Hayden instantly fell silent, and Shelly bowed her head. Ivy immediately said to Hayden, "Since the trouble in your company has been resolved, why don't you come over here and spend a few relaxing days with Shelly? Shelly never really meant to break up with you. She was just informed that your company is in trouble, and she felt guilty for not being able to help. I understand how she feels. She only feels this way because she loves you, or she wouldn't care at all!" "Hand her your phone," he said. Ivy immediately handed her phone to Shelly, who accepted it after a moment's hesitation. Worried that she might get in the way, Ivy said, "I will go to the bathroom." Once Ivy left, Shelly took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, Hayden." "Why didn't you tell me the truth? Why did you tell my sister instead when she came to see you?" Hayden was utterly confused. "Because Ivy has experienced hardships before, she might be more empathetic toward me." "But what if my sister didn'
"My brother has been upset as well. He only feels a little happier when he sees the children," Ivy said. "Ivy, I feel like I'm not brave enough. I struggle internally every day. On the one hand, I feel like I did the right thing by breaking up with him, but on the other hand, I regret it. I can't tell anyone I regret it." "Shelly, I understand how you feel. My brother is a really great man, so don't give up on him. If he thought you weren't good enough for him, he wouldn't have chosen to marry you." Shelly took a deep breath. "I know. When we get back, I'll talk to him properly." "Communication is key in a relationship!" Ivy said while taking a bite of her food. "When my parents were young, they used to argue a lot. Even though I haven't been in a romantic relationship, I feel like when people are young, their capacity for understanding one another isn't strong. A relationship is strengthened by staying together despite all the arguments. Look at my parents: they don't argue an
Shelly was both shocked and deeply moved. Hayden continued, "I understand that the difference in our backgrounds may make you feel insecure and sensitive, but I don't want similar incidents to happen in the future. If you feel inadequate, you can always study and improve yourself. Escaping is the least useful method to deal with insecurities." Tears of remorse filled Shelly's eyes. "Yes, I will never do that again. Whatever happens in the future, I will talk to you about it." "If there's anything you don't want to discuss with me, you can talk to my sister," Hayden said, glancing at Ivy. "Ivy, thank you for helping us clear up this misunderstanding." Ivy blushed. "We are a family, Hayden. You don't have to thank me!" "What are your plans after graduation? Have you decided on anything?" Hayden asked. After giving it some thought, Ivy decided to share her plans with everyone, while they were all present, to dismiss any lingering concerns. "I want to visit Taronia first. My
Shelly pressed her forehead to his. "Let's never part again. I will wait for you to come home whenever you work overtime from now on, and I will be with you on vacation." "Sure," he said. The next day, Shelly arrived at the cafe, and Courtney, who knew she had returned, arrived at the cafe early. The two sat down and chatted while they nibbled on cakes. "Courtney, I'm probably going to withdraw from this business," Shelly said. "Why?" Courtney asked. "I can't come by anymore, because I'm going to study." "Study what, exactly?" "I'm studying to get a Master of Business Administration." "Oh... Are you planning to join their family business after you finish your studies?" Courtney, though reluctant to see Shelly leave, would not stop her from pursuing a better future. After all, Shelly's days would only get better from here on. Shelly shook her head. "I'll think about it while studying. Hayden's family hasn't put any pressure on me and supports whatever I decide to do
Everyone immediately fell silent. A daring secretary approached Eliam and pulled him aside, whispering, "Mr. Golan, who does the boss favor? Can you give us some inside information? I mean, we all saw Ms. Taylor sleep in the same tent as Mr. Tate, so it seemed like they had something going on. And now, Ms. Abbott seems to have a chance as well!" Eliam replied, "You'll find out when Ms. Abbott comes out." "Alright, it seems like Ms. Abbott doesn't stand a chance," the secretary speculated. Eliam chuckled and said, "You're quite the guesser." "It's because of the way you just spoke," the secretary said, analyzing the situation. "When Ms. Taylor visited, you were beaming with joy. But now, your mood is obviously different." Eliam gave the secretary a thumbs up in jest. In the President's office, Seraphina entered with a beaming smile and walked up to Hayden. "Hayden, last time we met, you wouldn't give me your contact information, so I'm really happy that you called me her
The secretary's office instantly quieted down. Eliam walked over to Hayden and asked, "Do you need something, Mr. Tate?" "My youngest sister is about to graduate, and I need to get her a graduation gift." Hayden had just remembered that Ivy was about to travel to Taronia and wanted to get her something. "What would you like to get her, Mr. Tate? Should I pick for you, or should we go shopping together?" "I'll go with Shelly," Hayden said. With that said, Hayden left the office and went home to pick Shelly up. After Shelly got into the car, she said, "Not only do we have to buy a gift for Ivy but also for Layla! Didn't we plan to have a party to announce the good news about her pregnancy?" Hayden nodded. "Yes, let's get a gift for Robert too." "Alright. You'll handle Robert's gift, and I'll pick gifts for Layla and Ivy." Shelly began contemplating what to choose for them. Hayden added, "And get a gift for your brother too. Last time he visited, I didn't even get to t
"It's evident that your whole family has a positive outlook on life," Hayden commented. "That's because our family isn't the poorest in the village. When we feel dissatisfied with life, we think about how many others may be living worse than us, and it naturally makes us feel much better," she explained. "Shelly, join my mother and prepare for our wedding. After all, it's our wedding. If you have any ideas, you can discuss them with my mom. We can think about other things after we get married," Hayden suggested. Shelly nodded. "Sure! I can stay at home with the kids. They will eventually start going to school, though. If I don't have something to do, I'll get bored then." Hayden reassured her, "You can always decide what to do after the kids start school." "I'm afraid I'll be out of touch with society by then." "You can still study while staying at home with the kids. There are so many servants at home to help. You can make time for yourself. That way, you won't be out of t
Mike walked over and said, "Ivy, congratulation on your graduation!" "Uncle Mike, why don't you go to hold the twins?" He smiled. "I'll do so after everyone gets their turn. Your big brother really took us all by surprise this time." "Life is full of surprises, I guess," Ivy said. "Yeah! What do you intend to do after graduating?" Mike asked. "I want to go back to Taronia for a short trip." "Taronia?" Mike repeated thoughtfully. "... Lucas Woods?" Ivy fell silent, as she did not expect Mike to have such good memory. A few years ago, Ivy had mentioned Lucas's name to Mike once, and he still remembered it. "I mainly want to go back to pay respects to my foster grandmother," Ivy explained, her cheeks turning red. "Oh, if it's just for that, you could relocate your grandmother's grave to Aryadelle. It would be more convenient for you to visit. Instead of going so far just to pay respects, it would save you a lot of trouble!" Mike offered his advice sincerely. Ivy blus
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