Ivy found herself sitting by the windy dark cliff with an ember she held. She walked into the tower of reflection now dominated by her as she snapped her fingers.
She could see Avinha losing his mind slowly, poisoned by her ivies periodically as his punishment.
“Looks like it’s a destiny Avinha finally found himself in your world?” Jason’s voice was heard as she realised the ember in her hand was gone.
Her gaze softened at the sight of his smile.
“Move on Ivy. Avinha deserves it. Even if it’s not him this time, you must move on.” He encouraged her as she nodded with tears springing from her eyes knowing Jason was encouraging her to find someone who was destined to be with her in her current life.
“Are you chasing me out from the world I created for you?” She asked while sniffing.
He kept quiet. “Could I be back whenever I want to and still see you?” She asked in a pleading voice as tears flowed freely down her cheeks.
He wiped them away. “I will always live in your paracosm till you finally let go, Ivy.” He promised her as she kept her gaze fixated on him and fought her flowing tears.
That was when the final seventh sword, acceptance drew itself out from the ground and illuminated the bright orange-lighted sky as it spun, shimmering overseeing the couple.
She smiled gratefully as she transformed into her phoenix self and flew up the illuminating golden sunset sky with Jason transforming into his phoenix self to join her and entangled in their matrimony dance.
That brought Ivy to wake to a gentle caress on her right arm by Jonathan who was squatting by her bedside on a chair so that she could have a better look at her. She blinked her tears away and nearly thought she saw Jeremy.
“Auntie…” Jonathan’s voice turned everyone’s head to Ivy. Joseph who was in the arms of Hazel, had his tiny hand trying to reach out to Ivy while his laughter was heard as though knowing Ivy was finally safe.
Hazel following the night before, began to have a sore throat that day while Ray was still resting in bed. They had no choice but to keep the boys with Daisy while she facilitated with Daisy on Jonathan’s and her first visit to Phylis’ therapy session separately. However, the news of Ivy this afternoon began to respond to voices and moving her fingers, made the family rush over to her side.
“Ivy… You’re alright?” Ray asked weakly as he wiped her eyes dry while Jin went to the page for the doctor and nurses. The memories of all that had happened on that night came flashing through her mind as Ivy reached out to the little hand of Joseph while gently combing Jonathan’s hair before nodding at her brother’s question.
You’re both now in need of someone… Right, your dad is upholding his promise… I should start putting things in place… No, wait. Charles... he…
Ivy turned her gaze to Peter as her eyes reddened. “I’m sorry, daddy…” She apologised to him in a soft whisper.
It was then Peter’s turn to gently pat her head. “It’s not your fault… It’s never your fault, Ai Lee…” Peter comforted her as he let the doctor and nurses check on her first. Once they confirmed Ivy was well and recovering, everyone was sighing in relief. She looked more composed as well knowing she had to set things straight after the mayhem.
“It’s time for you to take a good break and finish your studies… Leave the rest of the matter off your shoulder.” Peter suggested as Ivy instantly threw him a solemn look. She knew with Peter she had to bargain her chips well or else they would try to keep protecting her all the way.
“No, I can’t.” Ivy protested as Peter raised his palm to stop her.
“I will be getting back to my position. I heard about the new company. Archwabal can handle there but not the new IPO HQ can he?” Peter tried to reason with her.
“There’s Marcel and now I will also assign Real up there. I’m sure everyone was bailed except for the enemy’s team. Where is Jeremy by the way?” Ivy’s bold move came as a surprise to everyone but her last question left everyone in silence.
“Who will trust someone with some crimes on hand…” Peter mumbled noticing Real and Chiang were in the room but was loud enough for Ivy to catch it.
“Who said they will work in the HQ with Marcel? Real is going to run the illegal money lending company into a legal one. As for Chiang, he will run alongside Ray on the security guard services which somehow will link to Ray’s logistic department. They will both pick their own people to work within the company by themselves. Not forgetting the construction department should be considered under Ophal’s and Rahi’s business. They are the core team who would build the old town in Manes, phase 2, and your other projects as well.” Ivy explained but Peter shook his head in protest.
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“You’re not in a good state yet to make all these decisions, Ai Lee. Keep it aside.” Peter protested while they both were about to bicker when John stepped in with Daisy.
“Ivy… Oh, dearie, you’re awake...” Daisy went to hug her.
“Mum, Dad … good to see you. Look they both are here…” Ivy pointed at the boys as John nodded and smiled in gratitude as Daisy kissed Jonathan’s head.
“Yes… thank you, honey, for all the hard work.” Daisy hugged her again. “Where’s Jeremy? Shouldn’t he be bailed?” Ivy questioned Daisy which she sensed was a difficult question for everyone. Ivy sank back into bed, disappointed, knowing Jeremy had decided to stay on but she could not comprehend the reasons.
“About your plans Ivy…” John began which made Ivy’s eyes light back up.
“I have a proposal for yourself alone…” John said as Ivy nodded.
“What is it?” She said eagerly while Peter shared an approval look with John.
“The orphanage home… I think you would be suitable to look after it. There will be a will reading soon. Till then, we all think you should look after the home for a bit. Mr. Oshia has agreed to take over the legal matters for now on adoption and such… You could learn a thing or two while being under him.” John offered which made Ivy pondered for a moment.
She was sure about the deal with John but she was trying to figure out what was the catch. Mr. Oshia was definitely not the trap but genuinely a help. She felt something was amidst.
“I will take that offer IF…” Ivy pointed at Peter.
“You let me oversee the HQ and let Jin focus on his finals while Ryu can focus on his basketball cause we will be hiring professionals to run alongside Marcel.” She made an exchange with Peter.
“That’s sorted…” Ryu wanted to interrupt but Peter raised his hand at him to stop.
“You have to finish your qualifications too… But I want a good result. Where are you finding the time to oversee the HQ?” Peter retaliated.
“I still have phase 2 of the olden city in progress and it’s parked under Rahi’s consulting firm at the moment. I can compromise letting Marcel run the HQ as an investment holding company owning all these other companies and future companies I am going to incorporate. Provided I oversee this phase 2 and the orphanage.” Ivy began to compromise as she knew Peter was making sense.
“Ai Lee, are you sure?” Peter frowned in frustration as Ivy folded her arms. Peter knew she had already hit her limit.
“Alright… But you must graduate with flying colors on the degree.” Peter yielded.
“For that flying colors part, I want to be around the boys…” Ivy counteroffered.
“What if I don’t agree…” Peter tried his luck after scoffing a few times.
“Alright, then I won’t tell you who I sold your house to.” Ivy's mischievous self was back as Peter panicked for a moment.
“Ai Lee, are you sure you’re still my daughter?” Peter held his head in frustration but Ivy was not going to give in.
“Who did you sell the house to Ivy? Where are the documents?” Peter asked after a while pondering on her offer.
“Deal first…” Ivy bargained.
“Ask Alasus Yin Tam Mai.” Ryu said as Ivy glared at him and wondered how he knew but thought it was probably Marcel updating them already.
“If you can’t find him you can’t find your house.” Ivy tried threatening knowing Ryu gave away a big clue which Peter would definitely know.
“Ai Lee, you really think I can’t?” Peter challenged.
“Try it. If you don’t agree with me taking care of the boys too, I will not allow the transfer of name to you happen even if you found him.” Ivy challenged in return as Ryu regretted ever being involved in their conversation.
Jin and Ray shared a knowing look that Peter would have to surrender at the end.
“Fine... Fine but only allowed to in our house or your stepparents' house. Besides Ray and your future sister-in-law are already considering legally adopting them. You cannot bring them to stay elsewhere. You also must be focused on your studies. No work…” Peter paused for a moment to correct himself before John chuckled when they noticed Ivy raised an eyebrow ready to retaliate.
“Minimal work… Else, I will put you on a house arrest especially if your grades deteriorate.” Peter sealed the deal as Ivy rolled her eyes in annoyance before playing with Jonathan as she hugged him and congratulated Hazel and Ray.
Peter knew it was her concurrence as John and Daisy chuckled at her mischief. Peter and John shared a knowing look that she was going to do wonders in the future. The only thing she needed was to be a graduate first. At the very least, they could ensure her future was secured.
While everyone was delighted with her being awake and the direction of the situation was heading, Hazel noticed Ray was very pale and quiet all the while. He was supposed to be on bed rest but he was enduring his state for the sake of his sister. Her worst worry came through when he collapsed to the ground from being over-exhausted while everyone was chatting with each other.
Fortunately, Ivy was carrying Joseph at that point in time as Hazel rushed to page the nurses and doctor to attend to Ray with medical care amid the chaos. Jin for the first time felt relieved as he was not the first to react when an emergency happened. There was someone else who genuinely valued his brother now as he smiled to himself while his gaze met with Ivy who shared the same thought as him and smiled in return.
Some things never change isn’t it, Twinny? She thought to herself.
Glad to have you back again, Twinny… Jin thought to himself.