Chapter 2

"Go with Ivy, Aaron. She’ll show you to your room," Mom added. "Mom, I just got home—" I opened my lips, but her piercing gaze cut me off. "Ivy, go." I took a deep breath. "Thank you, sister," Aaron replied softly, then turned his look to me. You can do it, Ivy. You aren't 11 anymore. You are 19. So, what's making you nervous? I looked at him for a moment, then turned and went upstairs. His room was at the far end of the corridor, and it overlooked the entire garden. The balcony was just next to mine. "This is your room," I remarked in a loud voice. Aaron took off his coat, showing his firm chest. For a moment, my eyes traveled to his, but then I swiftly turned away and stared at the floor. Why do I feel vulnerable when I look at him? There was something about him that kept drawing me in. "Ivy," his affluent voice broke through my daze. I stiffened up, my breath hitching. Before he could notice the distress in my eyes, I turned aside. "Yes?" I answered, trying to maintain an even tone. After observing me for a while, Aaron asked, "How have you been?" "I'm okay," I stated in a calm tone. You've rejected me several times. And you're suddenly concerned? Aaron smiled and responded, "You're an adult now." I sneered. "What, did you think I would be a little girl forever?" I noticed his eyes, but—damn—he still had that wonderful smile. It was exactly the same. "I know I'm not that immature anymore," I said, crossing my arms. "But someone still refuses to see that." Aaron laughed calmly, his face still inscrutable. I was hesitant to remain here. Not with him. I was about to walk away when his strong hands encircled my wrist. I gasped. It made my heart skip a beat. "Uncle," I murmured. His enigmatic but passionate gaze met mine. "I haven't heard you call me that in years," he continued, his voice tinged with emotion I couldn't quite understand. I looked down and felt instantly vulnerable. "Come on, sit here," he urged, using his hand to pat the spot beside him. I sat down on the side of the bed reluctantly, my gaze still on the floor. "Ivy, are you still mad at me?" Aaron asked tactfully. I said nothing. What was it he desired? Did he think I would admit that I still loved him? Was he expecting me to plead with him to finally accept my sentiments after all these years? "Uncle, you should rest," I said as I hurried out of bed. But before I could go out, he called my name once more, "Ivy!" "Look at me," Aaron replied calmly. I shook my head. "Please, Uncle. Let me go." I started to go, but his grasp on my wrist tightened. I felt a shiver run down my spine. The chilly breeze from the open balcony chilled the air, but my heart was racing for no apparent reason. "Ivy, I think you've completely forgotten the past," Aaron replied, his voice calm and almost disinterested. "But that makes sense. You were a little girl at the time." I was furious at what he stated. When I turned to look at him, his sharp eyes were already fixed on me. He was the first man to refuse my touch. The one who pushed me away initially. I tightened my jaw. However, I would no longer allow him to control me in that way. As I released my hand from his clutches, a gentle smile appeared on my lips. "Uncle," I murmured slowly, tilting my head. "Do you think I'm sexy now?" I grabbed his hand and tightened it around my waist before he could respond. His whole body stiffened. His eyes went wide with surprise, and he quickly withdrew his hand. "Ivy," he warned, his voice low and controlled… But I could feel the uneasiness behind it. I chuckled. I pressed him against the bed with a single shove. I straddled him and leaned forward. His breathing quickened, but he remained still. "I'm not that 11-year-old kid anymore, Uncle," I muttered as I ran my hand over his lips. "I'm now 19. I'm not scared of your shouting. I'm not scared of your reprimands. And I will not listen to you anymore." His adam’s apple moved as he swallowed hard, his hands gripping the sheets beneath him instead of pushing me away. My lips formed a contented smile. I bent forward and kissed his cheek tenderly, letting my breath heat him up just long enough for him to notice. Then, taking a step back, I gave him a wink before strolling out of the room, leaving him stunned. Aaron's thoughts were racing as he lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Fuck! This girl! She remained the same… brash, unpredictable, and totally uncontrollable. She had gotten even more insane over the years. Did I make a mistake returning here? Am I about to go through the same thing again? He sighed tirelessly while running his fingers over his hair. Meanwhile, Ivy slumped on her bed, her heart pounding against her ribs. What the heck have I done? Her fingertips brushed over her lips as she smiled. I'd want to give him a kiss. No… fuck… I'm not pleased with that. But as soon as her enthusiasm began to rise, a voice within her thoughts interrupted. "Ivy, do you know what? You are a shameless jerk. Did you actually forget what he did to you?" How could I have forgotten? I gripped the blankets more tightly. I wouldn't let him get away so easily this time, though, as he had indeed returned. It evoked a memory—one from eight years ago, when Aaron was 16 and I was 11 years old. [A flashback] "Mom, I'm going outside!" Ivy hurried downstairs and grabbed her shuttlecock and racket. As she entered the drawing room, however, she saw a boy sitting rigidly on the couch. Curiosity aroused, she approached him with a smile. "Hello!" she greeted. The boy's eyes widened significantly as he gazed at her, but he remained silent. Ivy scowled. He stared but did not speak. She said, "Hey, can you talk?" But Ivy did not get any response. She urged, "Come with me!" "I'm going to play badminton!" "I would rather not play badminton," he stated bluntly. "Why?" she asked. He gave a little sigh. "I’m just not interested in playing with you." Ivy's expression dimmed. Her enthusiasm had faded, overtaken with disappointment. She sighed and flopped down on the couch, folding her arms. "Tell me why," she insisted, pouting and squeezing her lips. "You don't know how to play," Ivy responded, crossing her arms. Aaron sneered. "Do you know how to swim?" Ivy blinked in confusion.