Chapter 0002

They entered the grand mansion, Ivy's face lit up with joy, and she sprinted towards Lucas, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Brother, oh my God, where the hell have you been? I've been waiting for you for so long!"

Lucas chuckled, hugging her back warmly, while Julian smiled, happy to see his sister so carefree. However, Ethan's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Behave and watch your language, Ivy. This isn't Eldrida, and we didn't send you to study abroad in Valtoria just to pick up their habits. Remember your roots."

Ivy's bright smile faltered and her face paled, as if Ethan's words had sucked the happiness out of her. "Sorry, brother," she mumbled, her eyes downcast.

Ethan's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "In my office, now. There's something important to discuss." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ivy looking crestfallen.

Julian stepped forward, his voice gentle. "Baby, don't be sad. He's happy you're home; he just won't show it. He loves you the most out of all of us."

Lucas added, "Baby, come quickly," before turning to leave, leaving Ivy looking worried.

Ivy's eyes turned to Julian, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do they want to talk to me about?"

Julian hesitated, his expression somber, before responding, "You'll see for yourself. Now go, before Ethan...explodes." He tried to smile reassuringly, but Ivy's laughter was tinged with nervousness.

As she walked towards Ethan's office, her heart raced with anticipation and fear. What did her brothers want to discuss with her? And why did Ethan seem so stern? The questions swirled in her mind, making her stomach twist with anxiety.

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Ivy pushed open the office door and stepped inside, her heart racing with anticipation. Ethan's stern expression greeted her, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Sit down, Ivy," Ethan commanded, his voice firm.

Ivy's eyes darted to Lucas, seeking comfort, but his expression was somber. "How was your journey?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Good," Ivy replied, trying to sound cheerful.

Lucas nodded. "Okay, so what's your next plan?"

Ivy's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Right now, I want to help you in your business."

Ethan's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Baby, you can't handle this business."

Lucas intervened, his voice firm. "Ivy, it's time for your marriage."

Ivy's eyes widened in shock. "What? Marriage? Brother, I'm only 21!"

Ethan's expression turned glacial, and Ivy felt a chill run down her spine. "You're going to marry Victor Blackwood."

Ivy's face paled. "Victor Blackwood? But he's...he's our rival!"

Lucas nodded grimly. "Yes, and that's exactly why this marriage needs to happen. Dad agreed to it years ago to end the feud between our families."

Ivy's voice trembled. "You can't do this to me. If it was so, you would have told me earlier. I would have never come here."

Ethan's voice rose. "Ivy!"

Ivy pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please, brother, I have some dreams, and I don't want to get married right now. Especially not to him!"

Ethan's face turned red with anger. "Shut up!"

Lucas tried to intervene, but Ethan cut him off. "Maybe we gave you too much freedom; that's why you're arguing with elders. This is what Dad taught you."

Tears streamed down Ivy's face as she whispered, "If Dad was here, he would have listened to me."

Lucas's expression was somber. "But this is Dad's decision only."

Ivy's voice rose in anguish. "What! Why should I be sacrificed for everyone's enmity?"

Ethan's voice was cold. "Do you think we have any other option? You know that if we break this deal, it will result in war. Imagine how much blood will be shed. We also don't want you to be a part of that family, but we're helpless."

Ivy's face crumpled, and she turned to run, tears streaming down her face. "I won't do it! I won't marry him!" she sobbed, slamming the door behind her.

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Ivy lay on her bed, her body shaking with sobs. Her room was dimly lit, the only sound was her own ragged breathing. She felt a presence in the doorway and lifted her head to see Julian standing there, a concerned expression on his face.

"Baby Panda, don't cry," he said, his voice soft. "You look so ugly when you cry."

Ivy's tears turned to anger, and she glared at him. "Shut up! You weren't there to support me. I'm fed up with you three Smith brothers dictating to me, never asking what I want."

Julian walked into the room, his movements quiet. "What do you want, Ivy?"

Ivy's voice cracked. "Freedom."

Julian nodded, his eyes understanding. "You will get it; don't worry. Look, only the engagement has been fixed; there's still time for the wedding. So, you have a chance."

Ivy's eyes narrowed. "What chance?"

Julian sat down beside her on the bed. "If Victor himself can cancel the deal by refusing this marriage, then you'll be free again."

Ivy's face scrunched up in confusion. "But how?"

Julian shrugged. "How do I know? You know that. I've shown you the way; now you think for yourself what to do next."

Ivy's eyes sparkled with determination. "You're very bad, Julian."

Julian grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know."

Ivy's face softened, and she smiled, her tears forgotten. "But you're my favorite brother."

Julian's expression turned serious, his voice low. "I'll always be here for you, Ivy. No matter what."

The two siblings sat there in silence for a moment, the only sound being Ivy's quiet sniffles. Then Julian stood up, his movements fluid. "Think carefully, Ivy. Your freedom is at stake."

Ivy nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. She knew what she had to do. She would find a way to make Victor Blackwood refuse this marriage, no matter what it took.

Ivy's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'll do it, Julian. I'll find a way to make Victor refuse this marriage."

Julian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I knew I could count on you, baby Panda."

Ivy's face set in a fierce expression. "I won't let them dictate my life. I'll take control of my own destiny."

Julian's eyes shone with pride. "That's the spirit, Ivy. Now go, think, and plan. You have a wedding to sabotage."

Ivy grinned mischievously. "Oh, I'll sabotage it all right. Just watch me."

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