Ivy instantly lost her appetite when she saw over twenty dishes on the table.It was the most luxurious feast she had ever seen, and all delicacies she could imagine had been laid before her.There were dishes that she had never seen before, but luckily, there were chefs standing by them to explain each dish."Ivy, why aren't you eating? Do you not like the dishes?" Layla whispered."There are so many of them. I don't know where to start." Ivy was interning as a broadcaster now and dared not to eat to her heart's content as she had before, as she was afraid that she might not look good on camera. "Just take one bite of each dish. We will keep the ones we like and discard the ones we don't like." Layla started placing food on Ivy's plate."Okay."Sometime later, Lilith stopped eating as she had a small appetite due to the nature of her work."Hayden, there aren't any outsiders here, so why don't you tell us what you are looking for in a partner? Looks, figure, academic achievem
Ivy fastened the seatbelt and studied Hayden, before muttering hesitantly, "Hayden, Aunt Lilith, and Mom all mean well. Don't be upset with them."The tension on Hayden's face eased. "I won't.""Good, then." Ivy was relieved. "I think the girl Aunt Lilith brought with her looks pretty. She has a sharp sense for beauty.""We don't have any common interests." Hayden felt no problem expressing himself to his sister."Hayden, you didn't even try talking to her!" For some reason, Ivy was reminded of Lucas.Lucas remained silent on the first day she had been assigned to him. Just like Hayden, Lucas was a lone wolf but had a kind heart."Hayden, I once knew someone who disliked strangers just as much as you do. I didn't have anything in common with him either, but we were put under circumstances where we had to communicate... Slowly but surely, we found a way to talk to each other." Ivy wanted Hayden to overcome his difficulties and try to communicate more with strangers."Ivy, do you
She thought that it was slightly too sappy for her liking, but gift bags for guests during weddings had become more and more inclusive in modern society.Back when Avery and Elliot got married, they had not spent much time planning the gift bags for guests as they had no help from their families to prepare for the wedding."Avery, if you are okay with this, I will place the order right away." Elliot felt that it was an excellent plan as he needed the wedding to be extravagant to show everyone how important Layla was to her family.Avery snapped out of it and said, "Okay. Sure."At night, everyone returned to the hotel to taste-test another menu.Shea and Tammy brought their family along, so there were more people compared to noon and there was a total of three tables."This feels like we are already at the wedding dinner," Tammy said."It's because we have a lot of kids. They didn't take up much space when they were little, but they are all grown up now," Jun commented."Isn't
Both Elliot and Avery felt glad that their children had a loving relationship."Mom, Dad, why aren't you saying anything?!" Layla was stunned by the idea but knew that she could never be able to convince her brother otherwise."What are we supposed to say? If your brother wants to do it, just let him! Money is meant to be spent for the sake of happiness.""Your mom is right. Didn't you say that you've grown thick-skinned? Aren't you happy about what your brother is doing for you?"Layla was rendered helpless. "But this is too much! I'm organizing a wedding, not a charity fair—""Layla, you are one of the princesses in our family, and this is just how it's supposed to be! If I earn as much as Hayden, I would have done the same thing as well," said Robert.What he said instantly lightened the mood."Layla, Hayden is your brother, so you don't have to hold back. This is your only chance to spend his money before all his money falls under the control of his future wife. Hahaha!" Lil
"Hayden, I remember that you can drink! Come drink with me!" Ben was excited and went to sit down next to Hayden.Hayden could not refuse and went along with it."If Eric hadn't undergone surgery, I would make him drink with me." Ben's face was flushed, but he managed to keep a level head. "So I'm left with drinking with you.""Uncle Ben, I'll only have two glasses with you. I recall that you have fatty liver.""Why do you have such great memory? Your aunt never lets me drink... so I don't drink most of the time... This is a special occasion, though, right?" Ben clinked glasses with Hayden. "It's fine to drink every once in a while. I know my limits.""Just drink one glass." Avery stopped them. "It's not Layla's wedding day yet! Take it slow, Ben! Your health is the most important.""He is just an alcoholic who looks for excuses to drink everywhere!" Lilith mocked. "He said his life holds no meaning if he is unable to drink. He would sneak to drink or two behind my back every day
"Ivy, is everyone this nice here?" Kiara asked."Well... pretty much." Ivy would never mention what happened to them as she did not want them to worry.The three took a few photos in the hallway, and Ivy took them backstage."This is where I recite my script and get my makeup done," Ivy whispered as there were others aroundRose saw others reciting their script and dragged Ivy outside."Ivy, thank you for agreeing to our request. We should head back now. It's not time for your shift to start yet, so are you going to go home and rest?" Rose askedIvy glanced at the time and shook her head. "I would have to come back later again anyway, so I will stay here and recite my script. I will send you downstairs. Text me when you get home.""Sure.""Rose, let me know the next time you design jewelry. I want to see you when you work as well!" Ivy was curious about other career paths as well."Of course! I will let you know."Ivy watched as they got into the car, and since it was still t
Ordinary people of the opposite sex would never drink from one another's straws, so it was not difficult to conclude that the two were dating.Since Anthony's show began long after Andrea's and Ivy's, he did not need to arrive at the station this early and was clearly there to keep Andrea company.Ivy turned and returned to the station thoughtfully.Since Andrea and Anthony were so absorbed in their own world, they did not notice Ivy; even if they did, they had nothing to fear.Both Andrea and Anthony were receiving great feedback in the popularity survey, and so long as they did not end up at the bottom of the survey, they would still be in the running to work at the station. Half an hour later, Anthony and Andrea arrived at the station and were both shocked when they saw Ivy backstage."Ivy, why are you here so early? You are even earlier than I am." Andrea's seat was close to Ivy's so Ivy immediately caught a whiff of Andrea's perfume."As expected of a woman who's in love.
She did not know how a first-year student like Ivy had such a powerful presence."Anthony, am I right?" Ivy asked.Anthony adjusted his glasses awkwardly. "It's in the past. We should all just be more careful moving on.""I suppose! After all, you aren't the one who had his script swapped, so it's only normal that you can let it slide." Ivy shot Anthony a gleeful smirk. "Anthony, you are beaming today. Are you in love or something?"The awkwardness on his face intensified, and after a few moments of hesitation, he said, "Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden, Ivy? Why don't I treat you two to coffee?""It's fine." Ivy picked up her cup of coffee and showed it to them. "I already bought a cup." She paused, before adding, "Earlier this evening, in fact."Ivy said that on purpose. Both Andrea and Anthony immediately realized that Ivy had seen them, or she would have never asked if Anthony was in love."There's no regulation in the station that forbids employees from dating,
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