THE FACADE

CHAPTER 9

Author's Note:

Spotify song list for this chapter:

1. Olivia Rodrigo- Brutal

2. Marina- Hermit the Frog

3. The Neighbourhood- Afraid

Warnings: 

cursing

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Ivy's POV

For the first time in a long time I woke up sore. My muscles slightly wore off after yesterday's events. As I was laying in my bed, looking through the window I was still processing the whole situation. Let's just start with the whole fighting shit show that has happened. How did I end up involved in this? I had no idea. I thought that I won't be using my combat skills anymore. But I guess I was wrong. Like big time. But now I promised myself, no more. I won't do it anymore. I wanted my simple life to continue, I wanted it like it is right now. Running my small company, finishing The Avengers Project and traveling around the world. Even though it felt good, like really good, to be fighting again, using my skills, using my precious spear I had squashed that feeling and pushed it deep inside me.

I was also mad at myself that I stayed late yesterday at the office. If I had gone home earlier, none of this would happen. But I stayed late like an idiot because I was under a delusion that Mr Barnes would show up for the photoshoot. I didn't know what I was thinking. Now, I knew, it was probably because I assumed if some of The Avengers were on time and they were cooperating, all of them would be the same. I guess not. And this fucking guy. Finding out about Mr Barnes that he's the motorbike guy... It was like a slap on a cheek. Literally. That's why he withdrew at first, he had to find out about me. I didn't see a different explanation to it. He didn't want to see me or meet me, which was understandable. If I was in his place, I would probably do the same thing. But still.. I was so confused. I thought about all of this and one thing came to my mind, which made me rapidly sit on the bed. He was supposed to have a photoshoot with me yesterday. He didn't come. But he did come to help me with those guys. Which meant he was at The Stark Tower. Probably all day. And he knew I was staying late. That son of a bitch knew I was waiting for him all day. HE KNEW and didn't do anything about it. I got out of bed angry. I couldn't believe how stupidly I was played out by him. Just yesterday I've been an emotional mess. I felt a combination of anger, confusion, regret, disappointment, even happiness in me. But now, I was just angry, so fucking angry. Angry at him.

I strode to the bathroom and took a hot shower, allowing my muscles to relax. I was standing under the streams of water with hands on the walls, with my head lowered, feeling small stings from hot water on my back. I clenched my hands in fists, my knuckles turning white. I was so stupid, so so stupid. But no more. That was a crossing line. I was done with being nice and open to people. I was just done. I took my time to shower and getting ready. Today was quite chilly so I decided on black high-waist jeans, black turtleneck sweater, which was loose and fluffy, finishing with cheetah printed stilettos and a camel coat. I grabbed a bigger purse, collected my things and walked out. I called Matthew to pick me up from the local cafe, since I decided to buy me some fancy coffee and maybe a croissant.

After a quick ride to The Stark Tower, I walked into the building and a realization hit me. My floor and my office were destroyed. Also, did someone take care of the unconscious bodies? Did he take care of it? I knew I wasn't supposed to worry about it, but I did anyway. 'Shit' I thought and tried to push my worries away. I had to act like I didn't know what happened. I had to lie. Oh well, too bad. I walked up to the elevator section and leaned to press the button, but someone's hand anticipated me. I looked up at the person and I clenched my jaw. James Barnes. I straightened my posture and looked straight at the elevator doors, not saying anything. Now, we were standing side by side, waiting. In the corner of my eye I saw he wasn't moving either, only clenching and unclenching his jaw, cold gaze on the elevator doors just like me. I released a small puff of air through my nose in irritation and slightly lifted my chin up. The elevator ping sounded and the doors opened. And as they opened we both took steps forward to step inside, which made our arms bumped. We both stopped looking at each other with stern glare. It took a second and we both again took a step forward, bumping again.