That early morning, as the Rahi packed and left, Ivy and Jeremy chose to use the normal route leaving John and Daisy to use the VIP longue. It was Ivy’s tactic to ensure the girls could take good pictures of them. Though Jeremy looked pale, he managed to sustain himself for a while at the entrance of the immigration gate for a short interview.
“Ms. Ophal, we heard of your own coverage of vacation with Mr. Rahi but here we have with Mr. Kyle Oshia claiming on your engagement reception announcement. Who exactly are you dating and who is your fiance?” One of the reporters questioned followed by a few concurring with the question before Ivy stopped and turned around.
“Being a director of a big company leaves me in the limelight, I can understand but now I’m an ex-director, a nobody, can’t I live a peaceful normal life?” Ivy joked as the reporters calmed down a little while some laughed.
“As you can see, it hasn’t changed. Jeremy Rahi is still my fiance. At this rate should we just marry to avoid all these gossips?” Ivy stole a kiss on Jeremy’s cheek as her response left the reporters excited while Jeremy was taken aback.
She carefully led him into the immigration gate nonchalantly and into the boarding area. Though she had put on a tough look earlier, deep inside her, Jeremy knew she was still his little fragile angel.
They were boarded on the business seats with John and Daisy. Ivy noticed it was her first flight when the sun was not up. As they took off the plane, it was still dark at early dawn. The sudden lights out made her reach out for Jeremy. She held on tightly to his arms during take off only to have him pull her closer to him to kiss her in the dark.
They pulled away for a moment before he whispered to her. “Bold enough to propose me that way but still afraid of the dark? Was that a hint to register our marriage soon?” He asked as she giggled in his arms.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She replied before sealing it with another kiss, leaving Jeremy wanting to do just that but he knew better that it was only his wishful thinking.
When the lights were back on, she instantly pretended to fall onto his chest and fell asleep, leaving Jeremy chuckling when Daisy shot him a look of I-know-what-you-did after catching sight of Ivy’s abrupt action in disguise.
“Mum saw us…” He whispered to tease Ivy as she hit him gently for teasing before easing into his arms comfortably recalling the times she used to fly with Jason. Little did she ever imagine, that things had changed so much since then.
“You know back then I used to fly a lot with Jason. I love the temporary peacefulness up in the air away from Andrew and Sandra… Nancy’s ruckus in trying to steal him away even when there was already a deal… My scary little world in my dreams…” Ivy explained as Jeremy hummed in acknowledgment.
“And now, I wish time could just stop again. I never would have imagined myself being with you. Just a few hours ago I thought I was going to lose you if I didn’t sew you. It ached me knowing you’re in so much pain but it was the only way I could save you…” Ivy paused when her voice cracked as Jeremy held her closer.
“Vivi, I have always told you that you’re the bravest girl I have ever met. You didn’t disappoint and did very well. You need to believe in yourself more.” Jeremy encouraged as Ivy smiled sadly.
“Thank you for taking the chances with me. I don’t deserve you.” He comforted her as she hugged him gratefully.
“Thank you for always keeping your promise and not dying…” She blinked away her stinging tears as he gently kissed her forehead, inhaling the scent of her hair, and told himself to always remember this moment.
Later in the day, Kyle was drowning with many problems in the office. Ever since Marcel and Ivy left, he had not had a single day of peace at work. It was always solving a major issue here and there. When he saw the news of her holiday, he was surprised Jeremy could still walk and knew his minions had done a lousy job in teaching Jeremy a lesson the night before.
He decided to spam call Ivy but she had already muted his calls. By the time she checked her phone after finishing her studies and assignments while Jeremy slept, her phone battery was dying. She was agitated by Kyle’s caller ID spamming so many calls that she decided to pull a prank on Kyle.
She turned on a video with lots of smooching and moan sounds on purpose in the washroom before answering Kyle’s call. She ran out to the verandah to laugh to herself. She had forgotten that the washroom had an echo and the noises woke Jeremy up. He went into the source of the noise and saw Ivy’s mischief while Kyle was scolding over the line before hanging up.
Jeremy walked out to the verandah to find Ivy still laughing as he pulled her in for a hug. “Having lots of fun I see while I sleep hmm? Naughty girl…” He teased her as Ivy could not help but keep giggling in his arms as she stole kisses from him.
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“I have never seen this part of you before. I’m glad I finally do. Promise me you will continue to live like this…” Jeremy said as Ivy nodded and giggled.
As for Kyle, he could not take it and decided to finally confront Charles. “Your good-for-nothing niece now only knows how to fool around with her lover! She doesn’t even care about the business anymore!” Kyle vented as Charles folded his arms.
“Aren’t you supposed to be leading the IPO and prove yourself to me and her that you’re qualified to be her husband?” Charles asked sarcastically. “Then what is it about the stunt you pull on Jeremy? This is a real business and not our usual underground business. Killing off your enemy gets you nowhere.” Charles reminded him.
“If you don’t bring your niece back to be engaged with me, I will ensure the empire goes down to drain!” Kyle hated people threatening him so he retaliated with a threat and walked off.
Charles fumed knowing that he had no choice but to persuade Ivy to return. “My dear niece, I know you’re on vacation but can you please do me a favor?” He asked while Ivy was strolling with Jeremy.
She smirked at the sound of it. “What is it?”
“I can fulfill your request in exchange for you to agree to the engagement with Kyle. Think about it, he is putting your father’s empire at stack. If you don’t agree to the engagement, I have no idea what he would do. So, please Ai Lee. Please agree to this.” Charles pleaded as Ivy met with Jeremy’s gaze. They both knew he was desperate as Jeremy shook his head disagreeing with it.
This seems to be my chance to bargain for something. Their freedom and a good sum of amount would be good. Ivy told herself.
“Fine. Release all my siblings and Jeremy himself from your guards and I want five million.” Ivy demanded as she watched the terror grow in Jeremy’s eyes, gripping tightly to her hand.
“Deal.” Charles agreed. “Come back in time to prepare for the lavish engagement party I will throw!” Charles chimed as he hung up.
Before Jeremy could question her, she pulled him in for a kiss. He was stunned for a moment till they broke away.
“I know what I am doing. Trust me.” She told him as he frowned.
“No matter what the results or situation is, you’re always the one in my heart from now on.” She said with conviction which made Jeremy at ease as he nodded.
The next thing they knew, Melody ran up to them. “Ivy! Ivy, the news!” Melody was catching her breath while Ivy went up to her. As predictable, the decision was planned in advance and news began to spread about her engagement to Kyle while calls came from many people including her siblings but there were pressing matters on-site to attend to as she ignored her phone for the time being.
“Take it easy. I know. I had no choice. Just let it be and continue to cover my vacation as planned. We won’t address the engagement news till we get back Landsfield.” Ivy updated as Melody looked at her worriedly.
“I’m fine… Don’t worry.” Ivy gently patted Melody’s head. “Tell the boys I’m fine alright?” She said as Melody nodded with a pout before Daisy came up to them with a visitor.
“Sweetie! Look who came!” Daisy greeted from afar and it surprised Ivy that the guest would make it this far to meet her.
“Aunt Patricia…” Ivy called out when Melody and the rest were doing coverage of Ivy and Jeremy’s stroll from afar. Melody knew better to cut off the pictures of their aunt.
Ivy thought Patricia came and wanted to blame her but her aunt’s unexpected hug made her eyes tear up suddenly.
“It’s been tough on you Ai Lee… You had done well.” Patricia pulled away from their hug as she helped Ivy to wipe away her tears.
“Aunty…” Ivy could only manage.
“Why didn’t you tell me about your mother? You could have at least told me about the financial burdens you had my dear child… You didn’t have to hang on all by yourself… Aww, you poor little gem… Semai will be so proud of you my dear.” Patricia whined as she pulled Ivy into another hug. It was Ivy’s first time seeing her snobbish aunt this way and she was lost for words at ways to comfort her.
Her gaze met with Jeremy who discreetly pointed using his chin to ask her to rub her aunt’s back to comfort her. Ivy could only gently pat her sobbing aunt in her arms instead as Jeremy broke into a smile and nodded to tell her she was doing fine.
“What else do you need help with? Come, tell me. I will give you all the resources…” Patricia instantly said as Ivy began to relax and smile.
“It’s alright Aunty… I have my stepfather helping out on the business side.” Ivy explained as Patricia smiled while drying her own face.
“I heard… Mr. Rahi is a very capable businessman… And what about the rumors just now about your engagement? Is that the fiance who proposed to you that day on stage?” Patricia questioned like a hawk as Ivy smiled and nodded.
“Don’t worry Aunty. I’m in good hands. Why don’t you stay for dinner and…” Patricia pulled Ivy off her hug and shook her head.
“Seeing my precious gem this strong is good enough. I know you need all the protection from the media so I had to sneak in to see you awhile. Whatever it is, know that the family is here to back you up. Always reach out to us.” Patricia reminded her as Ivy could feel how genuine she was when she hugged her aunt again.
“I will try to visit your mother more often… You don’t have to worry about us. Stay safe.” Patricia said as Ivy nodded.
“Thank you, Aunty Patricia. You’re so different from what I was told…” Ivy finally told her as she chuckled.
“That’s only in front of that good-for-nothing brother who bullies all of you… I promise we will have more time to spend together once all these settle down.” Patricia said before Ivy bid her farewell and had Daisy to send her off while Melody and the team resumed with the coverage of Jeremy and Ivy’s stroll.
“What do you think is Charles and Kyle up to?” Ivy questioned worriedly as Jeremy rubbed her head gently.
“Don’t think too much about it silly. Rest here while I recuperate. We will think of something along the way. Meanwhile, just lay low and drag the deal for as long as you can til I recover.” He comforted as Ivy sighed and eased into his hug as they strolled, wishing for time to stop awhile.