"Uncle," Layla called out.Mr. Santos hummed, and when he saw that she was alone, he asked, "You drove here?""Yeah."He took the gifts from her and said, "My wife is preparing food in the kitchen. You love her cooking, so she is cooking for you.""She didn't have to. We can just go out and eat." Layla did not want them to exhaust themselves."We bought a lot of groceries, so let's eat at home!" Mr. Santos said before handing Layla a pair of clean slippers. "It's the same pair that you wore the last time you visited. We've already washed it."As Layla changed into the slippers, Mrs. Santos walked out of the kitchen."Aunty." Layla strode toward Mrs. Santos. "I'm sorry, Aunty. I came here specifically to apologize to you and Uncle.""Oh, never mind that. Your parents have called and apologized." Mrs. Santos suppressed her sorrow and said, "Did Eric leave us a message before the accident?"Layla took Mrs. Santos's hand and sat her down on the couch.Mr. Santos sat next to them,
"Layla, I've watched you grow up, and I know that you are a great young woman. This is just an accident, and you only got unlucky. You didn't mean for any of this to happen, so we don't blame you for it. Don't apologize to me. Stay and share lunch with us. I will start cooking now.""I can help," Layla said."It's fine. My husband can help. Just rest. You've just been discharged yourself, haven't you? Have you recovered?""Yeah, or my parents would have never let me out," Layla said. "That's good... If you ended up like Eric, we would be even more devastated," Mrs. Santos said, feeling slightly better. "Why don't you watch some television while you wait?"Layla did not want to watch television and said, "Can I stay in Eric's room for a while?""Sure!" Mrs. Santos said.Eric had brought Layla here before, so she knew exactly which room belonged to him.Layla was the only female apart from Mrs. Santos who had entered Eric's room as he rarely invited any woman over.Since he had
Eric would often record her when she was taking lessons, and she had once asked why he would record her.He explained that he was going to show her the videos afterward, praising her for what she had done right and correcting her for what she had done wrong.Since she felt that he was reasonable, she later got used to being filmed, and she watched all the videos after each lesson.Eric had done as he had promised and had praised her when she had done something right and corrected her when she had gone wrong. She had not expected him to keep all the recordings of her and was even more stunned to find the iPad on his table."Does he watch these all the time?" she thought to herself.Tears welled in Layla's eyes.After graduating from university, Layla decided that instead of becoming an idol, she would inherit Tate Industries, and she began to drift apart from Eric once she made that decision.They had also faded out of each other's lives because of Eric's work. He could not pos
Ivy's heart wavered at Meredith's words, but she knew that she did not qualify for the internship.A professional host must possess the skill and experience that can only be accumulated through trial and error. "I will think about it! I just feel like the recruiter will be dumbfounded by our resumes.""Haha! Believe it or not, over fifty percent of the broadcasting majors will apply for it. As for what the recruiter thinks, that is his own business. It's not like he will be able to remember all the names on the applications. Don't worry." Meredith said. "You are the one who needs to be in control of your own fate. That's what my aunt tells me. My aunt got the internship despite being a year one student because of her beauty, communication skills, and her guts. Apart from those, she did not have any sort of experience. Apart from that, she wasn't an expert in any way... of course, there weren't that many people taking this major back then."Ivy's heart fluttered at her words."I h
She also wasn't appalled by his actions because he had told her that he could pass his exams without studying much. "You've probably misunderstood, haven't you? The perks I'm talking about is that our parents gave me a brilliant mind. I'm really good when it comes to my studies." Robert burst out laughing."Robert, I might be the least talented one in this family." Ivy sat at the dining table. "I need to study really hard to get what the lecturer is talking about.""Do you know what it was like when I was younger?" said Robert with a twinkle in his eyes. "When I was young I had so many one-on-one lessons, and I also attended tuition with many other students. I never stopped taking notes till I got to university, and I'm only passing with flying colors because of those classes. I didn't relax till I graduated from high school. Our parents only stopped the extra classes when I entered university, so I'm definitely capitalizing on all the fun I missed out on in high school." Ivy ins
Ivy blushed. "I don't think I have what it takes, Robert.""Let me know if you do want to be CEO of a company, and stop thinking about how qualified you are for a second. People aren't born leaders." Robert felt that a person as sensible and quiet as Ivy would be well suited for leadership.Ivy felt lost.Before summer, her only goal had been to find a job that would allow her to make ends meet. She had never considered studying a course that would not allow her to make ends meet, nor had she— in her wildest dreams— considered any leadership positions."You are hesitating." Robert placed a pork rib onto her plate. "Which means you want to. Unlike you, I definitely don't want to be in a leadership role.""What do you want, then?" Ivy asked."If I tell you that I just want to laze around for the rest of my life, will you laugh at me?" Robert blushed. "I guess I've been spoiled, and I want someone to care for me forever."Ivy thought that it was a beautiful dream, as no one would b
To Robert, any television studio should be glad to have his sister as an intern. Plus, to him, there were many stations and only one Ivy. ...Elliot received a call from Layla and went over to Mr. and Mrs. Santos' house.Layla called because something had happened.While they were having lunch, Mr. Santos had a few drinks and started pouring his heart out whilst he was under the influence of alcohol.He wanted to donate his heart to his son.Layla was scared out of her wits.There was not a country on earth that allowed people who were alive to donate their hearts, and the best they could do would be to become organ pledgers, which enabled them to donate their organs upon their death. Elliot hurried over, and it took some time before he finally convinced Mr. Santos to give up on the idea."They said that my son's lungs are failing, right? He can have mine!" Mr. Santos' face was flushed, but his eyes were determined. "My wife and I spoke to some doctors, and they told us that
"If Eric wakes up only to find out he has one of your hearts, do you think he could live with himself?" Elliot asked. "Believe in Avery. Eric will be fine."The two nodded."Don't pressure Avery. We are prepared for whatever might happen," Mr. Santos said."I understand your struggle. We will do our best to save him," Elliot said."Thank you."As they drove away, Layla rolled down the window.Elliot glanced at her. "Layla, wind up the window. You are going to catch a cold.""I'm feeling a bit warm, Dad.""Your mom told me that you are still weak, and you can't be out in the cold."Elliot glanced at the driver, who immediately wound up the window."Eric's parents have aged so much in this short period of time." Layla thought back to what happened earlier bitterly."Even if nothing had happened to Eric, they would still grow old. You didn’t cause this. Layla, you should go back to work tomorrow!" Elliot was worried that Layla might overthink things at home and wanted her to go
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