Ivy was getting used to her new life in Landsfield over the past few months that the sudden need to return to Manes for exams gave her goosebumps as though the moment she left Landsfield, she would wake up from this sweet dream. Apart from being occupied with managerial coordination work and coping to catch up on her weak subjects for exams, she continued to tag along with Nick on his weekend emcee jobs like how she used to with Jason.

Standing by the same spot she once did with Jason had Ivy reminisce about the better days shared with Jason as she stood withstanding the agony in her heart. She could never deny Jason still held a special place in her heart despite trying to not think of him. Nick noticed Ivy went missing after the event ended and wondered if she had gone outside. He stepped out of the hall to find Ivy deep in her thoughts as he approached her with a jump scare.

“BOO!” Nick greeted as Ivy chuckled and smirked at him.

“I could hear your heavy footsteps from miles away…” Ivy teased as Nick chuckled and stood by her side. Nick smiled briefly but could tell Ivy’s mind was nowhere else except at Jason like how his thoughts often lingered around Nancy.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Nick teased as Ivy looked away with a sad smile. “I’m heading back to Manes next week for my finals…”Ivy said solemnly as Nick drew a deep breath and nodded. They both knew the people they wanted to meet were in Manes and all this while staying in Landsfield was using work as an excuse to escape and forget about Nancy and Jason.

“Have you thought of meeting him just once?” Nick asked as he watched the twinkling skies above him.

Ivy drew in a deep breath before releasing it as a sigh. “Have you thought of meeting her just once too?” Nick chuckled at how unexpectedly Ivy's answers were. “You’re unpredictable indeed…” Nick mumbled as Ivy smiled.

“I did… In fact, I’m heading back next week for my finals. I know I might not be able to avoid him either as Manes is such a small town. I just wonder if he knew I would be back, would he still be excited about it…” Ivy forced a sad smile as she paused momentarily. “Funny how back then when I was by his side, I always thought of the days when I would leave him. Here I am, in the midst of doing so yet am still holding on.” Ivy explained as she stood motionless.

“I did too. I constantly have her in my mind but I know I can’t appear in front of her else it would only be detrimental to her mental health and worsen the burden on Jason. I long for her to tell Jason to get me by her side. I would anytime and anywhere jump over to replace Jason but… The person whom she longed for was never me…” Nick’s explanation made the both of them stand in silence in the peaceful night momentarily. They both tried to come to terms with the fact that the person they loved was never meant to be theirs in the first place.

“Have fun in Manes. Complete the finals and come back here. I will be waiting for you.” Nick comforted as Ivy nodded and smiled. She knew by the time she returned it would be her family’s Christmas party and it would be when she had decided to tell Jason the truth.

The next morning, at the airport, while Andrew and Sandra were in the waiting area to board the plane with Ivy, their phones were spammed continuously with messages from Belinda, Lance and Laura. They were trying to get Ivy’s attention to join them in their study group.

Ivy, who was oblivious to what was going on, was reading a crime novel as usual for ideas to write in her exam composition. She had muted her phone now that her family knew where she was and her friends were with her. So, she practically did not need to pay much attention to her phone as Jason has not been finding her at all lately and if Nick finds her, his messages can wait. Despite being indulged in her novel, she couldn’t help but wonder why Andrew and Sandra’s mobiles were so busy vibrating with messages when they both clearly weren’t typing on their mobile. Feeling irritated, she put down her book and raised an eyebrow at the both of them who were staring awkwardly at her. The messages came in non-stop as Ivy furrowed her eyebrow.

“Read your phone to find out who it is…” Andrew said as he rolled his eyes. Ivy was surprised at their reaction as she quickly check her mobile and saw Laura was spamming “hello” in the group chat. As she scrolled up to the first message, Lance invited all of them into the chat room for a science subject discussion. Ivy held her head in her palm as she closed her eyes and thought about her impending decision of breaking away from the trio.

“We definitely do not want to get involved with them. So we are leaving the group chat. It’s up to you if you want to…” Sandra said in an upset tone, half wishing Ivy could get back to her senses and make wise decisions.

Ivy thought it was too last minute and they should stick to their tight schedule although she was appreciative of Lance’s effort. Ivy raised a finger at the both of them to indicate giving her a minute.

Ivy decided to give a call to Lance instead. She knew Laura and Belinda would have gathered with him as she put them on loudspeaker.

"Hello!" Lance greeted cheerfully. Ivy was about to greet him in return but quickly got interrupted.

"Took you all long enough to reply. This is a crucial time so stop wasting our time. Just a yes or no, we will know what to decide on." Belinda bitched over the speaker.

"Belinda stop! Talk properly!" Lance scolded. Ivy haven't got the chance to talk yet but Belinda had already successfully agitated every single one of them other than Laura.

"No!" Andrew bellowed back as the entire room of passengers was looking at Ivy, Andrew and Sandra.

"There. You had your freaking answer, numbskull good for nothing princess! Do you know who is asking for the favor now for you to cut by an opening line like that?" Andrew retaliated furiously as the three of them stood in unison the moment Andrew stood.

Sandra and Ivy both held on to Andrew from going overboard but they knew it was already too late as they both tried to not create a scene.

"Andrew, chill it!" Sandra whispered embarrassingly.

"After all this time, all of you were pretenders taking advantage of Ivy for money and looking down on both Sandra and myself. That's fine with me honestly but harassing us and trying to mess around with our future, screw it, Belinda! Ivy doesn't need a friend like you!" Andrew pressed the hung-up button.

"Andrew!" Both Sandra and Ivy called out in unison.

He was furious but Sandra noticed he had finally said all he wanted to vent all along.

"You need to calm your wits down, Andrew." Sandra teased as she passed him a bottle of water.

Ivy sighed as she took a seat in front of them both. A beep of notification sounded in unison from three of their phones. They had a look and saw that Belinda, Laura and Lance had left the group chat. Ivy sighed a breath of relief as she mumbled. “Good riddance.” She instantly deleted the whole chat room which indicated that was the end of their fake friendships.

"Well, it's fine. What's done is done. We need to stay focused for next week and it's the three of us till the end. Happy now?" Ivy smiled as the three of them broke into laughter when they realised Ivy wasn’t upset and giving in to those friends anymore.

"I know. I know you all have been waiting for this for the longest time. I’m sorry I was actually pondering on ways to end the friendship amicably for way too long and this happen I suppose it’s a good thing. I involved both of you with friends from my past whom I chose to keep just for the company even if I had to let them take advantage of me because I had always believed a soul is better than the air. But I was wrong. You both proved me wrong." Ivy smiled as Andrew and Sandra went over to her seat and gave her a hug.

"Thank you and I'm sorry, I should have done this long ago." Ivy stood back and bow in apology as Andrew and Sandra stood to mess up her hair.

"Hey! That's enough!" Ivy couldn't fight them both as she let them continue messing with her hair while laughing. “What about Jane? Have you approved her?” Sandra asked remembering Ivy was also pondering about it a few days ago.

“Oh speaking of that, why not just approve her now since it’s a good day,” Ivy said as she accepted Jane’s friend request instantly without hesitation. “Losing some friends but gaining a genuine friend isn’t that bad at all,” Ivy told herself.

Ivy was upset that she had to end the friendship that way with the trio but knew she has to accept the fact that she cannot fulfill every request and happiness. Genuine friendships were something she learned to embrace as a new learning curve. A few genuine ones were better than a dozen of fake ones with intention. She knew eventually when Belinda, Lance and Laura were much older, someday they would look back and realize the same things as she did. She wouldn't blame them but only hope for the best for them.

“Boarding time! Let’s go!” Andrew cheered as the trio happily skipped their way into the plane as they head back to Manes for their finals.

Meanwhile back in Landsfield, James was notified by his underlings on Jeremy and Charles matters. It came unexpected to James that Peter had decided to assign Charles’ construction company to participate in the refurbishment of Manes's old town project. He wondered what had Charles done to convince his wise brother to make such a rash decision.

He has been suspicious as he told his underlings to keep an eye while he decided to have some tea with Peter. “Brother, what brings you here today? You must be too busy enjoying life that I thought, you would have forgotten all about your brother.” Peter greeted James’ unexpected visit as James maintained a straight face and quickly took a seat. Peter knew it must be something urgent as he sat on the opposite side facing James.

“Peter, I have heard the refurbishment of Manes’ old town is in progress. Have you gotten people to pay close attention to the works being done there considering you’re still here in Landsfield?” James pestered as Peter chuckled and sipped his tea.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“You must be concerned about the construction company…” Before Peter could continue, James interrupted.

“Brother, how could you even let Charles into this project? You’re always so wise that I never expect you to meddle with Charles’ business.” James vented as Peter raised his hand to calm James down.

“Remember that fella Charles brought along once, Jeremy? He is the brother of my business partner, Jason. I am testing the water. I have my safeguards ready. I know what to do later.” Peter reassured James but James still felt something wasn't right as Charles seemed to have been making bold investments alongside Jeremy. However, James knew it was pointless to tell his brother and instead thought about finding Ivy since the Rahis were introduced by her.

“Where have your kids been lately? I haven't seen them around much…” James prompted as he took a sip of tea. “They are all busy with their finals preparation. Ivy had returned to Manes for a week. Speaking of which, don’t forget to drop by for the annual Christmas party in two weeks' time.” Peter reminded him as James felt he needed to head to Manes to speak with Ivy as he continued to get his underlings to monitor the project.

The following week was tough for Ivy as she easily tensed up with her science subject. Considering the brothers were also taking their finals in Landsfield, Ivy took over Ray’s task in Manes. Every single morning she looked forward to meetings online with Marcel and also her brothers as it helped to take off her mind from her studies. However, when work was done, she felt miserable especially when they tried to study Science. She tried to hide her frustration away from Andrew and Sandra during the day and would hide in her grandma’s glasshouse at night attempting to remember her science notes which happened to be her last paper.

Jason was always updated by Marcel daily on the company’s matters although most operational jobs were done by Marcel and assisted by Ray while talks were by Nick. Marcel eventually updated about Ivy taking over Nick’s job temporarily as they were all sitting for their finals and Ivy is back in Manes.

The piece of news was the happiest in Jason’s heart. He instantly arranged to leave the hospital briefly and drove to Ivy’s grandma's place. On the way, he reminded himself to pack her favorite mung bean cake. Even though he wanted to see Ivy so badly, a glimpse of her presence was enough for him as he couldn’t leave the hospital too long else Nancy would be paranoid.

He walked around and saw the house light was switched on but there weren’t any slippers at the main door. He peeped inside the glass house too but it was too dark to spot Ivy who had fallen asleep. He decided to leave the mung bean cake at the main door knob instead and left with a little disappointment but he told himself he would be back more often, perhaps every night she was here.

Ivy noticed someone was outside as she pretended to fall asleep but as usual, she didn't bother who it was. She wanted her usual solitary after such a long time always being surrounded by her brothers or friends. Besides, if it was Andrew or Sandra, they would have noticed she was in the glasshouse if they couldn’t find her in the house. Somehow, she tried to recall the lessons taught by Andrew and Sandra but it just upset her more as her mind went blank. Instead, she slowly drifted asleep.

The next morning, she was greeted by the yells of Sandra waking her up to prepare to head to college for exams as she groggily waved her hands at Sandra to stop yelling before walking back into the house to find a box of mung bean cake at her door knob. She wondered who left them as it wouldn’t be her family or even Sandra cause it was too early in the morning. She still gave Sandra a questioning look hoping Sandra would say it was her but Sandra denied it. Only then she realised the person who came last night was either Marcel or Jason. She shrugged at the mystery of it as she rushed to shower.

She quickly got ready to have a quick online meeting with Marcel before she headed for the exam. She realised most of the agenda she had to discuss were still ongoing projects which are all related to the old town in Manes which the government had finally released news of its refurbishments and many vendors had bid for a booth to participate once the old town is opened as a tourist attraction.

Ivy also learned that apparently, her Uncle Charles could lead such a lavish life because he owned a construction company and often had her Uncle James’ underlings for protection. Although Uncle James has long stopped the underworld businesses, he was still a respected elder among those who are still in the industry. Ivy shivered a little thinking about the dealings they must have had and wondered if her dad might have also gotten involved although, on the surface, she hasn’t seen anything wrong with her dad and his businesses.

Just when Ivy thought about her family, James finally came looking for her moments after her meeting with Marcel ended.

“Uncle James, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. In fact, I am actually rushing to attend an exam.” Ivy informed apologetically when she answered the door with Sandra waiting nearby the glass house as James decided to speak with her on the way to college.

“Come let’s talk on the way to college.” James offered as Ivy quickly packed and got Sandra to head over to the college with Andrew instead.

“So, what’s it Uncle James would like to talk about?” said Ivy who was a little nervous riding in a four-wheel drive with her uncle for the first time as his driver drove them.

“Have you been coping well with the jobs your dad had given you?” James asked as Ivy nodded politely. “Certainly…” Ivy answered nonchalantly. “Then, you would have noticed something about the refurbishments of the old town in Manes?” James questioned as Ivy looked away momentarily knowing that James must have picked up on news about Charles's involvement.

“If this concerns Uncle Charles's involvement then yes, I do have my doubts.” Ivy explained briefly trying not to let out too much.

“Good… Keep a close eye on the project while you’re here. I will have my underlings monitor and if I have anything amiss, I will update you. One thing for sure is that I have spoken with your dad about this but he was testing water since the younger Rahi’s brother was also involved. I don’t have a good feeling about this at all.” James scoffed as Ivy nodded.

“I know what to do. Let me get my exams done first. I will pay close attention. I will also get Marcel who is overseeing the matter to pay close attention.” Ivy reassured as the car stopped in front of her college.

“All the best my dear niece… Looking forward to working with you more. Here’s my name card. Call me in case anything happens.” James said as Ivy accepted the name card and smiled before alighting the car. She instantly gave Marcel a call to update him on Jeremy’s involvement and as soon as she finished her first two papers of the day, Ray had already received news about a problem arising in which their dad had actually taken a very bold risk.

“Ivy, don’t bother too much for now. Your exam is more important. I am sure dad has his plans.” Ray reassured Ivy over the phone a few days later when he completed his exams. “I am not really worried since Uncle James had his underlings watching over while Marcel is overlooking too. Besides, I am already down to my last paper tomorrow.” Ivy comforted Ray as he calmed down a little.

“I will come over tomorrow with Nick since there is a gig in town. At least we could chill for a bit.” Ray announced as Ivy cheered. In the midst of her cheering, she heard footsteps outside the house and quickly told Ray to hang up as she wanted to catch the person who left her mung bean cakes every single night.

“So, it was you!” Ivy teased as she folded her arms in front of Jason who was shocked to be caught on the spot.

“Sur…Surprise?” Jason chuckled as Ivy laughed. “Good to see you again…” Ivy greeted as she smile and stepped outside.

“Come, try some…” Ivy sat by the steps and offered him the mung bean cake as he hesitated for a moment.

“In a rush? Right, how’s she doing?” Ivy asked as she took her first bite. “She’s well… Recovering…” Jason replied awkwardly which saddened Ivy’s heart a little that they couldn’t speak like how they used to anymore.

“Good to hear… Well, focus on taking care of her. We are doing well in running your business. So, don’t worry.” Ivy munched on her cake as Jason felt a little guilty instead.

“I’m sorry, Ivy…” Jason apologised for the past confusion he had created.

“Why? You don’t have to be…” Ivy said as it made Jason even more guilty but he stood quietly watching Ivy munching on her second piece of mung bean cake.

“Don’t worry, go ahead. I don’t think you can be away for too long either…” Ivy said nonchalantly to break the awkward silence with a smile.

“See you then…” Jason said as he left Ivy who was munching on her mung bean cake by the steps.

“Jason…” Ivy called out thinking it was best to extend her family’s Christmas party invite there and then as she watched Jason turn around.

“Bring her along to a Christmas party end of next week in Landsfield at my place. I hope to see you both.” Ivy waved a little as she continued to munch on her mung bean cake while he nodded and turnaround to leave before he could see tears flowing from her eyes silently.

She recalled the conversation she had with Nick the weekend before and in reality, things have changed between her and Jason. “If you had one more chance, what would you do?” She asked herself the whole night till the next morning before she decided that she was in Manes and is an adult. She was going to attend the emceeing gig Nick was participating in and have all the fun she wanted as after this she knew she had serious business to dwell with.

The night was unusually breezy as Ivy drove over to the hotel she first met Jason. She lamented the fact that Andrew and Sandra had to go out on a date by themselves. Otherwise, she could have left a memory to reminisce about in the future if they tagged along. A knock on her window panel startled her as she realised she was daydreaming a little too long to not notice Ray was waiting for her outside.

She stepped out and quickly threw a hug at Ray. “I have missed you, baby brother! We finally meet again! How were your exams?” Ivy greeted as Ray chuckled.

“I missed you too, sis! The others are inside. The exams were alright. How was yours?” Ray asked as he hung his long arm on her shoulder while they entered the hall with Ivy whining about how stressful science paper was for her.

Ivy didn’t expect the others meant Jin, Cassandra and Ryu other than Nick who was getting ready on stage. What surprised her more was Jason standing next to Nick on stage at the opening speech. Ivy had never expected herself to see Jason again after last night. It was clearly awkward between them as she recalled but as the night get older, she was caught by surprise at Jason’s impromptu singing session.

She stood captivated listening to him serenading the whole crowd. The first bar of melody set a longing feeling that a heart has and has so much to say of.

The lyrics to the song were hovering her full attention. She realised he finished composing the song which she always played randomly on the piano last time but she had never finished composing them.

“He must have remembered the tune and completed it on his own.” Ivy thought.

"I could thank

The gentle breeze blowing the dark clouds over.

The rain it brought,

Brought me to you.

If this is destiny,

I wished it would be everlasting.

May the rain wash away all of your darkest days.

May your days always be filled with happiness.

I'm sorry, seems easy to say.

But I couldn't bring myself to.

I am afraid,

Afraid it would break the beautiful bond we had.

Could you please don't let go?"

"An apology? Why?" She squinted her eyes questioning him from afar as he dawned himself into the slow but cool three-four tempo beginning on the keyboard.

The song slowly built softly into the chorus as he held her gaze.

"Your beauty had always held me,

Your genuine self was enough to brighten the dark days,

You're much stronger than you think you are,

All I hope for you to stay bubbly."

A smile grew wide on her face as she couldn't help but blushed. He continued on into the bridge of the song where he surprised everyone and went into a short rap.

"If life ever gets tired, take a stop to remember,

Remember that someone has their mind on you,

Always and forever."

The lyrics were speaking to her as though resonating with their unspoken feelings as she remained captivated till the end of the song. For a moment, Ivy didn’t want the night to end but she knew the end of them was near.

The following weekend, at this time, she would have fulfilled her promise to Nancy. “If I had one more chance, I would not have made that promise to Nancy and tell you the truth about my feelings like you just did with this song.” Ivy thought to herself with a sad smile.