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From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 36. The Fisherman
It was a cold morning, much colder than it had been the remaining days of the week. Van had woken up extra early to prepare breakfast in anticipation of the arrival of his family. It was going to be their first day living together. Their first day as a family, and he wanted to make it right. He and his mother had nothing of value to take so other than the clothes they had on, and the one they wore on their first day at Ivy's house, they took nothing else with them. Van realized that he had forgotten to ask what each of their prefrence was so he decided to make everything he knew kids loved to eat for breakfast. While he was setting the table, he heard a ding from his phone. Checking it, he saw that he had a message from Elaine. 'Good morning. I hope you're ready.'He didn't fully understand what her text meant but he knrw it couldn't be something good. She still hadn't posted anything about the proof she said she had about their engagement, so maybe that was what she was talking a
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 37. The Truth
Van was in an unfamiliar surrounding but for some reason, it felt like he had been there before. He walked around the building for a while before he spotted a familiar face. Picking up his pace, he chased after the little boy and ended up in an open field. The little boy walked up to another kid and even though Van didn't know who they were, he felt like it was his memory, like he had been there with them. He noticed a man in a black suit walk out of a parked car and headed towards both boys. "No," Van didn't know why but he could tell that the man was a bad person. "Hey boys, how are you doing today?" He asked when he got to where they were. "Who are you?" The younger boy asked. "I'm your uncle, and I'm here to take you home. But first, you have to do something for me." The man explained with a menacing smile. "Andrew, I don't like this man. Let's go play somewhere else." The younger boy tried to urge his brother but he wouldn't listen. The man handed both boys a gun and tol
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 38. Partial Memory Loss
"After my husband and I got married, we tried to have kids but our efforts were never crowned. Two years passed, then three, then five, and still I couldn't have a child of my own. I was really desperate to have a little one running around the house, so I suggested we adopt a child. When we arrived at the orphanage, I immediately fell in love with you. It was obvious that you were going through some things because you wouldn't talk, and the workers at the orphanage said your brother was adopted before you and it made you upset. Eventually, my husband and I were able to convince you and we all went home together. Van, I am really, truly sorry that I never told you about this. I guess I was always so afraid that one day you were going to leave in search of your real parents and leave me all alone." She covered her face with her hands, sobbing quietly. "I wasn't a baby when you adopted me, so why on earth can't I remember anything about my childhood?" That part was still a mystery t
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 39. Mother?
Van glanced at his mother and she looked away. "What is the doctor talking about?" He asked and she refused to answer. "Talk to me. Tell me! What is the doctor talking about?!"Ivy could see the anger in Van's eyes, but even deeper than that she could see the pain. To find out that the person who raised you, the only family you ever had had been lying to you your whole life. She couldn't imagine how painful it must be. "What do you mean doctor?""Well medically induced memory loss is mostly common in children. When a parent wants their child to forget something, they're taken to the hospital where intense therapy is given to such child. It basically means convincing the child that their memories were nothing but a dream, and to make things easier, a certain pill is given to the child twice every day until the therapy sessions are completed. Now this pill isn't isn't harmful to the child. It's basic function is a sedative to help children suffering from insomnia. But when used frequ
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 40. Secrets
Van's eyes widened when she said that. He immediately turned to the wonan who raised him and she averted her gaze. "You're…my mother?" He asked slowly, staring at the woman standing in front of him. "But…how? The article said you died.""I'm alive, but it's a long story." Almost like she just noticed her, she turned to Van's mother. "Grace? What are you doing here?"The other woman immediately turned her face away. "I think you have me mixed up with another person. I should go now.""What is going on? Do you two know each other?" Van asked. "Yes. That's Grace, she's my best friend…or at least she used to be." "You know my mom? That's not possible, she never told me she had any friends." Van knew his parents fairly well. He knew the people his father worked with, and he barely knew any friends with his mother. "Your what?" The shock on Van's birth mother's face was unmasked. "That can't be possible." The elderly man said. "Van, please forgive me." His mother said again. "Would yo
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 41. True Colors
"You heard what the doctor said, you can't come anywhere near my son." Grace said, blocking Sheryl from going to Van's side. "Your son? Grace, the fact that you are still standing here and not sitting behind a police counter is because I'm waiting for a detailed explanation…and a severe apology from you. How dare you open your mouth and call Van your son?""Were you there for him all these years? Do you have any idea what he struggled with as a kid? What he likes? What he hates? Do you know what his dreams are??You don't!That's because you were never there for him! Even long before I took him in, Sheryl, you were never a good mother. I simply did you a favor by–" Her words were cut short as a hard slap landed on her cheek. She opened her mouth to say something else but she wasn't given a chance as another hard slap landed on her other cheek. "Watch what you say Grace. Don't think for a second that I'm willing to let this slide so easily. Once my son recovers, I'm taking him home,
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 42. A Family Again
"That is Ivy, right? Ivy Wilson?""Yes, that's her.""She's your cousin.""I need to sit down, please come in." He walked back inside at sat at the edge of the bed. "Are you okay?""No, not really. So…so what you're saying is…Ivy and I are related?""Well in a way, yes.""Please explain it properly to me." "Van, are you okay?""No, no I'm not. Ivy can't be my cousin, mom she's the wonan I want to marry! We have kids together! This can't be true."Sheryl knew she was supposed to focus on the discussion at hand but hearing Van call her mom so casually made her heart swell. She smiled and took his hand. "Calm down, okay? She isn't directly your cousin. You see I have two sisters but one is adopted. That adopted sister is Ivy's mother. After she was born, you were always around her, You used to carry her around saying she was your baby–wait, did you say you were getting married?""What?""You said something about getting married and having kids."Van didn't even notice that he had said
From Prison Bars To Gold Bars. 43. Lunch Date
"Your grandfather started a little advertising business back in the day, Ads for life, or AFL. It wasn't really much but he was very proud of it. After many years of hardwork and dedication, he was able to make a name for himself in the business world. After his passing, your father took over and in less than two years, AFL grew into a company worth billions. He cherished the company more than anything and always dreamed about the day you would also take over, leading the company to glory. Now Van, that time has come."Van sat quietly, staring at his mother. She was asking him to take over a company that was worth billions, a company that apparently meant the world to his late father and grandfather. A company he knew nothing about. "Why can't someone else do it?""What?""Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm trying to run away or anything, it's just…I wouldn't want to mess things up. I don't really know anything about this company and if I took over, I'd want to do a good job at
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- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
89. Girl's Secret
"What?!""I know, it's a big deal. Jasper said he doesn't like the fact that he has to ask me for money whenever he needs it, so I thought, 'why not operate on a joint account?' that way, he wouldn't have to ask me when he needs money.""Wait, I don't understand. Why does he ask you for money?""I already told you, his parents are trying to teach him a lesson on discipline, they're not giving him enough money. I really think that's stupid by the way. Why restrict your son's account just because you want to teach him something?"Ivy had to act fast, if they opened a joint account, there would be no stopping him from taking all her money, and he'd just disappear. But she couldn't come out and say something like that without proof. "Macy, let's tell Van." If Van was aware, she would be able to tell him her worries about Jasper, and he might be able to help. "What? No. Ivy, you promised.""No Macy, hear me out. If I tell Van, I know how I'm going to convince him so he'll be on your side
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
88. Helpless Romantic
Van had to take a moment to understand what Ivy meant by her statement. "No." He said firmly. "Ivy, I made a mistake, I know I did. But you can't break up with me, not because of this. I am sorry, I was an asshole, I should have talked to you, I should have told you the truth, I don't know why I didn't. But I swear to you, there is absolutely nothing between us.""Van, that still isn't a clear answer.""Okay, you're right. Look, I met her at the grocery store and she helped me pick the milk when I told you I'd go shopping that day, and when she tried to ask for my number, I clearly told her that I was married and didn't want anything to do with her. But I don't know if she's trailing me but I've been running into her almost everywhere. Honestly, it's tiring. I am so sorry I didn't say anything when you asked. I should have told you about her right from the first day, I just never thought she would be a persistent problem.""So she's just another Chris?""Yeah, I guess.""Van, I'm sor
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
87. Doubt
Ivy had been gone for more than an hour, and Van was starting to get worried. He didn't like the fact that she was alone outside when that pervert was probably still looking for her. The fact that they fought also didn't help in putting his mind at rest. He decided that he was going to go and look for her. He should have just told her the truth when she asked about Cynthia earlier. Van wasn't cheating on Ivy, and he didn't have the intention of ever doing so, he just didn't know why he was so hesitant to tell her about it. He grabbed his coat and went outside but he was shocked to find Cynthia seated on the porch. "You, again? What the hell do you want from me?" He questioned angrily. "I thought I already made myself clear when I said I wanted nothing to do with you.""Relax tough guy, I'm not here to seduce you or anything. Just think of me as a friend for now." She smiled, rising to her feet. "What do you want?""Here." She handed him her phone. Van was reluctant to take it at
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
86. The Beach
Ivy frowned but she didn't say anything else because the bus had arrived, and it would only be pointless and embarrassing to fight on the bus. The ride home was quiet and it felt longer than it should be. Ivy knew something was up, Van would never get so worked up over nothing. She wasn't trying to insinuate that he was cheating on her or anything like that, she just wanted to know what happened between he and that lady. The rest of the day was ruined for Ivy and she couldn't even eat. Van didn't say a word to her, and she didn't bother to ask him anymore. The silence in the house was killing her, and she desperately needed to clear her head. "Where are you going?" Van demanded as she walked towards the entrance. "Nowhere." She replied without looking at him. "Ivy, about what happened this morning –""It's nothing right? That's what you said, isn't it? Yeah, I've heard." She slammed the door as she walked out. The night was fast approaching so Ivy didn't want to venture too far
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
85. Breakfast
Ivy could barely sleep all through the night, Jasper's words still echoed in her head. What bothered her more was the fact that he was right. Macy was so in love with him that she would believe what ever he said in a heartbeat. To say something like that and expect Macy to believe her, Ivy would need proof. "Hey you," Van kissed her forehead. "How was your night?""It was good." She hated lying to Van, but it was Macy's wish to do so, so she had no choice. "Where did you run off to so early in the morning?""I went for a little run. Just needed to stretch my limbs for a while." He had met Cynthia again, and Van was convinced that she was spying on him. He just wished he had a way to permanently shake her off. "Are you okay?" It seemed like something was bothering him, but anytime Ivy asked what it was, he would just smile and say it was nothing. "I'm okay." He smiled. "You know you can tell me anything, right?""Of course. And I will, if anything happens.""Okay. So what are we do
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
84. A Shady Heart
"Well hello Mr 'I'm a married man', what are you doing out here on this fine day? Shouldn't you be at home snuggling with your wife?"Van had noticed Cynthia about five minutes earlier but he intentionally ignored her, walking off in the opposite direction to avoid her talking to him. "Hi." He said without looking at her. "What's wrong? You look worried. Wanna talk about it?""I'm fine. I should go." Van started to walk away but Cynthia ran to his front, blocking his path. "Listen to me, I don't know why you're doing this, but I assure you, I'm not a bad person." Her smile was still on her face but her cheery voice was sounding more forced, like she was trying not to get angry, or to show that she was already angry. "I never said you were. Now, may I go?""Oh come on, you don't have to be so difficult. There really is nothing wrong in you making friends. It's not like I'm asking you to chase away your wife or anything.""How did you know I'd be here?""What?" She looked shocked by
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
83. Pregnant
"Ivy, are you free today?"Macy told Ivy that she would arrive in Hawaii the day before, but her flight was delayed so it took another day. "Hmm I'll have to think of what to tell Van, but, I guess I could try.""Think of what to say? Since when do you need permission from Van to leave the house?""It's… complicated. Don't worry, if I'm able to convince Van, I'll fill you in on all the details.""Okay, I'll text you the address.""Alright." She hung up and let out a sigh, the whole 'Macy mystery' was still bothering her. "Who was that?"Ivy jumped as she heard Van's voice, she didn't know when he walked in. "It was no one, just a friend." She lied. "Okay well, I need to go out for a while." He said, grabbing his coat from the closet. "Oh? Where are you going?""Boyd asked me to meet him at the beach, he said there was something he wanted to talk about.""I didn't know you and Boyd were that close.""We're not. I just want to hear what he has to say, plus, it'll be rude to just igno
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
82. The Seductress
"Hey Ivy, where exactly are you in Hawaii?""Uh in a small town, uh Kailua Kona, I think." When Van first told her about the place, she was surprised as to how he even knew about it in the first place. He said he chose it because it was rich in Hawaiian culture and history. Then they had the best stores and restaurants. "Okay," Macy replied. "I'll stay somewhere close by, so it'll be easy for you to come to me. Let me know where you're staying so I can make living preparations too.""Uh Macy, what exactly is going on?" The mystery was making Ivy crazy. She wanted to know what the issue was, and Macy was seriously avoiding that topic. "I already told you, it's not something we can discuss on the phone. We'll be there today, and we can talk better then.""Okay, wait today?!" When she said she wanted to fly over, Ivy never expected it to be so quickly. And did she say we? "Wait Macy, aren't you the only one coming? You said we.""Like I said earlier, we'll talk when we land."She said
- From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.
81. Picnic
Van couldn't believe what he was hearing. How dare he boldly say such a thing to him?"You know you have some nerves, my wife is not an object you can just buy." His voice had an edgy tone to it. "Everybody has a price, Van. Just name yours, and I'm ready to pay."Van felt his blood rising and he had the overwhelming urge to punch him in the face, multiple times. He was about to say something else when he felt Ivy's touch. Ivy knew what was likely to happen next if she didn't do anything. She grabbed hold of Van's arm, keeping him from doing anything rash. "Let's just go, Van."He glared at Chris for a second before turning to face Ivy. "Yeah, let's just go."They had started to walk away when he spoke up again. "Just know this, Van, Chris Efron wants that lovely lady, and Chris Efron always gets what he wants."★★★Van had been pacing for almost ten minutes, and he wouldn't calm down no matter what Ivy said. "Really Van, don't get yourself worked worked up over nothing.""Over noth
