"I made a mistake; I was surprised to find out later, when I learned that he also visited the orphanage." The silence was broken as Ivy continued her story. "That's how we met. He looks fierce and hard to approach on the outside, but he's very kind and gentle." "The kid got stung by a bee on his hand; I just helped him out." Luke interjected, clarifying. Ivy turned to him with a smile. "Because at that time, he looked like a bully; he even threatened and scolded me." "That's because someone recklessly hit me without knowing the whole story." He argued. "And then I called others to come and catch me." "Don't hold grudges over past matters, little one." Luke poked her round cheek as she pouted, showing her annoyance. "Ouch, that hurts." Immediately Luke rubbed his hands on her chubby cheeks as she groaned. They're both grown-ups but acting like children, making the onlookers feel embarrassed for them. "Who was the one pursuing whom first?" The question was raised by Luke's old
Ryan acknowledged that Mason was likely speaking from a place of concern and wisdom, but due to his own pride and stubbornness, and most of all, his own uncertainty, Ryan wasn't entirely convinced. Therefore, he simply offered an answer that aligned with his current thoughts and feelings. "Of course, that's true. I'm not crazy enough to like Ivy. Who do you think I am? I have my own sense of aesthetics and high standards," he replied half-heartedly. Instead of getting defensive, he just brushed off the issue. He truly didn't understand himself. How do you explain it? It's hard to say. In short, there was a lot of turmoil within him at this moment. However, amid the chaos, anger was clearly evident. Ryan's conclusion that Ivy is despicable for dating Luke while still casually sleeping with him. He perceives Ivy's behavior as hypocritical and disrespectful, as she is seemingly leading a double life by engaging romantically with Luke while maintaining a physical relationship with many o
"It turns out the child in your belly belongs to him, huh? The father of the child has quite a reputation; you're indeed quite impressive, with a refined taste, and successfully flirt with a successful, high-value man." The words were heavy, with deep implications, and the attitude was deliberately offensive. It was clear that Ryan intended to provoke Ivy both emotionally and mentally, filling her with anger and frustration. Ivy's face darkened as he suddenly appeared behind her, making her choke on the sushi she had just swallowed. Not only did Ryan not care whether she was okay or choking, he didn't even bother to ask, just saying whatever came to mind. While Ivy was struggling to catch her breath and gulping down water to ease her choking, Ryan continued to babble on about things that were hard to hear. "So what kind of person are you exactly? Sneaking into bed with someone else while your boyfriend is away? Are you just thirsty for sex?" Ivy, still surprised by Ryan's sudden ap
Swallowing his rage, Ryan quickly deployed another tactic in hopes of regaining the upper hand and ultimately defeating Ivy. "Do you think I don't dare?" Instead of intimidating her, he dared to be bold, bolstering his bravery. "Let me tell you, Ryan here can say it can be done. Don't forget I warned you: I'll make you wish you were dead." Ivy laughed with a sense of exhilaration, goading him on. "I haven't forgotten; your words are etched deep in my memory. So go ahead, do as you please, and you'll get what you want. But let me remind you: If I'm hurt, you won't be unharmed either; I can assure you of that," Ivy added assertively, emphasizing the reciprocity of consequences. "Do you think I'm bluffing, just trying to scare you?" Ryan growled in warning. "And don't think you can do anything to me." "I don't underestimate you; I just think you lack wisdom," Ivy retorted, delivering a verbal blow that subtly implied his foolishness and uselessness. "You might not mind the notoriety
Luke's heart was now flooded with chaos, and his chest weighed heavily. He regretted involving Ivy in this mess a thousand times. Thinking of Ivy, Luke suddenly looked her way, finding her gaze fixed upon him. The agony etched deep within his eyes was starkly evident on his face. As a perceptive individual, Ivy easily discerned Luke's unstable emotions. Meanwhile, the girl standing beside Luke continued to enthusiastically greet the guests, her smile bright and cheerful, but it flickered out as she stopped beside Ivy, her gaze towards Ivy deep and inscrutable.Oh God, the very thing Luke feared had finally happened.Silence engulfed the banquet hall, no applause resounding too loud or too long, then the reaction of Luke, the male protagonist of the event. Immediately, all eyes suddenly turned towards Ivy, the unexpected focus of attention, standing somewhat dazed near the entrance.How would the girl to whom Luke had personally declared his love react to this shock?"Ivy!" he whispere
"Luke, what on earth were you doing?" Tegan scolded loudly, but Luke seemed indifferent. Tegan hurriedly ran up to the stage to assist the girl. "Are you okay?" Tegan asked with concern, and the girl shook her head, her face filled with sadness. She never expected Luke to act like that, especially in front of so many people. Luke's older brother also berated him. "Do you realize how foolish you've been? Take a look at your behavior!" Luke remained indifferent, not bothering to argue, acknowledging that it was his fault, so he would remain silent and listen to the heavy words. It seemed like everyone's attention was focused on the stage, except for Ryan and Ivy. While Ivy was lost in her imaginary world, Ryan concentrated his attention. After exhausting all possible words to express Luke's stubbornness, the Evans siblings sighed helplessly. As a moment of quiet settled, Luke remembered something more important and looked down, deciding to approach Ivy again. "Luke," Mariko hurri
"I think we should go out there and help her," Mason suggested, unable to bear it any longer. But Ryan remained rooted in place. The lawyer bit his lip and turned away, resigned to his cowardice. Both Ryan and Mason knew the situation wasn't simple, which left them feeling helpless despite their desire to assist her. As for Ivy, she knew there wouldn't be any knight in shining armor coming to her rescue in her life. And she didn't even wish for it to happen. The handsome hero only exists in romance novels, and romance novels aren't real. Now Ivy felt true loneliness—a bit of hurt. But she wouldn't cry because these matters weren't worth shedding tears over. As for Luke, disregarding all obstacles, he chose to trust her. Firmly brushing off the hand of the girl beside him, Luke strode confidently towards Ivy, facing her and ignoring the perplexed glances around him. "Luke, what are you doing?" Tegan spoke up, genuinely surprised that her younger brother would defy everything, espe
“So, tell me, what's going on?” Ivy couldn't control her volume; her command was fierce. “Explain this vile situation that's unfolding right now.” Luke was taken aback, mouth agape, but no words came out. He was genuinely stunned by Ivy's explosive reaction. While his relatives were visibly angry, how could she dare to raise her voice at him, let alone act so openly in front of everyone? Amidst the chaos, a deeply ingrained memory suddenly resurfaced in his mind, helping him regain composure. Luke chuckled, a naive smile that left the audience bewildered. Yes, that was indeed Ivy's way of handling challenges and difficulties. Therefore, he decided to remain silent to let her vent freely. “Well,” He began in a way that even Ivy couldn't refute. Ivy muttered, “I can't even talk.” She intended to stop, but the frustration was too much to contain; she had to speak her mind. “Do you know that since we've been together, this is the first time such a cursed event has happened to me?” Iv
That night, in a dark corner behind the school, Luke was ambushed.He hadn’t seen it coming. No one had ever dared to lay a hand on him this way before. But tonight, the darkness became a hiding place for the cowardly.A metal rod swung up from behind. Luke only heard the whoosh of the air before a sharp pain hit the back of his head, blurring his vision.He collapsed to the ground, but before he could react, another punch landed hard in his side."Damn it..." Luke staggered, trying to stand, but was kicked violently in the chest.A shout echoed through the silence."Ivy..."His voice barely left his throat when a figure rushed toward him.Ivy.Without hesitation, she kicked the person who was about to strike Luke again. Her movement was quick and precise, causing the attacker to fall to the ground. The remaining attackers froze for a moment before realizing that, despite being a teacher, Ivy was not someone to be easily bullied.She grabbed Luke’s arm, helping him to his feet."Are y
After several failed attempts, Luke still didn't give up and was determined to get back at Ivy. Knowing she often went to the storage room after school to collect teaching materials, he came up with a plan to lock her inside and teach her a lesson.One late afternoon, as the sunset painted the sky red, Luke quietly followed Ivy. When she entered the storage room, he quickly moved to shut the door behind her. However, before he could do so, a strong push from behind made him stumble and fall inside the room. The door slammed shut behind him, and the sound of the lock clicking shut echoed coldly.In the dim light, Luke heard footsteps fading away and a soft giggle. He realized that someone else, possibly someone with a grudge against him, had played a prank on him."Who's there?" Ivy's voice called from the corner of the room, wary."It's me, Luke," he replied, trying to stay calm."What are you doing here?" Ivy asked, moving closer."I... I came to check if you fell into my trap," Luke
The cafeteria of the juvenile detention center was always noisy and bustling at lunchtime, filled with those who didn’t care about the rules. In the middle of the crowd, Luke and his group were mocking a weak boy, knocking his food tray to the ground.“Pick it up, or do you want me to help you lick it clean?” One of the guys sneered.The sound of cruel laughter echoed as the poor boy bent down to pick up the crumbs, his hands trembling in fear. His eyes were red, but he bit his lip tightly, trying not to let the tears fall. The crowd around them stood by, some with their arms crossed indifferently, some laughing mockingly, but no one spoke up to help. A few others looked away, as if afraid that if they interfered, they would become the next target.Ivy had just entered, and the scene immediately caught her eye. A surge of anger rose in her chest, making her grip her food tray tightly. She hated this kind of bullying—hated the silence of those who only watched. With a deep breath, she
Mason and Tegan officially became husband and wife after a journey that was anything but rushed. At first, their marriage was merely an arrangement, not born out of love. But instead of letting the distance between them grow, they chose to take the time to understand each other, little by little, day by day. What started as simple conversations became the threads that connected them, and even their disagreements helped them see each other more clearly. Love did not come from obligation but from the moments they shared—quiet yet profound.On their special day, beneath the soft glow of the sunset on the beach, they exchanged vows in the presence of family and friends—those who truly wished them happiness. Gentle waves kissed the shore like a soothing melody, and the ocean breeze carried the sound of joyful laughter. When Mason took Tegan’s hand, their eyes met, speaking volumes without words. This was no longer just an arranged marriage—it was a choice of the heart.…One gentle morning
Ryan sat silently in the large armchair in the spacious living room, his eyes unconsciously drifting over the family portraits hanging on the walls. They captured the glorious moments of his lineage—lavish parties, strategic handshakes. But no matter how many times he looked, he couldn’t find himself in any of them.The sound of hurried footsteps interrupted his thoughts. His father, William, entered the room with his usual commanding presence. His face was stern, his sharp eyes fixed on Ryan. There was no need to guess—Ryan knew this conversation was inevitable."Ryan, you must understand that your marriage to Jena is not just a personal matter. It concerns the family's honor, the interests of the entire corporation," William’s deep voice carried weight with every word.Ryan lifted his head to meet his father’s gaze. There was no hesitation in his eyes, only a firm and unyielding determination. "I understand that very well. But I cannot marry someone I don’t love. I refuse to live a
Under the fading twilight, the soft melody from Ivy and Luke’s wedding still echoed behind, mingling with the laughter of the guests. But Zoe had no intention of staying any longer. This event had not gone the way she had hoped. Ivy had truly become Luke’s, and Ryan could do nothing but stand there, silently witnessing it all.Clenching her lips tightly, Zoe left the banquet in silence. She knew for certain that Ryan was drowning in despair and disappointment at that very moment. This was the perfect opportunity to approach him, to feign sympathy and understanding, and slowly make him forget Ivy and turn to her instead. If she was patient enough, she believed she could have Ryan.However, just as she stepped out of the wedding venue, a tall figure suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her path. Zoe frowned as she recognized Mason."Get out of my way," she snapped, trying to sidestep him, but Mason stood firm like an immovable stone, his sharp eyes locking onto hers."Zoe, stop t
Amidst the whispers, the stares, and the uproar of a hall shaken by shocking news—her world suddenly fell silent.There was only him.Only his gaze.Only his words, reaching the deepest part of her heart."I'm an imperfect woman," Ivy confessed bravely."I'm also a man with many flaws," Luke responded immediately."I'm older than you," Ivy continued."I like mature women.""I can't have children.""I don't care where the children come from, as long as you're their mother.""You’re hopelessly stupid.""I love you, Ivy. Even if the whole world turns its back on you, I will still stand by your side. So, please, don't doubt my love."Luke gently tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes unwavering as he continued to pour out his heart."Ivy, please give me a chance," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I don't ask for anything more than to fill the emptiness in your heart. I know you've suffered too much, endured too many losses that have made you unwilling to love or trust anyone agai
As announced, the wedding between Luke and Ivy took place the following morning. Ryan had initially refused to attend, unable to accept the reality, but in the end, he relented under Mason’s reasoning and forced himself to be there.The wedding reception was held at one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. The venue was dazzling, adorned with fresh flowers and bathed in the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Everything had been arranged overnight, a testament to the immense power of Luke’s family.Guests dressed in extravagant attire raised their glasses in celebration, but behind their polite smiles, whispers spread like wildfire, igniting a wave of speculation.On the large screen in the center of the hall, a series of images appeared—photos of Ivy intimately interacting with various men. One showed her holding hands with a man at a café, another captured her linking arms with someone as they left a hotel, and one even depicted her embracing a stranger in the dark.The enti
Before leaving, she suddenly paused and turned back to glance at the table beside her—where Ryan still sat, the wine glass in his hand trembling slightly under the warm glow of the lights.She tilted her head slightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips, yet it carried an unmistakable hint of provocation."Oh, right, Ryan," she spoke slowly, her voice soft but laced with sharpness. "I’d like to invite you to my wedding tomorrow. After all, we used to know each other. It would feel incomplete without you there."Ryan tightened his grip on the glass, his knuckles turning white. His eyes darkened, as deep as an abyss, yet his face remained composed, forcing an air of indifference.Luke said nothing, merely pulling Ivy away with effortless ease.Zoe, sitting beside Ryan, sneered as she noticed his tense expression."What’s wrong? Didn’t you always claim you didn’t care about her anymore? Then why are you so mad? I’d bet Ivy did that just to get back at you.""Shut up."Ryan’s sudden outburst