The man looked terrified, his voice trembling. “It wasn’t my choice to come! My parents dragged me here! Do you think I’d willingly show up? I’ve been avoiding you for years!”

Ivy blinked, finally piecing together their conversation.

“Wait a second—I never even accepted your flowers! Candice, you still don’t believe me?” she asked, her voice rising slightly.

Candice stared at her for a moment before lifting her chin and turning to the ...