Chapter 2

Defence 

Leo who had been hiding finally came out after Ivy and Cynthia had left. He smirked as he watched their figure fade away. He had walked behind a pillar to wait for Mr Simon when he heard them talking, who would have thought that this single act would lead him straight to who he had been looking for.

He was certain that Ivy was the one he had been searching for. 

His brows frowned when he heard Ivy's call him a middle aged man but eased up quickly as he thought of ways to prove to her how capable he was.  Caleb, his good friend who had insisted on coming with him, found it difficult to hold back his laughter. Leo glared at him, it would be awkward if they were caught eavesdropping. Caleb held back immediately; he knew it would be embarrassing to have to face them If they were caught.

"Leo, you're here, come quickly they are about to start. let's go." Mr Simon led them into the hall where the project defence was held. Leo and Caleb had their mask on to avoid drawing attention. As they walked past the student Leo's gaze met Ivy's but she looked away quickly. 

Due to Leo's presence the defence took. longer than expected, some students had to redo their project because of him.

"I really don't know what is wrong with Mr. Simon's student. I get that he's intelligent and all but that doesn't mean he should make things difficult. After all, it won't make much difference."

Lily, who had returned from speaking to her friends, spoke as she looked towards the hall. She never expected to encounter such a person, Lily began feeling uneasy  as she wasn't ready for such strict defence. She could only hope that her connection would work in her favour. 

"I guess they should have been prepared for the worse. He's just doing what he's here for." Ivy replied not bothered by what Lily had said. 

"Oh." Lily replied upset by her reaction, she moved away from her and walked towards the rest of her group. 

Luckily for Lily and her group, Leo received a call and stepped out to receive it just as they were about to walk in.

"I want you to convince me to sign this contract." One of the supervisors asked as he glanced through their project. 

The contemplated on who would lead the group, no one agreed initially. 

"Don't worry, I will represent the group. My aunt, who is a manager at Leo's corporation, was the one who coached me." Lily said this,  audible enough for the supervisors to hear. After saying this she walked forward and gave the most mediocre speech ever but due to her mentioning Leo's cooperation earlier they had to smile and praise her. She smiled at them as her gaze kept moving from them to the figure at the other side of the hall.

Leo had his back against them and was too focused on his call to pay attention to what was happening. 

Lily's group was dismissed quickly before  Leo returned. Lily skipped happily out of the hall. Everyone was surprised to see her group out already but no one asked why.

"Good luck to you guys. I'm off to see my baby." They were already used to her always flaunting her relationship but never for once had they seen her boyfriend when asked about him she always made up excuses. 

Leo came back to see Ivy's group inside when he saw her, the image that had been blur all these years finally became clear. He picked up the project on the table and started looking through it as he tried to keep his emotion in check.

"This is a really bold approach." Leo said after going through the report. 

Ivy didn't respond to him, she stood there waiting for him to ask the necessary questions. 

"Can you give me a brief summary on your topic?" Leo said, staring intensely at Ivy as he spoke.

She was flustered by his gaze but still tried her best to not let it affect her much. After all, she didn't want to be blamed for the failure of the whole group.

"Our research is aimed at identifying the difficulties and providing suitable solutions to further promote supply chain efficiency."

"What made you believe that your approach was suitable to resolve this issue?"

"We came to this conclusion based on our research and interviews we had conducted." Ivy replied boldly meeting Leo's gaze as she spoke. 

"Do you think your solution can be applied in a real life crisis?" Leo asked with his brows raised, he was surprised by her boldness. Not everyone could withstand his gaze.

"Definitely, we didn't come to this conclusion based on assumption."

"I love your confidence. So what is the rate of success for this project." Leo asked, his pen tapping the table gently, a smile played on his lips as he looked at Ivy waiting for her response. 

"The rate of success is as high as 70 percent."

"I'm impressed, you are as smart as I was told. Well, I hope to see you around."

"Thank you sir for your compliment." After saying this Ivy and her group left the hall.

She finally breathed a sigh of relief but she still couldn't calm her racing heart. When she had stepped into the hall earlier she felt a sense of familiarity when she saw Leo but she couldn't recall where she had met him.

"That was intense, Ivy. I don't know how you were able to withstand the pressure. I'm glad I'm in your group." One of her group members held her arm as she spoke.

"It wasn't difficult after all, everyone had put in a lot of effort on the research I just presented to him."

Everyone knew that she did not want to take credit for their joint efforts so they left it at that. Seeing there was nothing else for them to do, they all went there various ways.

Ivy, eager to share the good news with her fiance, gathered her things and headed for Dave's house. She had grown fond of always celebrating her winnings with Dabe first, her first thought after her success was not to call her family but to rush down to Dave's place as he had promised to wait for her there.

She couldn't wait to see the surprise he had planned for her this time around. He hopes were high as she made her way to his place

 Which was exactly why the blow she received was difficult for her to bear.

Chapter 3

Caught 

Ivy skipped happily to Dave's apartment,  she was finally done with her project and it was a success. By next month she will be done with school and can graduate. 

 " Dave! Dave!! Dave!!"

She called out happily as she entered the apartment, she couldn't hold her joy. She really wanted to share the good news with Dave.

Upon opening the door to Dave's room she said.

"Dave, I finally......"

Ivy was shocked by the sight before her. When she opened the door she saw Dave entangled with Lily.

The bag she held fell from her grip due to the shock. Never in her wildest dreams would she have expected to encounter such a thing.

"See Ivy it's not what you think, the thing is that we were...were, she was just celebrating with me. She was excited that she was done with her project so... We.. we.. just."

Not knowing what else to say he kept quiet.  What could he possibly say that would make any sense to Ivy.

Ivy smiled, then turned to look at Lily.

"She was celebrating here? Of all places she could possibly celebrate it on your bed. When did you guys become so close for her to bring her celebration to your house? How come I had no idea that you guys were on friendly terms.

Lily, I won't say we are friends but we are not enemies either. You have been so friendly towards me all this while but you are having an affair with my fiance. I find this a little disturbing. How can you do all this without any atom of guilt?

Right now Lily I find you disgusting, to be able to maintain your relationship with him and still put up with me is really weird. "

Although Lily was not happy with her words,she still endured it, it wasn't difficult for her to do. She had been putting up with Ivy for a long time now and she had to continue. If she reacts harshly towards Ivy Dave would feel more guilty and would probably cut ties with her. Lily worried about her options and decided that it was best to continue maintaining the image she had built in front of Dave.

"Ivy, it's not like that. I really like you, I felt really guilty for falling in love with your fiance. I tried my best to make it up to you, I really love Dave. All I wanted was just to stand by his side even without any title. Ivy, I tried my best to keep our relationship hidden so you won't get hurt. I am sorry you had to find out about this."

Lily said this as tears flowed down her cheeks, her expression made her look pitiful, invoking Dave's protective side. He  felt touched and wanted to protect her. To him she did nothing wrong.

"Ivy, I know you're hurt.."

Ivy didn't let him finish speaking,  she cut him off half way.

" Yes! I am hurt. Really! Really!! hurt, who in my shoes wouldn't be. I came here really excited to inform you that we can start making arrangements for our wedding.

I didn't go home first I chose to come here, I chose to inform you first! of my success and what did I get in return? In return you gave me the greatest shock of my life."

Ivy took a deep breath trying to remain calm, she was trying so hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"How long? How long has this been going on? How long have you guys been together? I gave you everything Dave, I still can't think of any reason why you should cheat on me. How long have you deceived me‽".

Ivy looked towards them, waiting to get an answer.

"Yes Ivy, you gave me everything but you never let me touch you. When I tried to get intimate with you, you wouldn't let me. I am young and I have needs that should be satisfied. 

Since you won't let me touch you, I found I had to find release somewhere else. It doesn't matter because I still love you, only you".

Dave said this without guilt or remorse. He didn't seem to find anything wrong with what he had done.

Lily who stood behind him was taken aback by his words. She never believed that Dave would be stupid enough to say such words to Ivy. From what she knew Dave really loved Ivy, what he felt for her was just lust and she had come to accept it though she was still plotting to make him forsake Ivy and be with her..

Lily's shock turned to joy, because every word he said will further push Ivy away from him. Which was exactly what she wanted.

Ivy felt like she was drowning in a frozen lake. She felt cold from head to toe. His words sent shivers down her spine. All hair stood up and she had goosebumps all over,  never had she imagined that Dave would say such a thing to her.

If his words could shock Lily, what more Ivy. She bent down and picked her purse she dropped earlier. 

"Sex, so this is what all this is about. We agreed from the start that we will wait till after our marriage. I asked you severally if you could wait and you boldly told me Yes! Haha, now it's my fault you couldn't hold on".

 After saying this, she turned to leave his apartment.

Lily quickly walked up to her and held her back before saying. 

"Ivy, Dave really loves. He never stopped saying it whenever he's with me. His feelings for you are real, you have to believe  me. I'm just a mistake that happened in your relationship. Just overlook my existence, from today henceforth I will stay away from him. I will try my best to stay as far away as possible from. I will try not to appear in front of you again. "

Her words had hidden meanings. She was trying to provoke Ivy, while acting as if she was consoling her.

After saying this she quickly got dressed and left Dave's apartment in tears. Ivy still stood there and didn't move an inch even after Lily left.

Dave walked up to her and held her hands, he looked at her trying to read her expression. 

"Ivy, I love you, I really love you. What happened between me and Lily was a mistake. I was drunk that day and couldn't control myself. I never wanted to cheat on you."

"Hahahaha". 

Ivy busted into laughter after his word she looked at him while she was still chuckling. When she finally regained composure she said. 

"OK! Let's say you were drunk the first time. What about the second, the third and the other times? What about today were you drunk? Are you drunk right now Dave? 

Dave, do you take me for a fool?. I'm not a fool and don't you ever in your life mistake me for one. Don't ever think for once that my love for you will cloud my reasoning. "

Ivy looked at Dave again, the disappointment she felt at this moment could probably exceed her pain.

" How long were you planning to continue with your affair if I had not found out? We had plans of holding our wedding next month,  were you going to keep her as your mistress outside of our marriage ".

Dave had never really thought of that, it had never crossed his mind to end it. He just planned to go with the flow.

"No! Never, today was never even meant to happen. I planned to end things with her, I swear."

How could Dave possibly let Ivy know that he never had any plans of breaking things off with Lily. If he wasn't caught today he would have still maintained his relationship with lily.

How could Ivy believe a word that comes out of his mouth? She pulled her hand away from Dave's grip and turned to leave his apartment.  Dave panicked and followed her.

CHAPTER 4

The surprise 

"Ivy, please forgive me just this once, I promise you it won't happen again. I will break up with Lily. It's you l love, what happened between me and lily was just a fling don't turn your back on me. Give me one more chance to right my wrongs ".

Ivy turned towards Dave with her eyes filled with tears. She looked into Dave's eyes and saw his sincerity and she waved.

"I need time to clear my head and think things through. Give me some space and don't bother me. I will let you know when I decide."

Ivy left Dave's apartment after saying this. After she left, Dave got a message from Lily. When he saw the message he wanted to ignore it. He changed his mind later on and read the message.

"Dave, I am sorry for what I did. I never wished to ruin your relationship with Ivy. It  was never my plan to expose our relationship to her. I promise you I will stay as far away as possible from the both of you. I hope that your relationship with her will keep blooming as long as it makes you happy. I will continue to love you in secret no matter what happens. "

Dave tried calling her but her line wasn't going through. Lily blocked his number after sending the text. 

At Lily's place........

When lily got back she was furious, she knew the type of person Ivy was. She doesn't give up so easily. Her initial plan was to get pregnant first before letting Ivy find out about her affair with Dave.

Though she was angry, she was also pleased with what happened today. All she needed now was another opportunity. 

Everything is ruined now,' maybe even Dave won't want to see me again '. She thought to herself. After giving it some thought she drafted a message and sent it to save. This way it will look as if she's helping Dave out by not throwing a tantrum and also invoking his pity.

After she sent a message to Dave she drafted another and sent it to Ivy. 

"Ivy I know I have wronged you and am really sorry. It's all my fault I was the one who seduced Dave because I love him. I fell in love with him the moment I set my eyes on him but I found out later on that he was your lover. I tried to stay away but my feelings got the best of me. No matter how long I have been with him, I am willing to give him up. I love him but I don't want you to get hurt."

After Lily sent this message, she smiled. She knew Ivy being a smart girl will read more meaning into the message. 

Not only did she intentionally reveal that she had been with Dave for a long time, she also gave her hint of how long it had been.

......

When Ivy saw the massage she sneered, 'if she didn't want to hurt me, she should have kept her distance from my man and not hook up with him behind my back'.

Ivy wanted to close the message but something caught her attention. According to Lily's message it had been almost four years that Dave had been cheating on her.

The first time Lily had met Dave was in their sophomore year when Ivy took them out for dinner to introduce her fiance to them. They had just gotten engaged and Ivy was excited to let everyone know.

It turned out that Dave and Lily had been having an affair the whole of their relationship since Dave and Ivy confirmed their relationship with their engagement. 

Ivy was devastated, this dealt her a heavy blow. She had always been thinking of how long their relationship had been, but she never expected it to be this long.

She felt so pathetic right now. She could still remember how she bragged about how Dave would never cheat on her. Lily was always there when she said that. Lily must have seen her as a fool. 

Ivy didn't return to her apartment to avoid bumping into lily. She didn't know if she could stop herself from strangling her to death. Seeing Lily right now will further break her.

She took a taxi to a high end bar, she did not want to be in the same situation she was in last time she went to a local bar. When Ivy thought of this she remembered how she had given her first time to Dave which resulted in her accepting the engagement. 

She requested a private room on arriving at the bar. Ivy used alcohol to numb the pain she felt. Her tears wouldn't stop falling, the alcohol was mixed with the salty taste of her tears. She regretted accepting the engagement, things were too tangled up between the two families for her to end the relationship.

Cynthia called her severally but she ignored her call. Ivy knew that she would definitely let it slip that she caught Dave cheating, knowing the kind of person Cynthia was she would definitely tear Lily apart and also blow things out of proportion. 

After a few bottles Ivy felt pressed and needed to use the restroom. She was able to find the bathroom in her drunken state.

"Left or right? Which way did I come from?" Ivy stood at the door of the toilet trying to figure out her way back to her room. 

"Uhmm, do you need help?" A man asked as he walked out of the male toilet not far from where Ivy stood.

"Yeah, I can't find my way."

"Why don't I help you." After saying this he wrapped his hand around Ivy's waist leading her away. 

He had a smirk on his face as he led her towards a different direction. Ivy didn't notice that she was heading somewhere else, the whole place was spinning in her eyes and she couldn't even tell her left from her right. 

"I have a wonderful surprise for you guys. Be ready, I will be there in a minute." He whispers in response to the person on the other end of the phone who was asking what was taking him so long.

Just like that he led Ivy to their private room where his friends were waiting for him and the surprise he was bringing.