"I made a mistake; I was surprised to find out later, when I learned that he also visited the orphanage." The silence was broken as Ivy continued her story. "That's how we met. He looks fierce and hard to approach on the outside, but he's very kind and gentle." "The kid got stung by a bee on his hand; I just helped him out." Luke interjected, clarifying. Ivy turned to him with a smile. "Because at that time, he looked like a bully; he even threatened and scolded me." "That's because someone recklessly hit me without knowing the whole story." He argued. "And then I called others to come and catch me." "Don't hold grudges over past matters, little one." Luke poked her round cheek as she pouted, showing her annoyance. "Ouch, that hurts." Immediately Luke rubbed his hands on her chubby cheeks as she groaned. They're both grown-ups but acting like children, making the onlookers feel embarrassed for them. "Who was the one pursuing whom first?" The question was raised by Luke's old
Ryan acknowledged that Mason was likely speaking from a place of concern and wisdom, but due to his own pride and stubbornness, and most of all, his own uncertainty, Ryan wasn't entirely convinced. Therefore, he simply offered an answer that aligned with his current thoughts and feelings. "Of course, that's true. I'm not crazy enough to like Ivy. Who do you think I am? I have my own sense of aesthetics and high standards," he replied half-heartedly. Instead of getting defensive, he just brushed off the issue. He truly didn't understand himself. How do you explain it? It's hard to say. In short, there was a lot of turmoil within him at this moment. However, amid the chaos, anger was clearly evident. Ryan's conclusion that Ivy is despicable for dating Luke while still casually sleeping with him. He perceives Ivy's behavior as hypocritical and disrespectful, as she is seemingly leading a double life by engaging romantically with Luke while maintaining a physical relationship with many o
"It turns out the child in your belly belongs to him, huh? The father of the child has quite a reputation; you're indeed quite impressive, with a refined taste, and successfully flirt with a successful, high-value man." The words were heavy, with deep implications, and the attitude was deliberately offensive. It was clear that Ryan intended to provoke Ivy both emotionally and mentally, filling her with anger and frustration. Ivy's face darkened as he suddenly appeared behind her, making her choke on the sushi she had just swallowed. Not only did Ryan not care whether she was okay or choking, he didn't even bother to ask, just saying whatever came to mind. While Ivy was struggling to catch her breath and gulping down water to ease her choking, Ryan continued to babble on about things that were hard to hear. "So what kind of person are you exactly? Sneaking into bed with someone else while your boyfriend is away? Are you just thirsty for sex?" Ivy, still surprised by Ryan's sudden ap
Swallowing his rage, Ryan quickly deployed another tactic in hopes of regaining the upper hand and ultimately defeating Ivy. "Do you think I don't dare?" Instead of intimidating her, he dared to be bold, bolstering his bravery. "Let me tell you, Ryan here can say it can be done. Don't forget I warned you: I'll make you wish you were dead." Ivy laughed with a sense of exhilaration, goading him on. "I haven't forgotten; your words are etched deep in my memory. So go ahead, do as you please, and you'll get what you want. But let me remind you: If I'm hurt, you won't be unharmed either; I can assure you of that," Ivy added assertively, emphasizing the reciprocity of consequences. "Do you think I'm bluffing, just trying to scare you?" Ryan growled in warning. "And don't think you can do anything to me." "I don't underestimate you; I just think you lack wisdom," Ivy retorted, delivering a verbal blow that subtly implied his foolishness and uselessness. "You might not mind the notoriety
Luke's heart was now flooded with chaos, and his chest weighed heavily. He regretted involving Ivy in this mess a thousand times. Thinking of Ivy, Luke suddenly looked her way, finding her gaze fixed upon him. The agony etched deep within his eyes was starkly evident on his face. As a perceptive individual, Ivy easily discerned Luke's unstable emotions. Meanwhile, the girl standing beside Luke continued to enthusiastically greet the guests, her smile bright and cheerful, but it flickered out as she stopped beside Ivy, her gaze towards Ivy deep and inscrutable.Oh God, the very thing Luke feared had finally happened.Silence engulfed the banquet hall, no applause resounding too loud or too long, then the reaction of Luke, the male protagonist of the event. Immediately, all eyes suddenly turned towards Ivy, the unexpected focus of attention, standing somewhat dazed near the entrance.How would the girl to whom Luke had personally declared his love react to this shock?"Ivy!" he whispere
"Luke, what on earth were you doing?" Tegan scolded loudly, but Luke seemed indifferent. Tegan hurriedly ran up to the stage to assist the girl. "Are you okay?" Tegan asked with concern, and the girl shook her head, her face filled with sadness. She never expected Luke to act like that, especially in front of so many people. Luke's older brother also berated him. "Do you realize how foolish you've been? Take a look at your behavior!" Luke remained indifferent, not bothering to argue, acknowledging that it was his fault, so he would remain silent and listen to the heavy words. It seemed like everyone's attention was focused on the stage, except for Ryan and Ivy. While Ivy was lost in her imaginary world, Ryan concentrated his attention. After exhausting all possible words to express Luke's stubbornness, the Evans siblings sighed helplessly. As a moment of quiet settled, Luke remembered something more important and looked down, deciding to approach Ivy again. "Luke," Mariko hurri
"I think we should go out there and help her," Mason suggested, unable to bear it any longer. But Ryan remained rooted in place. The lawyer bit his lip and turned away, resigned to his cowardice. Both Ryan and Mason knew the situation wasn't simple, which left them feeling helpless despite their desire to assist her. As for Ivy, she knew there wouldn't be any knight in shining armor coming to her rescue in her life. And she didn't even wish for it to happen. The handsome hero only exists in romance novels, and romance novels aren't real. Now Ivy felt true loneliness—a bit of hurt. But she wouldn't cry because these matters weren't worth shedding tears over. As for Luke, disregarding all obstacles, he chose to trust her. Firmly brushing off the hand of the girl beside him, Luke strode confidently towards Ivy, facing her and ignoring the perplexed glances around him. "Luke, what are you doing?" Tegan spoke up, genuinely surprised that her younger brother would defy everything, espe
“So, tell me, what's going on?” Ivy couldn't control her volume; her command was fierce. “Explain this vile situation that's unfolding right now.” Luke was taken aback, mouth agape, but no words came out. He was genuinely stunned by Ivy's explosive reaction. While his relatives were visibly angry, how could she dare to raise her voice at him, let alone act so openly in front of everyone? Amidst the chaos, a deeply ingrained memory suddenly resurfaced in his mind, helping him regain composure. Luke chuckled, a naive smile that left the audience bewildered. Yes, that was indeed Ivy's way of handling challenges and difficulties. Therefore, he decided to remain silent to let her vent freely. “Well,” He began in a way that even Ivy couldn't refute. Ivy muttered, “I can't even talk.” She intended to stop, but the frustration was too much to contain; she had to speak her mind. “Do you know that since we've been together, this is the first time such a cursed event has happened to me?” Iv