"Oh…" Irene said in reflex. After responding, she blushed.If her belongings were taken in the future, and if she were to call him, would he help her?She took her bag and left quickly. Lucas looked at the trash in the bin. He was hesitating whether to call her back or not. In those few seconds of hesitating, she vanished from his sight.…Once Irene returned home, after her shower, she got in her bed and picked up the photo frame by her bed.The photo frame was a photo of her and her grandmother. It was taken when she was 16 years old. She insisted her photo be taken at a photo parlor.In the photo, the old woman smiled demurely because she rarely faced the camera."Grandma, they took your bracelet but don't worry. Once I return the money to them, I'll get them to give the bracelet back," Irene said to the old woman in the photo. "Grandma, I'm doing well right now. Don't worry about me. Mr. Lucas is a nice person. I'm lucky that I got to meet him. I will work hard and study wel
Eric looked at Layla. Layla's face had not changed much from when she was a teenager. Only now, it had a touch of maturity. However, Eric knew that Layla was not that mature. This was because Layla had always stayed with her parents, so she had always been under their protection. She was a true heiress living a pampered life.A person like her would have a more innocent character. At the same time, her ability to face challenges would be worse than an ordinary person's."Are your parents urging you to find someone already?" Eric asked. "I doubt your father would want you to find someone, right?""Dad hopes that I will stay single forever," laughed Layla. "You know what type of a person he is. He thinks that the greatest men in the world are all in our family. Outside men are inferior, and so, he hopes that I will never enter into a relationship or get married. He thinks men will hurt me."Eric smiled. "It's not strange for your father to have that thought. If I have a daughter
"You and I are not in the same circle, but I get along well with you!"Eric was speechless.Layla continued, "Will you look for a girlfriend once you've retired? Your parents must be worried to death.""They are alright. They have passed the worrying phase.""Then, what do you think? Are you against marriage?""I have no thoughts, maybe I might seriously think about it after I retire.""Oh. So you're not against marriage. People who are against marriage are very firm in their beliefs."Eric's phone rang. It was from his manager."Layla, I have to go." Eric hung up the call and said to Layla, "I'll ask your mother out as well once I'm free. We can have a meal together.""Okay then! Go! Put on your mask and stay safe!" Layla placed her utensils down. She wanted to send him off."Just eat! You don't have to send me off." Eric put on his mask and left the restaurant with his bodyguard.Layla watched as his figure vanished into the distance. She slowly drifted back to reality.
Layla took a deep breath. She went online to look for a photo of Eric. She copied the photo before sending it to her best friend.When Amy saw Eric's photo, she replied with a series of question marks.Amy: [Why are you sending me Eric Santos' photo? I'm asking you to send me a photo of that old person that you like!]Layla typed with her rather numb hands, [He is that person!][Bloody hell! F*ck! F*ck! F*ck!][What sort of response is this?][I can accept! I can accept!][Amy, be serious!][I can accept Eric as my boyfriend! He is so handsome! Even if he is fifty years old, I would still love him!][… Don't try to steal him from me!][Are you two in a relationship? Does he like you as well? What is the situation between you two right now? Are you free to talk? Can I call you?!]…The butler was speaking to Irene in the Woods' mansion. "Irene, has your pay been debited into your account? I told Mrs. Woods about your grandmother's passing. She knows that you have no suppor
"I… I just suddenly realized I can't remember what you look like, so I wanted to remember your face." Irene lowered her head and sheepishly came up with an excuse."You talk to me every day, and yet, you don't even remember what I look like?""Mr. Lucas, I lied. I know what you look like. It's just that I have just realized how handsome you are," said Irene honestly, meeting his eyes. "You only realized I'm handsome today?" Lucas stopped what he was doing."The past few days your nose was bruised and swollen, so I didn't realize it then," Irene said and tried to change the topic, "Did you not use the medication I bought for you? Why don't I return it to the pharmacy?""Can you take back the things that you've given others?" Lucas had gleaned some new insights when it came to Irene. "You dare?"Irene's face turned hot. "I'll give you the money back. I don't want your money.""Am I short of cash? What is going on in that head of yours?" said Lucas. Wanting her to calm down, he sa
Lucas said, "I'm not."Irene said, "You are blushing. I can clearly see that.""I'm not treating you as a friend." Lucas looked at the dark sky. "Being friends with people like me does not come with any benefits.""You don't make friends because you want benefits. Friends share their thoughts with each other, and when one of them is in trouble, the other does whatever they can to help. Mr. Lucas, you're a person who is worthy of a good friend. I'm also worthy of having good friends. When I was young, I had a great friend, but we were split apart."Irene could not remember much about what she and Rose had gotten up to when they were younger. All she knew was that they had been best friends. That beautiful memory made her feel warm and fuzzy every time she thought of it.The bus slowly came to a halt in front of them. They got on the bus one at a time.About 20 minutes later, the bus stopped at a stop in the city. After they alighted the bus, Irene held Lucas' arm without any tho
Besides, Elliot did not want to go and see Eric show off like a peacock spreading its tail feathers. He had not forgotten that Eric had confessed to Avery many years ago, and he had not forgotten that his precious daughter had said many things that had given him a headache. Things like her wanting to marry Eric. However, despite telling them that he did not want to go, neither Avery nor Layla changed their stance. "How many tickets did Eric give you?" Elliot asked."He hasn't given me any tickets yet! Maybe he will give it to Layla! He told Layla about this." Avery was scrolling through the news related to Eric's concert. "The internet says that his concert tickets are hard to get!""It's just hunger marketing!" Elliot said calmly."Since you don't want to go, you don't have to force yourself. At least you won't be unhappy that way," said Avery. " I still don't understand why you can't get along with Eric. Back then, you didn't want Eric to get close to Layla, so he no longer
Layla looked at his reply. She did not know whether to laugh or cry. She could feel how accommodating and indulgent Eric was.However, she understood her feelings clearly. No matter who Eric introduced to her, she would not like them.She placed her phone down, wanting to calm down a little. She entered the bathroom, picked up the hairdryer, and blew her hair dry.While drying her hair, an idea came to her. Why not just confess her feelings to Eric and see what his reaction is?Anyway, he was about to retire. Once he retires, he will be a normal person. By then, he can enter into a relationship with whoever he wants…Even after she was done blow-drying her hair, she could not seem to think of anything else. She stores her hairdryer, walked to her phone, and picked it up once more. She sent Eric a message, [Why don't you be my boyfriend?]After sending the message, Layla's fingers turned numb. She threw the phone on the bed and covered her face. She did not dare imagine what Eri
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