Knowing Ivy was still under trauma, Jason didn’t want her to be alone so he accompanied her the whole Sunday while she studied. He took the chance to catch up on work as he had been away for a week. Ivy secretly enjoyed their quiet day together as she felt safe and was able to study well knowing he was by his side.

Although Jason was busy with work, he caught Ivy taking multiple glances at him a few times. He knew his actions the night before had gone overboard and needed to give her an explanation. However, he knew with her state at the moment, it was best to postpone his explanation first.

Ivy on the other hand, had forgotten about the close call of her first kiss being stolen but instead could sense Jason was still worried about her trauma although he didn’t show it. She could only watch him being concerned helplessly when he kept his accounts tutoring session and review of his company’s monthly accounts with her short.

He even slept by her side that night which made her realise she had to keep her feelings under control. Although she knew she desperately needed his companionship, she was also thinking about the consequences when the time came for her to leave him. However, his persistence had made her lose the will to retaliate as she quietly enjoyed his dominating side for once while she slowly drifted into a peaceful dream.

“Princess… Be careful…” Ivy heard a familiar voice as she opened her eyes to find herself once again standing under the aurora lit skies. She twirled around to find the tall teenager she once met and realised she was back to being her younger self again.

The teenager was holding on to her tiny palm as he looked up at the beautiful scenery in the sky. Little Ivy gripped on to his hand tighter as the teenager smiled, noticing her tiny gesture. She couldn't help but to giggle as she said to him. “I’ll make sure you will be my prince one day…” Her words sent the teenager flattered as little Ivy continued to giggle at her thoughts while she twirled in front of him.

At the break of Monday’s dawn, Ivy’s alarm broke her sweet dream as she sat up in bed still holding tightly onto Jason’s left hand. She used her left hand to switch off the alarm as Jason was stirring. She stared at him momentarily and smiled happily recalling her dream. It eventually made her recall her close first kiss two nights ago with Jason. She blushed at the thought but she knew it was only momentarily. She decided to keep her feelings to herself and enjoyed the present instead of worrying about the future although it was close by.

She couldn’t help but to squeeze into his hug. "Get ready first... You will be late." Jason mumbled with his eyes closed when he felt Ivy was burrowing into his arms.

"You're tired. You should sleep. I can accompany you and skip the exam today." She teased with her eyes closed and smiled. He opened his eyes and saw a wide grin written over her face which was facing him. He knew she was up to her mischief again.

"Ivy." He shook her but she didn't respond.

"Ivyyyy..." He called out with a voice indicating he would do something funny to her if she didn't barge. She still refused to move as she enjoyed absorbing the warmness of his hug which was as though ushering away the coldness of her loneliness all along.

He had no choice but to tickle her awake. Ivy yelped in laughter at the surprise attack as she begged him to stop.

"Alright, alright. I will head to shower. Stop it, Jason! Stop it!” She begged as they both giggled together. He stopped and pointed to the washroom direction as he waited for her to head to the washroom. Before she headed on, she made a bold move recalling their unfinished business two nights ago by stealing a quick peck on his cheek.

It caught him by surprise as he smiled to himself while recalling his attempt two nights ago as well. He found himself stuck in a crossroad; frustrated with the fact that he really wanted to start something new with Ivy but again he knew it wasn’t the right time as he groaned in mind and headed to shower in his room.

He dropped off Ivy at the college’s main gate as Andrew and Sandra walked up to her. They waved at Jason who drove off before gratefully greeted Ivy who looked well.

"Sandra!" Ivy chirped happily which surprised them both that she was in a good mood.

"Morning!" Sandra smiled as Ivy hugged her. The three of them continued walking to their exam hall with Sandra and Andrew holding hands.

"We are so glad you came today, Ivy! Thanks to Jason man… Have you been well?" Andrew asked as Ivy nodded with a smile at the sound of his name.

“I’m fine… Don’t worry about me… I was studying the whole day yesterday with Jason and he was tutoring me. That’s why I didn’t reply to your messages on time…” Ivy explained as they both nodded.

They remained silent momentarily as Andrew sent eye signals to Sandra if they wanted to ask her about her relationship with Jason which seemed to be progressing. Ivy actually has noticed their secret eye signals and decided to give a little clarification.

“He is still not my boyfriend…” Ivy said as she stopped walking. Andrew and Sandra knew it was their chance but Andrew couldn’t help to tease her.

“We didn’t ask, but since you mentioned… It seems you’re both progressing a little aren't you?” Andrew said as Ivy rolled her eyes and looked away with a smile knowing she couldn’t hide anything from the both of them.

“Ivy!” Sandra cheered excitedly.

“If I were you, I would forget about the promise made to Nancy and give it a try. After all, Nancy wouldn't know if he doesn't tell and you both can have a little long distance relationship…” Sandra teased as they started walking again. Ivy was blushing while contemplating on their idea but the weekend incident with Kyle helplessly kept bothering her mind.She recalled Andrew and Sandra both only updated her about them being all well at home but didn’t mention anything about their escape.

“About that night… how did you both escape?” Ivy was already too blushed to blush any further that she decided to change their topic.

"Well, I was about to take Kyle down when Jason came to your rescue. I knew the gang wouldn't leave you both alone so I had to blast out a fake police siren from my mobile and quickly rush with her to the car before speeding off. You should really thank Jason for being the hero… If he wasn’t there, I guess we would all be in grave danger." Andrew explained.

“Don’t you ever do that again Ivy!” Sandra took the chance to scold Ivy as she nodded solemnly.

"But Ivy, you should avoid Melissa for the week. I heard the police crash the party and Kyle got out of trouble. In case they come up with something stupid you know…" Andrew warned and that was exactly what she had been worrying two nights ago only to be suddenly forgotten over a peaceful day with Jason yesterday. Ivy nodded as they stepped into the exam hall.

Lance and Belinda saw Ivy and immediately dispersed their chatters to greet her with concern.

"Ivy! We are so glad you came!" Lance said as Belinda went to hug her. Andrew and Sandra watched in disgust while Ivy tried to gain her composure and wondered if Belinda was just putting on a show.

"Hey... Chill am alright... Really. Don’t worry alright. I'm still the same old chirpy Ivy." She joked as everyone forced a laugh.

"Just remember don't get near Melissa. She must be pissed." Belinda warned which made Ivy think Belinda must have been genuine.

"Words do travel like fire. That's my second warning." Ivy winked coolly. "Alright don't worry everyone. Come let's prepare for class."

"What class? You have officially finished the syllabus alright." Laura walked into the exam hall where they gathered just in time to catch Ivy’s mistake.

"Was just about to tell her the same." Lance raised an eyebrow.

Ivy blinked and realised her mind was beginning to worry about Melissa and trouble stirring with Kyle which could harm Jason as she quickly pretended to laugh to hide her worries. "Just kidding."

"Who was that guy who rescued you, we heard?" Laura asked while half teasing.

"Just a friend..." Ivy replied solemnly as she recalled her close first kiss again and blushed.

"Your boyfriend is cool, Ivy..." Belinda praised enviably which made Ivy a little uncomfortable but still gave a fake smile before trying to walk away.

"Ivy, look outside." Lance alerted as everyone turned their attention to Melissa who had been standing there for a while. She gave Ivy a signal to come out and speak to her.

Ivy thought she should do so to see what else Melissa was up to as she turned around and walked towards Melissa, sending everyone’s spine into chills.

"No Ivy! You crazy bitch! Have you forgotten our warnings." Belinda stopped and hissed at her.

"Then watch my back while I talk with her outside..." Ivy said calmly as she walked towards the door.

"Hi Melissa..." Ivy greeted her.

"Stop acting like everything's alright when it is not! Thanks for crashing my party you bitch!" Melissa started to act up as she walked forward to Ivy a little.

Andrew and Lance instantly rushed forward and stood by Ivy’s side.

"Well I am sorry I crashed it but I pity you... Melissa, you deserve better. I'm sure you're aware of what he did to me? Sorry, or should I say it's attempted." Ivy fought back sarcastically.

Melissa got furious as she lifted her right hand in an attempt to slap Ivy but was blocked by Andrew and Lance instead.

"That must be because you lured him to do it! What a slut!" Melissa hissed as Ivy took a deep breath and made her way to stand in between the boys. The whole hall of students stopped and watched them.

"Look, if I did so, I guess I wouldn't be standing here trying to defend myself. I'm sorry I crashed your party again. But, I am not sorry that you have such a boyfriend. I'm not sorry at all for what he had done. You should stay away from him too as a word of advice." Ivy retorted as Melissa got even more furious.

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She nearly slapped Ivy again when Ms. Jane, one of the lecturers, made her way up to the hall since their exam was about to start.

"Hey! Hey! What is going on? Get back into the hall now!" Ms. Jane scolded.

"Watch out! You and your boyfriend of yours!" Melissa said in an audible tone for Ms. Jane heard as she stormed off while Ivy, Lance and Andrew obediently turned around and walked to the lockers to prepare for their exams.

"Andrew?" Ivy whispered as he stood beside her. Andrew lifted his head and nodded, asking what she was calling him for while zipping his bag.

"What do you think she meant with the last sentence?" Ivy whispered.

Andrew noticed she sounded worried although she didn't show it on her face while he recalled Melissa’s threat. "It would be fine. But maybe you wanna warn Jason about it. In case you know Kyle might do something stupid."

Ivy blinked in confirmation as she knew her thoughts were aligned with Andrew's. She quickly typed a message to Jason and Marcel alerting them to be careful as she explained briefly her encounter with Melissa.

She sighed as she hit the send button.

"Hey, keep that… Hurry... Exam’s going to start." Andrew urged as she quickly took her necessary belongings and walked over to her designated desk hoping nothing bad would happen to Jason or Marcel while she was having her exams. The thought of seeing Jason at noon after her exam made her mood a little better as she directed her focus to her first paper of the semester; English literature.

Jason drove straight to his office after dropping off Ivy. He didn't realise time flew real fast as his next appointment was in an hour. He took the lift down to take his car by the parking lot when he was then ambushed and assaulted.

His files flew off his hand as more assaults came from a few legs he could feel as he groaned in pain. He was trying to endure the pain as he wasn't given a chance to retaliate but fortunately for him the guards noticed the commotion and yelled at them to stop them. One of them took a pocket knife and pierced him on his right thigh. Jason groaned in agony as three of the guys ran off while a few guards chased after them.

"Sir... Sir are you alright?" The guard checked on Jason. Jason knew he needed to get Marcel on the line as he pressed on to his speed dial and let the guard speak to Marcel.

“I’m fine…Speak to him and get him here…” Jason gritted his teeth while instructing the guard. He then loosen his tie to tie a tight knot around his wound to slow down the bleeding.

“Alright sir… please bear with us the police and ambulance are on their way…” The guard quickly said before speaking to Marcel and gave him details of their whereabouts.

The ambulance and police came moments later as Jason spoke with Marcel on Ivy's arrangements as well as his other appointments arrangements.

"Marcel, you're to pick Ivy later. I drove her today. Don't let her know of this assault. The other appointments, please postpone them…" Jason said while the paramedics were assessing his condition.

"But..." Marcel wanted to protest knowing Ivy would be smart to know something went wrong. After all, she already could sense it from the warning message he received earlier from her.

"You know who those boys are yet?" Jason asked.

Marcel nodded. "Kyle's people." Jason covered his eyes with his bloody hands.

"Charge them Marcel." Jason said without hesitation as the paramedics carried him into the ambulance.

Marcel checked his watch and it was two hours before Ivy got off from college. He quickly called up Jason’s clients who had appointments with him to postpone them before rushing to pick Ivy.

After finishing their exams, Ivy came skipping out of the hall with Andrew and Sandra excitedly as she knew Jason was picking her up. She instantly spotted his car and invited Andrew and Sandra to join in the ride. She was, after all, heading to her grandma’s place first after lunch to study with Andrew and Sandra. Hence, she thought it was also time to formally introduce her friends to Jason over lunch.

"Marcel!" She was surprised to see only Marcel when she opened the passenger car’s door for Andrew and Sandra to hop in.

"Awww… Jason's busy?" She asked disappointingly as she climbed in the car on the front seat.

"Erm... There's something you shouldn't know but you should know." Marcel said solemnly.

"Before that…” Ivy paused at her attempt of explaining about Andrew and Sandra’s presence after listening to how serious Marcel’s tone was.

“Alright, never mind. What is it?" Ivy asked in a serious tone.

"When you sent me the text message, did you know Kyle was up to something?" Marcel asked as he drove the route heading to the hospital.

"No but because his girlfriend, Melissa the one who held the party came to talk to me and she warned me as though Kyle might do something stupid." Ivy explained.

"She really sounded like she was threatening you anyway Ivy…." Andrew interrupted which made Ivy panicked.

"Marcel, what's going on? Where are we going?" Ivy asked nervously after noticing he was driving on an unfamiliar route.

"To the hospital. Jason was assaulted earlier at the carpark in the office." Marcel explained as Ivy eyes widened in disbelief and welled with tears which she tried to hold back.

"Let me guess… By Kyle's people?" Ivy asked with her teary eyes as Marcel nodded. "Is he alright?!" Ivy began to feel nervous and very worried as she held onto Marcel’s left arm. Marcel gave her a piece of tissue noticing her eyes no longer could hold her welling tears which flow down her cheeks.

"He is fine. Some bruises and cuts. He said to not tell you but I thought you would eventually figure out something went wrong…We are going to charge Kyle again."

"Hurry! Bring me to see him…” Ivy urged as she adjusted her sitting position knowing Marcel would go at a faster speed. “Charge Kyle too… Charge till he gets life imprisonment…" She hissed with a snarl as she looked outside at the sunny sky which calmed her down a little before she turned around to Andrew and Sandra who were looking at her with worried faces. "Sorry we have to take a little detour..." Ivy said in a serious tone.

"It's fine. We wanna see him too." Andrew said in an assuring tone as Ivy nodded in agreement.

After knowing about the incident, Ivy’s face slowly turned pale. She learned the room number from Marcel before he parked. She didn't wait for the lift but ran up the escalator instead to the third floor hastily. Everyone was rushing behind her when Marcel stopped Andrew and Sandra from trailing Ivy who was sprinting up the escalator. He then led Andrew and Sandra to take the lift with him instead.

Moments when Ivy reached the door to where Jason was, she heard the familiar coughing sound from inside as she stood holding on to the door knob. She was half delighted but could feel her tears of relief were about to flow as she gripped tighter to the door knob while she calm down and caught her breath. The moment she felt stronger to turn the door knob, Marcel and the rest appeared at the hallway as they watched her stepping into the room and saw Jason sitting in bed.

"Ivy!" Jason was surprised but very delighted at the sight of her as he smiled watching her catching her breath. She scanned him from top to the bottom and noticed his right thigh was wrapped other than that she couldn't spot major injuries other than some cuts.

She eventually couldn’t contain the adrenaline of emotions rushing as he opened his arms widely for her to step in and sobbed. He could still feel her catching her breath in between her sobs. She realised there and then that her feelings for him had gone too deep. She was hopelessly in love with Jason.

At the sight of them both in each other’s embrace, Andrew and Sandra decided to have a quick lunch with Marcel at the cafeteria while waiting for Ivy.

"I told Marcel to not let you know but I guess you're smart enough to guess." Jason said as he wiped her trickling tears when she looked up at him from his arms.

"I knew it would happen! I knew my instinct was right! I didn't want to go for the exam cause I knew I would put you in danger… You should have list..." She choked on her words as she cried on his chest while Jason hugged her again.

"I'm fine. I'm really fine. Alright, I am sorry for not listening to you. I will sit at my family’s home for a couple of days before the weekend camp trip organised by your college with very minimal movement to avoid the scar from opening. It’s not very deep either… So don't worry." Jason explained.

"Serve you right." She scolded in her mumbles as he laughed.

"Ivy, I am charging Kyle in court. Would you be alright with that?" He spoke looking at how tired she was.

She nodded. "Anything to make him pay..."

"Look, there may have been a lot happening. You're losing focus on your studies. After discharging tomorrow evening, I will be over at my family house… You're free to bring Sandra and Andrew to the house to study alright?" Jason suggested.

"They are here in fact. I needed to study with them this afternoon but it’s alright. I will just stay over at my grandma's place. I will bring Lucky along…" Ivy said sadly.

"Well then, it's up to you. I might be able to discharge today so let's see what the doctor says. Meanwhile, please take your lunch with your friends. It must have been a hectic Monday for you. Was the exam alright?" Jason asked as he took some tissues for her to wipe her tears away.

She nodded and hugged him. "Awww, I am so glad you're alright."

"I promise to be alright… Don’t worry. Just focus on your exams." He smiled as she nodded and continued to cuddle with him for a while.

“Tonight, I will come and see you again with some soup alright?” Ivy suggested as Jason patted her head and smiled. “I’ll be waiting…” He winked which sent Ivy smiling from ear to ear as she dried up her face.

“What did I do to deserve you…” Jason smiled at his question to himself as he couldn't help but to hold her in his arms longer.

Because of Jason’s accident, the entire office had been busy reorganising their schedules and postponing non urgent cases that Marcel had no time to pay attention to Nancy. Nancy overheard the news from the other staff and instantly took a taxi to the hospital only to find Ivy beat her to visit Jason.

She stood by the hallway patiently waiting for Ivy to step out from the room as she began to doubt Ivy at keeping her promise and wanted to double check on Ivy. Nancy counted her blessings when Daisy appeared with Jason’s grandmother to visit him.

Jason could hear Daisy’s naggy voice from afar as the door was left open while he urged Ivy to get up. “Hey sweetie… You gotta go else I wouldn't know how to explain to my mother…” At the sound of what Jason called her, her heart skipped a beat as she sat up looking at Jason who was glad her face wasn't too puffy.

“Go… Quickly and come back tonight alright…” He winked as his mother and grandmother was closeby and Ivy quickly gathered her thoughts as she nodded and walked out of the room hastily.

Daisy had noticed a familiar figure coming out from a room in front of them and knew it was Ivy. “Mother… it should be that room… Let’s go…” Daisy urged and true enough, Jason’s grandmother was nagging at him.

“Jasoooonnnnn…. Oh my goodness….My grandsonnnn …. How could this happen to you?” Jason’s grandmother was nagging as Daisy closed the room’s door. Ivy breath a sigh of relief that she managed to escape before getting caught. However, Nancy was already standing by her side and tapping on her shoulder.

“Nancy…” Ivy turned around to Nancy snarling at her.

“Yes… It’s me… I am here to ask you from your actions, are you still seriously keeping up with your promise?” Nancy asked directly which made Ivy feel like she was slapped multiple times. “Who was I to have that wishful thinking of having Jason all to myself?” Ivy thought to herself and laughed.

“You never had to worry Nancy… It might be earlier than six months as I intend to shift over to Landsfield by the end of this year to get used to the new city…” Ivy said confidently as she walked off leaving Nancy hoping she was telling the truth.

In actual fact, although it was Ivy’s plan, she was hoping for a miracle to either take her away without having to face a painful goodbye with Jason or dive right into a real relationship with Jason and fight Nancy all the way.

“You can do it, Ivy… Just enjoy his company for a few more months and leave Ivy…” She tried convincing herself.

She stopped by the garden of the hospital to sit alone as she closed her eyes struggling to keep her mind at peace while letting the strong afternoon sun ray scorch on her.

“But… He called me sweetie… What is the meaning of this? Does he actually like me too? Will he also be able to let me go by then?” She shook her head in frustration as she buried her face into her palm and sighed as she sat alone in a moment of silence to calm herself.