Amy squeezed two drops of eye drops into both her eyes and crawled into bed next to Layla. Layla took a deep breath and made the call. Eric stood by the bedroom door to watch the two.Avery answered the call right away, and Layla started lying through her teeth. "Mom, I can't come home this weekend! Amy got dumped, and I need to stay with her this weekend!"Avery was taken by surprise at first, but soon noticed Amy, who appeared to be sobbing next to Layla."Amy, it's going to be alright. Don't cry!" Avery had met Amy before. Layla had brought her home for dinner, Avery's impression of Amy was that she was a polite and enthusiastic young woman."Aunty, I'm just so upset... I need Layla to stay with me for a few days... Is that okay with you?" Amy sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks."Of course... I know that you two are close. Layla will stay with you then. Don't get too upset, okay?" Avery said hastily. "You will definitely find a better boyfriend in the future. If you broke
Eric re-entered the apartment with the business card in hand. After saving Amy's contact on his phone, he put the card away in a drawer.Remembering that Layla had vomited after breakfast, he hurried into the kitchen to take the fruits he had bought.The doctor had told him that she could not eat anything cold so he washed the apples and steamed them.Apples were not as acidic as some of the other fruits and would be perfect for Layla, who was having a stomach ache.Once the apples were steamed, he took them out and cut them into pieces before carrying the plate of apples into the bedroom.Layla was lying in bed with her phone."I bought some fruit. Do you want some?" Eric set the plate down on the nightstand. "Have you taken your medicine?"Layla immediately set her phone down and reached for the plate. After vomiting, her stomach was completely empty and she was starving."I took it. Should I have taken it before breakfast? I forgot to take it this morning," Layla said as she
"This is proof that I'm better now. I didn't have the energy to ask you these questions last night!" Layla leaned against the headrest. "Aren't you going to bring me my skincare products, too?"Eric carried the bucket away and went into the bathroom to collect her skincare products.Layla had just moved in and did not have many belongings with her, so he spotted the skincare products right away."I just need lotion. I don't need the rest." Layla did not have the energy for a long skincare routine. "You said that you are staying here, but my guest bedroom isn't ready, so how exactly are you going to stay here? You can't just sleep on the couch all week... You don't have your personal belongings, too...""I will get someone to send them over later. Don't worry about me"You are probably just as clueless as me in regards to taking care of yourself, right? You've been served by others most of your life, and you haven't even tried taking care of others." Layla knew that Eric would not
Her phone rang.Avery had called her after seeing her message, so Ivy immediately answered. "Mom, we've arrived. We are at the hotel waiting for our food to be served right now.""Edelweiss is in a different time zone. Are you feeling okay?""I slept on the plane, so I feel alright."Relieved, Avery said, "Good. Remember to eat healthily, and make sure that your food is thoroughly cooked. It's best that you drink distilled water from the bottles instead of the water or any drinks there. Your sister had food poisoning and came down with a fever when she went there!"Avery had mentioned this to both Mike and Chad but decided to remind her daughter again."I know. I will be careful.""Be safe! I will be waiting for you at home.""Okay. I will take photos of the aurora to show you if I see it.""Sure. I look forward to it."After the call, the waiter began serving the food.Mike helped serve Ivy and said, "Your mother said that you aren't picky.""Yeah! I can eat almost anythin
"That's right! I've known your mom since she was twenty-something. She had a bit of baby fat at the time and wasn't as thin as she is right now. She has always been pretty, though," Mike said."Dad is handsome, too.""Haha! Do you like your dad that much?""He is nice to me," Ivy said without hesitation."Well, your dad isn't so bad. He started to grow on me ever since he stopped fighting with your mom." Mike no longer despised Elliot as he had in the past, and the two had not argued for a long time."Your mom is the reason why I'm alive right now. She saved my life," Mike said. "After she cured me, I was determined to stay by her side no matter what. It's a good thing that I made that decision, or God knows where I would have ended up!""Uncle Mike, what did you work as in the past?""I was a hacker."Impressed, Ivy said, "So you are really good with computers?""Of course! I was your older brother's teacher, you know?" he said smugly. "Of course, he got even better than me."
Ivy had only meant to talk to Mike and had not expected him to offer his help. Neither had she expected him to be capable of finding out where Lucas was studying. After coming all the way to Edelweiss, she did want to find out and would love to visit the university where Lucas was studying. She did not plan on searching for Lucas, however, since he would not recognize her either she did not mind having a look around."Uncle Mike, can you really find out where he is studying?" Ivy asked."Of course. Just tell me his name.""His name is Lucas Woods.""Oh... So, this guy... he never looked down on you for being ugly?" Mike said.Ivy nodded. "He is a really good guy. He got mad at me for something I did the last I saw him, though… But he really is a great person. The best person I know apart from my grandma.""Silly girl," Mike thought. "If he was mad at you and could not be bothered to tell you why, he doesn't care about you, and here you are thinking that he is a great guy."Mi
"It's livelier during the night," Mike said to Ivy. "Most of the tourists rest during the day and come out at night."They sat by the window, noticing that there were more people outside."Can I see the auroras tonight?" Ivy asked in anticipation."I heard that they are expected to appear tonight, but we can't be sure. This sort of thing is out of our control," Mike said. "Let's enjoy our dinner. There's no rush. If auroras appear, we will spot it immediately."Ivy glanced at the sky and nodded, realizing something. "Uncle Mike, will people from the other cities in Edelweiss see the auroras as well?""Haha! This is a big country so maybe people in the neighboring cities can see them.""I see.""That's exactly why everyone comes here to see it. This is the northernmost town. The weather is rough, and the environment is harsh.""It's just a little cold, but everything else seems fine.""There's nothing fun around here. You will know the difference once we take you to the capital
Ivy did not think that Mike would find out which university Lucas was at this quickly and was deeply impressed by his ability.Ivy expressed her gratitude to both Chad and Mike, and Mike replied immediately. [Do you want to take a walk around the university tomorrow? Let's leave Chad out of it, hm?]Ivy hesitated for a moment when she read his message.[Don't worry. I've checked, and it's a big campus. Even if we wander around for the whole day, I doubt we will run into your friend.]Relieved, she replied. [Okay, Uncle Mike. Thank you! You really are the best!]Pleased by the compliment, Mike typed smugly. [This is nothing. If there's anything you don't feel like sharing with your parents, you can always come to me. I can be a great listener, and I might even be able to help!]Touched by all the love she was receiving, Ivy replied. [It's no wonder that Layla said you are like a second dad to us! You are so nice to us.][Get some sleep and I will wake you up tomorrow. If you wake
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