"Will we be allowed inside?" Ivy asked sheepishly.Mike smiled. "Technically speaking, the school is not open to tourists, but we just need to register as guests.""Oh... Uncle Mike, do you know someone there?""No." Mike's social circle was limited to Aryadelle and Bridgedale. "But the guard doesn't know that. Just keep quiet and follow my lead. I promise that we will get in."Ivy trusted Mike when she saw the confident look on his face.Feeling slightly shy, he asked, "Aren't you worried that I'm lying?""Of course, not. I just think you are really talented, in a different way than Dad and Hayden," she said."Are there different types of talents?" he asked before coming to a realization. "You are saying that I'm streetsmart, aren't you?"Ivy chuckled. "Not really. It's not like we are doing something bad.""You are right, actually. I'm not like your dad, and I like learning weird skills...""I think it's interesting," she said earnestly. "As long as you are not doing someth
The two took a leisurely stroll down the trail, and Mike stopped after twenty minutes."Ivy, look." He pointed to a tree that looked strong but not overly tall with countless cards hanging on it."Hahaha! I guess religion knows no bounds." Mike took Ivy to the tree and found a booth that stood a little distance away from the tree. The booth had a plate that read, 'The Wishing Booth' and another plate that read 'The Wishing Tree' by the tree.People seemed to have written their wishes on cards and hung them on the three. He walked over and glanced through some of the cards. "Um... 'Pass my exam'... 'Get my dream guy'... 'Slim down!', 'Get rich'!' He chuckled after reading a few cards aloud. "Do you want to write your own? Maybe it will come true.""I don't think I have any wishes. I feel like I'm the happiest person on earth, and it would be greedy of me to make any more wishes." She considered it in all seriousness and realized that she did not have any wish.She wanted to go wher
"Where?" Ivy asked curiously."Let's go to the administration building," Mike said."Huh? The administration building? Are we hanging this there?""No. Let's find the feedback box for the dean."Ivy immediately came to a realization. "Uncle Mike, are you telling me to put this in the feedback box that's meant for the dean?""Yeah! The feedback box is nothing but decoration. Even if someone puts something inside as a prank, none of the staff will notice."Ivy started to feel like what Mike said made sense because he looked extremely confident. Mike was older and more experienced, and she realized that she should listen to him.The two headed to the administration building. Outside the dean's office, there was a box meant where students could drop their feedback.Mike snapped his fingers smugly before putting Ivy's card into the box. Following the 'Ping!' sound, Mike smiled and said, "See? I told you that it is just there for decoration. There is nothing inside."Ivy nodded. "Un
There was no signature."Oh, there's no signature on the card so you might need to ask around to see which one of your friends wrote this," Anne continued.Lucas held onto the card for dear life; even without a signature, he knew that it was from Irene because she was the only one who would call him Mr. Lucas'."Isn't Irene dead?" he thought. "When did she write this card? Before she died?""Ma'am, do you know how often the feedback box is opened?" he swallowed hard and asked.Anna shook her head. "I'm not so sure about that. Should I call and ask?""Please do."She picked up her phone and called the dean's secretary and asked the question on Lucas's behalf."We do it randomly, depending on my schedule. I sometimes open it once a month, sometimes once every other month, but I won't leave the box untouched for over three months at a time."The hope that rose within Lucas vanished as he was led to believe that Irene wrote him the message before her death."Why did she put it in
"It's no trouble at all! I go to Bridgedale all the time anyway," Layla said. "It's quite convenient to travel. I want to see your house and pay Hayden a visit!""Oh... Okay! It's a shame that I can't go anywhere until the winter holidays.""You will have a long holiday during New Year's, right? You can go during that time. Your house should be ready by then.""It's not that long.""You can apply for more leave."Ivy shook her head. "I will pay Hayden a visit during my winter holidays. It's not a long wait from New Year's.""Sure! I will take videos to show you," Layla said with a smile. "Are you really going to stop Mom and Dad from following you to school tomorrow?"They had discussed this during dinner, and Ivy had informed her family that she wished to go to school on her own and told the others that she would come home immediately once admission was over."What if someone recognizes them?" Ivy smiled sheepishly. "I don't want to be the talk of the school before school actu
"Mr. Foster, the car is over there, and since the campus is pretty packed with people, it may take some time for the tour to end.""It's fine. Safety first," Elliot said before taking his wife and daughter to the car.Ivy watched as other students walked around campus, and she felt like a tourist as she toured around in a car. The person who drove the car was likely someone who worked on campus, and he explained everything while driving.Ivy listened attentively as she was going to spend the following three years at this university.Half an hour later, they had finally finished the tour around campus and the staff asked if they wanted to walk around."We will walk around on our own, Sir. Thank you so much," Ivy said.Elliot gave the staff permission to leave and Ivy said, "Mom, they are selling drinks over there."The sun was shining brightly, and it was hottest in the afternoon.Avery glanced at the booth where a considerable number of students gathered and said, "You can go
As expected, Ivy seemed satisfied after viewing the first apartment."Mom, how much is this place? I feel like it's a little too big for me. I wish there was a smaller apartment."A sheepish expression appeared on Elliot's face when he heard what Ivy said."Haha. This isn't that big. It's quite cheap, and real estate properties around this area tend to be more spacious. The apartments in this residential area can go up to 130 and 150 square feet! This is already the smallest one," Avery said.The real estate agent did not understand what Avery meant and immediately said, "There are apartments within the range of fifty to sixty square feet that often target students studying at Southern University."Avery, Elliot, and Ivy reacted differently to what the agent said."Mom, he said that there are ones that are fifty to sixty square feet! Let's go have a look!" Ivy said excitedly.Before Avery could say anything, Elliot blurted out, "Darling, that's too small. We will need a place to
[Sure.]"Who are you texting?" Avery asked. "Your favorite dish is here."Ivy loved spinach so Avery specifically asked the waiter to add spinach to the dish."I'm talking to Layla. Layla said she is giving me a drone.""Oh, sure! I can teach you how to use it," Avery offered."Okay!"Time flew and half a month had passed.Ivy had mostly gotten used to her university life.At half past two, she arrived at the lecture room with her classmate. She had selected music as her minor. It was not because she enjoyed music but because she preferred music over art.Once she entered the room, she flipped through her notebook till the bell rang. The door was pushed open and a tall, slender man stepped inside."Ahh!!" Screams filled the classroom. "Eric Santos!"Ivy covered her ears and looked ahead while thinking to herself, "Why is Eric Santos here?"Ivy knew him as a famous idol through his songs and shows but had never seen him in person.Eric stood in front of the classroom and
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