LOS ANGELES
(CLARK MANSION: FEW DAYS LATER)
“Ace, when are you bringing your family over now that everything is settled?” Mrs Clark demanded.
“You mean Ivy and Leroy?” Ace chuckled.
Mrs Clark nodded her head in agreement. “Mom, we are not a family yet.” Ace said.
Mrs Clark rolled her eyes. “So what’s stopping you from being a family? You are good together with Ivy and Leroy so you should take on the next step.”
Ace Clark itched his right eyebrows. “Mom, I just don’t want to rush things. I am still taking out my time to get to know Ivy and my son.”
“Ace, you have been doing that for a while now. I want to see Leroy too.” Mrs Clark said impatiently.
“Alright mom, you will get to meet Leroy soon.” Ace laughed.
“And when will that be? Tomorrow? Should I just go over to Ivy’s place go to see him myself?” Mrs Clark asked.
“No mom, Ivy might be scared if you show up at her doorstep all of a sudden. I don’t want her to feel like we want to take Leroy away from her.” Ace said with concern on his face.
“Alright.. I don’t want her to feel unsafe around us too.” Mrs Clark heaved a sigh.
“Don’t worry mom, I will talk to Ivy about letting Leroy meet with you. I simply don’t want to pressure her about anything.” Ace replied.
Mrs Clark shook her head in understanding. “So speaking of Ivy, have you told her how you feel?” She asked.
“No mom, I only asked her to give me a chance to be just Leroy’s father. For now it is just.. her giving me a chance into my son’s life.” Ace Clark answered.
“Come on son! You have been meeting up with her for a while now so you should tell her how you feel too!” Mrs Clark retorted.
“Trust me mom, I will get to tell Ivy about my feelings but maybe not now.” He chuckled.
“Perhaps have you… have you guys-” Mrs Clark cleared her throat trying to tease her son.
“Mom, you mean if I have slept with her?” Ace Clark laughed.
“Something like that… sorry I don’t mean to pry.” Mrs Clark laughed.
“Mom, there you go again trying to tease me. We have only shared hugs and kisses and nothing more.” Clark stood up from the couch. “And I am not going to sleep with her if she is not ready for it.” He added.
Mrs Clark stood up from the couch too and moved closer to her son. “I want to share a secret with you.” She whispered.
“What is it?” Ace muttered.
“Do you remember the last time your dad visited Ivy at her home?” Mrs Clark asked.
“Yes Mom…” Ace nodded.
“Well.. he didn’t go there to scare her away from you.” Mrs Clark said.
Ace Clark eyebrows snapped together. “Dad went there to scare her away from me.” He asserted.
“No.. no.. he only went there to test her.” Mrs Clark countered.
“With such huge amount of money? Mom, his intentions was to make Ivy stay away from me so I can get married to Camilla.” Ace Clark demurred.
Mrs Clark shook her head in disagreement. “You dad thought Ivy wanted your money but he was surprised to find out that she rejected such huge amount of money.” She explained.
“Well I am glad she did reject the money. But it doesn’t matter if she had accepted the money because Ivy deserves more.” Ace said.
“Yes she actually won my love for that. And why did you think your dad rejected your resignation letter? it was because he told me that for the first time you have made a good choice and fought for what you want.” Mrs Clark rubbed her son’s upper arm.
“Well I love my son and Ivy too. And did dad say he wants to meet my son?” Ace asked.
“I don’t know what he is thinking about that yet. But he is still mad at you for calling off the wedding and for wanting to resign at the company.” Mrs Clark laughed.
“I did those things for my son. Well if he doesn’t want to see his grandson then so be it.” Ace frowned.
“Don’t say that. I know your father is stubborn but I am sure with time he would accept them. Even though I am still finding it hard to believe that Anderson wanted you to get married to his daughter because of our money.” A frown grazed Mrs Clark’s face.
“Well I am just glad he told dad everything and agreed to call off the wedding without trouble. And I am grateful to God for bringing Leroy and Ivy at the right time. My marriage with Camilla wouldn’t have worked in anyways because I don’t love her.” Ace placed his hands around his mom’s shoulder.
“So have you talked to Camilla?” Mrs Clark asked.
“Yeah she called me last night to apologize to me. But I heard that she left home, I tried asking about her whereabouts but she doesn’t want to disclose it to me.” Ace answered.
“She is still mad at her parents for their actions but I hope she finds it in her heart to forgive them.” Mrs Clark sighed.
“I am sure Camilla will come around soon. And I wish her well in finding a man that would really love her.” Ace asserted.
* * * * * ————
IVY APARTMENT
“I am sorry I have to leave this soon.” Emily smiled at Leroy as she ruffled his curls.
“I was hoping you would stay a bit longer with us.” Leroy was sad that his aunt was leaving.
“Come on Leroy, you don’t have to be sad.” Emily patted his cheek gently.
“Leroy, your aunt has to return home to take care of grandma.” Ivy pulled him closer to her body.
Emily has to leave to the hometown because she received a call that her mom collapsed and has been hospitalized.
“Yes I know but I just hope that you will visit us soon aunt. I am going to miss you so much.” He went over to her and embraced his aunt.
“I will miss you more.” Emily hugged him.
A car honked in the driveway. “The uber is here.” Ivy announced.
Emily let go of Leroy. “Bye Leroy and make sure to take care of yourself.” She waved at him as they made their way to the door.
“Bye Aunt.” Leroy waved back.
“Don’t forget to give me a call when you get home.” Ivy embraced her sister when they stepped out to the porch.
“Sure.” Emily pulled away. “Don’t forget all what we talked about, just let that man in okay?” Ivy nodded with a small smile on her face.
“And I just hope that you and Leroy will come to visit mom and dad soon.” Emily said.
“You should go ahead now before the driver leaves you.” Ivy answered after a long momentary pause. “Just call me if you need anything.” She added.
“Okay, bye sis.” Emily bounded down the stairs.