Elliot opened the bag and found his shirt and cash inside.He shoved the bag, and it fell to the ground. "Get rid of it!" exclaimed Elliot coldly."Alright," said Chad as he picked it up and walked out the door.At the mall, Mike was flinging multiple pieces of clothing at Avery for her to try on. "You got to try it on for you know if it fits," said Mike as he pushed her into the fitting room."You've such a good boyfriend, Miss. It's rare to have an attentive man!" The salesperson grinned as she said to Avery, "Do you need my assistance?"Avery shook her head vigorously, "I can manage."Mike and Avery spent the entire afternoon walking the length and stretch of the mall. Soon the boot of the car was filled with shopping bags. Mike had not only bought clothes for Avery, but he had bought some for Hayden, Layla, Laura, and himself as well. Avery decided not to go shopping with Mike in the future. She took Mike to a random restaurant because she was so famished at this poin
Chad's face turned hot. 'Didn't Elliot say he was not going to come today? Why had Elliot suddenly appeared? Did his words not mean anything?' huffed Chad silently to himself. Both Ben and Chad dashed toward Elliot as they tried to ask him their questions.Elliot answered, "I just happen to be around the corner, so I thought I'd drop by and check the party out.""I thought you'd be too chickened to come!" Mike walked toward Elliot and pulled him toward the bar. "Today, we are gathered here to celebrate Avery's birthday. Rule number one, no yelling is allowed, and secondly, no fighting. Let's all drink!"Mike handed Elliot an empty glass before proceeding to fill it with liquor. Avery was stunned. Did they really intend to start drinking before they had dinner? She saw a group of men staring at Elliot. They were led by Mike, who in turn, was flanked by the managers.She realized what was happening! As she made to approach them, Tammy stopped her. "Let them be!" She pulled Avery
Avery had flipped open the album to find that it was filled with photos taken during their college years. It was a precious gift. "We are best friends, that's how! Other than my own photos, the rest of them are mostly yours," Tammy said as she looked at Avery lovingly. "A toast to a friendship that lasts forever!"Avery raised her glass and cheered, "Friendship forever!" She took a sip and placed the glass down.Someone patted her shoulder. It was Ben looking red in the face. "Come sit with us, Miss Tate!" Ben pointed at the table next to hers and said, "Tell your staff to behave themselves, any minute now and we will be hammered." Ben looked rather pitiful. "You're kidding Ben, you are a master at drinking!" teased Tammy.Ben sighed and said, "That was all in the past. I'm getting older now…"Avery got up and followed Ben to the table that was not far away. Ben signaled her to sit where Mike had once sat. The seat was next to Elliot's. She glanced over at Elliot and saw him st
Elliot suddenly held Avery's hand. She released her grip on her phone, and he instantly released her hand. Ben was right, he was directing the speech toward her. The managers’ jaws dropped.Oh shit! Was something about to happen? Avery's face burned, and she took a gulp of the juice that she had filled her glass with.Fortunately, today was only her birthday celebration and not her actual birthday. 'Getting a lecture on my birthday celebration, what a treat!' thought Avery sarcastically. Elliot went on and on about his secrets of success while raising his glass from time to time and drinking with everyone.He did not seem to have forgotten that today was her birthday celebration.Avery had two plates of pasta and a plate of fresh fruits. An hour later, and he was still droning on. She propped her head up with her hand as she gazed at him. Elliot cleared his throat and turned to her, "Avery, did you understand what I just said?""Let's drink!" Avery looked down as she helped hers
"Have some water, Elliot!" Zoe said as she propped him up on the pillow and placed the bottle of water against his lips. "You must be feeling lousy. Here, drink and you will feel better."Back in the hall, Avery felt a lot soberer. However, she now felt a lot worse than she had when she was drunk. She knew she could no longer allow herself to be entangled with Elliot. Nothing good would come out of it. "Zoe was such a snob!" Tammy walked over to Avery and comforted her, "Don't pay attention to what she said. She should take a good look at herself in the mirror." Avery took her purse and prepared to leave as she said, "I'm only mad at myself.""You didn't do anything wrong," Tammy said."I'm being ridiculous," Avery muttered to herself. "I keep imagining that we still have a chance together… Tammy, please give it to me if I see him in the future!" Tammy nodded, as she wanted the best for her friend. "I'll get you home!" Tammy held her up and said, "Don't worry about the rest of
Avery felt a sharp pain in her nose as Elliot crushed her to his chest. She looked around the room with her watery eyes. Her nose was still smarting. 'Where was Zoe? Why was Elliot alone in the room? Wasn't she supposed to be taking care of her drunk boyfriend?' wondered Avery. She pushed him, but Elliot embraced her tighter than before."Don't leave me, Avery…" He carried her, "I miss you so much… I've missed you every day…" Elliot murmured those words to her as he carried her over to the bed. Avery's heart ached as she watched him. He was completely drunk! They said drunk words were sober thoughts.Did it mean he had a place for her in his heart?He pressed her into the bed as he stared lovingly into her eyes. "Let go of me, Elliot Foster!" whispered Avery as she cupped his face with her hands. "Shea is crying because she needs you. Mrs. Cooper called me, and she wants you—" He silenced her with a kiss. Did he just ignore the part where she mentioned Shea? Did he not car
Zoe did not want to hear them anymore.The sounds of Avery and Elliot in the throes of passion mocked her. They seemed to say, 'So what if you're Elliot's girlfriend? He'll always love Avery no matter what!'She sat on the sofa. She felt a part of her had died today. Her body ran cold and she turned stiff.At 2 a.m. in the morning, the door to the bedroom finally swung open. Avery dragged herself out of the room. She froze when she saw Zoe. "Miss Tate, how did my boyfriend fare?" Zoe's voice trembled as she glared at Avery. "Miss Tate, I can't believe that you were able to make your move on him in the twenty minutes that I was gone. You knew that he was drunk, and yet, you seduced him! Oh, you're cheap!"Avery tried to explain herself, but nothing made sense.She could not believe that the situation would turn out like that. It was ironic."I'm so sorry," Avery said. "What's the use of saying sorry?" Zoe felt a stream of tears run down the corner of her eyes. "At least, I only
"I'm sorry, Dr. Sanford," Elliot said as he subdued his nerves. He had returned to his usual cold demeanor and added, "Last night was my mistake. I need some space." He left the room as he said that. Zoe was frozen. She had thought that her tears might make him sympathize with her and that Elliot would take her into his arms and comfort her. Why on earth was he still acting so cold? Why did he take off? He had not behaved that way with Avery. Zoe wiped her tears off her face. Though she was heartbroken, at least there was a silver lining. She looked at her phone and called Cole. "I've succeeded," said Zoe. "Congratulations, Dr. Sanford! Let me know if I can be of any help in the future. I'll be here for you," said Cole with a laugh.An intense sourness tinged her heart when she heard Cole say that. If only Elliot was as obedient as Cole. "Tell me, do I look like a man? Your uncle has never once batted an eye in my presence," said Zoe. "He had no reaction even when he saw
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man