Around five minutes past eleven, the guests had all arrived as well as the reporters. Everyone had taken their places and were all awaiting the start of the ceremony.Van had taken his place at the aisle with his best man standing tall and proud next to him. His mother was seated in the front row with a soft smile as she watched him. She was putting on a peach color dress befitting for the groom's mother and Van was surprised when he noticed that Grace was putting on the same dress. He didn't think she was going to attend but she walled in few minutes ago and went to sit next to his mother. Even though they hadn't fully settled their dispute, Van was glad she decided to show up. The room was completely quiet except for the occasional murmurs among the guests. Minutes passed and the priest walked in and announced the start of the program. "Please let us all stand for the bride." He said, his voice coming off as frail and gentle, probably due to his old age. The guests did as they
When the priest came out and asked everyone to stand, Ivy's heart rate doubled. It was her turn! All eyes would soon be on her. Chloe was supposed to be the only flower girl but Van said he didn't want Billy to feel left out so they decided to have a flower boy as well. "Okay kids, it's your turn." Macy had already taught them that when they heard the music start it was their cue to go inside and start to line Ivy's path with the petals in their little basket. "Bride's father, you're up.""With pleasure." Fred walked up to Ivy and held out his arm to her. When Macy asked Fred to take the role of the bride's farher, he had been so touched that he accepted the role with teary eyes. Ivy took a deep breath and took his arm, allowing herself to be led into the hall. He escorted her down the aisle, which suddenly seemed longer than before. He became her strength and she felt like she could pass out if he left her side. The guests all looked at her, some eyed her from head to toe, like
Blanche frowned at her cellphone, that would make it the fourth time she would be calling and still got no answer. She had been trying to get hold of the Fisherman but he was refusing to take her calls. "What could be so important that he has to ignore the calls of his boss?!" She tossed the phone aside. "Ugh, maybe watching TV will get it off my mind." She took the remote and switched on the large flat screen. The first few stations didn't have anything interesting to offer and it only annoyed Blanche more. "Ugh, this thing is useless!!" She tossed the remote and as the device came in contact with the ground, it pressed one of the buttons, changing the channel one more time. This time, it was an entertainment news channel. "As you can see, the wedding of Van Everest is currently ongoing. The couple apparently decided to have a small but elegant ceremony with only friends and families on the guest list.."Blanche's eyes widened when she saw the face of the groom. "Wait a minute, tha
After the ceremony was over, they had a small after party to further add to the celebration. Van wanted to scrape the whole thing and just head back home already but his mother said it would be an opportunity for he and Ivy to meet some important people and make meaningful connections. "Congratulations Van," an older man said with a broad smile. "My, you really are a spitting image of your late father. It's such a shame he couldn't be here today. I'm sure he would have been overjoyed.""Thank you, and thank you for coming." "Oh no, the pleasure is all mine. When Sheryl told me her long lost son was getting married, I just had to see it for myself. You know, I still find it hard to believe that you disappeared within this city for so many years without anyone ever finding you until now.How did it happen?""I don't know." Van replied plainly. "Well, I think it's about time I excuse myself. There are other guests I need to meet." He bowed politely and walked away from the man. Immedi
When the after party was finally over, Van was more than grateful to head back to his comfort of his home. Of course, his mother would not allow that. "Why are you two being so difficult? Every married couple are supposed to go for a honeymoon. It's only natural that you have yours as well!""I understand mom but–""But what? Was your wedding with Ivy not genuine?""Of course it was.""Mother, I understand what Van is trying to say. I don't think it's necessary for us to have a honeymoon. I mean, who's going to look after Billy and Chloe after we're gone? It'll be a whole month and I–""Oh. So that's it. You don't trust me with your children.""What, no!""Then you're going!"In the end, their mother won the arguement and the couple were off to a hotel to spend the night. Andrew offered to check in on the kis on a regular basis and the twins seemed to have no problem with their parents going away for a while. Van devided to take her to the Golden Touch hotel, and Ivy was stunned.
Van and Ivy made the decision to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. He was really actually forward to spending time alone with her, and to take a break from whatever problems real life decided to throw at him. The first few days were more than either of them could have asked for. They stayed at a comfortable vacation house that offered a spectacular view of the ocean and the skies. "Aren't you glad you agreed to come here?" Van asked Ivy, who was seated on the porch, cradling a cup of coffee in her hands. The porch had become Ivy's favorite place in the whole house as the view was always breathtakingly beautiful. She smiled up at him. "I guess it's pretty okay."He returned the gesture, and he took a seat next to her. "I'm happy we're doing this." He said softly. "Me too." She rested her head on his shoulder and he put his arms around her, holding her close to his body. "Oh right, we were invited to a party.""A party? By who?""You know Boyd, the guy we met at beach?""Yeah." He
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
"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
"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
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
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
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
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
"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
"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
"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
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