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Novel Catalog
Chapter 22
“Then it’s yours, okay?” Maisie said with a warm smile as she fastened the bracelet onto Bonnie’s wrist.
Bonnie looked at the delicate piece of jewelry. “It looks good on you, doesn’t it?” Maisie teased.
Bonnie smiled, the connection between them growing stronger. “It really does. Thank you.”
Ivor watched the exchange, a swirl of emotions filling him. He was unsure whether to be relieved or frustrated by how friendly his mother and Bonnie had become in such a short time.
Maisie, oblivious to Ivor’s internal struggle, took Bonnie’s hand and led her to the car, continuing their conversation with easy laughter.
Ged walked up behind Ivor, giving him a silent pat on the shoulder.
Ivor shot him a glare and slapped his hand away, but his attention quickly shifted back to Bonnie and his mother as they headed out. He followed them, his mood darkening with every step.
The engagement party lasted late into the night, and by the time it ended, Bonnie remained at the Knight Residence as promised. Sigmund had insisted that she stay with them for a month.
After dinner, Ivor walked Bonnie to the second floor, his expression unreadable.
“This is your room,” Ivor said flatly, motioning toward a door.
“Okay, thanks,” Bonnie replied politely.
“I’m just doing what my grandpa told me to. Besides, you’re a guest,” Ivor added, his tone dry.
Bonnie understood. He was making sure there were clear boundaries between them.
“I’ll be staying in the room next to yours, as he wanted. You shouldn’t enter it without my permission, and I won’t go in your room either,” Ivor continued, his voice firm.
Bonnie smirked. “Don’t worry, I won’t go to your room. I’ll never fall for you either.”
“Good,” Ivor said, his lips twitching slightly.
With that, they parted ways and entered their rooms.
The next morning, Bonnie woke up to the buzz of her phone. It was a message from Heath.
“The Knight is waiting for you at the private club. What’s your ETA?”
Bonnie groaned and stretched, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. “I’ll be right there.”
“You were sleeping, weren’t you?”
Bonnie smiled sheepishly. “I was exhausted, so I overslept. I’ll go as soon as I wash up, okay?”
“I’ll drive you.”
“You’re going too?” Bonnie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You bet your ass I am!” Heath replied enthusiastically. “This is the ultimate game between two of the greatest chess players of all time. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
Bonnie chuckled as she prepared to get ready.
In a private room at the club, Ivor fidgeted with excitement.
Ged walked in and immediately saw Ivor’s disappointed expression when he noticed it wasn’t the person he was waiting for.
“You thought I was the Shepherd, huh?” Ged asked, amused.
Ivor barely glanced at him, his impatience evident. “Why isn’t she here yet?” His usually calm demeanor had slipped, and his excitement showed.
Ged sat down with a knowing grin. “She’s on the way.”
“Who do you think is more likely to win, Ivor? You or the Shepherd?” Ged asked casually, trying to draw him out of his anxious state.
Ivor leaned back in his chair, still watching the door. “It’s hard to say.”
Just then, they heard footsteps approaching, and the door creaked open. Ivor’s eyes shot toward it, his anticipation growing.
And then—Bonnie walked in.
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned to look at her. Bonnie, effortlessly confident, strolled into the private room, her presence instantly commanding attention.
Ivor couldn’t hide his surprise. He had been so focused on the game, on the anticipation of the match, that he hadn’t expected her to arrive so soon. Yet there she was, looking unfazed and perfectly at ease.
Bonnie caught Ivor’s gaze and gave him a brief nod, as if they were old acquaintances rather than people bound by an engagement they both barely wanted.
Heath, ever the enthusiast, was grinning from ear to ear. “Ah, the game just got real,” he muttered under his breath.
Ivor shook his head, a mix of emotions swirling within him. The chess game was no longer just about the game—it had become something much more complicated. And yet, Bonnie seemed unfazed, as if nothing could throw her off balance.
As the tension in the room mounted, everyone waited for the match to begin. But this game was no longer just about chess. It had become a battle of wills. And Bonnie, it seemed, was always ready to play.