Part 1: To change your destiny; Part 2: 4 2 1(For you); Part 3: Second Chances

Chapter 63: I'm sorry

The night Ivy dreaded came naturally. While others were merrily looking forward to Christmas, Ivy had never imagined she would have to drag her feet and force herself to put on an act to match the merriness of others. Deep down, she was torn miserably for Jason but she knew it was the best option for the both of them because she was protecting her family.

As this was her first Christmas party, she was highly anticipated by the guests consisting of business acquaintances and partners. The reception was shifted to the town's top hotel instead to accommodate the growing number of guests. In the waiting room, Nick appeared with Ray along the corridor as Ivy was pacing up and down while gritting her fingers anxiously. Ray eyed Nick as his gaze told him to take good care of his sister. Nick nodded reassuringly before he casually walked into the room to greet Ivy.

"Hello, stranger..." Nick smiled as he patted her french bun hairdo instead of messing them up. Ivy's eyes lit up at the sight of Nick as she gave him a sad smile.

"Hello..." Ivy mumbled as Nick pulled her in for a momentarily hug while whispering to her ears. "Whatever it is, know that tonight I will be by your side as promised."

Those words would have comforted Ivy's anxiety if she hadn't known about the secret mission carried out by James and her brothers. As her eyes reddened, she held on tight to Nick's embrace for refuge as she forced herself to regain her composure. Nick on the other hand though could feel there were some unspoken things between the siblings that were intentionally hidden from him, he did not question them as all he could think of was that he putting a heavy responsibility on Ivy that night.

As Ivy strolled the living room among the guests who were mostly the family's acquaintances, she was looking for Andrew and Ivy. She was half expecting Jason but he was still nowhere to be seen with Nancy. She was confident they would make it especially since it was the day Nancy had anticipated all along. She had noticed Nick standing by the side entrance watching her. They both shared a meaningful smile knowing their promise made was going to be tough to fulfill today. As her eyes darted around the hall, she noticed her auntie was in a glistening silver dress and sat with her own family as usual as she lifted her champagne glass and nodded slightly to send greetings to her. She nodded ambiguously in reply but Ivy knew her auntie had acknowledged her and was not holding on to the grudge from the previous family gathering otherwise she wouldn't bother to even glance her way just like she did with Charles.

The sight of Charles and Jeremy together being obnoxious on the occasion while being surrounded by their minions made Ivy worried even more but she knew she needed to stay away from the Rahi first and perhaps with that, she hoped no major moves would made by both Charles and Jeremy.

Clings on the champagne flute were heard from her dad's direction as the brothers dressed in creamy white suits to match Ivy's colorful large floral prints peplum white dress escorted their sister to the stand next to their father.

"Welcome everyone! Merry Christmas!" Peter greeted the crowd as they greeted with Christmas greetings in return.

"Thank you for attending Ophal's annual Christmas party. Tonight, I am truly grateful and blessed to have my long lost daughter, Ai Lee with us finally, reunited." The crowd cheered and gave them a round of applause. "Aside from that, may everyone be blessed always, and cheers to a wonderful year! With that, let's enjoy the night everyone! Cheers!" Everyone lifted up their flute to Peter's well wishes.

Peter could only briefly smile at his children before quickly heading back to entertain their guests. The brothers then headed back to where they were at a corner with Cassandra.

Before Ivy could move ahead to join Ray who was ushering her over, she felt a tap behind her. "Merry Christmas!!!" Andrew and Ivy yelled in unison as they embraced Ivy.