“I’m sorry… I’m stupid to want to be apart from you…” Melody said while in tears as she leaned closely to Ryu’s chest. Ryu lay in her hospital bed that night, gently patting her shoulders knowing her trauma was still not over.

“Would you… Could we… get back together?” Melody’s voice cracked as she pleaded. Ryu took some tissues to help wipe her wet face as he forced her to keep her gaze on him.

“I have never given up on us, Melody. I have always waited for you…” He said while gently wiping her face.

“Ivy told me the reason you asked for a break and though I could not understand it at first but now I am reminded that you were right…” He paused at her sudden tightening grip on his shirt as she pulled him closer to her and sobbed into his chest.

“But it doesn’t mean I’m giving up on us Melody…” He gently patted her back and listened to her calm down again.

“Thank you for secretly helping me out with my marketing tasks all this while even when we are apart. You even spend so much time on building the materials to ensure my sister is always in the public’s vicinity yet our exams are coming up…” He explained while putting away her loose fringe to meet her shy gaze.

“So how could I push you away, Melody? I cannot imagine my life losing you ever, Melody. So…” He lifted her a little in his arms to bring her face closer to his.

“From now on, I will give you a chance to back away.” He let go of her a little but she instinctively held on to the collar of his shirt, worrying he would leave her while tears sprung up her eyes again, searching his gaze for clarification.

“You know how dangerous it is to be with me, Melody.” He reminded her as he wiped her tears away.

“You also know how dangerous it is to be involved with my family at this point. I’m giving you a chance to back away. You can choose to live your life safely and I would gladly let you go 'cause I don’t ever want you to go through all of these again because of me.” Melody was already sobbing while shaking her head at this option as he spoke.

“No… no, please don’t…” Melody’s pleads broke Ryu’s heart but he knew he had to do this.

“Or…” He held onto her hand. “We spend an eternity together and never let go again.” Ryu was confident with Melody’s choice at that point of time that she would not let them go again but he wanted her to think it through thoroughly.

“You don’t have to give me your answer tonight. I promise to stay by your side tonight to accompany you. I only want to hear your answer when you’re much more calm, alright?” Melody did not answer him but instead held on tighter to him as her sobs slowly turned into wails.

Ryu could only sit by her side and comfort her till she eventually fell asleep.

No matter what your choice is, I will always love you, Melody. He thought to himself as he kissed her forehead while she stirred and tightened her grip on his sleeve.

Ivy was working the entire early morning with Marcel on clearing the loose ends before the handover while Jeremy was summoned to meet Charles with Ray.

“Looks like you finally convinced my niece to hand over our ultimate goal… That’s very unexpected but well done, my future nephew-in-law. Oh, I forgot even that, you have a rival now… And my niece did not put you in charge of the company… Interesting…” Charles commented to Jeremy in front of Ray and their other members.

Ray could sense the danger as Jeremy met Ray’s gaze and warned him to not act rashly discreetly.

“Congratulations on gaining the company…” Before Jeremy could finish his sentence, he was greeted with continuous punches sent by Kyle’s teammates from behind. Ray instructed his teammates to fight them but Charles stopped them.

“If you all fight till you die, who is going to run my business? Don’t we have orders to complete for the day?!” He bellowed as all the minions quickly went back to their station.

“That was just a lesson taught by your rival. I will not get involved with your love affairs since I have gotten what I wanted.” Charles said to Jeremy who was struggling to stand as Ray helped him up.

“Then, since I am also a shareholder in the company, let me be your advisor?” Ray offered as Jeremy held his hand to stop him but it was too late.

Charles chuckled out loud.

“Very well my boy. Finally making very good use of yourself… Meet me here after lunch tomorrow and we will navigate the leftovers your sister left us.” Charles instructed before leaving the duos to fend for themselves.

Jeremy sighed in relief as he endured the pain. “You’re alright? I will need to head back to the stations to monitor them…” Ray said in haste.

“Go, just go but Ray it’s not wise to do what you did…” Jeremy warned him.

“Don’t worry… I understand my sister’s plan. That’s why I have always been in logistics and not the management.” Ray winked before leaving as Jeremy smiled a little.

They both knew Ray was going to mess up the advice even more to ruin the company but that would give Ivy a huge blow. He had learned that this little lady of his may look tough and act like one but deep inside her, she was all soft. With his new injuries, it was not possible to head back to her or even his house and worry his mother. He decided to stay in the camp for the night to recoup.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

When Ivy woke from her desk, she was covered with Marcel’s coat and it was already the break of dawn when she checked her phone only to find no messages from Jeremy.

How is Jeremy doing? Where is he… She thought to herself when a gentle knock was heard from her office’s door. Marcel stood with a worried look as she waved for him to enter.

“What’s wrong?” She stood and asked as Marcel passed her the file. She was faced with an absurd request to pay for other construction site supplier costs which was Kyle’s effort to push Ivy to a corner.

“This came yesterday before the incident…” Marcel updated as she chuckled.

“Isn't he just digging his own grave?” Ivy smiled at Marcel as she was glad she made the announcement last night. “Charles would definitely kill him. The plan for phase two, do not reveal.” Ivy added as Marcel finally smiled in relief which made Ivy laugh unexpectedly.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, confused.

“I have never really seen you smile, Marcel. I made the right decision didn’t I?” She suddenly felt the rush of emotions finally welling inside of her as she could feel the burden was lifted of her shoulders.

“You did well, Ms. Ophal. This is an inevitable decision you need to make.” Marcel tried comforting her as she forced herself to blink away her tears and nodded.

“Alright, let’s leave since everything is in order and we will let the professionals hand over instead.” She instructed for the last time as the acting director.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you, Ms. Ophal.” Ivy smiled as Marcel signed off. “Same with me. Thank you.” She said before he left her alone in her office.

Ivy looked opposite her office which was once Peter’s office.

I’m sorry, Daddy. I couldn’t protect your fort and remain it in this company. I promise I will protect what’s left…

She continued to walk the quiet dark hallways of the office where soon the remaining employees would come for work only to find the owner had changed. Ivy thought she would break down but instead, the stillness in the early morning was calming and soothing as she rode the lift to the ground floor and greeted the guard before stepping out to the breeze.

A sadness overwhelmed her as she felt lonely; so lonely all of a sudden though she had so many people supporting her. She realised at the end of the day she still could not escape solitary entirely.

Her growling stomach made her walk across to the cafe and order her favorite mung bean cake and mint tea for breakfast. Marcel who was about to leave the building spotted her across the cafe by the window. For once, he gladly walked over to the cafe and greeted her.

“Alone?” He asked to confirm. She took a look at him as she smiled gladly and nodded.

Right then her orders were served. He then placed an order for hot chocolate and some waffles.

“Is that what you always have?” She asked while digging into her mung bean cake.

He nodded with a smile as he watched her enjoy her favorite food. “Still your favorite after so long?” He asked.

“Yes.” She answered briefly leaving an awkward silence between them.

“What do you do when you're not at work?” She decided to ask randomly.

He took a long while to think of the times he was not working until his order was served.

“Looks like it was a very tough question.” She giggled as he chuckled.

“Yes. I don't stop working. There's always so much to do.” He said before cutting his waffles.

Ivy felt bad for him. “Marcel…” Ivy called out his name with a little crack to her voice as Marcel looked up with a frown.

“I’m sorry for wasting everyone’s effort but thank you…” Ivy knew she owed him the most gratitude and apology as Marcel smiled sincerely.

“It's my pledge and duty. Don't worry. You had done very well handling everything and lasted this far, Ivy. Jason will be proud.” He tried comforting her as they both smiled agreeing to his last sentence.

“His company at Manes will transfer out their shares within today. Temporarily they will be independent and solely manage phase one of Manes historical town.” Marcel quickly added as Ivy smiled and nodded knowing she could rely on Marcel in time of need.

“Would you like to go fishing tomorrow?” Ivy invited as she knew it was the right activity where a quiet Marcel would keep her accompany. It would be where she would not have to talk if she did not want to cause he was not a man of many words. She also knew he would say yes cause she had seen fishing rods in his house before.

“How did you know I like fishing?” Marcel asked with an eyebrow raised.

“I will take that as a yes.” They both smiled as they continued to enjoy their breakfast in comfortable silence after a tiring hectic early morning while enjoying their cup of comforting warm drink and each other's company.

Ivy wanted to head home after that but she knew Daisy would be worried. She wanted to find Jeremy but there had not been any replies from him meaning he was not convenient to talk. She was weary about staying in the office cause she did not want to meet with Kyle who might just threaten her to help him out.

With a messed up heart, she decided to hide at the park instead. She sat under the early morning shades, enjoying the sounds of the bird chirping while picking a few mobile games to play but it did not last long when her brothers began to call her. Annoyed, she shut down her mobile and lay on the bench, trying not to think of anything as she stared up at the trees.

“Why isn’t she picking up? Where on earth had she gone to? Even Jeremy is not picking up…” Ryu complained to Jin who came to visit him in the hospital.

Jin hushed him to not wake Melody who was stirring. “I will head to the office to check…” Jin said when Ryu stopped him.

“No, don’t. She definitely isn’t there. She caused the mess last night meaning she had already decided to let go…” Ryu explained as Jin pondered and agreed.

“Then where could she be if she isn’t in the house last you checked?” Ryu questioned anxiously as Melody sat up and wondered if her instinct was right.

“Try the park near the office,” Melody said as Ryu turned to check on her who was just awake.

“You’re feeling better?” He asked gently as Melody nodded before nodding slightly at Jin to greet him.

“That’s where she always hides or rest during lunch when Jeremy isn’t around. At times, she could sit there the whole day 'cause it’s quite secluded.” Melody explained while holding tightly to Ryu’s sleeves.

“Rest more… I will check the park. Thanks, Melody.” Jin said solemnly knowing Melody needed Ryu by her side very much but Ryu stopped Jin from leaving.

“Wait, let me come with you,” Ryu told Jin before turning back to Melody.

“Rest more. It’s still early. I promise I will come back as soon as I can. I have already told your parents about last night and they will be coming soon. Till then, don’t worry...” He comforted her as she still held onto his sleeve tightly.

Ryu knew she needed security as he left his favorite guitar pick with her.

“Let this be my replacement temporarily. I will return for you both and your answer…” She met his gaze with a little more confidence as she nodded before he kissed her forehead and left to meet Jin who had walked out earlier to give them some space.