Chapter 7 & 8 : Breaking Down Barriers
📞: Speak up Sophia.
📞: Umm, there’s nothing. Maybe you just misheard, good night.
Sophia didn’t let her speak anymore before she hang up the call.
“What might be the problem?” Ivy said before she went to bed.
★ Next morning★
Ivy woke up and got ready for work. She helped her Granny prepare breakfast.
“Morning Granny.” Ivy said.
“Good morning Ivy, hope you had a wonderful night.” Granny said and she nodded.
They settled down to eat and in no time, she finished eating and left the house.
Ivy was walking along the road, she decided to walk instead of calling a cab.
Suddenly, a car passed by her and splah a little mud on her.
“Hey, are you nut.” Ivy yelled but the car didn’t even stopped.
“Such brat.” She said trying to clean the stain on her cloth.
She got to the restaurant and met Melody, soon after customers started coming in.
“Hey Ivy, you have been putting on a frown since. What happened?” Melody asked.
“Can you believe, when I was coming to work this morning. A car splashed mud on me and didn’t even bother to wait.” Ivy said.
“What! That’s bad.” Melody said.
“Yes, that person is a brat.” Ivy said angrily.
“Ivy Rhett.” Her boss called and she stopped whatever she is doing.
“In my office now.” Her boss said before leaving.
“What have I done wrong now?” Ivy asked starting to get scared.
“Don’t worry, am sure it’s not a big issue. Go.” Melody assured and she nodded before leaving.
Ivy breathe in and out before knocking on the door.
“Come in.” Her boss said and she entered.
“You… you called for me ma’am.” Ivy said hoping all is well.
“Am sorry to say this, am sure it’s going be devastating but I’ve got no choice.” Her boss.
“What’s it ma’am.” Ivy asked.
“You are fired.” Her boss dropped the bombshell and Ivy could swear her heart stopped beating at some point.
“What?! But what have I done, please ma’am you really can’t do this to me. Please ma.” Ivy said getting down on her knees.
” Am sorry Ivy, please get up.” Her boss said.
Ivy felt really dejected, how will she be able to manage her house. What will happen to her within this period, how will she be able to get another job within such notice.
These questions flashed through her mind as she walked out of the office.
She walked back to the restaurant and started packing her stuffs.
” Ivy, Ivy what happened, what did she tell you.” Melody asked seeing her packing her things.
” I’ve been fired.” Ivy said and Melody’s eyes widened.
” What! For what reason is that? I.. I will go talk to her.” Melody said trying to go but I’ve held her back.
” It’s of no use.” Ivy said.
” But…”
Melody hugged her instantly.
★ Authur’s Empire★
Ivan entered his office and his mind flashed to how he had splashed mud on Ivy.
” Well, she deserves it anyways and I have done something else.” Ivan said and he smirks.
Then a knock came on the door.
” Come in.” Ivan said going to sit on his chair.
” Morning sir.” Melissa greeted.
” Morning.” Ivan responded. Just then, he noticed a bag in her hand.
” What’s that?” Ivan asked.
“Oh, I brought…food for.. you sir.” Melissa said with her head down smiling sheepily.
“Umm thanks but I had eaten before coming. You can share other workers, you know there’s love in sharing.” Ivan said and immediately her smile disappeared.
Again? He keeps rejecting me.* Melissa said in her head.
“No problem sir.” Melissa said.
“Tha….” He just want to say thank you.
Firstly, I don’t say Thank you. He remembered what he said to Ivy.
“You can go.” Ivan said.
He wanted to say thank you right? I didn’t misheard, that will be the first time ever I will be working with him hearing him say thank you, but why did he stop. Melissa said inwardly.
” Uhmm sir, you will be having a meeting in the next thirty minutes, they will text the address to ME soon.” Melissa said emphasising on the Me.
” Good, I will be waiting.” Ivan said before opening the laptop.
Melissa nodded before leaving.
★ Rhett’s residence★
Ivy pressed the door bell and her Granny opened the door with a surprise look.
” Hey Ivy, what are you doing at home by this time.” Granny said.
” Granny.” Ivy said before bursting into tears hugging her.
” What’s wrong dear, come in first.” Granny said before closing the door.
” Granny, I .. I have been fired.” Ivy said.
“What! But why? What did you do, what’s your offence?” Granny asked.
“I didn’t do anything Granny, she didn’t tell me what I did.” Ivy said cleaning her tears which won’t stop falling
“It’s okay dear, you will find another job very soon okay?” Granny said.
“I will go to my room.” Ivy said.
★ Ivy’s room★
Ivy entered her room and slumped on her bed. Her phone kept ringing from Melody’s call but she didn’t pick it up.
She closed her eyes and let her tears fall freely and in no time, she drift off to sleep.
★ Ellite College★
Louisa was going to class when suddenly a hand pulled into an empty class.
“Hey.” Louisa said, her face suddenly changed to an angry one the moment it caught up Ryan.
“Louisa…”
“Why did you pull me here, let me go.” Louisa cut in.
“Louisa, listen to me. I know you must be very angry as to how I got your number..”
“Yeah, you really need to explain that.” She cut in again.
” Oh gosh, can you stop cutting my words.” Ryan said.
” Go on.” She said folding her arms.
” Okay, you must know that I like you a lot and it’s not because you are Rich or something. Trust me, I really do like you a lot, that’s why I found a way of getting your number. Please believe me.” Ryan said.
“Are you done?” Louisa said and he nodded.
“Bye.” Louisa said before leaving and he didn’t make an attempt to stop her.
★ Evening★
Ivy got a call from an unknown number. She squinched her brows before picking it up.
📞: Hello, who’s this
📞: I want you to meet me at Royal’s club tonight
“Uhn, that’s Sophia’s workplace, but who’s this.” Ivy said.
📞: Who are you and why should I listen to you.
📞: You will listen to me if you need a job
” What! A job?” She said again.
📞: I will be there
She end the call and start preparing for what to wear.
★ Night time★
Ivy got dressed and give Melody a call. She picked up at the fourth ring.
📞: Hey Melody
📞: Hi Ivy
📞: Umm, do you wanna go to the club now. Am dressed already
📞: Sure, why not. I will meet you in a while, wait for me
📞: No problem
Ivy went to the living room.
” Granny, am going to meet Sophia and Melody.” Ivy said.
” Of course you can go, but once again you come back home, you get locked outside.” Granny said.
“As if you did it the last time.” Ivy mumbled.
” What’s that?” Granny asked.
“Nothing, I won’t back late. Bye.” She Pecked her cheek and left the house.
A few minutes later, Melody came and they went to the club together.
★ Aurthur’s Mansion★
Ivan got dressed ready to go out. He grabbed his phone and gave Bryan a call.
📞: Hi, you wanna meet up. Ivan said.
📞: Sure, at that club right?
📞: Yeah, I’ll see you. Bye.
Ivan said and ended the call, he suddenly smirk remembering something.
He then went downstairs, he met Louisa and Ma. Rose together at the dinning room while some maids stand behind them.
“I will be back.” Ivan announced before leaving.
“He never stays home, he don’t even know if his little sister is bored or feeling lonely or not.” Louisa pouted.
“It’s okay Louisa, he will be back soon. Am sure he’s doing everything for your well being.” Ma. Rose said patting her hair.
★ Royal’s club★
Ivy and Melody got to the club. Meanwhile Ivy tried calling the unknown number but he didn’t pick it.
“Wow, he is the one who told me to meet him here and now he’s not picking up.” Ivy said and Melody looked at her.
“Who’s that?” Melody asked.
“Nevermind.” Ivy answered and Melody smiled.
“Let’s go meet Sophia.” Melody said and they nodded.
Meanwhile at Sophia’s side.
“I pray I don’t come across that cheater today, I don’t even want to see his face.” Sophia said before she noticed Ivy and Melody coming her side.
“Hey girls, what’s up. Why are you here?” Sophia said before giving the two a hug.
“Ivy called me to come here.” Melody said.
“Hey Sophia, I came here because I thought you might be missing us. I will just go back.” Ivy said wanting to turn back.
“Hey hey, wait I was only joking.” Sophia said and she stopped.
They both smiled.
Ivy got a call after wards.
“I.. I will go pick this.” Ivy said before leaving to somewhere else.
The club was lively as they played song while some were dancing, some were also drinking.
📞: Hello, where are you. Didn’t you see my missed calls. Ivy yelled over the phone.
“She really got some nerves.” The person said.
📞: Come near the restroom, it’s the way on the left. I will be waiting.
📞: Okay.
Ivy said and went there as directed. She got there and the person back was turned to her.
“Am here.” Ivy announced and the person faced her.
Ivy’s eyes widened immediately, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“You? Cold ice? I mean Sir Ivan, are you the one who had been calling me? How did you get my number in the first place.” Ivy said.
“It was me who gave him.” Ivy heard a person says and she turns back only to meet the least expected person.
Chapter 9 & 10 : Jealous Eyes and Hidden Agendas
*Melody? You.. you gave him my number? How and why, where did you guys know each other?” Ivy asked looking at both Melody and Ivan.
” You can go.” Ivan said and Melody nodded before leaving.
“Hey, what are you doing. Why are you doing this, why do you want to help me.” Ivy said.
Ivan moved closer to her and looked straight into her charming eyes.
“Firstly, I am not even interested in giving you a job or something, secondly you will accept it cause I know you just lost your job and thirdly…”
“And.. and what is the third one.” Ivy said.
“I will tell you that later.” Ivan said before moving backwards.
What the.. he will tell me the third one later? Ivy said in her head.
“And how did you know I just lost my job?” Ivy asked.
“That you will ask your boss. Come to my office tomorrow if you need a job.” Ivan said before leaving.
“What! Am I going to work in a company? Wow, am accepting that.” Ivy said happily before leaving to the club.
Ivy got back to the club and went straight to Melody and Sophia.
“Melody, why did you give him my number?” Ivy asked.
“Am sorry but he… You should ask him instead.” Melody said before turning away.
“Good night Sophia.” Ivy said before leaving the club.
“Hey.” Sophia called out but she left already.
“Is she annoyed?” Melody said before she scoffed.
“What happened between the two of you, who did you give her number.” Sophia asked.
“Good night.” Melody said before leaving too.
“What! Did they just both leave me on red, those two are something else.” Sophia said.
★ Rhett’s residence★
Ivy arrived home and went to her Granny’s room, she was already sleeping.
“Good night Granny.” Ivy muttered before leaving.
She entered her room and went to took her bath, she got back to her room and laid on the bed.
“Why would he want to help.” Ivy said before drifting off to sleep.
★ Aurthur’s Mansion★
Ivan got home, everyone else already went to bed. He went to his room too and took a shower.
He then got a call from Bryan, he actually forgot he had left him there.
📞: Hey Ivan, why didn’t you inform me before leaving.
📞: I forgot.
📞: Really? Aren’t you going to apologise? Bryan said.
📞: I don’t say sorry and you know that.
📞: Even if you are wrong? Anyways, good night.
Bryan said and ended the call. Ivan sighed before laying on his bed.
His mind travelled to his parents.
“I wonder when they will be back.” He muttered.
“It will be fun hiring you Miss. Rhett.” He said again before he smirks.
★ Next morning~ Aurthur’s empire★
Ivy got down from the cab and stared at the big company at her front.
She breathe in and out before walking in. She got to the secretary’s table.
“Morning, I am here to see Cold ice.” Ivy said and the secretary stared at her in surprise even the workers passing by.
“Who’s cold ice?” The secretary asked.
“Oh, I mean Ivan Aurthur.” Ivy said.
👥: Wow, such disrespect.
👥: She didn’t even add Mr.
👥: She is pretty though.
👥: Everyone knows he’s cold but why calling him cold ice.
The workers started whispering.
“Name?” The secretary asked.
“Ivy Rhett.” Ivy replied and she nodded.
“You can go.” The secretary said after she finished talking.
“Thanks.” Ivy said before leaving.
Ivy got to his office and knocked, she entered when she was told so.
Melissa is with Ivan and Melissa glared at her.
Why is she looking at me that way. Ivy said inwardly.
“Morning sir.” Ivy said.
“Excuse us Melissa.” Ivan said and Melissa looked at him before nodding.
She left the office and went to her’s.
“Who’s she, why is she always coming here. I won’t even hesitate before clearing off anyone who come in my way.” Melissa said angrily, gritting her teeth.
★ Ivan’s office★
“You said I should come for the job.” Ivy said.
“Yes I remember..” He said and stood up walking towards her.
“Will you be to do what I have for you?” Ivan said.
“I.. I will do anything.” Ivy replied and he scoffs.
For a moment, there was an awkward silence before Ivan broke it.
“You will have to be my personal assistant both home and at work, my PA.” Ivan said and Ivy looked at him.
“What? But you already have a PA.” Ivy said.
“Melissa is to take care of my business schedule, but you.. you will have to take care of me both home and office, meaning take care of whatever I need, like a bodyguard.” Ivan said and Ivy glared the more.
“You mean, I will go everywhere with you and be like a bodyguard. But I can’t fight.” Ivy said.
“That’s not needed, do you agree or not?” Ivan said.
Ivy thought for a while before speaking.
” I accept.” Ivy said.
“Ms. Ivy Rhett, it’s not really not easy to work with me especially when it’s personal. I am a cold being like you always call me and I don’t give a damn about anything, so will you be able to handle it?” Ivan said.
You fool, you have put in a no choice dilemma. I still have a house to cater for. Ivy said inwardly.
“Yes I do, I accept everything.” Ivy said.
“And finally, you being my PA doesn’t mean you can poke nose into my personal life.” Ivan said.
Who said am interested in your personal life too.* She said inwardly again.
“Sure.” Ivy said.
“That’s good, I deserves some respect. Sir isn’t too much.” Ivan said sitting back on his seat.
“Okay.. sir.” Ivy said.
*That’s it, you are so innocent that you accepted, well we will see about how it’s goes.” Ivan said inwardly.
“Your work starts tomorrow, that’s the address to my house. Be there by 6am.” Ivan said dropping his card.
“What! 6 am, is this a job or a torment.” Ivy said.
“You don’t get to question me, be there if you need it. Now out of my office.” Ivan said coldly.
He is being cold now, it’s better I leave. Ivy said inwardly.
She took the card and left the office angrily.
“Such gut.” Ivan said and scoffs.
Just then, Bryan came in. Ivan looked up then.
“Ivan, isn’t that the girl from the club?” Bryan asked.
“Yes.” Ivan replied.
“What’s she doing here.” Bryan asked again.
“She will be working for me now.” Ivan said and Bryan’s eyes widened.
“What!” Bryan said.
He didn’t bother to talk again when Ivan didn’t reply.
*No one knows what he’s up to.” Bryan said in his head.
★ Ellite College★
Louisa had been looking for Charlotte ever since the lecture ended.
” Where is she?” She mumbled.
Just then, she bumped into Ryan. Her expression changed to a angry one.
” You! Don’t you ever get tired of stalking me?” Louisa said.
Ryan didn’t reply her, instead he asked something else.
“Are you looking for Charlotte?” Ryan asked.
“And why should I tell you.” Louisa said.
Ryan shaked his head and held her hand.
“Come with me.” Ryan said dragging her along.
“Hey, let go of me. Hey leave me.” Louisa said trying to break free from his grip but she couldn’t.
Just then, they arrived at a class but it was locked.
“What are we doing here, why did you drag me here huh.” Louisa said again.
He didn’t reply her again, he break open the door and Louisa’s eyes widened.
Ava and her puppies were still busy beating a girl when the door flung open.
“Didn’t I told you to lock the door?” Ava said.
“We locked it.” Becky replied.
Louisa was even more angry seeing Charlotte been beaten, she walked inside the class and the next thing.
PAAAAA
Louisa slapped Ava.
“How dare you huh? How dare you bring your bully near my friend huh. Who the hell are you to beat Charlotte this way.” Louisa said.
Ava and her puppies had been bullying Charlotte.
Ryan went to get Charlotte, he helped her stand up.
“Thanks.” Charlotte managed to say.
Bruises were all of her face, it is evidence that Ava hates her, for the fact that she is more closer to Louisa made her hates Charlotte the more.
“Louisa, Louisa please listen to me.” Ava said trying to touch her but Louisa jerked off her hand.
“Don’t you dare touch me. How could you huh, you might have been doing that to other students but you know that Charlotte is my friend infact my best friend and you dare do this to her.” Louisa said angrily.
“She doesn’t deserve your friendship Louisa. Poor people like her should make friends with their poor mates.” Ava said, her friends just stood behind watching the whole scene.
“Don’t you dare call her poor again. Didn’t I see rich girls before I made friends with her huh? Do you think I don’t know what am doing, Charlotte is way more better than you all.” Louisa said.
“Louisa, please listen to me..”
“Don’t you show me your face again. Let’s go Charlotte.” Louisa said and walked out of the class with Charlotte and Ryan.
Ava screamed angrily after they were gone.
“Louisa, you can’t be angry with me forever.” Ava said.
“You see Ava, she slapped you again. Why don’t you just let go of her huh.” Roselle said.
Yet again, Ava slapped her.
“Don’t you dare repeat that statement again, Louisa is going to be my friend at any cost. Do you get that.” She yelled the last part before leaving the class.
“Both of you got slapped again, wow.” Becky said leaving too.
Roselle glared at nothing angrily.
Louisa took Charlotte to the school clinic to get her treated. They wait for her outside while she was treated.
Louisa bit her lip before walking to Ryan.
“Am..am sorry.” Louisa said.
“It’s okay, I really think you should stop jumping into conclusions.” Ryan said.
“Thank you.” Louisa said softly and Ryan looked at her.
“Can’t believe Louisa Aurthur is saying thank you to Me.” Ryan said before leaving.
Louisa bit her lips again and went in to see Charlotte.
★ Next morning★
Ivy got dressed and went to meet her Granny in her room.
“Granny, I will leaving now. Bye.” Ivy said.
“Take care dear and be careful. Ivan Aurthur is a very cold person, he is famous but the Lord knows how he is. Please be careful.” Her Granny said.
“I will, Thank you.” Ivy said and hugged her before leaving.
Aurthur’s Mansion*
Ivy got to the address and had a word with the security before they let her in.
She got to the door and pressed the doorbell. Louisa came in view.
“Morning, umm is it Mr. Ivan home?” Ivy asked.
“Come in first.” Louisa said, she was stunned that a girl came looking for Ivan.
“In my first time in my 18 years of living, this will be the first time a girl will come looking for my brother. Tell me are you his girlfriend, oh you look so pretty. How did you manage to be his girlfriend, my brother is a very hard person, how did you guys fall in love, how….” Louisa kept on talking not allowing Ivy to talk until she was interrupted.
“Louisa!!” Ivan yelled from the stairs. Louisa’s eyes widened upon seeing him, he looks so angry.
Oh no, am in trouble. Louisa said inwardly fidgeting.
Chapter 11 & 12 : Conflicted Feelings Arise
Ivan walked down to them with a cold look. Ivy stood there watching the brother- sister duo.
” What were you saying?” Ivan said.
” I.. I.. brother I was just trying to know who she is, that’s all.” Louisa stuttered.
” By spewing nonsense?” He said again.
” Sir, it’s.. it’s not really her fault since this is the first time of her seeing a girl who came looking for you.” Ivy defended her.
Ivan then turned to her and moved closer to her.
” And who do you think you are to interfere in my business, did you forget what I told you?” Ivan said.
Ivy looked down directly.
” Sorry sir, I was just…”.
” Shut it, now up to your room and go get ready for school.” Ivan interrupted.
” Yes brother.” Louisa said before leaving.
” Sorry sir.” Ivy said softly.
Ma. Rose and other workers started coming out to do the necessaries. Firstly, they were surprised to see Ivy. They decided to ignore it so as to not lose their Job.
” Morning dear.” Ma. Rose said to Ivan.
Is she his mom?* Ivy asked herself in her head.
” I will go get ready for work.” Ivan said leaving to his room.
” Who are you?” Ma. Rose asked Ivy.
” Umm, am his personal PA.” Ivy said and smiled.
” Thought he has a PA already.” Ma. Rose said.
” Yes but…” Ivy couldn’t continue because Ivan arrived.
He sat on the dinning chair bringing out his laptop. They dish his food but he only ate a little, Louisa came out to eat too.
” What are you doing?” Ivan said.
” Obviously eating.” Louisa responded.
” Get up.” Ivan said and Louisa looked at him even Ivy.
“Brother, why should I.” Louisa said.
“Get up.” Ivan half yelled and she stood up Immediately.
“This is your punishment for not knowing how to control your mouth, go see Ma. Rose if you need anything.” Ivan said and Louisa’s eyes widened.
“What? Won’t I eat to school. Brother, this is pure wickedness.” Louisa pouted.
“You know that won’t work on me, I told you to meet Ma. Rose if you need anything.” Ivan said.
Louisa left the room in anger without meeting Ma. Rose, she left the house.
What! How could he do this is to his own sister, he is not only cold but wicked.” Ivy said inwardly.
After some minutes, he finished eating and they walked to the car.
Ivy was about to enter with car with him when he stopped her.
” What are you doing?” Ivan said.
” Going to sit in of course.” Ivy said.
” I am your boss, you really don’t think you are going to sit down beside me.” Ivan said.
” Then.. where should I sit.” Ivy asked.
” Go seat with the driver.” Ivan said and went in the car.
“Really?” Ivy said to herself before she went in. The car drove off.
★ Aurthur’s empire★
A while later, they got to the company and they alight from his.
Ivan didn’t even bother to wait for her, while Ivy tried to catch up with him. They entered the elevator together though.
With the two staying some miles away from each in the elevator, Ivy kept glancing at him but he didn’t even look her side.
The elevator stopped and they went in the company. The workers started murmuring upon seeing Ivy with Ivan.
👥: What’s she doing here
👥: Why’s she with Mr. Ivan
👥: Is she working here now?
👥: That’s never possible, boss can never hire someone like her.
They kept murmuring until Ivan stopped admist them. Melissa came out too and looked at Ivy hatefully.
Why’s she here.* She said in her head.
” Listen up everyone, this girl here will be working with me. And I hope you catch up with her and I don’t want any form of insult to her, hope am clear enough.” Ivan said.
👥: Yes sir
Ivan nodded before leaving, Ivy trailed behind him too.
👥: She is really working here
👥: And that too with him
” Shut up you all, and go do your work.” Melissa yelled at them and they dismissed.
” No no, that girl can’t work here.” Melissa said.
★ The Restaurant★
A boy had been replaced with Ivy, but ever since Melody had never tried to get along with her while he tried to.
She came back to the counter after attending to a customer.
” A cup of cappuccino.” Melody said without looking at him.
” Sure.” Noah said.
He went back to make it and come back.
” Here.” Noah said and handed over to her, their hands met and Melody looked at him.
” Sorry.” Noah said.
She collected the cappuccino from him and walk out, Noah sighs.
” I wonder why she is always annoyed.” Noah said.
★ Ellite college★
Louisa and Charlotte were in the cafeteria, Louisa looked around hoping to find Ryan, but she didn’t.
Ever since the incident, she hadn’t seen him.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Charlotte said.
“Umm, am looking for Ryan. I really want to apologise to him but am not seeing him around.” Louisa said.
“Maybe he is angry with you. Louisa, don’t mind me saying but Ryan is a good person, I know he is not after your money and he really loves you. Why don’t you give him a chance.” Charlotte said.
Louisa bit her lips and sighs.
★ Aurthur’s empire★
They were having a board meeting with some business men, so Ivy was sent to bring a file.
She was about going back when Bryan came in.
“Hey, hi.” Bryan said.
“Hello.” Ivy responded.
“Umm, where is Ivan.” Bryan asked.
“Oh, there’s a board meeting going.” Ivy said.
“Really, no problem. I will wait.” Bryan said.
Ivy then remembered she wanted to ask about Sophia.
They started the discussion.
Ivan has been expecting Ivy but she refused to come, he then decided to go look for her.
He arrived at the front of his office and saw Ivy and Bryan discussing.
” What’s going on here.” Ivan asked. Bryan and Ivy looked at each other and then him.