However, as she tried to calm herself, tears began to flow uncontrollably. Sandy did not seem to notice that a tear had slipped to the corner of her mouth. She quickly sat up and wiped it away with a tissue.She sniffed. Her eyes filled with disbelief. Why was she crying?Why was she crying over a scumbag like Ivan?Oh, she must be feeling sorry for herself!She had kept her virginity for over twenty years, and now this happened. How could she not feel heartbroken?She told others she did not care, but how could she possibly not care?As she lowered her head and took a deep breath, she suddenly heard Ivanka’s steady voice. “In the end, it still hurts, doesn’t it?”Sandy’s body trembled violently. When she looked up and saw Ivanka standing beside her, her heart skipped a beat. When did she come in? How had she not heard a sound?“I...” Sandy started, but then suddenly did not know how to continue.Ivanka pulled up a chair and sat beside her. She took her hand. “We’re best frien
Ivanka gazed at her. She did not answer her immediately. It was as if she was giving Sandy some time to think.Previously, Ivanka might have been unsure, though she could sense that something was off with Sandy’s emotions. However, today, Ivanka could say she fully understood, though Sandy herself might not have realized it yet.In the past, Ivanka might have debated whether or not to bring this up, but now she found it necessary. Sandy needed to understand her complex emotions before she could make a clear decision.Sandy was still looking at Ivanka. Her voice did not sound entirely calm as she asked, “Iv, what did you mean by what you just said?”Ivanka sighed softly. “Let me ask you this, if what happened that day involved a stranger instead of Ivan, if it was a stranger you had no feelings for, how would you feel now?”Sandy was a little stunned. A stranger?“A stranger? I’d still feel awful. It was my first time, after all. I say it doesn’t matter, but I still need to proces
She had lost her heart to him?Sandy was completely stunned!In the past, she might have instinctively refuted such a statement as it was simply impossible.However, at the moment, she never expected that this could be the case!She had lost her heart to Ivan?She liked Ivan?She shook her head in disbelief. “How is that possible? Ivan and I have been rivals for so many years. We’ve both gone to great lengths to compete for that thing, and I’ve always been on guard around him. How could I possibly have lost my heart to him?”She shook her head incredulously. Her eyes were filled with a frustration that she had never felt before.However, she could not convince herself anymore. Something felt off.Ivanka remained silent. It was as if she was giving Sandy some time to think.Many things need to be understood gradually. Ivanka wanted Sandy to process her emotions step by step. If she said too much at once, it might be too overwhelming for Sandy to accept.Moreover, much of what
Ivanka looked at her for a moment. “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you. Just make sure you’ve thought it through.”Sandy nodded. “I’ve definitely thought it through!”Her voice was firm and was devoid of doubt. She only felt uncertain when she questioned whether she had feelings for Ivan.Now everything had become clear to her.Ivanka placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. “I’m here for you.”Sandy felt a warm sensation in her heart and held Ivanka’s hand. “Iv, I’m so glad you’re here with me. I’m so grateful you’ve been by my side.”Ivanka sighed softly and said nothing.In such a situation, her presence could only do so much.The distress and suffering were Sandy’s alone to bear. No one else could go through it for her.Ivanka could only offer her some companionship. As for the rest…Thinking about this, Ivanka sighed inwardly, but ultimately said nothing.That night, Sandy did not sleep well. In fact, she had not slept well for several nights. Iv
Knowing that Michael was able to stay tough despite learning about his own condition, Ivanka was rather impressed. But since he was a patient, she would not neglect to comfort him. Of course, what she was about to tell him next was also the truth.Ivanka dealt with the used needle and said to Michael flatly, “Your condition is rather good. If you cooperate with my treatment plan for a period of time, you’ll recover.”A strange emotion flickered in Michael’s eyes. “How’s Grandma’s condition?”“I still need to observe for a day and see how she fares. Then, I’ll think about the prescription based on her physical condition.”The medicine she injected into Rosie’s body was very effective. Without it, Rosie would have to receive chemotherapy in a hospital and would have found out about her illness.Michael said nothing. He seemed calm and composed.But he did not plan to leave either. Ivanka contemplated for a while and eventually looked at him. “You must be cautious with food intake f
Michael immediately scowled and said with an icy expression, “Get in. I’ll drive you.”He did not intend to explain why.A strange emotion flashed in Ivanka’s eyes, but she said nothing.It was pointless to argue with him at this point. When Michael got mad, he would insist on having his way. Therefore, instead of wasting time arguing with him, she might as well get into the car so that she could go home and get him out of her sight sooner.With that in mind, Ivanka finally shut up and walked over to the front passenger seat right away.Only then did Michael’s expression ease up.During the drive, neither of them said anything. It was very quiet in the car. They did not even play music.But they did not feel uneasy. The atmosphere between them was already awkward to begin with.Once they reached the destination, Michael stopped the car. Ivanka opened the door on her side and glanced at him. “You may drive the car home first.”She had other cars.However, Michael did not respo
Michael said nothing. He got up and walked toward the bedroom.They did not interact for the rest of the night.The next day, after they both woke up, Ivanka made breakfast before they parted ways and left for work.Meanwhile, Michael thought that his stomach felt significantly better after having the food Ivanka had made. He wondered if it was an illusion.The two of them did not contact each other throughout the day. But after work, they both headed to the Barkworth family’s mansion without even informing each other. It was because Ivanka had said that she wanted to check on Rosie that night. Michael wanted to know the news firsthand, so he would naturally show up.When Rosie saw them appearing together, she was in an even better mood. Grabbing each of them with each hand, she said with a kind and loving look on her face, “You’ve come to visit me again. What if your frequent visits affect your work?”Ivanka smiled. “No way. I managed my schedule well.”Hearing that, Rosie wa
Samuel returned home to keep Rosie company as well. Lately, his attitude toward her had really changed. While it confused her, she was quite moved deep down.Rosie said gleefully, “Alright, it’s getting late. You kids should go home. Drive safe.”Ivanka nodded. “Don’t worry about us, Grandma. We’ll be fine.”Rosie smiled and turned her gaze on Michael. “You must drive her home safely. Do you hear me?”“Got it.” Michael readily accepted the request.Sensing that, Rosie was in an even better mood. After all, he used to hate doing anything for Ivanka. Instead, he had agreed to drive her home. He did not do that out of obedience, but because he genuinely cared about Ivanka!Her mood brightened even more. She stood at the door and saw them off with a smile.Michael was still the one driving, while Ivanka sat in the front passenger seat.Whenever he sent her home, he would insist on driving himself.Besides, they had things to discuss, so no one else was allowed to be in the car wit