When Ivy woke up the next morning, she was greeted by rays of sunlight as she heard noises from the next room. She was reminded of the earlier part of the morning as she closed her eyes and sighed loudly at the fact that she hasn’t had the chance to explain much things to her family yet but her weakness has been discovered in such a bad time.

“Good morning princess!” Peter greeted her as he stepped in from the next room.

“Good morning, daddy…” Ivy smiled at the sight of her sharp looking father in his formal wear as she crawled to the corner of the bed and gave him a hug.

“Are you alright?” Peter asked as he gave her a kiss on her forehead.

Ivy nodded. “Usually I would have a hard time falling back to sleep peacefully but I did… So yes, I am fully rested…” Ivy smiled looking at her father. “I’m sorry about last night… I mean earlier this morning…” Ivy apologised as Peter combed her soft hair gently.

“Don't worry about it… You should shower first before we head down for breakfast… About visiting your grandma…We might need to postpone it to later in the afternoon as there is a little work the boys had to catch up on…” Peter urged as Ivy nodded and went off to the washroom.

After her quick shower she found a note to head down by herself to the restaurant. She quickly rushed over to find her brothers were being careful around her. They were concerned about her but couldn’t bring themselves to speak with her, afraid of saying the wrong thing and scolded by their dad that they could only serve her breakfast of congee and its side dishes continuously.

Peter noticed the awkward situation among the siblings as he made an excuse to use the washroom thinking the kids might need some space. True enough, Ivy attempted to speak up first.

“Hmm… All of you do not need to be so careful around me… It was just a nightmare.. I cannot sleep in the dark usually else it would trigger sleep paralysis that’s all. Other than that, I am very normal…” Ivy explained as she smiled and raised her hands up cheerfully while her brothers’ mood lightened a little. She noticed Ray’s stiff shoulders were finally relaxed as Jin adjusted his glasses. Ryu was already smiling at her.

“All good?” Ivy asked as they all nodded.

“Alright, I have business I want to discuss… I’m sure you all know that dad has transferred the shares in custody to me. I want to further transfer them and share among all of us including dad and Rahi’s Consulting. Dad wants to be the minority shareholder while he suggests for me to be the major shareholder. The remainder of the shares I want to split among the three of you and Rahi’s Consulting. What do you think of this, Director Jin?” Ivy asked nonchalantly in a managerial voice which surprised all of her brothers at how fast she could adapt to a different level of mood.

Jin, taken by surprise, cleared his throat after a few moments thinking of her suggestion. “I think it’s a good suggestion…. I was also having that in mind but thought you should still hold on to all of the shares…”

“It’s Ophal’s business. All of you are Ophal. I’m no longer alone. We should all be the shareholders. Dad didn't know he would make all of you when he made the initial decision to put me as the sole shareholder. But now, I have all of you as my brothers…” Ivy smiled as the brothers looked at her beaming.

“Alright, any objections from you two?” Ivy asked, directing at Ray and Ryu who were smiling away and shook their heads.

“Good… Director Jin, please convey the message to the Chairman later alright?” Ivy teased as Ray and Ryu giggled at how uncomfortable Jin was as he kept clearing his throat.

“Stop calling me that, Director Ivy…” Jin retaliated as Ray and Ryu burst out in laughter. Ivy made funny faces to Jin as the mood on the table lightened up. Peter watched them from afar as he stepped back to stay awhile and enjoy the sight of his perfect family as he counted his blessings.

Since studies and work caught up with the family, Ivy was also familiarising herself with bits and pieces of works the brothers were working on while waiting for them. However, soon she couldn't catch up and went downstairs to tour the hotel instead.

On her way to the garden, she noticed a store specialised in high quality crafted pens. She went in to have a look and an idea struck her. It was expensive no doubt but from what she had saved during her internship with Jason, she could still afford a cheaper range for her brothers and dad. The meeting tonight crossed her mind as she wondered how Jason was really doing.

With Jason in mind, she didn't hesitate to place an order for Jason as well and had the initials of each of her recipients engraved to the pens she chose and kept them into her bag when they were ready.

They only manage to visit their grandma after a very late quick lunch as Ivy drives all of them. When they arrived at the crematorium, it was nearly four in the evening. Ivy felt a strong remorse and guilt overwhelming her for not visiting a long time ever since her grandma’s funeral day as she halted her steps at the entrance to where her grandma’s columbarium was.

“You’re alright?” Jin who was walking by her side whispered as Ivy kept hesitating to explain or admit she wasn’t alright.

“It’s alright… We are all here with you…” Ray affirmed her as he tried to hold her hand which Ivy didn't realise since when she had the habit of fisting her hands when she was tense. It was only a few days since she found her family and she was impressed at how Ray could tell her bad habits so fast and even stopped her from injuring herself further.

Peter walked up to lead Ivy as Ryu, who was at the entrance of the columbarium, watched Ivy slowly walk up to where he was in Peter’s embrace.

“Have a little bravery…” Ryu patted her head as he gave her a candy secretly on another hand which made Ivy grin when she noticed it as Peter continued to lead them all towards the columbarium.

When Ivy looked up from the candy in her left hand, she was already standing in front of a familiar photo which made her feel like it was ages ago since she last saw it as tears welled up her eyes a little blurring her vision.

“Perhaps, I haven't been paying attention to you lately, grandma…I’m sorry…” Ivy said in her heart while blinking back those tears.

Surprisingly, when Ivy’s eyes darted to her grandma’s urn where memories of her holding on to it once and placing it into the columbarium flooded her mind, she could feel peace sipping into her as her remorse and guilt slowly faded away.

“Mother… I am sorry I came late… I hope you can forgive me for returning a little too late…” Peter said in a shaky voice as Ivy held his hand which gave him some comfort.

“I have brought your grandsons along... Lenny has passed on after the last child birth…” Peter said solemnly as he closed his eyes tightly before opening them again after taking a deep breath. Ivy gripped tightly to her dad’s hand as the brothers kept their head low at the thought of their mother’s passing when most of them were still toddlers.

“Don’t worry mother… I will take good care of Ai Lee from now on…” Peter said in an assuring voice as the whole family bowed three times in respect.

Ivy secretly wondered if her grandma knew they were visiting her today that she dreamt of her last night but was glad that she had finally felt at peace when they left the columbarium as though a closure she had sought a long time ago.

By the time they left the columbarium, it was nearly dinner time that they proceeded to head back to the hotel’s restaurant where they agreed to meet with Jason.

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“Today, has been a tough day for you my dear…” Peter said to Ivy at the entrance of the hotel as he recalled her brief remorse moments before visiting her grandma and now she had to sort out her personal matters with Jason eventually.

Ivy smiled and patted her dad’s hand as she stopped midway to the restaurant. “Daddy, I think all of you should meet him first. Let me sit by a corner and hear him out before I give him this…”

Ivy suggested as she took out the agreement she signed from her bag. Peter nodded as they all proceeded to enter the restaurant with Ivy sitting at a corner seat nearby them. Ivy took out an oblong box from her bag and took one last look at the initials “J R” engraved at the end of the pen before giving it away to Jason later.

“Mr. Rahi…” Peter waved at the sight of Jason as he walked over to them. Jason was frowning a little as he noticed Ivy was not around. He tried to keep his professionalism as he maintained a smile.

Ivy sat anxiously as she anticipated hearing Jason’s voice after a long time. It even made her heart skip a beat as she tried to calm herself down by gulping down a glass of water in front of her.

“Jason, please…” He said as he shook Peter’s hand while the other three brothers weren’t adamant with his presence but they stayed professional with a serious face as they each shook his hand briefly.

Peter nodded as he directed him to sit opposite him before being direct and honest with him.

“Jason, my apologies. My daughter has been upset about…” Jason interrupted by raising his hand and took a seat opposite Peter.

“I understand. In fact, I must admit it was also my fault in the beginning for using her to get a business relationship with your company. Although I didn't know it was her at first as I have explained, I must admit in between I still had the intention to use her. However…” Jason sighed as Peter remained solemn while the three boys were trying to control their anger as they knew Ivy was listening in from behind Jason’s seat. They knew they should let their sister deal with her problems her way first. Peter on the other hand was surprised at Jason’s sudden honesty.

“After some time, I realised I valued the friendship I had with her. You may not know that while she grew, she had many betrayals from her friends and she was often taken for granted and taken advantage of. I wanted to be her trustworthy friend. That's where I am prepared to let this opportunity go…” Jason explained as Peter was curious what Jason's plans were.

“If you let this chance go, then what are your plans?” Peter asked as Jason smiled.

“What else can I do right? Restart from scratch. I have been there and done that once. Try again I guess…” Jason said as he avoided eye contact and looked down on the ground as he hoped he didn’t have to use his last resort. Peter knew Jason had come prepared but he never expected Ivy to be furious at his alternative decision.

Ivy who was listening in was shocked at Jason’s alternative plans as she stepped out from her seat. Her family were anxiously watching her being furious and upset while staring at Jason from behind him.

“So, I guess I will see myself out first…” Jason said after a while thinking there wasn’t any hope but Peter quickly halted him.

“That… will depend on her decision... Darling, what do you say?” Peter asked at Ivy’s direction which sent Jason turning around to find Ivy who was furiously staring at him as she stormed over to the table trying to control her emotion. She knew after all it was still business and she had to stay professional.

“You should sign the contract since you need to give your proposal by Monday to the client.” Ivy said as she passed him the pen she had prepared as a gift. Jason instantly noticed the initials engraved on the pen were of his as he looked up at Ivy with flattering eyes.

“Sign, I agree… Business wise, we all benefit from each other. Our lawyers will arrange to meet you again for the signage of owning 30% of Ophal’s real estate shares. Details will be told by our lawyers. Do wait for their call.” She explained with a poker face as Jason turned to look at Peter who nodded at him with a smile. Jason was hesitant to sign but as he took one last look at Ivy who nodded with a much gentler look, he finally penned down his signature.

“Guess, this is an earlier goodbye than I thought…” Ivy thought to herself with a suppressed sad feeling as Jason returned the pen to her.

“Oh, you can keep it…” Ivy said nonchalantly as she walked over to father.

“Daddy, I have a camping trip tomorrow. I will head back to grandma’s place as I need to prepare with Andrew and Sandra…” Ivy said softly but was loud enough for Ray and Ryu sitting close by to hear her. Peter hugged Ivy and nodded before giving her a kiss on her forehead.

“Take care, sweetheart…”

“Enjoy!” Ryu said as Ivy forced a smile with her eyes closed. “Stay safe!” Ray waved goodbye to her as she waved at her family members. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Jason for fear she would break down and cry.

She was trying her best to not cry in front of all of her family members too so she had to come up with such an excuse as she quickly made her way to the carpark. However, Jason knew it wasn’t that simple when it was Ivy as he chased her and caught in the middle of the car park.

“Ivy!” Jason’s voice echoed through the entire car park which made Ivy halt her steps and closed her eyes as she quickly wiped her tears away. She was angry with herself for being easily flattered just by his voice.

“Ivy, wait! Listen…” Jason quickly ran to her.

Although she knew that the friendship she had with Jason was genuine, she still couldn't get over the disappointment of how things turned out. She kept telling herself it was over and that it was all fine since he was still willing to be a genuine friend and even give up on his business opportunity but she was only human who had complicated hormones at teenage age which she was still struggling to control.

“Yes, what is it, Mr. Rahi?” Ivy said in a professional way to disguise her emotions.

“Ivy, don’t be like this… I owe you an apology. I am sorry that I had to tell you this way. All I wanted in the end is genuinely for you to have a family to love you and…” Ivy didn’t want to listen any further as she stopped him midway.

“When did you know my identity?” Ivy asked with a choking voice.

“At first I didn't know who you were in the school event and questionnaire. I thought you were really poor after your grandma left and you had to work part time. That's why I took you in as an intern and willing to help you. But when I saw your picture in the kitchen with your parents under the aurora sky… That's where I thought I should make use of you to get this deal… I am sorry…” Jason apologised as he tried to hold Ivy’s hand only to be pushed away.

“Do not find me again. I don't have a friend like you.” Ivy startled him as she walked away with uncontrollable tears flowing but she managed to maintain her stern look while driving off after wiping her tears quickly in the car.

Words cannot describe how angry she was. Not once but over and over, she felt betrayed by friendship. She treated everyone genuinely hoping the same in return but they all just had a hidden agenda.

Jason held his forehead which had been pounding a lot lately. He realised he didn't finish explaining himself. He quickly drove to her grandma’s house but she wasn't there.

He started to panic as it frustrates him to not be able to find her. She wasn't picking up either as he called Sandra to check if she was with her. Sandra told him no but will tell him if Ivy contacts her since Sandra wasn’t aware of the entire situation.

Ivy drove and drove as she never knew driving could be so calming. She had silent her phone for the entire night which were flooded with calls and text messages from Jason, Sandra and even Andrew. Ryu couldn’t help but to also send a short message to cheer her up but all of them were ignored.

She thought a lot while driving to nowhere that when she finally was too tired to drive anymore, she returned to her grandma’s place. She strolled herself up the hidden roadside and sat by the stairs overseeing Sandra’s house. The sight of the kennel made her miss Lucky whom she could no longer be able to hold.

She hated fate for having to make her encounter Jason this way and for having to meet Lance, Belinda and Laura as useless friends like what Jason said who had been taking advantage of her for ages. She was self conflicting with the fact that Jason made her see how devalued she was with her friends and that she should stay away from them and how she moved on and grew up from her grandmother's passing with him guiding her all along versus what he had done in deceiving her about her family and the business opportunity. She learnt so much at work and studies from him that she even learned to be in love. It wasn't genuine but at least Ivy felt a glimpse of how being in a relationship felt like.

She was in a state of denial as she knew she was alone again despite being able to find her family but the loneliness still lingers. She found the candy Ryu gave her in the afternoon as she unwrapped it and sucked on the lemony flavor which lightened her mood a little.

She checked her phone and saw it was nearly two in the morning as she plugged in her earphones and listened to her playlist but the song she played with Jason’s band came on instead which instantly sent her into waves of emotion as she sobbed quietly by the stairs.

She was trying so hard to convince herself that she should forgive Jason and make peace but the pain of betrayal she felt just made her hesitate all of it. She told herself over and over that humans make mistakes and that these were all natural causes but the feeling of betrayal, especially by someone you trust the most at your lowest point, is the cruelest thing on earth. She learned to never trust anyone easily again as she began to rebuild her fort around her fragile feelings again.