards Ivy.
'Did she just agree to marry him?' Kendra thought.
'Did she just say 'Yes' to this heartless fellow?' Jacob didn't believe it.
Ivy also thought, 'I don't know him but I think I will be safe with him. My baby will also be safe.'
While Kieran thought, 'She said yes? I didn't expect her to agree so easily. Or… did she already have feelings for me?...'
…
"You're coming with me, right?" Kieran's dark brows rose as he waited for a response from the girl.
Meanwhile, Ivy looked to Kendra who shrugged and nodded. Then she turned to Kieran and nodded, "Do I have a choice?" She asked with a mocking smile.
Kieran shook his head and made a move to stand up. "I'm afraid not." He glanced at the two women and added, "We'll wait outside. I know the two of you need a moment."
Jacob followed his boss outside.
As soon as the men left the room, Ivy threw herself on Kendra and burst into tears. She wrapped her arms tightly around Kendra's neck.
"Kendra…"
Kendra sniffled back her tears. She needed to be strong for her friend. She rubbed Ivy's back in a circular motion, cooing gently, "Shh… it's gonna be fine. Everything is going to be fine, hmm? You don't have to worry."
Ivy shook her head. "I'm scared, Kendra. I don't even know him," she worried.
Kendra pulled away immediately. She held Ivy's face in her palms, wiping her tears with her thumbs as she maintained eye contact with her.
"Look at me, Ivy. You'll be fine; your baby too. You… you don't have to worry about him, he wouldn't dare to hurt you, okay?" She promised, her voice starting to quiver. "He… he wouldn't dare to lay a finger on you, trust me."
Kendra took a deep breath and continued, "Just… take care of our little one, hmm? You know you can always come to me. I'll be within reach… always."
Ivy nodded as they went for one last hug before leaving the room. They met only Kieran standing a little far from the cottage with both hands in his pockets. As soon as he sighted them, he came nearer.
Kieran's gaze shifted between the two women. "Shall we leave now?"
Ivy nodded. She turned to Kendra for one last hug before looking back to Keiran with a small smile. "Let's go."
Kieran let her walk in front as they walked down the narrow pathway to the road. By the time they got to the road, Jacob was already waiting for them in the car. He held the door for her to enter before coming in and Jacob started to drive.
The rest of the driver was in silence. Ivy kept her head on the tinted glass window of the car, staring at the neon lights of the city in a daze while Kieran stared at her, wondering what it was that could be going through her mind.