7 Chapter 7 “Too late…”
Yuan Mendez POV
Ivy's really busy for the past week preparing for the Anniversary of the first Lotus Mall. I've been working close to her since I'm her temporary secretary. There were several times that I was tempted to tell her but I'm afraid she would tell how rude I was to her when she was the one to confess.
Now that the tables have turned, in which she doesn't care and I no longer know if she still likes me just like five years ago, it weakens my guts to tell her. On the other side I want to tell her so I would know how she thinks of me, but there are a lot of things that holds me back.
"Yuan! I want you to pick up Rose my Stylist and bring him to the villa…"
"Ummm Miss Ivy… 'Him'?"
"Ahh! Right!! Rose is gay, fine! I'll change it as 'her' anyway when you pick her up make sure you're already dressed for the anniversary party you'll drive me there…"
Did I just hear that right? I'll be the one driving her to the party… Shall I tell her tonight, maybe when we're in the car? Maybe she'll be in a bad mood if she'll know, how about after the party? Right!! To avoid her being on a bad mood.
"Yuan do you hear me?"
"Yes Miss!"
The party is at 7 pm and it's now 4 pm and I'm at the salon to pick up the stylist.
"Are you Mr. Yuan Mendez?"
"Yes, Rose? Am I right?"
"Yes, dear this is me! Oh!! you're good looking."
"Ahh thank you!"
"Are you miss Ivy's boyfriend?"
"No! no…" not that it's a bad idea
"Ummm I'm her secretary…"
"Oooh! With that visual? If I was her, I'd fall for you!!"
"ahahahaha!" I laughed awkwardly
In a moment we arrived at the villa and Ivy welcomed her stylist, they went to her room so she can get dressed up. I stayed in the living room to wait for her.
"Yuan! Dear! You look more handsome in your suit!"
"Thank you, lady Min, ahh I'm just wondering Miss Ivy asked me to drive her to the party is Mr. Zheng not around?���
"Ahhh… Yang? He has to go with his family to the party, he went early to pick them up."
"Is the whole Zheng family there?"
"Well I guess so, they're a family friend and the company's investor…"
"I see…" I nodded
"Lady Min!" Loren Dy? Ivy's best friend
"Loren! You look very pretty young lady!!" Lady Min complimented Loren
"Mr. Yuan? I didn't expect you to be here…" Loren said
"Hi, yes, ummm Miss Ivy asked me to drive her to the party, that's why I'm waiting for her…"
"Ooooh… okay…" she sat on the sofa facing where I am seated. I know she's not that fond of me and that is why we're awkward.
The silence broke when she suddenly spoke
"Mr. Yuan, I'm really sorry about what I'm bound to say, I'm just a straight forward person. If you're staying by Ivy's side just so you could hurt her again, please feel free to leave."
I think that wouldn't happen the second time. How can I? Now that…
"No, ummm… I'm just here because I need a job"
"Okay, I'll believe you, for now…"
"Loren!! I thought you went to Japan?"
"My flight got cancelled yesterday!"
Ivy went down the stairs heading to where we are… She never fails to amuse!
She was wearing a pearl white sleeveless gown, beaded with a Golden phoenix on the tail of her silk dress. With her hair up, she looks so pretty, she's like a goddess!
"Dear! Don't look at her that much she'll melt!!" Lady Min whispered to my ears…
"I wasn't… *Ahem!!* staring at her…"
"hahahahah!! Okay fine…" Lady Min laughed mischievously…
Glad she didn't catch me staring because she was talking with the stylist and Loren.
"Yuan, I'm going to use the new car can you fetch it from the garage? Here's the Key card"
"Yes miss…" I took the card and walked towards the garage.
I'm still in awe how Ivy keeps a lot of car. I drove to the main residence to fetch her up…
"Ahh! Loren, I had Mr. Carlo, my driver to drive you and Rose to the party."
"Okay!"
"Let's go Yuan… but we have to drop by a pharmacy first"
"Pharmacy? Are you sick somewhere?"
"I need to buy some meds for anxiety…"
"You have anxiety disorder?"
"I saw the weather forecast Its going to rain at 9 pm because there's a Low-Pressure Area. You know since the accident I can't drive in the rain and when I ride at the passenger seat when it rains, I need a pill or two for anxiety."
I feel sorry for her, that event in her life destroyed her so much, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and more over, I know that I'm part of that hurtful event.
We came to a pharmacy and she bought a bottle of anxiety pills.
"Oh! Loren just texted me. They're almost at the mall… let's hurry up…"
"Yes miss…"
I want to tell her how I feel before this night ends, I want to fix her so she doesn't have to drink her pills, I want to give her all the love she deserves to make up for all the pain she has. I want to patch her pieces up so she's no longer broken.
We arrived at the mall and went straight to the function hall… There were already a lot of visitors, there were investors, and shareholders. I was seated near the right corner of the stage, while Ivy is at the center table alone.
Soon after the program started, I saw Yin stood up from her table. Where is she going? Oh?! Is that Ivan? Are they Mr. and Mrs. Zheng?
Ivy welcomed them with a hug, they seem really close. They're like her own family. She led them to the table where she was seated earlier, so that's why she was sitting alone.
In the middle of the program she went to the stage to give her speech. Should I tell her after her speech?
"Good evening!! I'm so delighted to see you again on the 24th anniversary of our very first Mall. I remember when my father used to tell me why he started to take interest in malls, he told me when he found out that his child would be a girl, he thought that maybe when she grow up, she would love to shop and hang out with friends on the mall a lot, so he started planning and opened up a mall, he expanded and eventually everything grew!"
No wonder she loved her father so much because he was also dedicated to his daughter. She was his life and I believe he was her everything too.
"As we celebrate the anniversary of this mall every year I'm always reminded of daddy's warm and sweet thoughts for me and that is why I cherish this mall among other branches. I hope that I'll be able to protect and expand this Mall even to a larger scale. That is why I bought the empty lot next to this mall to construct the annex starting next month. Please anticipate our new project and I hope to see you on the day of the opening of the annex. For now, let us enjoy the night and I thank you all for joining us on our celebration!"
She's coming down the stage. I'm going to ask her to talk with me in private…
"Miss Ivy…"
"Yuan�� Is there a problem?"
"Can we talk in private?"
"Just tell it to me here, I can't leave the venue. What is it?"
"Ummm…" damn I'm too nervous!!! There's no voice coming out…
"Is it okay to tell you here?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Ummm…Miss Ivy.. ahhh… I think---"
"Yin!" Ivan appeared at the back
"Yang! Wait for a second… what is it you want to tell me Yuan…"
"Ummm… I think I li---"
"Yin, I have to ask you something important and urgent…" Ivan said to Ivy
"Okay fine, I'll go… ummm Yuan let's talk later…"
Ivan took Ivy to the center of the stage holding a mike and someone handed him a bouquet of purple tulips and he gave it to her.
I looked around to see the expression of the people sitting on their designated tables, they were shocked and they had question marks on their faces.
What shocked the people including me was when Ivan knelt down and offered her a ring. When I finally grasped the situation I was totally baffled and… am I hurt? I wanted to scream out loud and take her away.
"Yin Ivy Lee, even our names are matched, we were born to be together even from the start. Remember when we were young, I gave you a white wild Lilac we plucked on the garden, it represented purity and innocence, but I promised that I would give you Purple Tulips when I would finally ask you for your hand, right? Tulips represents love, when it's purple it gives another meaning, royalty. Yin you're like a princess to me you're very special and you always had and will always will have a special place in my heart and here I am asking for an extraordinary privilege of marrying you"
I admit it was the sweetest proposal but I wish she'd say NO, my heart's praying and screaming that she'd say no. I heard her whisper as I was near the stage.
"Are you sure?" Ivy asked
Will she say No? I had every hope and I've called saints at this instant praying she'd say no. Ivan nodded as an answer to her question.
I thought they're just close friends? I was just able to pull my guts to tell her, please give me a chance to tell her… I turned around and closed my eyes to wait for her answer and I hope she'd say no. I can't watch anymore.
"Yes…"
I wished I realized sooner so I had the chance to tell her even earlier… I felt like I was slapped a thousand times. I didn't know she would leave an impact to me like this. It wasn't my intention to fall in love with my boss.
The people were happy with the engagement and I saw Mr. and Mrs. Zheng very happy. The people celebrated, and I'm the only one who's not in the mood to celebrate.
"Yuan…"
I turned around it was Ivy, she's with Ivan and she was smiling brightly, I really love seeing her smile but I can't bring myself to be happy for her, I hate this feeling.
"Yes, Miss Ivy?" I answered
"What is it that you want to tell me?"
"Ummm… first of all, congrats to the both of you!!" I faked a smile
"Thanks" she said with a bright smile
"Thanks Bro!!" Ivan said
"Yin, I'll leave you for a moment Mom's telling me to come."
"Okay…"
"So, Yuan what do you really want to tell me?"
It's too late now, she's going to marry someone else. Besides, the chance of her changing her decision is far from one percent. She's happy when she's with him. She's a whole when she's with him, so different if she's with me, I was the cause of her pain.
"I just want to ask if, ummm… Could I leave early? There was a problem at my house and I need to attend to it immediately." Excuses for the nth time…
"Yeah! Go ahead! You can take my car I'll just ride with Yang later… See you at work on Monday!"
"Thanks…"
I feel like screaming! I regret not telling her when I had the chance… I went out the function hall, I felt weak I held on to the wall and looked on the ground.
"Mr. Mendez?"
I turned around it was Loren.
"Are you fine?"
"Ahhh! Miss Loren, yes of course…"
"Are you drunk or something?"
"No, I'm not."
"You look unwell…"
"I'm really fine…"
"Is it about Ivy?" did she perhaps notice?
"N-no, ummm… I… ummm… there was a problem I have to deal with… I-I should go Miss Loren"
"Does Ivy know?"
"About what?"
"That you're leaving" she smiled
"Yes, she even told me I could bring her car, she'll ride with her F-Fiancé"
She sneered
"Anyway, you should go… It seems to be a big problem." She smiled
"Yeah! I should go…"
I turned around and walked towards the car. Did she perhaps caught about what I feel for Ivy? I guess I have to bury what I feel since she's going to be someone's wife soon.
I went home and went straight to my bed. I feel drained, I don't want to move, and just do nothing at all.
"Agggghhhh!!" how can I possibly act normal on Monday it will probably get worst as I watch her prepare for her wedding.
"Aghhh!! I don't know!!"
Its Monday I need to go to work. I feel tired even though I just lied in my bed for the whole weekend. Is it because I didn't eat for the whole weekend? I don't have my appetite to eat...
"Hey!! Hold the elevator!!" someone screamed so I pressed the open button
It was her it was Ivy. Don't make it obvious, just act like you always do.
"Aren't you going to greet your boss?" she suddenly spoke
"Ahhh… good morning Miss Ivy"
She smiled. Ahhh! I hate it when she smiles because the butterflies in my stomach goes wild.
"Yuan! You're my secretary can you look for wedding coordinators? We have to hold the wedding before this month ends because I'll be on a business trip to South Korea next month."
See?! This is what I was thinking how am I going to work properly if I'm going to be involved on preparing for her wedding?
"Ummm I'll look in to it."
"Great! Give me the details before noon."
The elevator door opened and she walked straight to her office. I looked down while walking towards my office. Damn! Now I have to help her on her wedding! Should I tell her that I like her so she won't ask me to help? Naah! She'll just tell me to cut the crap out!!
I called a friend of mine who got married last year to ask about their wedding coordinator.
I researched about the wedding coordinator and her projects. This person seems to be a good one. I printed out the details to bring it to Ivy.
*knock *knock
"Yes!!"
"Miss Ivy… I brought what you asked me earlier"
"Let me see…"
"She's Keanne Flores, ummm I knew her details through a friend of mine. She has handled weddings of Elite persons in the society as well celebrities' weddings"
"Ohhh she's pretty good, arrange me an appointment with her…"
This is it! Am I really going to tell her?
"What?"
"I said arrange a meeting with her! ASAP!"
"Y-yes Miss Ivy"
I arranged a meeting for her. In just a few days they were able to talk about the wedding ceremony the reception, the church, the entourage, and everything that needs to be done. They're really rushing the wedding.
2 weeks passed and Ivy was really busy doing her wedding preparations and running her company. She's one of a kind she's able to pull it all together.
*ring *ring
It's Ivy…
"Hello, miss Ivy?"
"I left my check book on my table drawer at the office, bring it to the dress shop"
"Okay Miss"
I went to her office and looked for her check book.
"it's not here" I opened the bottom drawer
"What's this?"
I saw a folder, I opened it.
"Lotus Group of Companies sole heiress, found almost dead in a major car clash. Company representatives aimed for News block out!"
"Media outlets reported Lotus Group of companies' incident as Minor accident, aimed a news block out to prevent stocks from dropping"
Then the picture showed a car that is totally wrecked, the car hood is almost gone. It was really a total wreck. When I read the article further, I found out she was on head collision with a 12-wheeler Cargo Truck. It was a miracle she survived.
I turned to the next page.
"Heiress of Lotus Group of Companies in comatose for a month."
"Former Chairman Lee buried privately a month ago, company aimed for another news block out, daughter unable to attend, she was in coma."
That is why I thought she wasn't greatly injured because they tried to hide the fact that she's in grave danger. I thought that it really was just a minor accident. I flew to the US the day after I met Ivy that is why I wasn't able to see these articles. If only I knew I would've visited her and apologized sooner.
"Lotus Group of companies in an unstable state. Chairwoman/CEO Yin Ivy Lee still hasn't regained consciousness."
She was indeed in a comma for a long time. I turned more pages.
"Lotus group of companies' Stocks are dropping in the absence of Chairwoman/CEO Yin Ivy Lee."
"Heiress Yin Ivy Lee of Lotus group of companies regained consciousness but to sit out from company duties for a while."
This was when she was moved to South Korea.
"Chairwoman/CEO Yin Ivy Lee fully took over Lotus Groups of companies. Pledges to company workers to regain lost profits in just a month!"
"Lotus Groups of Companies Stocks, Skyrocketed within a month after Chairwoman/CEO Ivy Lee fully took over."
How could she do that in a month? Wow! She's really talented.
"Lotus Group of Companies hailed as the largest business in the country"
"Chairwoman/CEO Yin Ivy Lee awarded as the most outstanding entrepreneur of the year."
"Chairwoman/CEO Yin Ivy Lee, hailed as the most powerful business figure as she takes over 3 major companies."
She paved her way to the top.
I turned to the last page and it was a cut out from the magazine she had a photoshoot with last time, but it was an interview she gave for last year's issue.
+ Q: Chairwoman Ivy Lee you're turning 29 next year, are there any bachelors that interests you?
A: No one.
+ Q: Have you ever been in love? When was the last time and what happened between you?
A: It was 4 years ago, but eventually it didn't go well. I just remember it as a bad memory.
+ Q: What does a chairwoman of a huge company regret the most?
A: It was a decision that I made 4 years ago. If it wasn't because of that decision I wouldn't
have missed a particular moment that must have made me into a different person than I
am today.
She probably meant the decision she made when she told me she likes me. Well, I also regret my actions that day, I was so broken with my ex and I thought that she's just another Florence that's going to enter my life. I was really out of line.
+ Q: Miss Ivy, you encountered a near death experience how would you describe the feeling?
A: It was a rainy day, I was drenched in the rain for a long time because I had something going
on, I was very emotional that night I was very confused I rushed myself to get to the
hospital where my dad was. I guess I didn't notice I had a fever, and the fatigue just struck
me when I was driving, because I was working night and day before that accident
happened. As far as I remember I woke up and half of my body was still inside my car I was
facing the sky and it was raining so hard I couldn't move my body and I couldn't talk that's
why I just cried there thinking it would be my last day, and then you know what they always
say, your memories would flash back when you're in the verge of your death, I didn't believe that before, until I experienced it myself.
I couldn't imagine how scared she was that moment. A near death encounter. That is how she developed her anxiety while driving in the rain.
+ Q: After you sat as the official chairwoman and CEO, in just a year you made Lotus group of companies as the largest company in the country, how did you manage to do that?
A: I encountered a lot of difficulty, the road was rough. I had to turn my nights as days, I slept
most of the time in the office. I was already sitting as the acting chair and CEO when my
father was in comatose for 5 years so I already had the experience. But this time it was
different, what kept me going and reach my limit was what I promised to myself and to my
dad to keep this company going and exceed the expectations. So, I just kept on thinking of
new strategies and new ideas on how to bring the company at its peak, gladly I didn't fail.
What also had me going was the people working under me, as the boss I am fully
responsible for their welfare, I have hundreds of mouths to feed, I can't let the company go
down and have them lose their jobs.
I'm very amused! She��s really different from other women, she takes full responsibility and commits herself to what she does. Now that I read this my heart grows even more even though this is already wrong. Ivan is very lucky…
Ahhh!! Right!! The cheque-book!!
"Found it!"
I rushed to the dress shop she told me and when I entered, I saw her came out of the dressing room wearing a wedding dress. My heart skipped a beat and for a moment I lost my mind when I saw her…
"How is it?" Is she perhaps asking me?
"Do I look good?" she really was asking me…
"You…"
"Perfect!!" I turned around and saw Ivan standing behind me with a bouquet of red roses
Of course… why would she ask for my opinion anyway?
"Hi Loren!" Ivan greeted Ivy's best friend
"Yang, do you think this one's good?"
She's looks perfect on that dress…
"Of course!! You look perfect Yin"
"But I wanted to try other gowns, you better try some tuxedos too. Come here I'll pick one for you."
"What's up?" Loren came to me
"Ahhh… She told me to bring her cheque-book here…"
"I see… should I call Ivy?"
"I'll just wait for her…"
"How long are you willing to wait?"
"Sorry?"
"Loren!! Is this good?" Ivy came out with a different dress she looks good with anything! She looks stunning.
"Hey, she'll probably melt if you look at her that much" she whispered
"Ivy!! It's really pretty, you look good at anything, right Mr. Mendez" Loren threw a question which was not difficult to answer but my voice wouldn't come out
"Y-yes"
"Yuan!! Did you bring the cheque-book?"
"Ummm yes miss…"
She laid out her palm and asked for the check book. I went closer to hand her the check. I saw her up close she was extraordinarily beautiful.
"Yin! What do you think?" Ivan came out of the fitting room with royal blue tuxedo
"Yang!! Oooh!! This is great I love it!!"
Yang held Ivy's waist and they both faced the mirror. I can't deny the fact that they indeed look great together. More like royalties getting married. I was jealous but I couldn't make it obvious.
"You both really look great together!" Loren said, it hurts but I have to admit it to myself, this way I'll be able to move forward and just forget what I felt. But as I get to know her more I'm growing fonder of her and I cared for her much more. I regret being late.
Days went faster and I hate the fact that I'm her temporary secretary as I get to watch her prepare for the wedding.
When they planned the design for the church, I was there following her. Also, during the food tasting for the reception, I really felt the urge of walking out seeing her with another man…
"Yuan, I need the files for my trip to South Korea ASAP!"
"I'll bring it to your office later Miss Ivy…"
"Great!"
She's working double time because she'll be flying to Korea the day after her wedding. Maybe the only negative side of marrying her is that she's a workaholic, but she's definitely a wife material.
*knock *knock
"Miss Ivy… these are the documents you asked earlier."
"Thanks! Anyway, I need you to help my wedding organizer for tomorrow's rehearsal and on the wedding day."
"But why me?" I just spoke without thinking
"Coz you're my temporary secretary" see I'm just temporary… I don't have to watch you go down the aisle, I don't want to hurt myself by watching you on that day… but what can I do?
"Right!" I said
"Anyway, I picked a tuxedo for you" she pointed out on a tuxedo case lying on her office couch
"I hope it fits. Take it…"
I took the suit
"Thanks…"
Just a day to go and she'll be officially married, the sooner I get to clear my feelings, the better. But I don't know where, when, and how to start.
I'm at the church I was told to help their wedding organizer. I can't decline, I'm her temporary secretary and it's my job. Ivy and Ivan arrived as well as the entourage. They practiced the wedding march for several times run down the wedding rites and all! Meanwhile the organizer and I helped the entourage with their positions and the things that should be done during the wedding.
"Yuan…"
"Yes, Miss Ivy?"
"Thanks for coming and helping out Yuan."
I'm glad you're happy maybe this will be the first step into healing your wounds.
"Best wishes, Miss Ivy…"
"hmmm… thanks"
"Yin let's go?" Yuan appeared
"Bro! thanks for helping out!" he tapped my shoulder
Take care of her. She's very fragile, I know because I was once a great a factor why she has fallen into pieces.
I watch them leave the venue and I sat on the last bench of the church.
"Regrets?" I turned around to find the owner of the voice
"Miss Loren?"
"Then you should've just told her."
"What do you mean?"
"Come on Yuan!! You like Ivy, don't you?"
"H-how did you know?"
"The way you looked at her was different, I never expected that you would fall for her. Well for the fact that you turned her down in the most unpleasant way."
"That's exactly the reason why, I couldn't tell her."
"You should've at least tried."
"I think she's better off with Ivan, I know he'll protect her and make her happy."
"hmmmm… you should know Ivy more…"
she turned around and left, what does she mean?
I went home, but as the night deepens and the hours hasten, I feel more uneasy. I did wish that that the time would stop.
"Yuan… please tell Mr. and Mrs. Cua to be at the Isle. If Miss Ivy arrives please tell the door keepers to open the door when the wedding song plays."
"Okay…"
I assisted Mr. and Mrs. Cua to get ready and be at their position.
Later, a staff told me that Ivy has arrived. I bet she'll be the most beautiful bride.
I went to the door keepers to give them a heads up about the cue. The people waited for 5 minutes to witness the bride walk down the aisle, I'd love to see her too, but there's this pain I can't control.
++It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me, Do I look all right?
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight++
The huge doors of the church opened as the music started to play. My heart was beating like crazy!! When I saw her, all I could ever thought of was the future we could have had if we first met each other at the right moment.
++"We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me
And then she asks me, Do you feel all right?
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight"++
She took a glance towards the crowd and we happened to exchange a glance, she smiled but her full emotions can't be felt. She continued to walk towards the altar until Ivan took her hand.
The Wedding ceremony started and soon enough they'll be together as one.
"Let us all hear the couple's exchange of words."
"I'll go first…" I saw Ivy said it to Ivan. Ivan was supposed to speak first.
"Yang, I'm going to ask you for the second time, are you sure?"
The guests of the wedding are all in puzzle and so am I. Why would she ask him that question? But what's more astounding was Ivan's silence.
"You know that I love you… You'll always have a special and important place in my heart. You're sometimes my best friend, my boyfriend, my savior, my protector, my source of strength, my shelter, but most importantly I loved you with all my heart as a brother. You know how our relationship started, we were together since we were young and that is why we both know each other well, we even know what our breaths mean. We don't have to talk to know what's on each other's mind. With that, I know that you wanted to do something else, you wanted to be with someone else, I can't keep you fenced in a relationship that could change how we would be in the future. You don't have to worry…"
I looked at Ivan's parents.
"I've already talked to them."
She opened her arms wide and she hugged him.
"She's here Yang…"
