Ivo started to worry when he hadn't seen you leave the house in three days. Was everything okay with you? Were you sick? He missed talking to you, even though he shouldn't. You were from different worlds.

You, the trophy spouse of a wealthy businessman. You were supposed to look good by his side and beyond that, stay at home obediently, the only escape was the garden, where you could feel a bit of freedom.

Ivo, on the other hand, was just the gardener, hired by your husband to care for the lush greenery surrounding the estate. But in his heart, the garden was more than just plants; it was a bouquet he secretly tended for you.

Even though he hid his emotions, he felt a connection with you. He saw your sadness and longing for something more than rich banquets and the golden cage in which you lived.

It had all started with casual conversations, but those turned into stolen glances, innocent brushes of skin that sparked something electric between you both.

On the third day of your absence from the garden, Ivo had the opportunity to notice you standing at the window. Those were the seconds before you turned and walked away. And he still managed to see your swollen cheek.

The bag of soil he was holding in his hands fell with a thud as his heart stopped and his breath caught in his throat. Although there could be many reasons why your face looked like that, Ivo was sure he knew the truth. Abusing.

In his first moments, he had an uncontrollable urge to kill that bastard who married you. Honestly, the only thing that stopped him was the thought that it could cause problems for you. He stared at the window from which you had just disappeared with darkened look, when an uncontrollable determination to act appeared in his heart.

Taking a deep breath, he walked with steady resolve toward the back door. No more hesitation. He was done holding back. He was done being a passive observer. If no one answered, he'd find another way in, another way to reach you. But for now—he knocked on the door.