It was the D-day, and Bethany and her crew had gotten ready, very early. Bethany had informed them to come over to her house, to wait until she was fully ready. She had gone to get some things, before her employees got to her house.Meanwhile, Alexander was at her house, already as he wanted to wish her luck and congratulate her in advance. Then he saw Ivy and Bethany’s other employees, sitting comfortably in the sitting room. They all exchanged greetings with him and he could not get his eyes off Ivy.Ivy who didn’t understand why he kept looking at her, and was nervous already, needed a break from this. So, she excused herself and went to the guest toilet, which was in the guest room. Then she washed her face and looked into the mirror.“Get it together, ivy. Today is the day you need all your focus in one place and you have to win, as well.” She said to herself as she inhaled and exhaled.As she came out of the restroom, she was about to scream in fear as she never expected anyone
Ivy looked at her other contestants, the way they looked with confidence, she knew they were not small chefs, but she was determined to show her excellent skills. She had spent her free time practicing and perfecting her recipes, and finally, she had to present the result of all her practicing.After they were all introduced, they were given some time to arrange all their ingredients and put them in order and it was then Ivy discovered, her major ingredients were missing but she didn't let herself panic, she instead looked for ways to substitute for those meals, walking around the open kitchen to get her substitute ingredients.When she was sure she was ready, she prepared the utensils she knew she'd need and put them close to her.She looked at the people all watching. This was what she had been preparing for and it was finally time to get down to business. With a determined look on her face, she set to work on her first dish. She made spicy chicken curry with the traditional Indian
Ivy felt like her heart was going to erupt like a volcano as the man announced the winner.His words kept repeating in her ears."The B Palace."He had said and the joy she had felt was more than she could hold. Even with the fact that she wasn't able to finish the last dish, she had still ended up the winner.Where Bethany was, she clapped and smiled. Her restaurant had won and she had automatically upgraded the image of her restaurant. She knew more people would be flooding in to taste the food served there.She stood up as she heard her name being called and walked up with pride to stand next to Ivy and the girls. The medal was handed to Bethany and they took photos with the judges and the host of the show as the winners. Ivy couldn't explain the joy she felt as her hand was shaken from each direction. People smiled at her and appreciated her and the girls for their good work and it took a while before she could finally settle down and take out her phone. She had gotten a lot of mi
Ivy was devastated, seeing her son, in that state. It was a heartbreaking moment for her as she felt pity for him."How did this happen, Piper?" She asked Piper as she looked worried."I'm sorry, Ivy. I wasnt a good caretaker today. He slashed himself in his tummy, before I could get to him." Piper said, sadly, as a tear rolled down her cheek.Ivy could understand how Piper felt, so she wasnt angry at her."You have always been a good caretaker, Piper. I mean, you arent a caretaker. You are his aunt, and you are bound to make mistakes. Why? Because you are human." Ivy said, softly, as a tear rolled down her cheek, as well."We should just be glad that this mistake didnt cost him his life, okay?" Ivy said, trying to make Piper feel better."Thank you for understanding, Ivy.""Its fine. Afterall, our Liam is a strong boy." Ivy chuckled and Piper couldnt help but smile as well.They both looked at Liam, too and he laughed at their expression."So, we have two things to celebrate when we
Ivy was reluctant, but she decided to accept the offer."Alright, where do we meet up, after work?""I'll come here to pick you up, by this time and then we can go to the beach.""Alright, then. Thats cool.""Okay, so, see you tomorrow." He said, with a smile, then left.Ivy got home, feeling a bit sad, because she expected that Alexander would have found a way to reach out to her, with the short moment they shared together, before the competition, which felt like there were sparks between them.~Flashback~"Shh! Before we leave this room, allow me to round up this conversation." Alexander said, looking into Ivys eyes, intently."Here. Type in your number." He handed his phone over to her.Ivy typed in her number and he saved it."I'll call you and then we will have a conversation about everything, okay? For now, I wish you the very best in your competition." ~Back to reality~ She felt that he was probably not that much interested, or he had weighed her and Bethany's importance
Ivy could not believe her ears. She didn't expect a confession from David, and her eyes were clearly widened in shock."Oh! I didn't mean liking you as in wanting to be in a relationship with you."David chuckled."I meant I like your personality."He added, with a smile."Oh. Yeah, sure. I mean ... Thank you."Ivy said, trying to shake off the embarrassment of misunderstanding what he meant.Both David and Ivy, talked a bit more, until it was time to go home. He escorted Ivy, to a street, near her house as she didn't allow him, escort her home. ~The next day, Bethany showed up at work, and they cooked varieties of food and as usual, customers strolled in, with happy faces, and left with a satisfied expression."Good work, Ivy."Bethany complimented her."Thank you. By the way, I hope things have been going well with you?"Ivy asked, pushing behind her fears."Yeah, why'd you ask?" "You haven't been acting like yourself, lately. I'm just concerned."Ivy replied as she fiddled with her f
Everyone's eyes, widened in shock, hearing that from Alexander, and Ivy wasn't excluded. She had never thought that anyone would not really be interested in how her food tasted. And if they were to pass harsh comments, the least person she expected, was Alexander.~"What? He showed up after a few years, only to tell his fiancee to fire you?"Piper exclaimed in anger."I guess he really has moved on. But if he did, he didn't have to come back, being harsh to me. But it seemed like he doesn't remember me. The look in his eyes, held no recognition."Ivy explained, looking down."Since you've known him, he has only brought nothing but tears and heartache, to you."Ivy said nothing, and only stared into blank space."So, your boss did fire you?""No. She persuaded him that I was doing well. I watched as they displayed their lovey dovey stuff. It was hard to watch, I had to excuse myself." "It's fine, Ivy. Now you know he has moved on. So should you too, okay?""Thank you. Uhm... I'll be in
Bethany was home, cooking her meal in joy. She was happy with the way things were, between her and Stefan. Although, the only thing that didnt seem perfect was the fact that they had not gotten married yet.~Flashback~"So, when are we getting married, honey? You know I have waited long enough." Bethany said, wearing a worried expression on her face."I understand you, Bethany. But as you know, my memory is totally not back yet, and that is one thing I must achieve, before anything else." He said, with a sigh.~Back to reality~They had fought a lot over the issue, but Bethany wasnt ready to leave him, so she kept waiting. Then she got a call, and picked it."Yes. When the time is right, well strike." She said, with a smile, and hung the call.~Ivys eyes widened in shock with the gunshot. But to her relief, he wasnt the one who was shot. It was the man who wanted to molest her. "Run!" Alexander shouted as he held her hand.It seemed he had spotted the person who shot at them. They h
Brandon was pacing around as he kept calling Ivy but she wasn’t answering the call. He felt she had taken too long as it was already 2 hours past. Then he turned to Liam who was still looking scared.“I guess your mommy doesn’t really care about you, after all.” Then he removed the plaster from his mouth.“What do you say to that, kiddo? You should hate your mom, because she now leaves me no choice than to sell you to child traffickers.” Brandon said to Liam.“Please don’t sell me. Take me back to my mother.” Liam cried out as he began to hiccup.“Well, if only your tears were strong enough to thaw my heart.” “Please take me back to my mom.” Liam continued crying.“This is the reason I plastered up your mouth the other time. Do you want me to plaster it up again!” Brandon lashed out on Liam, angrily.Liam shook his head, feeling more scared.“Good. Now, I will feed you because I wouldn’t like to sell you when you are on an empty stomach, so I’ll lose these ropes and take you to the
Bethany who was watching Ivy from her car, cackled and she felt satisfied that she kept laughing out loud in her car. She had come to talk to her to congratulate her for winning Alexander, although sarcastically, but seeing as Brandon had carried out the task easily, she didn’t bother anymore.“Now, you ought to know that it is completely dangerous to compete with someone like me.” She said to the air, then put on her sun shade and dialed Brandon’s number.“I see you have the child. Good job. Text me the hideout?” She inquired, feeling like a successful mafia boss.The location of the hideout was texted to her seconds after she hung up the call and then she smirked and drove off to the location. While Bethany was driving through different roads and streets, she discovered that they weren’t as quiet as she thought they were going to be.“Why the hell is this place so loud? Why would he do business around places like this?” She complained as she drove through a street until she got to t
Brandon then stared at her with keen interest. Looking at the way she dressed and comported herself, he could tell that she was influential and had money "What deal?"Then Bethany showed him Ivy's picture and Brandon was startled that he choked on his drink. He didn't understand why Bethany was showing him Ivy's picture instead and he couldn't look into Ivy's eyes in the picture because of what he did to her in the picture."Remember your sister whom you dated her fiancè?""It doesn't matter. He was gay. And what does her picture have to do with our deal?" Brandon inquired, trying to understand what was going on.Then Ivy showed him Liam's picture as well."This is her boy. I want you to kidnap him as soon as possible."Brandon took the picture and took a good look at it and then smirked."So, she has a boy now, uhn? She must be living a happy life. Well, I don't think I can do this. I'm not interested." He rejected the job and handed over the picture to Bethany."Are you sure? I'm o
Alexander was surprised to see his mother and his sister smiling at him.“Won’t you give me a hug, Alexander?” His mom blurted out, with a smile on her face.Alexander was overwhelmed with joy to see her and he walked briskly to her and gave her a tight hug and his sister didn’t hesitate to hug him as well.“I have missed you so much son.” His mother said as she withdrew from him.“I have missed you too, mother. And you have gotten more beautiful, Alicia.” He complimented his sister.“Oh, come on, brother. By the way, I am so glad to see you. Thanks to Bethany who urged us to make this beautiful surprise.” Alicia revealed.Alexander glanced at Bethany who was beaming with smiles and then she hugged him affectionately.“Thank you, Bethany.” He thanked her, still feeling elated about the surprise.“You are welcome. Alright, I prepared breakfast already. So, let’s get to the dining room.” Bethany notified and walked up to the dining room to offer Alexander’s mother a seat.“Thank you, my
Alexander was surprised that a month had passed by so fast and he wondered what surprise Bethany had for him.“That’s good news. I hope your journey back to the city wasn’t hectic.” “It wasn’t. Why would it be when the joy of seeing you has filled my heart?” Bethany blushed over the phone.Alexander chuckled awkwardly, then he decided to get off that awkward situation by asking a question. “You said you have a surprise for me. What is it? I am actually curious about what surprise you have for me.” “Yeah. Let’s meet at my house, tomorrow’s morning, then you’ll marvel.” She squealed in excitement. “Honey, I have to go. We’ll talk tomorrow, alright?”“Alright then. Bye.”He let out a troubled sigh and slammed his hand on his face. He was used to life without Bethany already and her sudden arrival just made his seemingly bright and happy life, feel like the cloud was nearby. He knew that Ivy was going to feel somehow once she becomes aware that Bethany is back. “I know what to do.” He
Ivy’s gaze was fixed at Liam’s body and she was trying to make sense of what was going on at the moment. Alexander walked in as he had gotten his shot pretty fast. He noticed the atmosphere and touched Ivy’s shoulder.“What’s going on Ivy?” He asked as he wondered why she was staring that way and looking a bit lost.Then Ivy looked up at Alexander and pointed at Liam.“Why is he covered up?” She asked as tears began to fill her eyes up.“Oh, Liam was actually acting stubborn today and I was about calling his favorite doctor as he wanted to see him. He was being rebellious, so he remained adamant about having the bed cover, covering his face as well.”“Mommy?” Liam called out to her in a low tone as he removed the bed cover from his face.“Oh, my goodness. Liam, my baby.” She said, in relief as she walked up to him in joy.She hugged him tight and sniffed his neck.“I missed you mom. Hey daddy!”Even if Ivy knew that Alexander was Liam’s father, she still felt cringe whenever he calls
” Alexander asked, out of worry.“Uhm… It’s just good news. Piper texted me that she was just sent a text for a transfer to the main headquarters of where she works at.” Ivy squealed in a high-pitched tone.“Whoa! That’s good news. It calls for celebration.” Alexander rejoiced with her.“I know right?” Ivy smiled widely.“I think it would be best if we celebrate tomorrow’s evening. We’ll all celebrate with Liam as well.” Alexander suggested as he rubbed his palms.“I’ll love that. That’s going to be perfect.” Ivy beamed in smiles.“Alright then. So, let’s get back to praying, shall we?”“Sure.”Both Ivy and Alexander closed their eyes and Ivy prayed and blessed the food, then they started eating.“I was thinking if we can go on a date tomorrow after I take my shot. We’ll have fun until evening when we get prepared to celebrate Piper’s success.” Alexander suggested while chewing.“Hmm. That’s a good idea. Does that mean you won’t be going to work?” “Yes. I won’t. I am going to spend t
Night had fallen and Alexander had just closed from work. He got into his car and went through his phone. He noticed that he had missed Ivy’s calls and he wondered why she could have called him repeatedly when it wasn’t really long after they had seen each other.As he was about to call her back, a call from Bethany came up and he answered it.“Hey Bethany, I just closed from work. I will be at your place in less than 45 minutes.”“Oh, I think we won’t be able to meet tonight, Alexander.”“And why is that?” Alexander asked, out of curiosity.“An important meeting came up and I am no longer in the city. I couldn’t inform you because I had to be quick. I am back at Spain and will explain to you later on the emergency meeting. That would be when I get back.” Bethany informed, in a low tone.“But are you okay?” Alexander asked, noticing Bethany’s low tone.“I’m fine. I am going to miss you, Alexander. I wish we were able to have that dinner.”“Same here. I would have loved to taste your f
“Piper!” Ivy exclaimed as she stood up immediately and walked towards her slowly. “I thought you left.” Ivy said, with tears, strolling down her chin.“I did. But Bethany texted me, saying you were about to ridicule yourself in the company I worked at recently.” Piper replied, looking sad. “And, I am sorry for leaving. I just thought that was the best. You know very well that I did it for your good, right?” Piper sniffed, looking into Ivy’s eyes as she got teary.Then the CEO slammed his hands on the table in anger as he stood up.“Take your emotional drama out of my office, this instant!” He ordered, with his right eyebrow arched.Ivy cupped Piper’s face carefully, with her hands and pursed her lips as she looked at her pitifully.“You have been doing things for me. Now, it is my turn to do things for you.” Ivy said, with firmness, then released Piper’s face and turned to the CEO who was fuming in anger.“I know very well that your phone is probably filled with threatening texts from