Chapter 13 & 14 : Enemies Turned Allies?
“Ivan, what’s up?” Bryan said trying to bring up another topic.
“Leave, there’s a meeting going on. Come back later.” Ivan said looking at Ivy, but Ivy brought her head down.
“Ivan, we are just…” Bryan couldn’t continue because Ivan’s gaze stopped him from saying more.
He might be his friend but he doesn’t want and doesn’t wish to see his other side.
“I will get going, bye Ivy.” Bryan said and Ivy smiled at him. He left.
“And you? Are you joking with your job right now? Do you even know what a board meeting is, it’s a meeting among a company and others. It’s clear you don’t understand, I should have just sent Melissa.” Ivan said and snatch the file from her hand leaving her.
Ivy couldn’t lie she felt sad by the way he talked to her, this is the first time he raised his voice to her even though he talk coldly.
“It’s nothing Ivy. Get going already.” Ivy said to herself before going to the conference room.
★ Elite College★
A lecturer is attending to Louisa’s class, but Louisa’s mind was totally somewhere else.
She had been thinking of what Charlotte told her and she has reconsider it again.
The lecturer called out her name for the fourth time before she answered.
“And what is it you are thinking of, else your studies.” The man said.
“Sorry sir, there has been a lot at home going on lately, so just kinda bothered.” Louisa said.
“You should pay attention to class.” The man said and she nodded.
Louisa sigh and he continued the class, Charlotte looked at her and she gave her the’no issues’ look.
After an hour, the lecturer finished with them and the students started moving out.
Louisa and Charlotte got to the big tree in the college and they sat under it, most students come there too to clear their head or for some fresh air.
“Louisa, what were you thinking of.” Charlotte asked.
“About Ryan.” Louisa said.
“Gosh, what about him. You should meet up with him if you think you like him too, seriously don’t agree because I said it.” Charlotte said.
“No, I just want to see him. Maybe we can be friends for a while and I might develop feelings for him afterwards.” Louisa said.
“Hmm, that’s right. But where’s he after all.” Charlotte said looking around.
“I haven’t seen him for a while, I will ask from his friends when I see them.” Louisa said.
“No problem, thank God you are now interested in someone.” Charlotte said almost loudly.
“Hey, keep low. I think you should find a boyfriend too.” Louisa said and her expression changed.
“Nah, not really interested. Have got a lot on my hands recently, so I don’t really have the time.” Charlotte said with her expression changed.
“Oh, no problem. You will soon, now cheer up. Let’s go to the cafeteria.” Louisa said as they went together.
★ Royal’s club★
Sophia kept looking at Bryan as he keeps drinking. Her conscience kept telling her to go but she hesitated.
Bryan had a lot going on on his mind, firstly Ivan and secondly Sophia.
When it’s becoming too worse, Sophia couldn’t hold it again as she walked up to him.
“Hey, will you stop drinking already.” Sophia said as she took the bottle from his hand.
“Oh my, My Sophie is here. You had come for me right, I knew it.” Bryan said drunkenly.
“Just stop already and go home.” Sophia said trying to hold him from falling.
“Sophia, will you listen to me please.” Bryan said but she didn’t respond.
“I love you truly and when.. I get a… chance I will tell you why I.. did all that, promise.” Bryan stuttered.
“I will take you home come on.” Sophia said.
“Oh wow, you still remember my house. Let’s go, let’s go.” Bryan said and he held her hand.
“Ummm, Grayson can you inform boss when he comes that I will be back in a jiffy please.” Sophia said.
“No problem and take care of him, he is too drunk.” Grayson said.
“Thank you, let’s go you drunkard.” Sophia said and he chuckled.
Sophia drove his car and they got to his house some minutes later.
She pressed the door bell and a lady which Sophia know as his elder sister opened the door.
His elder sister Bianca was surprised to see Sophia because it’s been a long time she last saw her since the break up.
“He is drunk, please take care of him.” Sophia said looking at Bryan who was now sleeping.
“Thank you Sophia, it’s nice seeing you again.” Bianca said and she smiled.
“I will get going.” Sophia said as she went her way.
“Why doesn’t she even feel remorseful.” Bianca muttered and took Bryan in.
★ The restaurant★
Melody and Noah were in the kitchen, restaurant kitchen. Other staffs were attending to the customers, they each were preparing different foods on their own.
“Erm, Melody can you assist me with this recipe. I kinda don’t know it.” Noah said and she raised her brows.
“Please.” He said cutely.
“Focus on the food.” Melody said when she noticed he is staring at her.
They both were cooking, suddenly Melody’s hand got burnt.
” Hey Melody.” Noah said as she took her hand.
Melody kept looking at his worried face as he applied the ointment on her hand.
When he was done, she snatched her hand away.
“Thanks.” Melody said as she continued cooking.
“No no, go and rest. I will do the rest thank you, Ms. Melody.” Noah said and smiled.
Melody nodded as she take a seat and watch him cooking.
★ Night~ Rhett’s residence★
Ivy couldn’t sleep because Ivan had told her to go home while he was still at office.
” Why didn’t he go home then.” She said.
” I don’t even have his number or his sister’s, I will just go to his house and find out.” Ivy said.
She took a baggy top and wore a jogger trouser with a fluffy slippers.
She went to the living room and went out of the house, her Granny already went to bed.
Suddenly, the rain started but that didn’t stop her at all. She kept going until she got to the mansion.
The guards let her in and she went to press the door bell.
” Hey Ivy, what’s up.” Louisa said as she opened the door.
” Am good, erm is your brother back?” Ivy asked.
” No he is not, but don’t worry. He always come late so am sure he will be back soon.” Louisa said.
” Oh okay, good night.” Ivy said.
” Thanks for caring, good night.” Louisa said and closed the door.
Somehow Ivy felt something is wrong, she decided to go to the office.
★ Aurthur’s empire★
Ivan didn’t want to go home early, but it was time to go already.
Since it was raining, and he didn’t much like the rain. He decided to stay in a small house which no one stayed.
” Oh shit, why does it have to rain.” He said.
Suddenly, he started perceiving something burning and he stood up to check only to see that a fire is coming towards him.
The house is on fire.
” Fvck, how is this possible.” Ivan said. Sadly, he is hardly to too much of fire, he just cant withstand it.
The smoke became too much, as he started coughing.
Ivy got to the company but the gate has been locked.
” There’s obvoiyno one here, where could he have gone. Maybe the club?” Ivy said as she gave Sophia a call but she told her she didn’t come there at all.
She started looking around while going back, that way she saw a house on fire.
” Oh my Goodness, fire. Why do I feel something strange.” She said and she tried to go in
” You can do this Ivy.” She said to herself before going in.
Luckily, she saw a blanket and she wrapped around herself and went deep in the house carefully avoiding the fire.
She got to a place and her eyes widened at what she saw.
” Cold Ice!!” She yelled.
Chapter 15 & 16 : Facing Fears and Hidden Emotions
Ivy immediately rushed towards him and held him with her arm covering him with the wet blanket, he was already unconscious.
She saw a wheel cart in the room and laid him on it driving him out of the fire breakout.
It was nighttime, cars rarely drive around.
“What should I do, no one is passing. And the rain doesn’t want to stop.” Ivy said.
She continued wheeling him down to the nearest hospital she could find.
★ Some minutes later★
Ivy entered a hospital with Ivan still on the wheel cart, she called the attention of the nurses and they immediately rushed to attend to him.
They started treating him and after a while, the doctor came out and Ivy sprang up Immediately.
“Doctor doctor, how is he now?” Ivy asked.
” Thank goodness he was rushed here on time else it might been more worse, he had sustain some injuries but Don’t worry Mr. Ivan will be okay.” The doctor said.
“Thank God, but do you know him?” Ivy asked.
“Who doesn’t, he is a famous business man but who are you to him and where are his family.” The Doctor asked.
“Am his personal PA and his family doesn’t even know what happened to him.” Ivy said..
“Don’t worry, I will contact their landline.” The doctor said.
“Thank you doctor, can I see him? ” Ivy said.
“Not now, the nurse will inform you when it’s time.” The doctor said.
“Thank you.” Ivy said and the doctor smiled before leaving.
Ivy sneezed, she was cold due to the rain. She sat down until they called her to go see him in the ward.
She walked in the ward and found Ivan on the bed sleeping, she was about to go back when he talked.
“Why are you still here?” Ivan said and she faced him Immediately.
“How are you now, hope you aren’t feeling a lot of pain.” Ivy said.
“And why do you care, what are you doing here?” Ivan said and she raised her brows before she scoffs.
Was I expecting a thank you before.* She said inwardly and scoffs again.
“Why do you keep doing that, how did you find me?” Ivan said.
” Seriously, Mr. Ivan. You call yourself a man, you keep acting all cold and tough in front of me and others but you just couldn’t save yourself from the fire.” Ivy said and Ivan frown.
“Miss Rhett, you should know how you talk to me.” Ivan said.
He tried to sit straight on the bed and he failed and wanted to fall back but Ivy was quick to hold him.
” Careful.” She said as she hold him.
That way, they were staring at each other. Lost in each other eyes until they were interrupted by someone.
“Brother.” Louisa called as she walk in with Ma. Rose.
They rushed to him Immediately as Ivy left him and adjust herself.
“Brother, how did this happened.” Louisa said sitting beside him.
“Louisa, how come you are here. Don’t worry am all fine.” Ivan said.
“Credit goes to me.” Ivy said and Ivan looked at her.
“Thank you so much dear, we are really grateful.” Ma. Rose said.
“But I had told you to go home, how did you find him?” Louisa asked.
Ivy explained everything to her.
“What! Fire, don’t you know you are intolerant to fire outbreak why didn’t you try to leave, what if Ivy hadn’t found you.” Louisa said as a tear drop from her eyes, her eyes were already full of tears.
“Louisa, it’s okay. Am fine now, don’t cry okay?” Ivan said and she hugged him.
Ivy and Ma. Rose smiled at the duo.
“Thank you Ivy, Thank you. I know my brother wouldn’t have say thank you but I have saying it on his behalf.” Louisa said and Ivan scoffed.
“It’s okay, that’s not a problem.” Ivy said and Louisa smiled.
“I think I should get going now.” Ivy said.
” Am not well, I want you at my house real early tomorrow to take care of me.” Ivan said.
” I know that, bye.” Ivy said before leaving.
“I will ask when you should discharged.” Ma. Rose said.
“Tell the doctor that I want to be discharged today itself.” Ivan said and she nodded.
He was later discharged and went home.
★ Next morning * Aurthur’s Mansion*
Ivy got to his house and was directed to his room. She knocked on the door.
“Come in.” She heard Ivan’s voice and she entered.
She magnified at the room’s design, with Ivan on the big king size bed.
She was still busy admiring the room failing to notice Ivan, Ivan then spoke up.
“Will you just keep staring at the room or tend to me.” Ivan voice brought her back to reality and she walked up to him.
“Morning sir, sorry.” Ivy said.
“I need bath, help me with my clothes.” Ivan said and Ivy’s eyes widened.
“What! I.. I should remove your clothes, I… I don’t..” Ivy stammered.
” I didn’t mean that gosh, you’re such a nuckle head. Just help me with the shirt.” Ivan said and she bit her lips which Ivan noticed.
She move closer to him and started unbutton his shirt, while she was doing that Ivan’s gaze didn’t leave her pretty face.
Their face was so close to each other, Ivan’s eyes landed on her lips and he immediately take his eyes off.
Ivy make sure her hand doesn’t make contact with his chest at least.
Is his hand paining him also, he can’t even do this himself. Ivy said inwardly.
“What did just say?” Ivan said startling her.
“Huh?” She said.
“I don’t like repeating myself.” Ivan said.
“No, I didn’t say anything. Am done, you can go take your bath.” Ivy said and stood up.
“Help stand.” Ivan said as she helped him towards the bathroom and came back.
” He can’t even walk to the bathroom himself.” Ivy said when she reached the room.
★ Elite College★
Louisa didn’t go to college and that got Ryan worried. Even though he had been avoiding her, he was still worried.
After the lecture ended, he saw Charlotte coming out of the class and ran towards her.
” Charlotte.” He called.
“Ryan, what’s wrong?” Charlotte asked seeing his worried face.
“I haven’t seen Louisa in college today, do you know why she’s not in school?” Ryan asked.
“No I don’t, but please do not tell her or anyone what am about to say.” Charlotte said and he furrowed his brows.
“What’s that?”
“Louisa had decided to give you a chance, but she wants to be friends for now. So what am trying to say is that please don’t try to do anything that might make her change her mind.” Charlotte said and that got him smiling.
“Really, Thank you so much.” Ryan said smiling. He is really happy so freaking much right now.
★ Aurthur’s Mansion★
Ivan finished eating and sat down in the living room with Ivy too.
Ivy kept sneezing and Ivan will look at her every single time.
“I think that fire wasn’t a mistake, it’s must be a set up.” Ivan said and Ivy look at him.
“Why would you guess so sir.” Ivy asked.
” I have a lot of business rivals, am sure it’s one of them.” Ivan said.
” So what are you planning to do now sir.” Ivy asked.
“I think I should involve the police….” Ivan kept talking and he didn’t notice when Ivy fainted ( due to the cold) until she fell in his arm.
“Miss Rhett!!” He called.
Chapter 17 & 18 : A Moment of Vulnerability
He didn’t even know what to do, he then called Ma. Rose.
Ivan told her to inform the family doctor, and in some times the family doctor arrived.
★ In Ivan’s room★
After the doctor finished checking up on her, she was already sleeping.
“Doctor, what’s the problem?” Ivan asked.
“Has she been in the rain for too long? She was feeling too cold and affected her, that was why she fainted.” The doctor said.
“Oh, so what is the solution?” Ivan asked.
“I will prescribed some drugs for her and please make sure she uses it.” The doctor said.
“No problem.” Ivan said.
“I will get going.” The doctor said and he nodded before he left.
“Ma. Rose, please get the drugs or you can send one of the maids. I will stay with her.” Ivan said.
“Okay dear.” Ma. Rose said and left the room.
Ivan sat down beside her on the bed, Ivy then opened her eyes slowly.
She was feeling a lot of headache, her eyes suddenly met with Ivan’s.
“Sir, I..” She tried to stand up but the headache didn’t allow her as she slumped back on the bed.
“Just rest, they will get the drugs in no time.” Ivan said.
“But, the works at office?” Ivy said.
“Melissa will take care of that.” Ivan said and stood up.
“Thank you Cold ice.” She said whispering the last part.
Ivan look back at her and left the room. Ivy then sighs.
“Am I seriously in his room right now? On his bed?.” She said to herself and smile.
★ The Restaurant★
There was a few customers in the restaurant as Noah sat down waiting for Melody.
She had gone to get some stuffs at the market. Noah stand up seeing her walk in with the bags to help her.
“Hey, did I call you for help?” Melody said and jerked off his hand.
Noah didn’t reply and followed her to the kitchen to arrange the stuffs.
They started arranging the stuffs in the necessary places.
“Hope the market wasn’t too stressful?” Noah asked trying to bring up a topic.
“No, it wasn’t. Now let me be.” Melody snapped back at him.
Melody was trying to reach a place but she wasn’t too tall to reach the place.
Noah noticed this and came to help her, he stood at her back and collect the thing from her and placed it there.
Melody turned and their eyes met, Melody’s back rested on the wall trying not to make contact with him.
“What.. what do you think you are doing?” Melody said, but Noah kept looking at her.
“Noah!” She called and pushed him, he staggered back and fell.
“Noah, Noah.” She called and ran towards him trying to help him stand.
“Am sorry, I am really sorry please.” Melody said.
“Why do you hate me so much?” Noah said softly looking into her eyes.
“I….” She tried to leave but He held her back by her hand draw her towards him.
” Do you really hate me that much, why?” Noah said.
Melody looked at him and release herself from his grip and ran off the kitchen, Noah sighs.
“I need an answer Melody.” Noah said before doing the rest of the work.
Melody ran back to the restaurant and sat down at her place, Noah’s question kept coming back to her head.
“I really don’t have an answer to your question Noah.” Melody said.
★ Bryan’s house★
Sophia looked at the house in front of her, she wondered why Bryan had called her again, she pressed the door bell and Bianca ( Bryan’s sister) opened the door.
“Hi.” Bianca said smiling.
“Is Bryan home?” Sophia said as she kept a straight face.
“Yes, come in.” Bianca said and let her in.
Sophia looked at the sorroundings of the house and smiled slowly.
“Nothing has changed.” She said softly and her eyes landed on Bryan who was coming from the stairs.
” Hi Sophia.” Bryan said.
” Why did you call me here?” Sophia asked.
“To explain all to you.” Bryan said.
“Why, I don’t need your explanation. Am really done with you, please just let me go.” Sophia said and turn to go.
” You aren’t leaving Sophia, you have to listen to Bryan and me too.” Bianca said holding her hand.
” Please Sophia.” Bryan said and she stopped.
” Start explaining.” Sophia said folding her arms under b**bs.
Bryan breathe in and out and Bianca urged him to go on.
” On that day, I…” Bryan started with the explanation.
Sophia eyes widened at the explanation, she couldn’t believe her eyes nor does she want to believe the explanation.
“No no, that’s a lie. No I don’t believe you.” Sophia said shaking her head.
“That’s the truth, dad had to force me in order to spare your life, I don’t want you dead Sophia, that is why I made plans for you to caught me cheating, and dad will spare your life.” Bryan said.
” No, no.” Sophia said and ran out of the house feeling guilty.
” Sophia!” Bianca called and wanted to go after her.
” No sister, let her go.” Bryan said and sigh before sitting on the sofa.
” It’s alright Bryan.” Bianca said and patted her shoulder.
★ Ellite College★
Louisa and Charlotte got out of the library, there is a class going on and they are already late.
Then they saw Ryan coming towards them.
” Just skip the class.” Charlotte whispered to her.
” I think I will.” Louisa said and smiled.
Ryan finally got to them, Charlotte and him exchange pleasantries before she left.
” Hi.” Ryan said smiling.
” Hey, I thought you didn’t want to talk to me. Maybe you were avoiding me.” Louisa said.
” No not all, I had work to do that day, that’s why I didn’t come to college and when I came you weren’t in the school.” Ryan said and she smiled more.
” So, I…”
“You accept.” Ryan cut in.
” Yes I do, but how did you find out.” Louisa said squinching her brows.
“I just guess, we made for each other you know.” Ryan said and she smiled.
“But you have to promise me you won’t ever break my heart and don’t ever hurt me.” Louisa said.
“Of course, I won’t. Thank you so much, you have really done a lot for me for agreeing.” Ryan said holding her hand.
“You’re welcome.” Louisa said blushing.
“I love you.” Ryan said and pecked her cheek with got her blush so hard, her cheek got redden due to her blushing.
“I.. I have to get going now, bye.” Louisa said and ran off.
Ryan smiled and ran his hand through his hair, he then left.
★ Aurthur’s Mansion★
Ivan had called Melissa over due to some work, since Ivy broke the law of him inviting any girl to his house.
Melissa had been extremely happy Ivan called her to his house, she had never been there of her five years of working with him.
Ivy and Ivan were in the living room when the heard the ringing of the doorbell.
” I will get the door.” Ivy said and tried to get up.
” You are not well, just sit. I will go.” Ivan said.
“No sir, am your PA, it’s my duty to do things for you and moreso you aren’t well either.” Ivy said.
“No , I am your boss so you will listen to me.” Ivan said and Ivy nodded smiling.
Ivan then stood up with her help and went to the door.
“Boss.” Melissa called happily but that was short-lived when she saw Ivy.