Chapter 12 “Brave Girl in The Woods”

Yin Ivy Lee's POV

"You seriously have to do well with the sales of that store… I mean, what does your PR team do?! Do they sleep at work?"

"Yin I never thought running our company would be this stressful, it's so unorganized…"

"Your father let a Managing team handle your company for a year, I'm sorry to say this but that must've have been the worst idea…"

"I know right? How did they handle these things everything is so unorganized it's stressing me out!!"

"Yang! Relax! Do them one at a time so you'll be able to set things well."

"Can I just go work under you? Or let's swap companies for a month? A year? Can I do that?"

"No way I'm swapping with you!! Hahahahah!" I refused really quick

"Hey you have major shares here in the company why don't you lend me a hand?!"

"Yang… trust me you can do it!!"

"agghhhh!! I haven't slept for 48 hours now… I didn't even manage to wash my hair…"

"Gross!"

��Seriously Yin!!"

"Stop whinning!! Do your work!!"

"Ahhhhhh~~~"

"I'll pull out my shares if you'll keep on whining…"

"Fine!! Anyway…"

"Yeah?"

"How's you and Yuan? Is everything working out well?"

"Hmmm… I'm really getting comfortable with him. And… We're getting to know each other more. Well we go on dates and do fun activities on weekends as we've agreed…"

I went silent for a while…

"What's wrong?" he asked on another line

"Yang… I haven't been drinking wine to sleep for about 2 weeks and I find it weird"

"Isn't that a good sign? You're healing psychologically!! I'm happy for you Yin!!!"

--"sir Ivan it's time for the meeting"—

"Yin I have to go… See you soon let's grab a dinner some time, I haven't seen your face for a month!!"

*Knock *knock *knock

I signaled him to come in…

"Yeah let's grab a meal soon… Do well Chairman Yang!"

"Hahahahah! Thanks! Bye!! I miss you!"

"Miss ya too!! Bye!!"

***END CALL***

"Did I disturb you?"

"Ahhh no… It was just Yang"

"Umm! Yeah! I clearly heard!" he said

What's with the attitude?

"These are the management reports from the Lotus Hotel and the South Lotus Mall"

He turned around to leave with a face that I can't paint…

"Hey wait!!"

He turned around to look at me, but he diverted his eyes to the window

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing!"

"Cut the crap Yuan!!"

He softened his expression as I was acting pissed, it always works… 😉

"Fine! I know I don't have the right… who am I anyway? But, what's with the 'Miss ya too'?!"

He even copied how I said it earlier… I was secretly laughing inside by how bad his impersonation was…

"Is that it?" I said coldy

"Ivy, Isn't it unfair? You let him call you Yin, it's like your endearment with him because he's the only person who calls you Yin. I even hate the fact that your name complements with his! He makes you smile without efforts, and he knows you too well… but I can't actually complain because I don't have the rights…"

I find him being jealous so cute!! Hahahahah!!

"Yuan… are you purposely acting cute?" I asked with an expressionless face and a single tone voice. I want to tease him more…

"Cute?! No!!"

"I thought you were. You being Jealous is quite a scene… it's cute… hahahaha!!" I want to tease him more…

"Jealous? Who? Me? Hahahahaha!! You got me wrong!! I was just complaing!! Of… umm… Things!! Yeah!! Things!!"

"Hmmmm… I don't think that's the case…" I grinned as I tilt my head and touched my temple…

"Ahhhh! You're trying to tease me!! Hmpp!!" he walked out of my office…

"Ha!! What a scene! Hahahaha!"

*Knock *knock

"Miss Ivy… a call from New York…"

What now?

"Just ignore it, if it keeps on calling block the number…"

"Yes Miss!"

"Haaaaaa…" I let out a deep sigh and went back to work again…

After finishing a load of works I took a look on my wrist watch

"What's this? He hasn't called me out for lunch??"

I went outside and head to his office… I peeked in between the blinds of the window of his office door…

"he's just sleeping?! Ha!! Ahhh! He wants to get fired…"

I entered his office but he didn't notice…

"Hey!" I poked my finger on his shoulder, trying to wake him up.

"oh?! Not waking up?"

"Yuan…" I grabbed his arm…

"You! Wait… you have a fever!! Goodness you're burning!!"

"Yuan…" I tried to wake him up…

"Ummmm?"

"I'll bring you to the hospital..."

"Clair!! Clair!!!"

"Yes miss!!"

"Call an ambulance…"

"Yes Miss…"

I took off my coat to lessen his shivers and I turned off the aircon…

"Yuan… you'll be fine…"

After a couple of minutes, the ambulance and the medics are here…

"Clair call me when there's a problem in the office okay?" I said as I ride with the ambulance…

Yuan was rushed to the ER, the doctors treated him and he was transferred to a private room…

"Ivy?"

"Hey… you had the whole office stirred! How are you feeling?"

"Quite cold…"

I raised the blanket so his arms would be covered well.

"The doctor says you caught a flu, your body's dehydrated, but you've got the IV and a flu shot, they said you'll be fine by tomorrow…"

"You brought me here alone?"

"Crazy!! Of course not! we called an ambulance…"

"What?!? You called an ambulance to the office?"

"Yeah!" I giggled

"The employees must've been startled…"

"VERY!!"

"They thought you were shot or something hahahaha!!" I continued

"That's so embarrassing…" he covered his face with his hands

"Hahahaha! Well…"

"What time is it?" he asked

"Hmm? 9 pm…"

"Really?"

"Yeah! Why?"

��You should go home and rest!" he said

"I can't…"

"Come on. I'm good here I can manage…"

"I know…" I said and smiled

"Then why won't you go home yet?"

"It's pouring outside…" I said

"Ahhh… You can't drive…"

"yes"

"I thought you're just here because you're concerned about me, I guess not…" He whispered but I clearly heard it

"Huh? You saying?" I asked acting as if I didn't hear, hahahahaha!!

"Umm?? Nothing I said it's really cold…"

"I'll go ask for another blanket…"

He held my wrist

"Ahh! It's fine this will do…"

"It's not for you… it's for me…" I like teasing him even though he's sick… 😉

"Ohhhhhhh… Right! Right…" hahahahah his face is so epic!!!

I went to the nurse station to ask for a blanket and returned to the room after getting one…

"I'm gonna go sleep here, goodnight…"

"Are you sure? The couch would be too small for you…"

"I'm gonna be fine…"

I covered my whole body with the blanket, I was trying to sleep for an hour and a half but I just can't sleep, the couch is too uncomfortable.

"ahhh… Ahhhh!! Mo-mmy?"

What's that noise? Is that Yuan?

I uncovered my face and looked at him

"Mommy??~~"

He must be having a nightmare…

I stood up and went near him… I held his hand

"Yuan, it's going to be fine…"

He opened his eyes but he's confused and he was sweating a lot…

"Yuan, take a deep breath and smile as you exhale then count to 100, it will relax your mind. You must've dreamt something bad… should I call a nurse? Or…"

"What did you say?"

"Should I call a nurse?" I repeated

"No…"

"You dreamt something bad?" I repeated

"Before that…"

"Take a deep breath and smile as you ex---"

"20 years ago. When you were 9, did something bad happen to you?" he asked

"What do you mean?"

"Like you were sort of lost in a forest?"

"Huh?"

"In a forest, you were lost, you're with a boy from sunset to almost dawn…"

Wait… he…

YUAN MENDEZ's POV

FLASHBACK 20 years ago

"Mommy I'll just go catch dragonflies"

"Okay Yuan but don't go too far okay? It will be dark soon…"

"Yes mommy!!"

"Oh!! This dragonfly is so big!! I'll go catch more…"

"That's a colorful butterfly!! Mommy would love to see it…"

I followed the colorful and huge butterfly to catch it… Then I saw a girl that was sitting on a log, she was dressed like a doll, she was wearing a baby blue dress but it was quite dirty and had ribbons on her long brown beautifully curled hair.

"Are you lost?" I tried to ask

She didn't talk, not a single word, she seems lonely so I showed her the dragonflies I've caught. She's not amused at all she just stared at them for a while.

"Are you not coming back?"

She didn't speak…

"My mom told me to comeback before sunset. But I don't remember the way… Can you teach me?" I asked her

"I'm also lost…" that's the first time I heard her voice

"Shouldn't we look for your mommy?" I asked her

She didn't speak, instead she bowed her head and looked at her pink doll shoes for a while

"Why don't we look for your mommy instead?" she said

"I don't know how…" I told her

"Then let's just stay here, I remember my daddy said, If I'm lost, I just have to stay in one place and for sure he'll come to find me…"

"But it's getting dark…"

As a child I was starting to get scared but this child, she was just calm. It's dark and the moonlight is the only source of light… we were there for several hours

"Aren't you scared?" I asked, because I was getting scared and it was kinda getting colder too…

*shhhhhh *krrrrrrrwww

"What's that!!!!???" I started to panic and cried

"Don't be scared, take a deep breath and smile as you exhale then count to 100… It's easy look at me…"

I looked at her and followed what she was doing…

"Young Miss!!!"

"Young Miss!!"

"I'm here!!!!" She shouted

"Young Miss!! For goodness sake!! We searched for you for 10 hours!!"

"Yuan?!? Yuan!!!" Then my mommy appeared crying…

"Are you okay? Does something hurt?" I looked at the young girl she had a lonely face as she looked at me and my mom…

"I'm fine mommy, she was with me…" I pointed at her

"Thank you for letting us come with you and helped me look for my child" my mom said to the big guys on a black coat…

"Is she alright? Where are her parents?" No one answered my mom's question

"Let's go Lady Min…" she held the hands of a middle-aged woman that seems to be her nanny…

I never got to ask her name, thanks to her I wasn't scared and we were found…

END OF FLASHBACK

"You're the boy who was with me in the forest till dawn?"

"So, you were the brave girl who didn't talk much?" I said and smiled…

"That's why I found your name familiar when I heard it on the admission office back in our first day of college. I should've known…" she said

"Is this what they call destiny?"

"hmmm…"

"I knew you since we were a kid… I should've have noticed it was you…" I said

"Who would've known? Right?" she said

"Yeah…"

We kept silent as we look into each other's eyes while smiling

"Hey can I ask you a question? I hope you don't get mad…" I'm really curious as to why she was alone in the forest that day…

"Hmm? What's that?"

"Why were you alone in the forest that day?"

"Didn't I tell you that my life is complicated?" she smiled but it was bitter

"Hmm?"

"You see, my father raised me alone, my mother left after she gave birth to me, she asked for divorce to elope with another man, he just married my father because of his money…" I looked at her…

"That day, I ran from my mother. I remembered it clearly, it was raining hard that day when she took me from my dad and hid me in a house near that forest, I was there for a couple of days. She did that so she could ask money to assure that I can return safe, that's what I heard from her conversation with a man."

"I'm sorry to hear that" is all that I could say…

"After knowing that my mother was at that area and that they lost me, that's when they started looking for me in the forest."

"Was the lady you were with…"

"That was Lady Min."

"Aaaahhh…" I guess Lady Min was the one who took care of her since she was a baby…

"She was more like a mother than my real one…"

"When I was in my senior year in highschool, my father tried to get my mother back, and I think it was the most unsmart move of my father, I never wanted my mother back. He sold half of his shares and promised my mother he'd give it to her as long as she comes back. The whole company was falling down. We had debts all over the place. Debtors would often call me and ask for the payment. What do I know?"

As she spoke more, her eyes were welling up with tears but those tears just stay there it doesn't even roll down her face.

"Haaaaa!" she took a deep sigh

"She was slowly killing my father, she fed him some drugs that damages the liver, she mixes it with his food and beverage. One day my father was coming down the stairs of our house, the drug must've have finally done its job, he got dizzy and went through a flight of stairs. That's when he fell in coma. I found out that he was drugged after they tested him… There's only my mother who's capable of doing that. Right after finding out, she was nowhere to be found."

"So, you don't know where your mother went?"

"She went out of the country she flew to Russia with my father's money…"

"The company was managed by a professional managing team. But it was done poorly so I decided when I reach eighteen, I will take over the company until my father gets back. It was very difficult to go to college and manage the company, I didn't know anything, not even a single thing. I was glad Mr. Zheng, Yang's father was there to help and guide me, he provided financial support and taught me everything I should know."

So that is why she would do anything to help Yang and his family…

"Actually, I could have confessed to you back then, but I thought, you were from a well-off family, and with my family's scandals and affairs, would I have the guts to tell you? For sure your parents won't like me, the once looked-up company and family was fading in the industry, bankruptcy, debts, and family scandals. It wouldn't be great if someone like me sticks with a Mendez who's well known"

I didn't know she thought that far…

"After taking the company from its downfall, slowly paying the debts, gaining the boards' trust, I was able to put back the company on the track after 2 years. I gained confidence, so I wanted to tell you, but you had a girlfriend, she was also your business partner, who am I to butt in? right? Then I took law and focused on that, how else can I protect the company? Only when I know the legalities, I can protect it from anyone. When I got more power and had the grasp on how the company should run. I tracked down my mother. I found that she was hiding in New York but I don't know particularly where."

I didn't know she went through a lot then there I was, making it worst. She must've kept all the hurt into herself that's why when she lost her dad, she also lost her balance.

"Ivy, it's time to forget all the hurt, I'll help you…"

"Do you know why I took up psychology?" she paused and smiled

"So that I can manage my stress, the depression, the anxiety caused by my childhood. I thought I got a hold of myself, but when I lost daddy… The pandora's box was opened. I thought I managed it well but it all just broke once and big time…"

���It doesn't have to be that way anymore Ivy…"

"That's why, Yuan… help me get over with all my pain…"

Is she willing to give me a chance?

"Let's make it official…"

When she said that, my heart just skipped a beat…

"That we're dating?" I wanted to make sure

"Yes"

I couldn't contain my happiness I pulled her near, I looked at her eyes and fixed her hair at the back of her ears and kissed her…

"You were brave even when we were a child you can get over the pain, trust me."

I'm the happiest person on Earth now!! My heart is fluttering…

"I think I need to have the flu shot too…" she said as she touched my lips to wipe something

"My lipstick" she said as she showed me her thumb…

I totally forgot that I had a flu I was carried away by the moment… she could get sick!

"Sorry…"

"hahahahaha! Don't worry I'll just double the dose of my vitamins."

"I just can't believe we're official…"

"I���m just glad the kiss wasn't forced this time…" she said with a grin…

Right, our first kiss was too harsh… I might have scared her back then, she was even traumatized, I remember when another man approached her at the club in Seoul, she was so scared and she even told me it was because of what I did back then.

I'll make sure to take care of such fragile woman…

YIN IVY LEE's POV

Did I made the right decision to tell him everything and to make this relationship official? Well we've been doing stuffs together. I guess I can trust someone this time…

I feel so flushed after he kissed me…

"Yuan, you should sleep…"

"Do you think I can sleep at this rate? My heart is still racing…"

"You need to rest so you'll get discharge tomorrow…"

"Then you should get some sleep too…"

"I'm fine…"

"If it's uncomfortable in the couch, why don't you sleep beside me, the bed is quite spacious… Come here" he opened his arms and tapped his right upper arm…

"I'll lend this to you as a pillow…"

"Ha! You're kidding me"

"I'm not" he pulled my hand and had me wrapped in his arms…

"I guess your fever has really went down, your body's no longer hot…"

"I am hot! I've got some strong biceps and abs…"

"Crazy!! That's not what I meant…"

"Just kidding…"

"Let's just sleep…"

"Okay… Oh! Your hair smells good…"

"Yuan…" I said as I try to close my eyes

"Fine… sleep well"

"You too…"

For all I remember I had a really good sleep… I went out for a bit and bought our breakfast hospital food sucks! He would look for something tasty but of course I bought something healthy…

"Yuan… Let's have some breakfast…"

"You went out to buy these?"

"Yep!"

"I asked the nurses about what I cannot give you… Since it's just a flu there's not a lot of food restrictions… Let's eat?"

"I'll be discharged today right?"

"We will see after the doctor visits you…" I said

"Okay…"

"Ivy…"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you…"

"For the food?"

"Nooo! Hahahaha! For the chance…"

A part of me is really happy for giving him the chance but there's a part of me that is reluctant and scared…

We were able to go home around 3 pm I dropped him on his residence.

"You've got a good house structure…" I said

"Thanks, I have friends an architect and an engineer, they designed the house 3 years ago when I was still in the US…"

"Come in…"

"Ohhh… If you're in the US then who did the interiors?"

"The girlfriend of the engineer…"

"She had a good taste… Do you live here alone?"

"Yes, and just 2 house helpers…"

"Ohh! Heavens! Dear why didn't you went home last night?! Ohh… beautiful! She is?" the old woman welcomed us with questions…

"Ohhh! Mama Jesi I was at the hospital last night… Anyway, this is Ivy Lotus Group's Chairwoman…"

"Mama?"

"Ahhh… She's like my own mother, she raised me since I was 3 years old… that's pearl our house helper she's Mama Jesi's niece"

"I see…"

"You're very pretty, you're the first woman Yuan has brought here… Actually! you're the first girl he introduced me to…" the old woman said

"How about???"

"He never brought her to the house…" she smirked

"ohhh…"

"Mama Jesi!!" Yuan whined to stop her from talking more…

"Ahhh! I'll prepare some food for you…"

"Thank you…" I said

"Ivy, sit here…"

"Ahhh thanks…"

"Yuan, if you're still not feeling well you can just rest tomorrow…"

"Nahh! I'm fine…"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!!"

"Yuan… can I ask you something?"

"Sure"

"Why did you work in my company instead of starting a business?"

"I would love too and was about too, but as you've witnessed before, the Mendez group of companies would block all my access to the business world."

"Why are they doing that?"

"Just to punish me for not listening to them…"

"I see… But Yuan… If they ask you to come back and run the company, would you accept it?"

"They have my brother that won't happen…"

"hmmm…" I smiled bitterly… I don't want to ask more…

"Miss Ivy? Yuan, dear… the food is ready…"

"Thank you Mama Jesi" Yuan said

"Ummm… just call me Ivy…"

"How could I call a chairwoman like that?"

"It's fine, my Nanny, when I was still a baby calls me just Ivy or dear…" I smiled to the elder…

"You're very nice…"

"She is… but sometimes she's not…" Yuan interfered

I slapped his shoulders lightly to tell him to shut up…

"It was a great meal… I'm going home…"

"I'll drive you home…"

"What?! No!!"

"Why?"

"You just got home from the hospital. I'm gonna be fine…"

"What if it rains while you're in your way home?"

"Fine…" I said

"Okay!"

"No… I mean just check the weather forecast on your phone…" I giggled

"Eyyy I'll just drive you home…"

"Yuan!" I raised my voice a little and crossed my arms

"Fine…"

"Nice! So, is it gonna rain?" he kept silent scanning his phone…

"There's no chances of raining tonight…"

"See! I'm going home…"

"Ivy…" he grabbed my arm which made me turn around suddenly and grabbed his shoulders…

"Goodnight" then he gave me a peck on the lips…

"What was that?"

"Hmmm?? Ummmm… Goodnight kiss"

"Owh… Speed! I wish the internet connection is as fast as you…" I said

"Hahahahahaha!"

"I really should go now… Don't report at the office tomorrow, just rest…"

"ummm… drive safely…"

"ummm!"

I drive home and arrived at the Villa…

"Dear!! Where have you been? You didn't go home last night…"

"I was at the hospital…"

"Heavens!!! Are you fine??"

"Lady Min, It's not me… Yuan…"

"Why? What happened to the handsome man?"

"Just a flu... He collapsed at the office yesterday so I brought him to the hospital…"

"Ohhh… really? Is he fine now?"

"Most likely… anyway, you must've liked Yuan that much lady Min?"

"hmmm?"

"You're calling him handsome…" I smiled

"Ahhh!! He's a darling! He's also been very good to you that's why I like him… why don't you like him my dear?"

"ummm… He's fine…"

"Dear, I'm only telling you this thing now…"

"What is it?"

"If it's not going to be Ivan, I really hope it's Yuan…"

"What do you mean Lady Min?"

"When you're with Ivan, your personality is balanced and you shine brightly when you're with him, there's always that beautiful glow, I thought you would really be married with your best friend and I was very happy when you had your wedding but I guess you just look at each other like siblings…"

"Yang is like my soulmate…" I said

"With Yuan, you also shine brightly even though he can't control your personality, but what's amazing is when you're with him, you are slowly healing…"

"Lady Min…"

"Dear it will be difficult to find these two men… Make sure to keep them in your life… like you said Yang is like your soulmate but that doesn't mean you'll get married to him, it just means that you're compatible with each other based on personalities and beliefs"

I went silent and had a realization about what she said…

"Dear you should go to sleep you might be tired…"

I nodded in response…

I went upstairs and got ready to go to bed…

I tossed and turn last night but I couldn't sleep even with the help of wine and sleeping pills. That's why I just went early to the office trying to catch up with the work I left yesterday. I went out to get some coffee at the vending machine near the elevator of the office, it's still 6:15 am there's not much yet of employees in the office.

"Oh? I should buy a new machine this one is not working properly…" I talked to myself while I sat to look on the cup below seeing if the coffee was dispensed…

"What's wrong with this thing?"

*Baaaam!!

"Ohhh!!"

I was shocked!! someone punched the machine and it worked so I stood up. Then I saw it was Yuan who punched the machine with his hand still at the place where he punched it, I took a step back because his face was too close. I didn't remember that the machine was at my back but I kept on taking a step which made me lean on the machine. He stole a peck.

"Good morning! Flowers?" he said

"Didn't I told you not to come??"

He just smiled

"Thanks for the flowers…"

"You were here early?" he asked as we walked down the hall

"Yeah around 5 am…"

"What?!"

"That's too early!!"

"Naah! I even stayed up 48 hours way back… my body's used to this…"

"Did you get some proper rest?"

"I didn't get to sleep last night even with the pills and wine…"

"Is it because you remember the accident again?"

"ummm… No…" I waved my index finger…

"Then?"

"I just had some thinking…"

"Is it something you want to talk about?" he asked, I like the fact that he asks me if I want to talk about it…

"No…"

"Okay, I understand…"

"You!!" I said to change the topic

"Are you well??" I continued

He took my hand and placed it on his neck

"I'm perfectly fine…" he really is, he doesn't feel feverish…

"If you're fine then, okay… I'll be heading to my office. Don't bother me unless it's important…"

"Ohhh!! There she goes with the commanding voice again!"

"What?! We're in the office! People would find it weird if you keep on coming to my office."

"Ahhh… is this a top secret? Our relationship?" he whispered and giggled

"Ummm… I don't know!! just don't bother me! I've got lots of thing to do…"

"Hahahahah!! Okay! Okay!"

I gestured him to go away…

*Ting

"Oh? An E-mail…"

EMAIL:

From: mendezyuan@gmail.com

Attachment: Monthly report- South Lotus Mall

Monthly report- East Coast Blue Lotus Resort

Monthly report- Lotus Hotel

"hahahahaha!! So, this is how he'll hand me the reports now?"

I clicked onto each file to download. I was reading each report until I crossed with one file.

"This one is empty…"

I took out my phone and texted him so he could send the file again.

I checked the stock market while waiting for his reply, but it never came…

"Did he collapse again?"

I stood up and head towards his office…

"Yuan…"

"I really thought you'd come within 15 minutes after you texted me…"

"I was checking the stock market while waiting for your reply but it took an hour…"

"Here's the file…" he grinned

"Wait, did you?---"

"Purposely sent an empty file?" He grinned even more as he said those lines…

"Waaaaah!! Are you playing with your boss?!" I said

"I couldn't come to your office, so I made you come here…"

"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Slyyyy… I didn't say you couldn't come, just don't go there casually"

"Okay I'll send other reports next time personally… per folder."

I crossed my arms and raised my brow…

"Ahahahaha! Just Kidding!!" he grabbed my wrist from its crossed position…

"Let's have lunch."

"Okay I'll come out first…"

"Hahahaha! What kind of office romance are we filming?"

"Yuan…"

"Fine… Miss Ivy, I'll follow you afterwards…" he gestured his hands that I may leave first…

I went out of his office and went to wait for the elevator…

"hey" he appeared out of nowhere and slipped his hand on my waist so he could pull me closer to him… If he's not SPEED…

The Elevator door opened and we distanced each other in an instant, Clair was on it I bet she saw Yuan holding me close to him.

"Miss Ivy… Sir Yuan… you…"

"We can expl---"

"Yuan…" I stopped him

"Yes, it's what you're thinking Clair… but please don't spread the word."

"Yes Miss! I won't tell, ummm… Congratulations!!"

"Thank you…" Yuan said

"Excuse me, I'll get back to work Miss Ivy…"

"Okay…"

We rode the elevator with only the two of us

"I thought we were writing a secret office romance novel?"

"She saw us so close with each other, how could we deny that?"

"Well… anyway why don't we just announce that we're together?"

"We'll be on tabloids tomorrow…"

"Oww…"

We had lunch just somewhere near the office. I was scanning through the latest news when…

"Yuan… you have to see this…"

"What's this"

I hand him my phone and he played the video

"Mendez group of companies Chairman Miguel Mendez and CEO Yexel Mendez met a car crash around 11:45 am. According to the responders the car spun for a couple of times until it hit the road gutter and crashed on a light post. Both were unconscious when they were taken out from the car."

I was shocked by the headlines, even more when I heard about the details. I still have my anxiety about it. The faint memory of my accident suddenly flashed back. I tried to compose myself. Then I looked at Yuan he was blankly staring at my phone.

I held his hands… My anxiety shouldn't show at this time…

"Yuan I think you should go…"

He looked at me

"Go, your family needs you… I'll be over just text me…"

"okay…"

He rushed out of the restaurant. While I stayed behind trying to calm myself, I took some pills and crouched down my upper body…

"Yin?"

"Yang!!"

"Goodness! What happened?!? I saw Yuan rushing out and took a taxi…"

"Yang…" I reached out for his arm and he took my hand and caressed it to calm me…

I showed my phone so he'll know. My anxiety still creeps on me.

"I see… your fine Yin… You'll be fine" he said as he tapped my shoulder while holding my hand…

Yang helped me to calm down, and in a moment, I fixed myself…

"Thank you, Yang… these are the moments when you appear out of nowhere perfectly…"

"hmmm…" he smiled

"I need to go back to the office…"

"I'll escort you…"

"Thanks"

We left the restaurant and went to my office.

"Yang, what made you come here?"

"Just paying a visit, I was here earlier but then your secretary said you're out for lunch with Yuan, so I looked around the neighboring restaurants."

"You look gaunt… Do you have problems in the company?"

"No…"

"Family?"

"No…"

"Is it…"

"It's Coleen… She seems to get worse every day. Her body doesn't respond to the therapy…" I can hear his voice shake. He lowered his head.

"Her doctor called me last night… He said…" he cleared his throat…

"I should prepare myself anytime soon…"

Then I saw him shed a tear…

"Yang…" I stood up and hugged him so he'll be comforted…

"Yin I don't know what to do… I'm scared… losing her would be losing my sanity…"

"Yang don't say that… let's pray for miracles…"

I just comforted him until I received a call…

"Is it Yuan? Answer it…" he said

"Okay…"

I answered the phone… what I heard was so heartbreaking…

"My father is on comatose but…" I heard him sob

"My brother didn't make it…"

Oh heavens…

"Yuan…"

"Ivy… I don't know what to do…"

"I'll be there in a while… try to calm down, send me the address…"

I hung up the phone and saw from outside of the window that it was about to rain… The heck! Of all times!! Yang saw the address.

"I'll drive you there it's the same hospital Coleen is admitted…"

But if it rains when I'm inside the moving car… the anxiety… but Yuan…

"Okay…" I'll just have the pills then

"let's go" Yang grabbed my hand…

He drove me to the hospital.

I called Clair to call Doctor Ranza the one who operated me when I was rushed to the same hospital because of my car accident.

"Can you call the Chief Surgeon of the hospital that easily?" Yang asked

I just looked at him

"Or… you hold a share in this hospital?!" he asked

"Yes… Pull over there"

"So that is why my father told me to admit Coleen here…"

I immediately went out of the car

"Thanks Yang…"

"Okay…" he smiled

I went to the hallway near the morgue and I saw Yuan crouching down. I approached him slowly

"Yuan…" he raised his head and looked at me, his eyes were blood shot from crying… He took my hand and pulled me closer and then he leaned his head on my abdomen. Then I hear him sob…

I don't know on what ways I could comfort him. Because losing a family member is very painful even though they have misunderstandings, the pain is beyond incomparable. I bet he feels regret for all the years they've missed, avoiding each other…

He just cried like that the whole time…

"Yuan… where's your mother?"

"She collapsed when she heard about my brother…"

"Excuse me ma'am, sir the funeral home has arrived"

"okay…"

"Ivy…" he looked at me, confused and lost

"Time… heals Yuan…" even though I don't believe in that phrase but it's all I could say, I couldn't tell him 'it's fine' because I know it's not, I couldn't tell him 'everything's gonna be alright' because I don't know the depth of the pain.

"Excuse me? Miss Ivy Lee..."

"Doctor Ranza…"

"I heard we have a VIP?"

"Yes… Ummm Yuan, this is doctor Ranza the Chief Surgeon of the hospital he is specialized in General Surgery and Trauma Surgery. He was the one who saved me from the car crash."

"Dr. Ranza, I guess you heard about Mendez group of companies' Chairman was admitted due to a car crash here in the hospital…"

"Yes, yes… Are you his son?" he looked at Yuan

"Yes, I am…"

"I also heard about your brother, I'm very sorry…"

"Doctor Ranza, I'd like to request that you take more extra care of Yuan's father…"

"Of course, As per your request Miss Ivy…"

"Thank you"

"No problem. Ummm… I'll leave now and check on your father."

"Thank you, doctor…" Yuan said

The doctor left and Yuan hugged me…

"Thank you, Ivy…"

"Yuan, you need to be strong, your family relies on you at this moment…"

"I don't know where to begin…"

"You have to arrange your brother's funeral…"

He let out a sigh and sat down again and covered his face. This is my first time seeing him like this…

"Okay…" as he brushed his hair up using both of his hands…

"Yuan??" a woman's voice was heard from behind

"Is that you Yuan?"

I turned around to see who she was. She gave him a hug… I was shocked…

"Ummm… Ivy this is Portia my brother's wife" if she is his wife, why doesn't she seem to be grieving the loss of her loved one… what's with this girl?

"Ahh!! Your brother!!" she cried and went to the door of the morgue to take a look.

"Yuan…" I whispered

"She was my first girlfriend…"

Oh! The one he talked about! So, his brother married Yuan's ex? It's not the time for this…

"Ivy you must be tired… you should go home… I'll just call you when everything's settled… I just need some time alone too…"

"Okay…" I touched his face and gave him a kiss on the cheek he pulled me back and gave me a hug…

"take care…" he said and I nodded in response

I walked away until I reached the exit…

"Need a ride home?" It was Yang

"You waited for me here?"

"I visited Coleen…"

"Is she doing fine?" I asked as we walked towards the car…

"Her lips were as pale as paper. I can't bear watching her like that…"

He opened the car door…

"Thanks"

"how about Yuan? How is he?" he asked after settling his self on the driver's seat

"My heart aches for him… Of all people, I know how the feeling was… It won't be easy"

"He'll be over it, just stay by his side…"

When we reached the villa, I invited Yang for dinner…

*ting!

"Yuan?" he asked

"Yes…"

"He texted me the address of the wake…"

"Are you going there tonight?"

"He said to come tomorrow."

"I see…"

"Can you come with me tomorrow?"

"Of course!"

"Thanks Yang"

"No problem…"

So, when the morning came Yang picked me up from my house and went to the wake.

I saw Yuan standing near the door.

"Yuan…"

"Ivy…" then he gave me a hug

"Bro condolence…" Yang said…

"He drove me here…" I told him

"Does he…" he whispered to my ear

"Yes, he knows" I get what he was about to ask, If Yang knows about our relationship.

Of course, I text him from time to time…

"Let's go inside" he said and led the way.

When I saw the photo of Yuan's brother, I realized how much they looked alike…

"You and your brother look so alike…"

He smiled at me…

"Your mother's not here?"

"She's watching over my father…"

"I see… Your brother's wife?"

"She's not here… I actually don't know where she is."

It's her husband's wake but she's not here? There's something iffy with this girl…

The wake lasted for 5 days then his brother was buried… Yuan came back to the office after taking a week break after the burial. He seemed to be worrying a lot of things even after he came back to the office, he contacted me less and I find it weird. Yuan has been telling me to give him more time but it worries me.

*knock *knock

"Yuan… Do you need something?" I asked

"Ivy… My father's attorney handed me this…"

"What's this?"

I took the envelope and read what's inside. It states there that in case of grave illness, accident, or inability of his father to perform his duty as a chairman even if he's not dead yet he will hand the company and appoint Yuan as the new chairman and owner of the Mendez group of companies.

"And this is from my brother's attorney."

I opened another envelope and read everything.

His brother gave 19% shares to Yuan and only 5% shares to his wife. He also recommended Yuan as the next CEO. When I thought of that, why would his brother give his major shares to Yuan instead of his wife?

"Yuan, as per these two documents, you are now the owner of Mendez group of companies, adding all the shares that was transferred to your name, you are the major stockholder and the newly appointed Chairman and CEO…"

"But my father is still alive… I could act as the CEO but transferring his shares to me and giving me the whole company…"

"It states here that even if the current chairman is alive, but the moment he is unable to perform his duties due to accidents, grave illness or for any reason that he is unable to perform his duty everything will be automatically transferred to you…"

I stood up and held both of his arms…

"Yuan, you should run your own company now. Save it, before it's too late… With all the happenings, your company might be in a bind now…"

"But I'm working for you…"

"Yuan, just like me, I chose to run the company in honor of my father and to cherish what he built with his blood, sweat, and tears… You should do the same. With your talent it's a waste if you'll stay as my Management Director forever."

"But they never trusted me… What if I'll mess up?"

"That's why it's time for you to show them that you are worthy, besides your father won't appoint you particularly if he didn't know you have a talent. You won't mess up… Yuan, your family needs you now…"

"Will I be able to do it?"

"Of course! trust yourself…" I looked at him in the eyes then I gave him a hug…

"Hand me your resignation tomorrow just for formalities…"

"Ivy…"

"You can do it… I may meet my boyfriend as competitor one day…"

He smiled and caressed my hair…

As what I've told him, Yuan submitted his resignation letter and will start working as the chairman of Mendez Group of companies. We'll still be the same right? Even though we're both busy.

*Calling Yuan*

"Ivy…"

"So, how's your first day of work?" I asked

"ahhh!! Don't remind me… it's a mess!!"

"Hahahaha!! You'll be fine don't worry…"

"So, how's the first day without your management director?" He asked

"I interviewed some applicants today…"

"That fast?"

"Of course! The positions in my company are always loaded with waiting applicants…"

"Woah!! Fine! Can I suggest something?" he said

"What?"

"If you're going to hire a new Management Director… Hire a girl…"

"Why? My standards would always come first."

"Just hire a girl…"

"Give me one good reason why I should do that?"

"Cause…" he paused and cleared his throat

"Because I don't like someone lurking around you!! Bye I need to work!!"

*End Call

"Wait!! What?!"

"Seriously?!"

I saw my phone and I received a text

<From: Yuan>

"Let's have dinner tonight. Our favorite spot. Meet you there at 7 <3"

This guy is really something…

I worked till 6 pm and went out of the office…

"Miss Ivy, you're going home?" it was Clair

"Yes… you should go home too…"

"I have to arrange some papers for Monday."

"Okay…"

I was about to leave but…

"Ahh… are there more female applicants for Management Director?"

"Ummm… Yes Miss…"

"Call all those female applicants on Monday"

"Only the female applicants miss?"

"Ummm… if there's someone who's exemplary from the male applicants call him… But it would be good if only females would come…"

"But why miss??"

"Oh? Ummm… just… ummm… It would be nice to work with a woman after Yuan…" I explained

"O-okay Miss Ivy…"

I pulled the car over when I arrived at the restaurant Yuan and I usually come… It became my favorite place too when originally it was just Yuan…

Right when I entered the place, I saw Yuan on our favorite spot…

"So, how's Mendez group of companies' new Chairman and CEO?"

"Flowers…" he said as he handed me a bouquet of flowers…

"Just doing fine… But stressed" he said to answer my question

"Any plans for the weekend?" he asked

"None… why?"

"Then I'm gonna visit you on the villa tomorrow"

"You don't have any schedules?"

"Cleared out the things!!"

"Just on your second day?��

"You're my idol in this field…"

"You're kidding me…"

"I'm not…"

"Okay… say you'll visit me tomorrow what are we gonna do?"

"I saw your home gym last time… do you use it?"

"No…"

"We'll work out tomorrow…"

"I don't work out. I don't go to the gym…"

"I could always make you…" he touched my hand and smirked

"fine…"

I didn't thought dating would be this fun, since I never experienced having a boyfriend, everything is fresh and new.

"Yuan, I'm really not sure about this work out you're thinking…"

"Your body's fit I doubt you haven't used any of this equipment. A house gym would be a waste if you don't use it…" he grabbed my hands

"Let's stretch follow me…" so I looked and followed what he was doing…

"Your body is really fit how do you stay in shape without workout?" he asked

"I do sports…"

"Like?"

"Swimming and archery…"

"Hmm? I don't think that's enough…" his voice cracked as he was bending forward trying to reach his toes…

"I swim for four hours I guess that's really enough."

"Well the body of a person varies… We're done!!" he said as he sprung up from bending, touching his toes…

"Let's start with the treadmill let's run for 20 mins"

"What?! No!!" he's to agile and pressed the start button like a speed of light…

He went on the other treadmill joining and sympathizing with my steps…

"If you're not into working out how come you have a gym in the house?"

"When daddy was younger, he really likes to run so he had these two treadmills then he said it would be too awkward seeing a room with only this so he set up a gym, he often invites Mr. Zheng to run with him so he had set up two…"

"Ahhhh… Your fathers were really close…"

"Yeah… Sometimes Yang would spend his summer here in the villa so I'll have a playmate, actually when we were younger, I thought he would always bully me cause he used to be so playful, well even until now… But he never did, we never fought over toys or what to play or what to watch on the TV, instead he used to defend me from kids who want to mess with me… He's like a----"

"Ahhh!!" I was shocked because the treadmill suddenly stopped and I lost my footing I almost fell but Yuan caught me right on time. I saw his right hand on the stop button…

"Why did you do that?!" I said with my right brow raised, he looked at me and moved his left hand from my back to my waist then he pulled me much closer to him…

"I'm jealous…"

"What?!"

"I hate the fact that your telling me stories about another guy…"

"But Yang is spe---" then he suddenly pressed his lips against mine, I feel butterflies in my stomach whenever he kisses me sincerely and gently…

"I get jealous easily…" he looked at me straight into the eyes…

"Copy! I- I mean… I'll keep that in mind…" he smiled and kissed my forehead, and released me from his hold.

"I'll promise that I'll never talk about him, but Yuan…" I went near him and held his hands

"Yang is like a half of me, a male version of me, a brother, he's very important. You need to understand that he exists in my life and that he's a huge part of me. What I'm trying to tell you is, there's no reason for you to be jealous cause he's like a family…"

"I understand that he's in your life and that he's important, when we're together would you mind if I ask you not to talk about him?"

"Okay…" I smiled

I understand where he's coming from, he must've have been jealous every time I talked about Yang in front of him but he just held it in.

"Did we just fight?" I asked

"I guess so?" he said and chuckled

"Ahhh really? Is that how fights looked like in a relationship?" I asked as a first timer…

"No… But since we're different from other couples let's deal with fights just like how we did earlier…" he put his arm on my shoulder and turned me around

"Let's go back with the workout…"

"Ahhh!! Can we not do this?" I complained

"You thought we'd just stop after that?"

"Argghhh!!"

"Come on…" he pushed me towards a shoulder enhancing equipment, I don't know what it's called at all…

"Sit here, you have to hold these and pull them towards the front, as if you're closing a two-door-fridge"

"It's to heavy!!! I won't do this!!"

"Hahahahaha!! Fine I'll remove some weight"

"There you go try it…"

"Fine…"

I think I've tried out each equipment I had in the gym! I could feel my body starting to sore after the work out.

"It was the longest hour of my life!!" I said as I sat on the Yoga mat in the gym.

"Eyyy!! That was pretty quick!!" he said as he sat next to me

"Yuan, I'll never do it again, I'd rather swim for 6 hours than do what we did today"

"Hahahah! Fine let's do your thing next time…"

"Ahhhh!! My calves are really sore…"

"I'll massage it for you… here…" he sat facing me and placed my leg in a comfortable way so he could massage my calves…

"Oh!! You're good!"

"I used to give my mother a massage."

"That's sweet…" I smiled

He looked at me and he smiled dearly…

"Excuse me darlings! Lunch is ready…" it was Lady Min calling us to have lunch, when I saw her face, she was smiling from ear to ear…

"Thank you, lady Min…"

"Come on let's have lunch…"

We stood up and went to fuel ourselves. After the delish meal we hanged out on the entertainment room where we played some video games last time.

"I bought some gaming equipment, Ya—umm… I had some help picking these things…"

He raised one of his brows and looked at me like he caught something… so I stayed silent

"You just brought this?"

"Yes… when we played last time, I found it really fun so I decided to buy some, but I don't know how to set these things up…"

"I'll teach you… come here" he tapped the seat telling me to sit next to him…

"I'm a fast learner…" I bragged

"Ohhh!! Really?" he giggled

"Hold this one, this one goes in here…" I looked at him and he's really having fun.

He taught me how to set up the consoles and the other equipment, he even taught me how to trouble shoot. I found him really attractive doing these things.

After hanging out with me for the whole day and had dinner at the house Yuan went home…

"Dear, I really found you both really great together."

"Thank you, Lady Min…"

She tapped my shoulders…