Beneath The Ashes - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Ivy
I woke up with the weight of last night still pressing against my chest. My eyes felt heavy, swollen from crying myself to sleep, but I refused to let the emotions linger. Today was a new day, and I was determined to make it count.
The early morning light filtered through my curtains, casting a soft glow across my room. I sat up slowly, rubbing my face, before pushing the blankets aside and swinging my legs over the bed. My body felt sluggish, but I forced myself up, wrapping my arms around myself as I walked toward the door.
The house was silent as I made my way downstairs. The air smelled faintly of coffee, and as I entered the kitchen, I spotted one of the maids arranging utensils on the counter. She looked up, startled, as I approached.
"I'll be handling breakfast today," I announced.
The maid blinked at me in surprise before shaking her head. "Lucia ma'am has already ordered breakfast to be prepared."
I stiffened slightly at the mention of her name, but I kept my expression neutral.
"That's fine," I said calmly. "If she asks, just tell her I said so."
The maid hesitated for a moment before nodding. She stepped back, allowing me full access to the kitchen.
I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Cooking had always been therapeutic for me—it was something I could control, something that had clear steps and a satisfying result. I moved methodically, scrambling eggs, flipping pancakes, toasting bread, and making sure everything was plated perfectly.
Once the table was set, I stepped back to admire my work. A full breakfast, ready for the boys when they came downstairs.
But as I stood there, the thought of actually eating any of it made my stomach twist.
The meal looked delicious, smelled even better—but it felt too much. indulgent. expensive.
Even if I had been the one to make it, I couldn't bring myself to sit down and eat after hearing what Lucia said yesterday
Instead, I walked to the fridge, grabbed a simple granola bar, and tucked it into my hand.
I turned toward the living room, grabbing one of the notebooks Jaxon had given me for studying. Then, without another glance at the food I had prepared, I started back toward the stairs.
Just as I reached the base of the staircase, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"This breakfast won't work."
I clenched my jaw before turning around to face Lucia. She stood there with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning me like I was a stain she couldn't wait to scrub away.
"You should move out soon," she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're eighteen plus now. They're not even your guardians."
I exhaled slowly, willing myself to stay calm.
Instead of rising to her bait, I gave her a small, forced smile. "You know what, You should focus on being a maid," I said tightly. "And I'll focus on ignoring negativity."
Lucia's eyes flared with irritation, but I didn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction. I turned on my heel and climbed the stairs, gripping my book tightly.
As I reached my bedroom, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath.
Third person POV
The morning started off in an unusual way.
As the boys came downstairs, expecting the usual routine of breakfast being served by the staff, they were met with a surprise.
The dining table was already set, every dish arranged neatly, steaming hot food waiting for them.
Massimo narrowed his eyes and turned to the nearest maid. "Who made this?"
The maid hesitated for a second before answering, "Miss Ivy woke up early and prepared everything herself."
There was a pause. The air shifted.
"She did?" Zayn asked, frowning. "Where is she now?"
"She went back to her room."
The brothers exchanged glances.
Vale said quietly. "She ate without us?"
Massimo's jaw clenched slightly, but instead of saying anything more, he turned and started toward the staircase. The others followed, moving in sync.
When they reached Ivy's door, Massimo knocked firmly.
"Come in," her voice called out, light and even.
As they pushed the door open, they found her sitting cross-legged on the bed, a thick book resting on her lap. She looked up briefly before turning her attention back to the pages, her expression unreadable.
Declan was the first to break the silence. "You woke up early?"
"Yes and dont worry ,I felt like cooking," Ivy replied without looking up. "So, I did."
Massimo studied her carefully. "You didn't think to wait for us?"
"I already ate," she said simply, flipping a page.
"You ate alone?" Vale asked, his voice lined with something Ivy couldn't quite place.
"Yes," she admitted.
Zayn folded his arms. "The breakfast table looks untouched."
Ivy's smile didn't falter. "I had my portion differently," she said lightly, waving a hand as if it wasn't worth discussing.
But before anyone could respond, Massimo's sharp eyes landed on something on the edge of her bed. A crumpled wrapper.
A granola bar wrapper.
His jaw tightened slightly. "Then why is there an empty granola bar wrapper right here?" He reached down, picking it up between two fingers.
Ivy cursed under her breath and quickly sat up, brushing imaginary dust off her sheets. "Oh silly you, It was just a random snack," she said casually, reaching for the wrapper as if it wasn't a big deal. "I grabbed it while I was cooking."
she straightened, smoothing out her shirt, and looked up at them with that same soft, unwavering smile.
"If it's possible to have some privacy while I study," she said sweetly, "I'd really appreciate it."
Massimo didn't move. His gaze sharpened, cutting through the pleasant mask she was putting on. "You're acting differently."
Ivy blinked. "What?"
"Something's off," he stated. "If it's about studying or starting college, then fine. But if there's something bothering you, then you can always share it with us" His voice was firm, yet gentle.
Zayn tilted his head. "You sure you're not overthinking things? You're already pushing yourself too much."
Ivy's smile didn't waver, but it didn't quite reach her eyes either. "It's nothing for you guys to worry about," she said, forcing a teasing tone into her voice. "It's time to grow up, you know?"
She shut the book in her lap and stood up, stretching slightly. "Anyway, I'll be in the library if anyone needs me."
She turned, heading for the door before they could stop her.
Ivy's POV
My head was pounding.
The dull, persistent ache had settled behind my eyes sometime after I came to the library, and now, combined with the empty hollowness in my stomach, it was becoming harder to ignore.
I exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples as I curled further into the chair.Normally, this place gave me comfort—a quiet sanctuary where I could breathe without feeling watched.
But right now, I felt anything but comfortable.
My stomach let out a low, protesting growl, reminding me of my poor decision earlier. I should have eaten properly. A granola bar wasn't enough, and now I was paying for it.
Shaking my head, I pushed the hunger aside. There were more important things to focus on.
I needed to let the boys know about my plans—about the steps I was taking toward being independent. It was time.
With that thought, I pulled out my phone and opened our group chat. My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before I finally typed:
Ivy: Hey, can we all have a meeting in the library if you're free?
The message sent, and before I could even put my phone down, my screen lit up with responses.
Massimo: On our way.
Vale: Be there in a minute,Ivy.
Jaxon: What's this about?
Zayn: Do we need weapons?
Declan: Ignore him. We'll be there soon.
I stood up, brushing off my clothes, but the moment I did, a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over me. My vision blurred for a second, black spots dancing at the edges. My legs wobbled, and before I could stop myself, I reached out, gripping the nearest bookshelf for support.
My breathing came fast and shallow, my heart pounding against my ribs.
Okay. Maybe skipping a proper meal was a terrible idea.
Forcing myself to steady, I exhaled slowly and lowered back into the chair just as the door to the library swung open.
The boys stepped in, and to my surprise, they weren't empty-handed.
Massimo walked in first, carrying a large breakfast platter, while Zayn and Vale followed behind him with smaller trays. The rich scent of fresh toast, eggs, and fruit filled the air, making my stomach twist painfully.
"What's this?" I asked, my voice coming out softer than I intended.
Massimo placed the platter on the table beside me and leveled me with a look. "Breakfast."
Zayn crossed his arms. "We guessed You didn't eat properly earlier."
Jaxon leaned against the bookshelf. "Whatever the reason is, we won't push you, but we're also not letting you starve yourself."
Declan pulled up a chair and sat across from me, his gaze unreadable. "You need to eat, Ivy."
There was no room for argument.
A lump formed in my throat, warmth spreading through my chest at their silent but unwavering care.
I sighed, relenting. "I'll eat. But first, I need to talk to you guys."
Massimo's eyes flickered with interest as he pulled out a chair and sat beside Declan. "Alright. What's on your mind?"
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "When does college start?"
Massimo leaned back slightly. "Next week."
I nodded, processing that. I had a week to get everything in order.
Massimo studied me for a moment before adding, "yeah before that, I've been meaning to ask you something, actually."
I tilted my head. "What is it?"
His jaw tightened slightly. "Your surname."
My heart skipped a beat.
"Technically you are our sister so you are a Vitalo now but we didn't change yet ,to take your thoughts on it because we know its from your father's side " he continued.
I swallowed "It's actually not my father's name,"
I admitted softly, my fingers toying with the edge of the book in my lap. "Bright—it's from my mother's side. Her maiden name. My father was the one to take her surname after they got married to show his way of love"
The room was silent as they absorbed that.
"But..." I exhaled, glancing at Massimo, then the others. "I still don't want to change it."
Zayn frowned. "Why not?"
I gave a small, almost apologetic shrug. "I'm going to college soon. That's how everyone will know me. If I suddenly take your surname, it'll be obvious—people will start asking questions."
Jaxon narrowed his eyes. "So?"
"So," I said with a weak chuckle, "I don't want that kind of spotlight. I already stand out enough just being around you guys."
Declan's jaw tensed, his dark gaze unreadable.
"And besides..." I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "It's your surname. Just because you guys are helping me doesn't mean I get to intrude that much."
And that was the wrong thing to say.
Because all five of them went rigid, their faces darkening.
Massimo's fingers curled slightly where they rested on the table. "Intrude?" His voice was dangerously quiet.
Vale scoffed under his breath, looking away like he was trying to keep himself from snapping.
Zayn shook his head. "That's a damn stupid thing to say, Sunshine."
I quickly held up a hand, cutting them off before they could argue. "Which brings me to my second point."
Their expressions stayed tense, but they let me continue.
I straightened my shoulders, determined. "I want to apply for a scholarship."
That got their attention.
"I need to be able to pay my own tuition, at least as much of it as I can," I said, my excitement creeping in. "So ...so that when I get a part-time job and eventually move out, I can cover whatever's left with my own money."
A flicker of something sharp passed through Massimo's eyes.
Jaxon's arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Move.out?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I can't stay here forever."
Silence.
I tried to joke, hoping to lighten the mood. "I mean, as fun as it is mooching off you guys, I really don't think I can afford your lifestyle after I leave. So, you know... I should probably start working on that now."
No one laughed.
Instead, their expressions darkened even more.