Ivy’s POV

The scent of vanilla and fresh berries mingled in the air as I reached for the sugar jar, sprinkling a little into the bowl. I was about to taste the cream when I felt a faint shift in the atmosphere behind me.

I didn’t have to turn around to know it was him. I bowed my head, keeping my focus on the task at hand. I had done a good job of avoiding running into him until now. It was easy enough, especially with our mismatched schedules and living in this enormous mansion.

“Asher,” I said without looking, my voice calm but distant. “What are you doing here?”...