The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 196

He found himself thinking about her constantly, unable to let her go. Helpless, he could only slip into another identity, sneaking glimpses of her life from the shadows.

Those brief late–night chats before bed had become a habit–one he was reluctant to break. Each time, anxiety and anticipation tangled inside him. Part of him dreaded the risk, but another part delighted in the chance to talk with her, even if her replies were curt or tinged with impatience. Her indifference didn’t matter; he still savored every word.

Jamison knew he was in deep trouble. Nearly thirty and supposedly a grown man, he felt like an overeager teenager every time her name flashed on the screen.

Tonight, the chat window fell silent. Neither of them replied, but both profiles remained online, avatars glowing in the muted light.

After a moment, Jamison broke the stalemate:

What are you up to?

The message alert snapped Ivy out of her daze. She stared at his question and, for the first time, recognized how strange all this had become–these nightly conversations, the way they’d slipped beyond her control.

She didn’t understand herself anymore. In real life, there was the ambiguous Jamison; online, the persistent Dr. Handsome. She’d always said she didn’t trust men, didn’t believe in love, yet here she was, caught between two.

No. This couldn’t go on.

Something had to end.

Mrs. Smith: Dr. Handsome, from now on, please don’t message me unless it’s important.

Dr. Handsome: Why? Did I upset you?

-Mrs. Smith: No, but this just isn’t right.

Dr. Handsome: We’re both single. It’s not like we’re hurting anyone. Or is there someone else? Is that why you’re shutting me out?

Ivy hesitated, eyes fixed on the words.

Was that really it?

Did she care about Jamison more than she wanted to admit? Was she eager to draw a line with Dr. Handsome because her conscience wouldn’t let her string along two men at once?

Dr. Handsome: Your silence says it all.

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Chapter 196

Dr. Handsome: So, are you two together? Or is this just a one–sided crush?

The more he pressed, the more Ivy recoiled.

Mrs. Smith: No, nothing like that. But let’s not keep in touch so much. If you can’t respect that, I’ll have to block you.

Jamison stared at the screen, brows furrowed, deep in thought. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face.

His instincts told him he was right–Ivy was falling for him. She’d been hurt before, couldn’t bring herself to trust again, but something was definitely shifting.

He watched the blinking cursor, then decided to push just a little further.

Dr. Handsome: Unless you can honestly say you care for someone else, blocking me won’t stop me. I can always find you on the forum.

Ivy’s frown deepened as she read his message. He was relentless–just like Micah, always refusing to let go.

Mrs. Smith: Fine, yes. There’s someone I like.

Dr. Handsome: I don’t believe you. You’re lying.

Mrs. Smith: I have no reason to lie. He’s good–looking, comes from a great family, has a solid career–and, by the way, he’s in the same field as you.

Jamison’s heart skipped a beat. Those traits–handsome, successful, same profession–they all pointed straight to him. Ivy was talking about him.

Dr. Handsome: Same field? What’s his name?

Mrs. Smith: Why should I tell you? Just stop pestering me, or I’ll call you out in the group chat. Have a little self–respect, would you?

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