Page 65 of Seeds of Malice

"I didn't say I know everything. But neither do you since you're wrong about Dax!"

Tense silence builds between us.

My father warns, "The decisions you make now can come back and bite you in the ass, Ivy. You need to look out for yourself. You can't trust people so easily."

"What does that mean? I'm not a fool!" I snap.

"It means that that boy is bad business. You don't know what he's capable of."

"He's been nothing but kind to me!"

My father closes his eyes and shakes his head in disappointment.

I hate it. I want to wipe that expression off his face, but I don't know how. And I won't not stick up for Dax. It's not right. He's been perfect with me, except for that stupid Cindy incident, and that wasn't his fault. He's done everything to make up for it too.

Dad pleads, "I'm begging you to think about things and make good decisions."

I don't say anything. I'm tired of having to defend myself and Dax.

More tension builds.

I finally state, "Sit down and eat before it gets cold."

My father glances at the spaghetti, then shakes his head. "No. Like I said, I'm not hungry. I'm going to bed. I hope you make better decisions tomorrow." He turns and leaves the room.

I stare at my spaghetti, no longer hungry, wondering how I'll make things right between us.

My father's hatred for Dax runs deeper than I thought. How will I ever convince him that Dax isn't a bad person?

11

Dax

One Week Later

John has Ivy on a tight leash. It's been a week since I've seen her, and I'm going crazy. I've caught glimpses of her across the estate, but that's it. Every time I text her, she gives me the same excuse that her father won't let her out of his sight. She claims she's trying to keep the peace and keep him calm.

This morning is no different.

Me: I'm seeing you today, and that's it.

Ivy: My father has my day planned out. I can't.

Me: You're not a child, Ivy.

Ivy: I know I'm not, but it's complicated.

Me: No, it's not. Your father's trying to be a tyrant, just like mine. Stand up to him. I'm losing patience with this situation.

Ivy: It's not that simple.

Me: Maybe you don't want to be with me.

Ivy: That's not true! Don't say that!

Me: Then stand up to him.

Ivy: I need to keep him calm. I don't want him to get fired.

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