Only Love
#22
Ivy sat alone in her bedroom. He chose to lean on the head of his bed, then fold his legs and get closer to his body.
I cannot cry in front of Brother Daniel. He did everything for the happiness of his family, not because of his wishes. I should have been happy to have been with a man like Brother Daniel.Ivy felt even more sad when he learned the strong reason behind Daniel's matchmaking.
The flashback
Ivy, who was sitting alone after Daniel's departure from the cafe, was approached by a woman with shoulder-length hair. Ivy remembers the woman, the woman who was betrothed to Daniel.
“Can I sit here?” said the woman gently.
“Of course, please.”
“Include, my name is Vinnie,” Vinnie thrust his hand to get acquainted and welcomed by Ivy.
“Ivy.”
“Sorry if I bother you and sassyly invite you to speak,” Ivy can see that the woman before him wants to reveal something but like being held back.
“I've parted ways with Brother Daniel. I will not hinder your marriage,” Ivy said.
Vinnie shakes his head, “It's not that I mean come here and talk to you.”
“Do you ask me to go far?”
“No. I want you to stay here. Wait a minute, I'll return Daniel to you,” said Vinnie with eyes looking at Ivy.
“What do you mean?”
“This wedding is just a business wedding. Daddy wants me to marry the man of his choice. He forced the Lewis family because he knew that the Lewis family was one of the most distinguished families in the city. Daddy gave the terms as a reciprocal form of his assistance to the Lewis family company. In addition, Daniel's sister needs a heart donor and only Daddy has control of the donor. Daniel was forced to obey because he loved his brother, loved his family. So, never blame him for all this.”
“I know Brother Daniel won't do such a bad thing, but ..”
“Please, just for a moment. Once Lewis's family company improves and Daniel's brother is operated on, we'll get a divorce. I will go and will not interfere with your relationship,” Vinnie said.
“T-but ..”
“I'll go with my lover. L loved her. So, I beg of you to wait a minute. Daniel loves you so much and I know that,” pinta Vinnie.
“I can't. Not because I'm angry or can't take Brother Daniel back, but I don't want to make Brother Daniel an irresponsible man.”
Ivy immediately clasped Vinnie's hand, “Vin, can I call you like that?”
Vinnie nodded his head.
“Marriage is not something to play with. Even though you married not out of love, but I guess as time goes by, I'm sure you'll love each other. It will not be hard to love Daniel. He is a good man.”
Vinnie smiled, “But he would never love me. In her eyes I was someone who had ruined her life.”
“I feel Brother Daniel will love you too, you are a good woman. I can feel that. How about we be friends?” ask Ivy.
“You didn't take it, but this is the way. I believe everything that happened is already outlined and it is the best,” Ivy said.
Vinnie shed his tears, “How can I hurt a good woman like you. I'm too mean. I should have desperately refused this matchmaking even though Dad would have killed me.”
“Vin, relax. We are both women. I know you must also be sad to have to part with your lover. But what you're doing right now is for your Daddy, your family, even though what he's doing isn't right by forcing you.”
“Thank you,” says Vinnie. But in his heart he will still give Daniel back to Ivy because he does not want to separate two people who love each other.
Flashback off
Dad Arthur knocked on his daughter's bedroom door. Ever since he came home from the office, he could see Ivy's unusual face. Now in her hand was a pink envelope. Dad Arthur keeps this envelope special because it would be better if Ivy never got it.
“Honey, this is the last letter from Mommy. Dad kept it on purpose, even hoping he never gave it to you. Mom says to give it to you only if you're feeling sad. Dad wants you to always be happy, baby,” said Dad Arthur after handing the pink envelope and leaving the room to leave Ivy alone.
Ivy slowly opened the pink envelope with a picture of a tulip outside. Looking at the picture of tulips, made him remember his tulip pin. He immediately got out of bed and pulled out a box. He smiled when he saw his tulip pin.
He always looked at the pin of the tulip when he was sad. He grasped it tightly then opened the letter from Mom Keiko.
Dear sora,
Are you sad? Are you crying?
Take all your grief out, don't hold it. Let go of everything then your heart will feel more relieved. Cry, Mom will hold you.
Ivy let out her tears and started sobbing. From behind the door, Dad Arthur who heard the sobbing also felt sad. He wiped his tears from never hearing such a sad Ivy.
Are you feeling better? Calm down baby, the sadness will only last for a while, because there will be happiness afterwards.
Remember dear Sora, God will not give a test beyond the strength of His people.
You will always be surrounded by good people who care about you and will always be by your side.
Mommy's daughter is already a big one, Ivy Auzora, the brave princess who will always be strong. Mom love you, Sora.
Always smile, baby. Let that smile always be on your face. Mommy will be happy if you see you happy. Mommy loves you, baby.
Your Mom, you,
Keiko Thomas's
After I finished reading the letter, Ivy folded it back and put it in an envelope. She wiped her tears and looked at the pin of the golden tulip, smiling.
He recalled a boy giving him the flower pin. At that time he felt sad because his Mommy was asleep and did not wake up when he called her.
Ivy regretted that he forgot the boy's name. If only he could remember, maybe he could go back to meet her and thank her.
🌹🌹🌹