“Wow! New cap!” Sandra exclaimed the moment she saw Andrew at the entrance of the college main gate as she purposely left home late to avoid Andrew lately.

“Yo!” Andrew greeted in a cool way while showing off his cap and made Sandra giggled as they walked towards Ivy who was watching them from afar under a huge tree and laughing at Andrew’s silly acts. Ivy had been trying to give them both space to talk things out that she left the house earlier than their usual timing and Sandra knew about it resulting in her deciding to head out later as she felt she wasn't ready to tell Andrew.

“Yo!!” Andrew was jumping all around Ivy the moment he saw her as he finally could show everyone his new cap. He felt it was strange for Ivy to arrive earlier but he knew she was trying to set up Sandra for him to have a chance to talk to but it didn’t cross his mind that Sandra was avoiding him.

“Thank you for the job referral! See, my new cap!” Andrew danced around with his cap as both girls giggled. “No worries… Glad you bought something you like!” Ivy lightly tapped on the tip of his cap with her right hand while trying to hide her left hand in her pocket to avoid them from looking at her healing scar.

“Eaten breakfast yet? Breakfast, anyone?” Andrew asked them both from left to right while both of them shook their heads. “Come, let me treat you!” Andrew offered as both girls cheered. “I shall refer you to more jobs! Free meals!” Ivy cheered while a text message entered and she saw it was from Jason.

“Hey… Are your wounds healed?” He asked.

“Yes… but there’s a scar. If my friends asked where I was last weekend, just say I was in the same roadshow as you…” Ivy replied.

“I know… Marcel briefed me. In fact, we missed a week of tutoring. Let me make up for it tonight?” He offered as Ivy pondered but instead Jason called.

“Hey… come over. In fact, this weekend, we will resume the part time emcee job. That’s why…” Jason's explanation was interrupted. “Alright…” Ivy mumbled as he paused.

“You’re alright?” He asked again. “Yes… I am… I gotta go. I am having classes. I will see you tonight then.” Ivy said before hanging up. She sighed as she felt weird lately being around him but again when he wasn’t around, she missed him. She knew she was struggling to control herself from falling for him with all the pretentious acts of being his girlfriend but sometimes, it just got out of hand.

“You! What do you want to eat?” Andrew asked loudly on purpose which startled Ivy from her thoughts.

“Usual one please. Oh, I won’t be joining the study group till late… I had another tutor session tonight…” Ivy explained as Andrew nodded and went back to queue for the girls.

“How’s things with him?” Sandra asked as she nudged Ivy. “Fine… All is well now…How’s things with him?” Ivy asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Which “him” is this?” Sandra asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ivy blinked and realised Sandra might have thought she asked about Andrew.

“Both?” Ivy asked while raising an eyebrow. “It’s going well with Jeremy… but for him…” Both of them sighed watching the goofy boy walk back with their breakfast while making funny faces.

“Breakfast!” Andrew cheered as the girls helped themselves to the breakfast before heading for class.

In the midst of Andrew trying to act like everything was normal by being his usual goofy self while Sandra joined in his silliness at times, Ivy couldn’t help but to think about Jason intermittently between her classes. His tiny gestures lately had sent butterflies to her stomach and reminiscing his gentle gaze caused her cheeks to blush just by thinking about it. She recalled Phoenix’s gaze was similar and she could almost feel Phoenix’s warm embrace.

One thing she was grateful for was that her exams results were improving so much that she wondered if she had joined Andrew and Sandra in the other science subjects, would she excel well too. As though knowing how much Ivy missed him, Jason decided to drop by her college to see her as he couldn’t wait to tell her about his band’s performance in the upcoming town festival on Friday.

“You should recite it now… A whole day in school… Comes as a waste of time…”” Andrew joked while the girls burst out in laughter on the way to the bus stop. Jason stood cross legged as he folded his arms while watching the trio happily walk out of the college gate. There were a few college students who noticed him and were smitten by his charming looks as they walked away giggling.

Ivy’s eyes couldn’t help but to catch the sight of him as well. He was unexpectedly charming to her today, she thought as the trio walked over to him. Ivy couldn’t take her eyes off him as she had been thinking of him the whole day.

“Hey…” He greeted her coolly. “Hey…” She greeted him gently which made Andrew and Sandra give her a strange look. They could sense something has changed between Ivy and Jason. Ivy noticed the awkward silence and decided to introduce everyone to each other. “Oh, here… meet Andrew and Sandra. And this is…” Ivy introduced before Andrew interrupted.

“Jason… Your boss… Yes, we know…” Andrew greeted with a handshake as Sandra nodded in acknowledgement and smiled.

“Oh yes…” Jason turned around to slip his hand into the open window of his car to take out three concert tickets and passed each to the trio. “Come watch my band and I perform for the town festival this Friday… Ivy would know where it is…” Jason winked at Ivy who was widening her eyes and squinting at him to stop him from telling them about her involvement previously.

"Hmmm...?" Ivy hummed to stop the conversation as she pulled Jason aside.

“What are you up to?” Ivy whispered.

"I was actually here to invite you and your friends to watch the band performing in the town festival as it was an invitation for the winners." Jason stood blinking while waiting for her response.

She stepped back out as she placed her arms on her waist.

"You do know I definitely cannot expose myself again considering we won and the press would cover the story in detail." Ivy scolded but tried to maintain her voice lower.

"It was only an invitation to watch." He raised his eyebrow.

She laughed as she walked back to the duo. "That's definitely a yes."

“Heading home? Want a ride?” Jason offered as Jason and Sandra looked at Ivy for an answer. Ivy primly nodded as they all hopped into his car as they rode in silence. When they alighted at Ivy’s home entrance, Sandra and Andrew were greeted by Lucky as Ivy delightedly smiled at the sight of him.

“There… My insurance that you would drop by tonight…” Jason teased as Ivy snarled at him. “What are you up to? Stop scheming…” Ivy mumbled but loud enough for him to hear.

“Ivy… make sure you come… No, in fact, stay over the whole week. I need to tutor you and I have to practice for Friday and brief you about the weekend emcee job…” He explained while Ivy nodded her head and smiled. “Alright I will… See you tonight?” Ivy asked as he smiled and nodded in return watching Ivy’s eyes twinkling at the sight of his smile.

The entire afternoon felt like it sprinted past Ivy as she quickly finished up her assignments and compiled her notes on a few topics taught lately before she got ready to send Lucky home to Jason’s place. Andrew and Sandra were surprised at Ivy being obedient and diligent in studying without her usual daydreaming or disturbing them both for the day.

She left the house a little earlier with Lucky and told Sandra to lock up for her once they left. She intentionally wanted to leave them both alone to give Andrew the chance to speak with Sandra or maybe let Sandra tell him about her relationship.

She didn’t really like the awkward situation she was in lately with them both she thought while unlocking the door to Jason’s house. As she put down her bag and books, she went to stand by the sliding door and recalled the last time she came. She wondered if Nancy had gotten better. She then realised none of them had updated her about Nancy on the roadshow as she called Marcel to check for updates.

“Marcel… Free?” She chirped. “It’s alright. Go ahead…” Marcel instructed as he showed Jason the caller ID while Jason signalled him to put her on loudspeaker knowing it was Ivy.

“I just wanted to check on the roadshows. How was it? My friends told me they were paid handsomely!” Ivy cheered happily. “Yes, we paid them your rate per hour…” Marcel replied in a formal tone which annoyed Ivy.

“Are you with Jason?” She quickly checked while Jason signalled him to not tell her. “Err... What else do you need to know? I have to go soon…” Marcel quickly said to cover up.

“Jason’s not around right? I just wanted to ask how Nancy was when she worked with Jason. Was Nick there as well?” Ivy finally asked the question she was dying to hear an update about.

“She was alright. Things went well with the extra help. Yes, Nick was there as well.” Marcel primly updated as Jason continued to type away on his keyboard knowing Ivy was worried about Nancy.

“Good! Are you alright? Have you been well? I haven’t seen you around lately…” Ivy asked as she realised ever since she started the job, she liaised lesser with Marcel as he was always out and about. “I’m fine. I got to go now…” Marcel quickly said as Jason smiled knowing Marcel couldn’t stand her pestering him.

“Alright… See you soon?” Ivy replied in a sad tone that Marcel hesitated to say nothing and just hang up. “Yes. See you soon, Ms. Ivy.” Ivy smiled before cheerfully telling him goodbye and hung up. She paused when she heard the front door unlocked itself.

She thought it was Jason at first but she received a text message the next moment she hung up from Marcel. “Since when are you so close with my secretary?” He asked in the text message but her eyes went back eyeing at the front door opening in front of her as Lucky approached excitedly.

A very pretty lady appeared at the doorway and squatted to pat Lucky. It wasn’t someone she knew or saw before as the lady stood and was surprised to see Ivy in the house.

“Oh hi… who are you? Jason’s employee? Are you here to take a document?” She asked Ivy who had to think of an excuse in the midst of an awkward situation.

“Err… you’re?” Ivy stuttered asking her.

“I’m Daisy… Jason’s mother. You must be his new staff?” Daisy asked while she placed the bags of groceries on the dining table.

Ivy was nervous as she quickly grabbed a yellow file from the sofa she left and decided to leave instead. “Yes… I got to head back to the office with the documents.” Ivy said as she excused herself while Daisy was busy putting the groceries into the cupboards and refrigerator. “Alright, see you! Drive safely!”

Daisy stood by the kitchen window and watched Ivy. She knew who she was and wondered how she knew Jason and ended up working with her son. Daisy wondered if her grandma’s business fortune wasn’t enough for her to survive as she called Jason and interrogated Jason over the phone.

“How come you know who spicy chilli noodle grandma’s granddaughter, darling? Are you dating her?” Daisy chirped over the phone when Jason answered. Jason, upon hearing his mother’s greeting verse, knew she must have seen Ivy in the house.

“She works for me… Why?” Jason tried to sound calm although his heart was pounding while he put his mother on loudspeaker to type a text message to Ivy asking where she was.

“Works for you? She has a fortune yet she needs to work? Come on, darling. Tell mummy, are you dating her?” Daisy teased while giggling which Jason couldn’t help but to smile a little.

“Mum, she needs experience too isn’t it? No, I’m not dating her.” Jason smiled even wider at the last line thinking if only his mother knew the truth. “Really?” His mother teased even more.

“Mum, what are you doing in the house?” Jason asked abruptly, trying to change the topic. “Sending you groceries… Oh, don’t worry she left with the documents you needed. Alright, son I will get back to cleaning your house and preparing you dinner. Come home early, yes…” Daisy said.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Mum, I have meetings tonight with a client. You don’t have to prepare anything mum.” Jason quickly said as he recalled he invited Ivy to stay over for the whole week.

“Alright, alright. I will keep the dishes in the fridge. Just heat them up when you’re home alright? Eating outside food isn't always healthy, son.” Daisy nagged as Jason held his head and rolled his eyes knowing he can never beat his mother.

“Alright mum. Got to go. Love you!” He quickly said as he wanted to call Ivy but his mother stopped him.

“Son, come back this weekend. You haven’t been back for a long time…Your granny misses you too...” His mother said in a sad tone as his heart ache missing both of them too but he knew this week he has been too packed. “Next weekend, maybe. I have to travel for business over this weekend…” He said sadly.

“Alright! Bring her along!” Daisy cheered before hanging up leaving Jason with no choice to reject as he sighed. He was about to dial Ivy’s number when he heard rushing footsteps approaching his office and saw her running towards him.

He greeted her half way as she entered his office while the door swing opened and closed itself back in the midst of Ivy panting heavily. She looked so pale from the shock while catching her breath trying to explain to Jason the entire situation.

“Your mum…” Ivy managed to say before hastily catching her breath. “Is…” Ivy attempted to explain further but instead she squatted and breathed faster.

Jason was glad she made it to find him this time as he subconsciously pulled her in for a hug while she squatted. When he noticed his subconscious act, he was glad his office window shades were closed but Nancy caught sight of the entire scene as she peeped through an opening. Nancy was furious but she remembered Ivy’s promise and calmed herself down before heading back to her work assignments.

“I know… She called me. Why were you home so early?” Jason asked while he rubbed Ivy’s back to help her calm down as she was still panting.

“Miss me?” He teased as Ivy eyes widened looking at him which turned her pants into hiccups. “How did he know it?” Ivy questioned herself while hiccuping occasionally.

“Oh dear… Come sit here. I will fetch you a glass of water.” Jason chuckled on the way to the pantry leaving Ivy stunned at his second question while fighting to control her hiccups.

Ivy was still hiccuping when Jason came back with her glass of water as she drank it halfway and choked fighting her hiccups. Jason quickly took some tissues for her while he grabbed the glass of water away.

“Slowly… Did you run all the way up here? There’s a lift you know.” He joked as Ivy finally laughed and smacked him.

“Stupid…” She scolded as she rolled her eyes. She noticed her hiccups had stopped thanks to the laughter earlier. “Your mother came over. I just told her I was your staff and left taking my stuff. Did she say anything about me to you?” Ivy asked curiously while still wiping her mouth.

“I know… she called me… Anyway, sorry we have to stay late cause I know she will be cooking although I told her not to. Late as in nearly midnight as she will wait till ten and she needs to sleep by eleven because it’s her usual bedtime… I know I invited you …” Jason wanted to explain further but she held his hand to stop him from explaining further.

“I get it. It’s alright…Do you want to head home and see her for a while? I can always drive over once she leaves… I will stay here while waiting. We can start the tutor session here and while I practice, you can leave to see her... I will pack dinner first?” Ivy offered as he nodded. They both smiled in unison as they understood each other’s unspoken predicaments easily.

Ivy had been staying over for the entire week to accommodate his busy schedule ahead. Jason had been in and out of discussions with his clients and giving talks everywhere that on Wednesday night he decided to take a break from tutoring Ivy. Besides, he was furious with a competitor who recently accused his booming business for snatching away their clients when in actual fact, the commercials advertisement were effective and the credit was all due to Ivy who had been drafting several business proposals previously and preparation for his presentation slides that he picked up her ideas proposed to his other clients and implemented them on his own.

"Ivy?" Jason knocked on her room door.

Ivy heard a knock but she wasn't sure if it was as she was listening to her songs blasting in bed while reading a crime novel for an idea to write during exam. Her mind reminded her that her mid-year exam was in the following month and she should always prepare earlier as she might travel more on weekends lately. Besides, it was raining so heavily outside that she loved the warmth under the blanket.

"Ivy?" Jason knocked louder this time. She instantly got out of bed and went to answer the door half annoyed.

"Jason? Sorry I didn't hear you knocking." Ivy explained as Jason saw her novel and music player lying on the bed.

"Yes?" Ivy asked while watching him look inside the room quietly.

"I ... Was thinking if you wanna go out perhaps or..." Jason was trying to get the raging issues in office off his mind but he couldn't find a reason to invite Ivy to accompany him.

"Alright. To where?" Ivy asked as the thunder rumbled.

"Do you have any idea?" Jason asked in return.

"I frankly don't wanna head out. It’s raining heavily you see." Ivy folded her arms.

"Erm hmm alright actually I don't wanna head out too but you should take a break from studying." Jason attempted to create excuses to get her company.

"I wasn't. I was just finding an idea to write during the exam, that's all. Anyway, chess?" Ivy offered as he shook his head. "Too taxing." He waved his hand indicating his rejection.

"Board games? Movies? Checkers?" Ivy suggested.

"Hmm... Not really ..." Jason didn't feel like doing any of it as all he wanted to was to vent to her but he had been hesitating to tell her the truth for fear she would reject him.

"Then what?" Ivy got frustrated but told herself to hold back her anger as he didn't look like he was trying to pull a prank on her.

"You're acting really strange. What's going on?" Ivy asked gently as she finally realised he wasn’t his usual self and something must have bothered him.

Jason kept quiet knowing she had started to notice his ulterior motive.

"Alright, alright. We will make some tea and head to the balcony?" Ivy offered as he nodded and smiled.

As Jason followed her to the kitchen and helped out on brewing tea, he quickly grabbed a packet of her favorite cookie along.

"Ah, the rain. So dandy yet scary." Ivy commented as she sipped her tea. He offered her the cookie he brought with him and watched her munch the first piece.

Jason smiled watching the rain once again with her. It felt good with her around as he recalled the first time they met, it rained heavily too.

"So, what's with you? It's not much of your usual self though." Ivy tried coaxing while putting down her cup of tea and faced him.

"I didn't bug you to tell me this either. I was trying to take my mind off those things." He mumbled but she could still make out what he said.

"Running away isn't helping. Hiding, isn't either. Come on, tell me. I may not be ideal in helping but at least I could lend some time and my ears to you." Ivy said as she pulled her ears longer and made Jason laugh.

"You're so funny... Well, it was a competitor. He was indirectly saying my company was stealing his clients when in fact, I took your ideas suggested in the business proposals and implemented them into my business as well. What right does he have to say all clients of his are exclusively his?" Jason explained with full dissatisfaction.

"How did you find out about it?" Ivy was surprised to hear his compliment although he was more focused on the consequences.

"His company's social media posted about it. Well, it wasn't mentioning my firm directly but there were trusted sources from within confirming it was my firm." Jason further explained.

"Well, you can look at it from two different perspectives. One, it's a competitor and he didn't specifically say it's your company. So, you should pretend like it's not your company and continue what you do best." Ivy explained her thoughts.

"But everyone in the market knows it's my firm. I am thinking of retaliating..." Jason said with anger as he clenched his fingers into a fist. Ivy held on to his fist which made him relaxed a little.

"Jason, I understand your feelings. But I would say get over your emotions first before you decide on what to do. Your business reputation will be at risk. Why dirty your hands when it's not even obvious it's your company? Besides, it was my idea and I work for you now. You did nothing wrong." Ivy explained.

"It's very obvious, Ivy..." Jason sat up straight as Ivy interrupted.

"Jason, wait, wait... Another way is for you to be a friend and find him to iron things out. You have a strong business portfolio and reputation in jeopardy. You have to remember that." Ivy took a sip of her tea and her phone vibrated a few times.

"Your phone." Jason said as Ivy saw an incoming call.

"Sandra?" Ivy picked up the call and put her on loudspeaker.

She heard her sniffing. "Ivyyyy...." Sandra wailed as she cried.

Ivy sat up straight as she knew something bad had happened. "Sandra! What happened? Hello? Sandra?"

Sandra sniffed as she kept herself in control. "Ivy... I broke up..." Sandra sniffed as she explained.

Ivy leaned backwards on the bench, relieved as Jason patted her shoulder knowing she was tense for a while.

"Where are you?" Ivy asked.

"Your house... In your room..." Sandra cried again.

"Alright, alright. Sandra… I'm so sorry to hear that. You wanna hang out tomorrow and talk about it? It's pretty late to get to you as much as I want to in this rain though." Ivy explained.

"I know. I understand." Sandra sniffed and blew her nose.

"I come by after class? Don’t worry I will ward off Andrew with an emergency. Skip class then and sleep over in my house. I will let you copy my notes and pack food for you." Ivy suggested while she noticed Jason couldn’t help but to smile at her detailed sinister plans. She gave Jason a smirk as Jason chuckled lightly.

"Alright… promise me to keep this away from Andrew please?" Sandra pleaded between her sniffs.

"Alright. Got it! You will be alright Sandra… Keep the doors locked and stay warm alright." Ivy tried comforting her.

"I know I will. In fact, I am better off without someone who is only interested in getting in my pants." Sandra sounded very upset. "I trusted him and thought we would last but all guys are just the same. All he wanted was that. What had happened to our hay-wired puberty seriously!" Sandra yelled.

Ivy was shocked at the reason as it was really unexpected but then again she was glad the break up happened. A part of her always wanted to see her with Andrew and was happy Andrew finally had a chance.

"Chill, chill Sandra. He is such a jerk! Alright, there's no point of thinking or getting mad about it. Let's just go to bed and I will speak with you tomorrow?"

"Alright! Goodnight lovely Ivy! Thanks for being the best friend I could count on!" Sandra chirped as she sounded a lot better.

"No worries. I'm glad you're feeling better though! Goodnight! Love you!" Ivy responded as she waited for Sandra to hang up while she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh my goodness! Seriously! That was very unexpected!" Ivy spoke louder as she stood up to pace around in front of Jason.

"Well, it's quite common for boys to want that at your age. Considering you know, the hay-wired puberty and hormones." Jason pointed out.

"No, it's not like that. We really thought he was a great and untypical guy… I mean he is on the basketball national team and Ryu knows him… Or maybe not…" Ivy sighed as she sat back next to Jason.

"Poor, poor Sandra..." Ivy lamented as she sipped her tea.

Jason was wondering if he should just give her the privacy with Sandra in the house while he visits his family tomorrow night instead since there will be some idle time.

Ivy caught Jason pondering something immensely and recalled their conversation earlier.

"Sorry." Ivy said to break the silence.

"For?" Jason sat up straight. "For the interruption… Since you know, you were talking about your issues. Anyway, I think you should let it go for now then later when you feel better, decide on an action plan?" Ivy suggested as she smiled, beaming at him.

"I will. I was just thinking that you should bring Sandra here to talk. I won't be around till late at night. But why are girls hiding it from Andrew?" Jason asked while Ivy hesitated for a few moments to tell him. “Cause Andrew had a crush on Sandra all along but she didn't know and a part of me does want to see them together. Well, I’m glad things didn't work out with that boy…” Ivy explained as she looked down sadly on her cup of tea. Jason held her hand and comforted her. “Things will work out… Just bring her over tomorrow then…” Jason offered again.

"Oh? But aren’t you due for our tutor session?" Ivy asked. “We have been studying for the past few days… I’m just making up more to be prudent but looks like it is more than enough. Besides, we are flying off on Saturday early morning. Friday night’s show will last really late. That’s why I got you to stay over for the entire week. It’s a hectic schedule…” Jason explained. “I see… then where would you be tomorrow night?” Ivy questioned as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"My mother has actually been pestering me to head home for dinner as I haven't been home for a while which I am actually dreading." Jason explained.

"Why?" Ivy asked. "Just because." He randomly answered.

"If you really don't wanna be bugged about getting married and all perhaps you should just bring hmm over…?" Ivy suggested while she pointed downstairs indicating Nancy who had been sitting every night watching Jason in silence after a whole day of work. Jason understood her. “I would rather bring you… Besides, my mother has asked me to bring you too…” Jason thought he said it out loud but he was telling himself in mind while looking at her. “Or you could just hang out with your friends in the bar perhaps?” Ivy suggested randomly while checking on her text messages.

"Who? Oh, those friends? Nay. I would rather..." Jason sat closer to face Ivy. "... Hang out with you." Jason smiled when Ivy turned to her right and looked him in the eyes.

Ivy caught the hint of him teasing her every now and then. She couldn't help but to feel something very different between them for a while now but she couldn't figure out what it was. Her eyes twinkled even more as their stares were more intense than ever.

“What is this? Why do I have a strange feeling?” Ivy asked herself. Jason realised he was so close that he exerted control on himself and decided to call it a night.

"Thanks for accompanying me. You might wanna rest early?" Jason suggested but immediately regretted it as he was hoping for her to decline and spend more time with him since he just recalled he was due to meet her father soon for updates about her and their merger. Perhaps, he thought, it’s time to tell him and seal the deal but he felt a heaviness in his heart to do the right thing. He wondered if this fake relationship was slowly turning into a real one?

“One more close up… I might just waver…” Jason told himself.

"Nay. Let's head on for a game of checkers. Loser pays for breakfast?" Ivy wiggled her eyebrows.

Jason chuckled at her offer, feeling glad. "Deal!"

The next day he left the house early with a note for Ivy that breakfast for her and Sandra was ready in the refrigerator since he lost the night before in checkers with her. He also told her to bring Sandra over which meant he was going to visit his family house. Ivy decided to bring Lucky home instead first thing in the morning with his breakfast to check on Sandra. She texted Andrew that the both of them will be late and told him to head to college first to book seats in class. She also texted Jason to update him but she knew he wouldn't read it till night as he was in a talk for the whole day and then his family dinner. She began to worry about his health and reminded herself to cut up the fruits in his refrigerator as his supper every night before they rot.

Before she entered her house, she squatted to pat Lucky. “Lucky boy… Thank you for being such a good boy… Now, we need to cheer Sandra up… While I am in class, keep her company alright…” Ivy kissed his cheeks as Lucky licked her and barked at the door. Sandra opened up upon hearing Lucky’s bark to see Ivy waving.

“Hey sweetie! You’re alright?” Ivy walked into the house as she instantly pulled Sandra in for a hug as she nodded. “It’s alright… It’s all over now… I’m glad you were brave enough to call it quits.” Ivy praised as she sat her down and laid out breakfast.

“Wow, this is so sumptuous. Did you prepare it?” Sandra asked while wiping her tears away as she cuddled with Lucky. “No, it was Jason…” Ivy smiled while taking cutleries for them.

“Your boss?” Sandra raised an eyebrow. “Dig in… he lost a bet on checkers last night and owes me breakfast but he heard about you so he prepared for you too…” Ivy explained while pouring them a glass of fruit juice.

“I forgot you were in his house… anyway, what’s going on between the both of you? Are you both now officially a couple?” Sandra asked while she munched on the sandwich.

“What do you mean? We are only faking the relationship that’s all.” Ivy mumbled.

“It does look real…the both of you had communication as though you were an old couple…” Sandra explained as she pinched a little of the sandwich and fed Lucky. Ivy pondered and realised lately she had also noticed a change in his gestures and she was beginning to waver. Sandra noticed Ivy was munching silently deep in her thoughts.

“Were you feeling butterflies in your stomach lately?” Sandra teased but unexpectedly Ivy nodded. “How did you know?” Ivy asked, surprised.

“When you’re not with him, does your heart miss him and make you think of him the whole day?” Sandra questioned more as Ivy nodded.

“Does your heart hurt just thinking about leaving him or not seeing him for a long time?” Sandra’s third question pricked Ivy’s feelings as though it was an open wound. “Yes…” Ivy put down her sandwich as she recalled her promise and mission she made with Nancy.

“Ivy… Your feelings don’t lie…” Sandra told her as she blinked at the realisation of her feelings for Jason. “But what’s the point… it’s only a matter of time I will need to leave this town with you and Andrew to study in Landsfield.” Ivy said sadly.

“You have decided?” Sandra asked.

“Yes… I think I should take on business management besides I can manage grandma’s business well and put you at ease to not worry about your mother.” Sandra smiled at Ivy’s decision. “We will be together again in college!” Sandra cheered happily trying to lift the mood but Ivy could only manage a sad smile. Sandra knew then, Ivy had fallen in love with Jason without noticing and it would be too hard for her to pull out of it the later she stopped it.

“But… are you sure you can leave him by then?” Sandra asked as Ivy wavered.

“If you can do it, I must do it…” Ivy fought back her tears and bravely declared a war with herself. Sandra gave her a sad smile.

“It’s not easy Ivy… I’m still trying to let go… Your reasons are different from mine… I could get over it sooner than you… Perhaps you should seriously consider pulling out now before it gets too overwhelming?” Sandra advised as Ivy winced thinking about it.

“But I can’t… not when Nancy is still unstable. I will when the time comes… It’s bound to happen…” Ivy said as she forced herself to continue to munch on the sandwich.

“Appreciate every moment, Ivy… remember only the blissful memories… it would be easier to let go…” Sandra advised as they finished up their breakfast in silence and intermittently fed Lucky what they couldn’t finish.

Deep down, Ivy already knew the answers but she wondered if she could pull it off when the time came as she wished for time to stop for her to enjoy every moment she could have with Jason.