"That's a peach tree." Avery noticed that Ivy was drawn to it and went into the store with Ivy."Mom, peach flowers don't bloom during this time of the year, right?" Ivy asked. "Is this fake? It looks real, though.""These are real peach blossoms," the owner explained. "You can take a closer look if you don't believe me. It smells great as well! We take care of it in a specific way so that it blooms in January, so it costs a little more."Avery did not ask about the price and simply inspected the tree. "I think it's real." She turned to look at Ivy. "If you like it, we will buy it."Ivy loved it but noticed that there was only one peach tree in the store and leaned over to whisper into Avery's ear, "I think Layla is going to love this."Avery turned to look at the tree once again and realized that Ivy was right."Mom, don't speak. Let me try to bargain with them," Ivy whispered and proceeded to ask the owner about the price.The owner noticed that both Ivy and Avery were dressed
"The owner's wife and kids were in the shop with him, weren't they?" Ivy still thought that the tree was too expensive. "If I didn’t think that Layla would like it, I wouldn't even pay seven hundred and seventy-seven for it.""Haha, your sister will be touched if she knows that you spent so much for her." Avery could tell how much Ivy cared about Layla."I wonder how the talk between Layla and Dad is going." Ivy was slightly worried. "He won't get mad at her, will he?"Avery shook her head. "I don't think so. Your dad is a good father. Even if he finds fault with his children's actions, he would never get angry.""I'm just worried that Dad might not give Layla her passport," Ivy said worriedly. "Layla has already moved in with Eric, so I don't see a point in stopping them from getting married.""You might think that, but your dad thinks differently. Your sister is far too reckless. Just because she is suddenly in the mood to get married, she insists on doing it today and didn't ev
Eric's house was not far from Elliot's mansion, so Layla could go home whenever she wanted.Elliot could not help but feel impressed by his wife and daughter when he saw how much they had brought in that small amount of time.They had bought more in past years, and many flowers and plants were delivered to Eric's house.Apart from plants, there were all sorts of light decorations and lanterns, along with colorful balloons and pumps.Elliot glanced at the things they bought and said, "Where are you going to hang the balloons?""In the living room, of course! We will style them to form the words 'Happy New Year' on the wall. Just imagine how festive that would look!" Avery said.Elliot nodded. "Indeed. Do you need my help pumping the balloons?""Sure! You can help with that and hang the lights on the plants," Avery said."Sure. You must be exhausted, right? You two should get some rest." Elliot picked up one of the pumps and started pumping balloons."I'm fine. Shopping with Ivy
Layla had posted a total of nine photos on her social media, consisting of her marriage certificate, her ring, a picture of herself standing under the peach blossoms, and photos she had taken with Eric in the past and present.Anyone would be excited and cheer with the couple as they went through the photos."Your sister has no fear of having these photos circulate the internet!" Avery hurried over and saw the post."Eric has retired, so it should be fine for others to find out about this, right?" Ivy beamed.She tried to put herself in Layla's shoes and knew that it would be upsetting to be with the man she loved without being able to announce their union to the world."It won't affect Eric, but it might affect Layla. Don't underestimate Eric's influence. If some of his fans stalk Layla, she will be in trouble," Avery said with a frown. "I will need to assign more bodyguards to Layla."Elliot nodded."Alright. Let's eat!" Avery was starving and turned to look at Robert. "How's
Elliot's assistant had called him and Tammy had called Avery. "Mr. Foster, Eric has announced his marriage to Ms. Layla on his personal social media account. A lot of our business partners are calling me to ask if it's true."Elliot's brow twitched.All he knew was that Layla had posted the photos on social media, and he had been unaware that Eric had done the same. "Let me check," Elliot said and minimized the call before opening his social media account to locate Eric's post.Eric had posted the exact same photos as Layla had, and the only difference was that Eric had attached a small message.[I'm married. I feel blessed because I've married a girl that I've loved for the longest time. Since my retirement, I've never wanted public attention, but I know that the press will report this even if I say nothing, so I decided to take the initiative and explain everything! My wife is not a part of the entertainment industry, but I'm sure that you have all heard of her before. I woul
"Yeah. So long as Layla is happy." Ivy felt that everyone had the right to do whatever made them happy, as long as they were not hurting others."Your sister is just so wilful. She didn't even tell us before doing this," Avery said."Maybe she just didn't think that it's that big a deal," Ivy explained. "Don’t worry, Mom. I don't think that going public with their marriage is going to affect their lives!"Avery picked up her phone and refreshed the page.The social media platform was back, and when Avery found Eric's post there were two hundred thousand comments. The most searched keywords on the internet had been 'Eric Santos' announcement', 'Eric Santos' is married', 'Eric Santos' wife', 'Tate Industries', 'Who is Layla Tate', and 'Under the Peach Blossoms'.Avery stared at the words 'Under the Peach Blossoms' and recalled that it was the name of a certain television drama that Eric had taken part in with Layla, where Layla played the child version of the heroine."Our family
"Hahaha! Dad, I'm just amused. I thought I have him all to myself after he retires, but there are still a lot of people who remember him," Layla said. "Dad, don't get upset! He just made the announcement as he thought that the press will talk about it, so it was best that he made the announcement first.""So long as you are happy," Elliot said sincerely.Since Layla was officially Eric's wife, Elliot decided that they should live their lives in whatever way pleased them."Dad, if you are really upset, I can get him to delete the post." Layla was worried as she could not see the look on Elliot's face through the phone."He has already posted it, so what's the point in deleting it now?" Elliot had been annoyed but had soon regained his composure. "Get him to hire a few more bodyguards, or I can send over a few from my house. Be safe whenever you go outside."Layla sighed a breath of relief. "Dad, I knew you wouldn't be upset. Don't worry about us. I will hire a few more bodyguards."
"If you don't want me to say things like that, you should stop doing the same." Layla grabbed his hand and stared into his eyes. "Live in the moment and don't overthink. So long as we are happy when we are alive, we shouldn't worry about what happens after our death."Eric occasionally thought that he was not as liberated in his thinking as Layla was. He would regularly worry about everything and lead a life filled with struggles. "I've thought things through, or I wouldn't have made the announcement on social media," he said calmly. "Marriage doesn’t have to last forever, anyway. We can always get a divorce if you grow tired of me."Layla did not feel consoled at all, and if Eric was still not recovering, she would have slapped him across the face for saying such a thing on their first day of marriage. "If you don't know the right thing to say, you should keep your mouth shut." She glared at him and lay down to use her phone. "After your public announcement, I've been receiving
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