[Okay. What are you having for lunch?] Avery typed.Ivy took a photo of her lunch: pasta and mushroom soup.Avery immediately replied worriedly. [Darling, is that really enough for you?]Avery, too, had not watched what she ate back when she was a university student, but her standards for her children were different.[I ate too much during breakfast this morning, so I’m not hungry right now. I will have a more balanced meal later at night when I get home.][What do you want for dinner, then? I will tell the servants to make whatever you want.][Anything. No matter what, home-cooked meals are the best.]Avery's lips curled into a smile as she read her daughter's message.Ivy was a sweet and independent daughter, and Avery did not need to worry about her at all.After a while, Avery sent her another message. [Ivy, do you think your dad and I have been out of line for stopping your sister from pursuing the man she wants? I want to hear the truth.]She had wanted to discuss this
"Alright. I will check it out."Once the meeting ended, they proceeded to dinner.Since the weather in Cambrode was extremely cold, the locals enjoyed drinking liquor."Ms. Tate, this liquor is famous here. I'm not sure if you've heard about it." The person representing the client handed Layla a bottle of liquor.Layla was not in the habit of drinking, and she did not know much about expensive liquor."Is this vodka?" She noticed that the liquor was transparent."Yeah! We only drink vodka here. It feels warm."The assistant immediately interfered and said, "Ms. Tate can't drink. Do you have any beer? We will just have beer.""Haha, just try a little. It will be fine." The person in charge uncapped the bottle and poured a small glass for Layla.Seeing how he did not mean to make her drunk and only wanted her to try the famous local liquor, Layla took a sip without hesitation and scowled."Hahaha! How was it, Ms. Tate?""It kind of burns my throat...""Looks like you really c
"Ms. Tate! Why would you climb a mountain at this time? I'll send you back to the hotel! Be a good girl!" The assistant grabbed Layla by the arm and attempted to drag her back, but Layla dodged her hand.After drinking, Layla was exceptionally strong, and her assistant had never seen Layla behave this way before. In her mind, Layla had always been elegant and brilliant, like a princess in a fairy tale. Though Layla was adorable when she acted normal, her assistant found it hard to deal with her. She panted in exhaustion and watched as Layla made a call, wondering who she was calling.The assistant hesitated and contemplated if she should get the bodyguard to carry Layla back to the hotel despite Layla's protests. She was worried that Layla might really climb a mountain. Though Layla was her supervisor, she could not allow Layla to do anything dangerous because she would be held responsible if something happened to Layla.The phone was answered shortly after and Eric's voice came
The assistant heard noises and immediately came to knock on the bedroom door.Layla opened the door, and her assistant said, "Ms. Tate, how are you feeling? Are you hungry? What do you feel like eating? Here, have some water." She opened a bottle of water and handed it to Layla.Layla gulped down the water."Ms. Tate, you shouldn't drink vodka ever again. It's too strong, and it's not for us. Do you remember what happened last night?" asked her assistant.Layla finished half the bottle of water and felt her stomach rumbling."Is there food around here? I'm starving." Layla stepped out of the bedroom and searched for the menu for room service."I bought oatmeal for you this morning, Ms. Tate. Let me check if it's gone cold." The assistant handed her the menu and went to check the oatmeal. "It's still warm.""I will have some oatmeal first, then!" Layla walked over to the table and started eating.As soon as the soreness in her stomach faded, Layla suddenly remembered what her as
The assistant felt sorry for her but understood her decision. "Ms. Tate, you are a wonderful woman. I'm sure you will find someone who loves you more than life itself.""I don't want to think about relationships for now," Layla said casually. "I was rushing into things because I wanted to be with Eric."Since that was no longer possible, she saw no point in rushing anymore."Ms. Tate, if even people like you have troubles in life, I guess I shouldn't be complaining about my life at all," her assistant said. "Maybe we are all alive to suffer."Layla forced a smile. "Don't say that. There are still plenty of things to be happy about. I've gained some level of clarity after getting here. I guess the pain does ease as time passes. Time is a wonderful thing.""Ms. Tate, you said you wanted to climb the mountain last night, so I checked online. Climbing all the way up is really tiring, so let's not do that! There's a spot on the mountain that we can get to by cable car. We can get there
Ivy had not expected to be told such a thing and did not know how to respond.Just then, Robert sent her another message. [You can talk to him if you want. He's not a bad person. I just don't know what to say to him since he keeps acting like he's being abandoned.][Is Layla close to him?] Ivy replied.[They are friends, I guess! Layla doesn't like him that way. She thinks of him as a friend, but he obviously doesn't think so.]After giving the matter some consideration, Ivy texted Robert a reply. [He is outside my university. Since he is Layla's friend, I guess I can meet him! Let's see if I can convince him to let this go.][I felt the same in the beginning, but I soon realized there was nothing I could do! If he keeps bothering you, block his number.][Sure. I will.]An hour later, Ivy arrived at the cafe where Andrew was waiting for her. They spotted each other immediately as Andrew was the only foreigner there and Ivy was the only person who stared right at him the moment s
When Ivy returned home, she saw that someone had tagged her in a message telling her that her photo had been posted on the university forum.Meeting with a foreigner meant nothing, and since they were not doing anything inappropriate, Ivy did not understand why someone would take a photo of them and post it onto the university forum.A majority of students were appalled by this action and were all speaking on Ivy's behalf.When Ivy finally opened the group chat, the other students in her major were discussing the picture amongst themselves. [This is definitely the work of someone in our department, right? I don't think students from other majors would do such a thing!][I hate these stalkers! They should go to a psychiatrist if they are going mad! Why would they take a photo of someone having coffee? Have they not seen coffee or a foreigner in their lives?! Pathetic!][I think this stalker is likely one of Ivy's pursuers! He was probably rejected and got jealous when he saw her
Ivy remembered her mother mentioning that they would not close the boy's factory down.[Why are you asking? Are you going to do something to our factory again? I've already apologized! I uploaded your photo on the net because I was frustrated! You were lying when you said you were poor, right? You seemed really happy talking to that foreigner!]Furious, Ivy shivered and gritted her teeth.Layla had always told her that she was too soft-hearted and that people would bully her for it. Ivy realized that the only reason that the boy had been this daring was that she had been too kind. She took a deep breath, took a screenshot of her conversation with him, and posted it on the group chat. She included a message along with it. [If I'm really capable of closing down a factory, I would never have been harassed by this guy to begin with. This is over, and I want to remind everyone to watch who you are friends with.]After sending the message to the group chat, Ivy felt much better. Howe
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