Ivone did her best to keep her expression schooled. So, she took a sip of her tea, to allow herself time to respond. "I appreciate the apology." Ivone wondered briefly if this was about truly feeling apologetic to harming her reputation or for his loss of control in public. She looked down...

Xi-ling tucked Ivone’s letter into the box with the others. She couldn’t bring herself to throw them away, which she knew would probably cause problems for her later. She resolved to burn the lot soon, but for now, she had to take up the pregnant woman’s slack. Yet another reason to resent Ivone. Iv...

The kitchen was large, as to be expected for a house the size of the Malatrast mansion. A large butcher block table dominated the center of the room. There were chairs around the table. Ivone put the kettle on the stove and started the gas fire. The scent of the sulfur match wafted gently across the...

Her hip, back, and knee joints ached. By seven months, her belly was distended and the baby's movements obvious to the casual observer. The baby was bigger than it had been in her first pregnancy. Possibly because Tius was a larger man. "Ivone-shi, you must stay in bed!" The elderly midwif...

Ivone paused and turned. Her hands fluttered to rest in front of her, clasped. Her shoulders were back, posture perfect. Her chin was lifted, ever so slightly. She wore a dark blue mourning dress, austere and devoid of frivolty. Her blonde hair was pulled up and back into a neat chignon at the back ...

Ivone was, unfortunately for Azuel, home. As a widow, she could see to her shop, but not work. She was relegated to staying home to receive guests. Thus, with her hair pulled back into a tight chignon, minimal makeup, and the required dark blue dress, Ivone received her visitor. As with the Vyaduka'...

Ivone gave a little snort at his comment about staying put. "No, though I think I am better at it than you." Ivone savored the gentle kisses on her fingers. Her mouth, expressive as ever, quirked up, flashing the little dimples at the corners of her mouth. "I do prefer you sans either...

Ivone smiled, softly, and drew Tius' hand to her belly. Beneath their hands, the baby moved, tumbling somersaults. Ivone stared at their hands before shifting. She looked up at Tius, eyes shining. Usually when the baby moved, she'd call him to come feel the movement, but the child would settle down ...

Xi-Ling approved. Of course, she did. She could see Vi-cen's touch in each gift. For a moment, she hated him for being so thoughtful. Though she had tried to school herself, seeing him again brought all the feelings back. Feelings she'd hoped she had gotten under control. Things would have been easi...

Xi-Ling studied Ivone, surprised but not showing it, that the woman seemed to accept her so readily; as if she did not view Xi-Ling as a rival at all. This confused her. Shouldn't she? Xi-Ling smiled. "Well, we all know what an excellent story-teller my father is." Ivone watched the exchan...

Tius' hand tightened on hers as arms came around his waist. Ivone turned partially to see the woman attached to the voice. She was stunning and though slim, as different in looks from Ivone as a person could be. Both women were fair skinned, but Xi-Ling's skin seemed like perfect ivory where Ivone's...

Xi-Ling heard Vi-cen's voice and felt her heart leap. Then, she paused on the top step and surveyed the scene. Beside Vi-cen was a petite, blonde woman. She watched Vi-cen, pull the woman close. Watched him draw the woman's gaze to his. Watched him press a kiss to the woman's lips. Watched his mouth...

Ivone returned the kiss, still dazzled, and felt another wave of warmth and love rush through her as Tius fussed with the scarf. "I love you," she whispered. Outside, they held hands and Tius squeezed hers as Li-Sung and Mei-Peng fell silent. The expression on his face was priceless and on...

There it was again, that moment of wonder and flush of desire and hope. How was this even possible? What horrible thing was going to happen to ruin it? Ivone squeezed Tius' hand and looked away. The connection on her part was too real, too deep, and it would overwhelm her if she maintained eye conta...

Li-sung was pontificating on the finer points of marital bliss when the women returned. Ivone's gaze naturally sought Tius out. He was still here, not a figment of her imagination. He looked tired, but content. He wore a smile that made her heart pittypat and her stimach flip-flop. She couldnt held ...