Feeling exhausted! If she remained silent, Ryan would keep wearing that unpleasant expression forever. How could she possibly swallow her food in this mood? Ivy stabbed her fork into the shrimp salad, feeling disheartened as she spoke."We agreed not to discuss the child. And I'm not demanding any legal rights from you. So, there's no need for such an unpleasant reaction, ruining your whole image."His deep black eyes dimmed under the light. The thought of him being a terrible man is bothering me. Compared to Ivy, he felt utterly inferior. How could she confront every issue so boldly, without any fear or hesitation? How can she be so carefree and surprisingly optimistic? That night and the events that followed truly captivated him. He completely conquered his arrogant, unruly heart.Taking a reassuring breath, Ryan suddenly made a shocking declaration."I will take responsibility for the child."Ivy was chewing on the shrimp dish, shocked to the core. She spat out a mouthful of food s
Four days had passed since Ryan discovered the truth. In other words, it had been four days since Ryan had been avoiding Ivy since she returned to the company. Despite Ivy's reappearance, she acted as if nothing had happened, relieving Ryan from having to worry. Ivy had followed and executed the "three noses" rule correctly. No provocation, no reminders, no attitude, or implicit indication of the incident. Ivy didn't want to mock or scold Ryan at all. She believed it was Ryan's own issue to solve, and she shouldn't interfere.The problem lay in the timing, and everything else was up to Ryan.As usual, Ivy knocked on Ryan's office door."Director, may I come in?" Ivy's voice sounded gentle."Please come in." Ryan snapped out of his focused state on work, granting permission.As the door opened, Ivy appeared, prompting Ryan to ask, "Is there something?"Ryan asked seriously, pretending as if nothing had happened, but inside, he felt like an undercurrent crashing against the shore, stirr
"Are you okay?" Ivy trembled as she turned her head and saw the victim's face very close to hers. And to her astonishment, she recognized her boss, Ryan Blake's. Yes, it was him, with his eyes squinted, looking red and swollen. And his right arm doesn't seem to be doing well."Do you think you can do that and get away with it?" He whispered in a menacing tone, making Ivy shudder and break out in a cold sweat."It was self-defense; you were following me. Suddenly, from behind, I just""I just... How could you act so recklessly?""Why didn't you speak up, and why approach me stealthily? Clearly, you had malicious intent."Ivy growled, then grimaced as she felt the grip of this guy getting stronger and stronger."How dare you talk back like that? Where's your common sense? I already warned you to stay away from that machine. Are you deaf?" He argued to justify his action."What?" Ivy exclaimed, suddenly remembering the dangling earphone strap on her shoulder.The truth was just as he s
At this moment, Ivy was waiting for Mason to arrive with the car, and beside her stood Ryan.Speaking out seemed like causing trouble; staying silent made her seem weak, incapable of arguing back, and looked down upon for not having the ability to resist. Oh, the interpretation of human nature; the more she thought about it, the more irritated she became. How could Ivy possibly accept this? Enduring too much had pushed her beyond her limits, forcing her to speak up.“What exactly are you trying to do by making me go with you? You better come clean; it’s clearly not a big deal. Yet, you insist on blaming me, making it difficult. Moreover, both sides are at fault, so why put all the blame on me? And to top it off, you shamelessly play the victim and demand I take responsibility. Don’t you feel any shame? Have some self-respect.”“My eyes are temporarily blinded, and you call that not serious? Or do you want me to go completely blind to satisfy you?” He retorted, spewing a barrage of sha
Ivy backed away from Ryan, keeping a considerable distance. She was too preoccupied to notice her bruised, aching wrist, as she was busy giving him a deadly glare. She had never met anyone like him."Are you still resisting?" he continued menacingly, refusing to back down. "Do you believe I can't make you regret it?"With that, he reached out to grab her hand, but Ivy quickly dodged. The more he tried to approach, the more defensive Ivy became.How strange! Did his eyes really see anything? With such decisive actions, who could believe such blatant lies?"This isn't right." The lawyer, who had been observing his persistent coercion, quickly intervened. "Forcing someone against their will is a violation of personal freedom."But Ryan was indifferent to the advice, stubbornly refusing to listen.There was no dealing with him; he was the epitome of obstinacy and arrogance. Ivy was equally stubborn and unyielding. Their struggle created an absurd spectacle under the night sky. Thankfully,
While Ivy was feeling sensitive, Ryan showed no sign of being considerate."You're so slow," Ryan continued to complain. "Mason, please get out and carry her into the car for me."It took Mason a moment to regain his composure. Hearing Ryan's suggestion, he intervened with frustration."Come on, Ryan, could you say one less word for me? Is this really so serious? If you want it done, do it yourself. Stop asking me to do these ridiculous things.""Just tell that stubborn girl to stop resisting me," Ryan said, closing his eyes because they hurt whenever he tried to open them. "Then you won't have to hear my complaints or do things you don't like."The lawyer was speechless, unable to argue. Ryan spoke as if he were the center of the universe, expecting everyone to revolve around him. His unreasonable demands were infuriating. Fine, it was all on her. Ivy could accept that. She was doing this out of respect for Mason and a bit of pity for Ryan’s condition."Listen, Ryan..." Mason started
Mason had left long ago, yet Ivy showed no sign of moving from her spot.“How long do you plan to sit there sulking? It’s late at night, and you’re just sitting out here. Do you want people to call you crazy or say you’re sleepwalking? Why are you still sitting out there like that?" Ryan couldn’t take it anymore and started to taunt her when Ivy refused to budge. “Mason left a long time ago, and it’s getting cold. Are you planning to let me freeze out here? Don’t forget, I’m a patient. Think carefully; it’s not good to do something so cruel. If anything happens to me, disaster will befall you. Not just you, but your family and friends will be implicated as well.”Ryan’s mouth was as sharp as Ivy’s. They were a perfect match for each other, like a pot and its lid, destined to be enemies.It’s quite strange, though. He’s a man, but he gossips like a woman. It’s no wonder people don’t like him. Actually, Ryan talked a lot just to provoke her into getting angry. Ivy’s silence made him wor
Ivy thought she would have a peaceful morning like any other day, but unfortunately, that was not possible in Ryan's presence. Around 5:45, she was startled by a loud noise. She quickly jumped up and rushed towards the source of the sound. It was the bathroom."What happened?" Ivy barged in, forgetting to knock. Her panic subsided when she saw Ryan crawling on the floor, soaking wet. Above him, the sink was incessantly dripping water. When he saw her, he pretended to grope around as if he couldn't see properly.How funny! Ryan had gone this far, Ivy thought with a sigh. In fact, she knew he was pretending to be blind to play a prank on her. His unnatural behavior the night before had given away his poor acting skills. Especially since he had found his way to the bathroom quite easily while she was asleep. The truth was, she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. Partly because Ivy had a sleep disorder, partly because of her wandering thoughts. She had slept very little, and even the smallest
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