Meanwhile, as Leo settled into his car, his jaw set with determination, he dialed a number with purpose.
"Make sure to do whatever it takes to stop the wedding, even if you have to resort to extreme measures," Leo instructed firmly over the phone before ending the call and driving off, his mind consumed with a mix of urgency and resolve.
---
As Ivy stepped into the waiting car, the driver smoothly maneuvered through the bustling city streets towards the courthouse. Suddenly, a group of masked men materialized from the shadows, their faces obscured by balaclavas as they forcefully signaled the driver to stop. With a gun pointed menacingly at his head, the driver complied, and Ivy's heart lurched with fear as the gravity of the situation dawned on her.
Despite the perilous predicament, Ivy's instincts kicked in swiftly. In a desperate bid for survival, she lunged forward, sinking her teeth into one of her assailants' hand with all the strength she could muster. The man yelped in pain, momentarily stunned by her unexpected defiance. Undeterred, the others closed in, their intentions clear as Ivy braced herself for a fight.
"You gentlemen should reconsider your choices! I assure you, you won't like the consequences," Ivy retorted sharply, her voice wavering with a mix of fear and steely determination. In a burst of adrenaline-fueled courage, she delivered a decisive blow to one of the men, catching him off guard and causing him to stumble backward, clutching his face where a tooth had been dislodged.
Witnessing their companion's swift defeat, the remaining assailants hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. Sensing an opportunity, Ivy wasted no time. With a calculated calmness, she swiftly retreated towards her car, keeping a wary eye on the retreating figures of the masked men as they hastily dragged their injured comrade away into the shadows.
Breathing heavily, Ivy composed herself with a mixture of relief and lingering adrenaline. The ordeal had left her shaken but resolute. With trembling hands, she steadied herself before re-entering the safety of the car. The driver, visibly shaken but relieved to have Ivy back unharmed.
"Drive! We can't afford to be late," Ivy urged her driver urgently, her voice edged with a mix of urgency and lingering adrenaline from the harrowing encounter with her kidnappers. The driver nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation, and accelerated towards the courthouse with determined speed.
Upon their arrival, Ivy was escorted by the man she reverently referred to as father—an imposing figure whose presence offered both comfort and a reminder of duty. He guided her gracefully through the courthouse doors and into the solemn atmosphere where Mr. President awaited—a man of power and influence, whose approval held sway over Ivy's fate.
"You look stunning and alluring," Mr. President whispered softly to Ivy as he took her hand, his words intended to reassure but falling short of easing her troubled mind. Ivy managed a strained smile in response, her thoughts still swirling with the morning's events and the weight of her decisions.
Moments later, the judge arrived, his arrival marking the culmination of months of arrangements and negotiations. Ivy stood beside Mr. President, their hands clasped as they exchanged vows that bound them legally and socially. With each solemn word spoken and each signature penned, the reality of her decision settled heavily upon her shoulders, a burden she could not shake despite the elegant gown and carefully styled appearance.
The courtroom proceedings concluded swiftly, sealing their court wedding with the finality of legal documents. Ivy maintained a composed facade outwardly, but inside, turmoil churned. She stole a furtive glance at Mr. President, her new husband, and felt a pang of resignation mixed with uncertainty. The marriage was a strategic alliance,she doesn't love him, but needs him.
---
Meanwhile, in the privacy of his office across town, Leo paced restlessly, his emotions in tumultuous turmoil. He had exhausted every avenue to thwart Ivy's wedding, resorting to desperate measures that ultimately failed. The news of her marriage cut deep, stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—anger, disappointment, and a lingering sense of betrayal.
"Damn it!" Leo seethed, his voice echoing in the empty room. His plans had been thwarted, and now he faced the harsh reality of his defeat. He knew he had underestimated Ivy's resolve and the formidable forces aligned against him. With clenched fists and a storm raging inside him, Leo vowed silently to find another way—a different strategy to regain control and pursue his ambitions.
As he stared out of the window, the city skyline blurred in his periphery, a stark reminder of the relentless march of time and the unforgiving nature of their world. Ivy's marriage was not just a personal defeat but a setback in his broader ambitions—an obstacle he would need to overcome with cunning and calculated precision.
"Congratulations, Father," Juliet, the poised eldest daughter of Mr. President, greeted him warmly, her eyes assessing Ivy with a mix of curiosity and reserve. Ivy respectfully bowed in acknowledgment of the family's welcome.
"Good luck and welcome to the family," Juliet added, her tone tinged with a hint of caution that Ivy chose to brush off with a polite nod.
"Thanks," Ivy replied softly, her voice carrying a blend of gratitude and apprehension.
"She's adorable, Father," Emily, the youngest daughter of Mr. President, chimed in, her enthusiasm contagious as she held her father's hand and hurried over to Ivy.
"Welcome! I'm Emily, and I think you're just lovely," Emily said with an infectious smile, extending a hand in friendship. Ivy couldn't help but return the warm gesture, her smile genuine despite the underlying tension she felt.
During the reception that followed the ceremony, Ivy's anxiety simmered beneath the surface. Her mind was consumed with worries about the consequences of her actions and the potential reactions of Mr. President's former wife, a figure whose influence and lingering presence cast a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere.
Mr. President, ever perceptive, noticed Ivy's unease despite her efforts to maintain composure. His expression softened with concern as he approached her discreetly, his voice gentle yet commanding in its attempt to reassure.
"Is everything alright, my dear?" Mr. President inquired, his gaze searching Ivy's face for any sign of distress or discomfort. Ivy hesitated momentarily, her thoughts racing before she managed a nod, trying to convey assurance despite the turmoil within.