Tears welled in her eyes when Lucas said "Irene". "Do you still remember her?" she asked. "She was my servant, so, of course, I remember her. You sound like you knew her," Lucas said. She nodded. "I've seen her before." "That's it?" She hesitated and added, "We spoke, too." "You are kind of like her. She liked working, too." Ivy burst out laughing. "But apart from that you two are different," said Lucas. "I'm sure you come from a well-to-do family because you always smile. She was poor and didn't even have decent clothes. She didn't laugh as much as you do." Upon hearing Lucas's words, Ivy felt a lump in her throat as she could not even remember how she used to laugh. "She must be touched that you remember so much about her," Ivy replied. "She's dead. Didn't you know?" Lucas said. "Perhaps she's not dead; she might have just gone to another place," Ivy suggested. "She is dead. You don't have to console me." "If she were not dead, would you have hired her?" I
"I just want to see your mom. Why do you always overthink things?" "Normal people don't act like you do," Lucas said. "That just means that you haven't seen enough normal people." Lucas was instantly rendered speechless. When they arrived at the hospital, Ivy bought a fruit basket at a store next to the hospital, and Lucas said, "My mom doesn't like fruits." "You eat them, then. I am not visiting someone empty-handed," she said. "Do as you please." With that said, Lucas strode toward the ward, and Ivy hurried after him with the fruit basket. "Mr. Woods, wait up! You are walking too fast!" she shouted, but Lucas did not slow down for her. In the ward, Lucas' mother greeted him with a smile as he walked in. "Lucas, why did you come so early today?" Ivy came in panting. "A-aunty! I-I'm Lucas' friend. I came to see you!" Her cheeks were flushed as she placed the fruit basket on the table and then turned to face Lucas' mother. Lucas' mother looked at Ivy, surprised. "Y
"Do you like me?" he paused. "Why?" Her heart raced. "Because you look handsome." Amused, he said, "You are lying!" "How can you tell?" Ivy asked. "Considering your looks, I'm sure you have a lot of pursuers, and there are bound to be guys more handsome than I among them." "Fine, but sometimes chemistry is important, too. I think there's a chemistry between us," she said. "You just won't tell me the truth, huh?" he said. "That's not the point. Are you going to take your mom to Aryadelle for treatment? If you want to—" "No," he said. "I spoke to her about it, and she does not want to go anywhere else." "Your mom doesn't want to spend your money, right? I understand that," Ivy said. Back when Ivy's grandmother was ill, she would not allow Ivy to buy even generic painkillers because she wanted Ivy to save the money instead. "You're rubbing salt on my wound with that statement," Lucas said. "I'm sorry. I just want your mother to live a little longer. I can help you
Ivy heard footsteps coming from behind her, and she turned to look around to see Lucas walking toward her. "Mr. Woods!" Ivy got up and beamed at him. He frowned. "Are you stupid?" "Huh? What makes you say that?" "Why are you sitting here? Don't you have other things to do?" he asked. She shook her head. "I don't! I don't know anyone else either." "Didn't you say that you used to live here? Why don't you know anyone here?" "I wasn't particularly close to anyone, so I might as well just sit here." "It's raining," he said. "Shouldn't you at least find shelter or something?"She stretched out her hand, catching the raindrops. "It's just a drizzle. It's cool." Lucas found her peculiar and did not know how to continue the conversation, so he turned around, intending to return to the office. "Mr. Woods, please let me stay in your company! I promise not to disturb you." Ivy caught up with Lucas. "I'll be leaving in a few days, and I won't bother you anymore." Lucas turn
Lucas looked at Ivy in astonishment, while Ivy realized she had revealed too much. "Are you really not going to explain what's going on?" Lucas asked. "I know your family's housekeeper, so I know a lot about your family," Ivy replied. "You know way too much! If I didn't know any better, I'd think you used to work at our house," Lucas remarked. "Don't worry, I know a lot, but I'm tight-lipped." Ivy reassured him. Lucas stared at her face, captivated by her words. "You should get back to work. Come home early if you finish work later!" Ivy urged before running off. Ivy first went to the supermarket, bought some groceries, and then took a taxi to Lucas' house. After putting the groceries away in the kitchen, her phone rang. She picked up the call, delighted to hear her sister's voice. "Hey, Layla!" "Ivy, when are you coming back? You've only been gone for a few days, and I miss you already!" "I miss you guys, too. I'll stay here for a few more days and then head back h
Layla chuckled. "Even I haven't had the pleasure of tasting the food you've cooked, Ivy, and here you are, cooking for someone else!" "If you want to taste my cooking, I'll make some for you when I get back!" "I can't bear to have you cook for me! Cooking is hard work!" Ivy countered, "I don't mind occasionally cooking! My cooking skills aren't great, so there wasn't a point to flaunt it in front of you guys." "If Mom and Dad find out you're cooking for Lucas over there, they'll definitely get mad," Layla warned. "Don't tell them, okay? I used to be his housekeeper when I was in Taronia. I don't find cooking and cleaning difficult," Ivy said. "Alright! Since you don't find it difficult, go ahead and do whatever you want! After all, you will be back in a few days," Layla agreed. "Got it! How are you feeling, Layla? Is the baby okay?" Ivy asked. Layla laughed. "I'm doing fine, and the baby is doing great, too! Take good care of yourself out there, and remember not to reve
Ivy knew that he did not like owing people, so she presented him with the receipt for the groceries. "Just pay me for the groceries. I'm actually not that good a cook, so don't pay me too much. I'll be eating the food, too, anyway." He accepted the receipt and glanced at the price. Noticing that it cost about forty dollars, he walked toward the dining room and studied the dishes that looked rather presentable. Wondering how they tasted, he took a bite. Ivy looked at him with anticipation. "How is it? Do you like it?" "Get me a glass of water," he said. She did as she was told. "Is it too salty? Have your tastes changed?" "No. I'm just thirsty," he said. Ivy breathed a sigh of relief. "The food tastes ordinary," he commented, then took out his phone and transferred fifty dollars to Ivy. Looking at the money, Ivy could not help but laugh. "Mr. Woods, do you think my cooking is only worth ten dollars? You might as well not pay me anything at all! It's so insulting!"
Ivy never expected Archer to say such things. "Are you trying to eavesdrop on us?" Ivy asked in a hushed voice. "What are you thinking? It's late, and you're out here alone with a guy. I must protect you!" he protested. "Don't you think Lucas can protect me? He is a man, too," Ivy retorted. "What if he does something bad to you?" Archer asked. "He's not that kind of person. Now, hurry back! I'm going out with him to buy some things and then heading back to the hotel," Ivy urged, pushing Archer aside.Seeing that they were done with their conversation, Lucas strode over. "Since your companion has some free time now, let him accompany you," he said. "My companion is busy! He came to tell me that he'll be busy for the next few days and not to disturb him!" she said. Lucas glanced at Archer. Archer looked shocked as he watched Ivy, who was usually obedient and well-behaved, effortlessly lie. If Elliot and Avery saw this side of their daughter, they would be extremely surpr