Lana to confess

Lana to confess
  “Alvin, we shouldn't be doing this,” Ivy let out when Alvin’s fingers reached between her thighs and she heaved a deep sigh as she pulled away from him. 
Alvin took no offense, he understood that it was too soon and at the same time, was trying to uplift her spirit. 
  “I just thought that I should make you feel better. Truly, Ivy, I just don't have the best way to be a perfect guy, but I’ll do better. How about I come with you to every address on the list?” Alvin asked, staring at her intently. 
Ivy scoffed a little, “Vin, you've been so helpful all the way. I could use some company,” she said with a smile. 
  “Great!” he rubbed her thigh swiftly as he started the engine. “I should take you home,” he added as he zoomed out of the vicinity. 

While on the way, Ivy had a bunch of questions to ask Alvin while he, on the other hand, didn't totally like how intrusive she could get about Nate’s death. 
He had lots of secrets that he kept from Ivy, but then, only her happiness drove his intentions and actions. 
Meanwhile, the silence between them was penetrable. Compared to tons of months earlier, life was exciting. Their relationship was strong and healthy, and her family was peaceful.  Nate’s death took the most vital part of them, their happiness. 
  “About the company’s finances, what is your take?” Alvin casually asked, splitting his gaze between the highway and Ivy. 
  “Seriously, I have no fucking idea what to do. Someone had to pacify the matter, right?” she snapped and huffed. “I’ll find something by tomorrow. I just need to rest my head…” she added. 
  “I trust your bidding and, I'm as well, offering my help—you need some good expertise,” he said, Ivy only nodded. 

…
The next morning, as early as 7 AM, Ivy rose, pricked by a very harsh migraine. 
  “Fucking hell!” she let out angrily.  Rolling herself out of bed, she's stretched grabbing her sleeping robe from the couch. 

A text entered her phone as she reached for her cellphone from the nightstand. It was a text from Raul. 

‘MEETING @ 11, don't miss!’

She read out loud, “Gosh, Raul! What’s all this?!” she muttered under her breath as she headed out of her room. 

Descending the stairs, a tantalizing aroma hit her nose. Last she checked, Tika hadn't returned and the other chefs wouldn't randomly prepare a meal for her without asking her opinion. It was just the way that she preferred things. 

Striding into the kitchen, her eyes landed on a masculine back, wearing a blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves. Over it was an apron while he hummed a song.
  “Ares?” Ivy called out, baffled at not just the man before her, but his culinary skills. 
He veered in her direction with a half smile. 
  “Hey! Good morning, Ivy!” he said turning back to whatever he was doing with the pan. 
  “What are you doing here?” she asked as she moved closer. “In my kitchen?” she added. 
  “Whipping something up.” he casually stated while Ivy’s face squeezed a little. 
  “You needn't have to. I have workers for that, Ares. Besides, you can't… be in my kitchen,” Ivy snapped. 

Ares spun to her with the pan of omelettes. “You’re welcome,” she snapped with a beam. 
It was then that she sighted Ares’s chest, a fraction peeking out into full display.
Ares dished out the simple breakfast on a platter a two cups of cappuccino alongside some fresh tropical smoothie.  
  “Come eat,” Ares beckoned at her with his gaze while he took off the apron and wiped his hands with the small towel. 

Ivy dragged herself to the counter and sat by it before Ares joined. 
His hospitable smile didn't fade even if Ivy was still skeptical. The last time that a man prepared her breakfast was Nate and now… Ares. 
  “Seriously, Ares, this wasn't necessary at all. You didn't have to—”
  “But I wanted to!” he softly cut in. He sighed as his lips pursed. He was slightly disappointed at Ivy’s reaction. “Look, I shouldn't have barged because I'm not your boyfriend or something like that but I felt the need to do this. I mean, you agreed to my dinner date yesterday and you… Didn't turn up…” he said as a deep sense of realization hit Ivy. 
  “I swear it, I didn't remember! I'm truly sorry…” her face loosened in guilt. 
  “No, I'm not… mad!” his jaws tightened. “I'm just—I just wanted to do something nice for you because it's your Company’s anniversary!” he finally let out, giving up on whatever he had in mind. “I read it on the internet, have you checked in?” he asked as Ivy’s eyes crammed with tears and lips consumed by a smile. Ivy softly shook her head, wondering if Ruby had reminded her or tried to do so. 
  “Oh God, Ares,” she rose from where she was seated and threw herself around him, appreciating his thoughtfulness and gestures. “Thank you for making it special,” she added. 
  “Of course! Although I have a couple of things to give to you, it's in the car,” he said as their hug gently broke. 
  “You’re so, so thoughtful, Ares!” She placed a swift kiss on his cheek leaving him to reminisce on it.  

They continued eating until breakfast was over. Ares patiently waited for Ivy to bathe and get dressed while he worked on a few things on his laptop in the living room. 

Close to an hour later, Ivy returned dressed in a halter-neck pink body con with elegant details on it.
Her heels were white and dazzling. Her hair and makeup were also flawless just as she liked to appear; gorgeous and graceful.

Meanwhile, Ares’s eyes were on her from the time that she was at the top of the stairway to the bottom. 
She looked breathtaking and definitely the kind of woman he would like to spend his lifetime with. 
He rose, putting away his laptop, a smile of amusement and pride creeping onto his lips as he stood in wait. 
  “You’re gorgeous!” he complimented, offering a hand. 
Ivy placed hers in his as he gently placed a wet kiss on her knuckles. 
  “Just… wow!” he added under his breath as he grabbed his laptop from the couch. 
  “Shall we?!” he let out with a friendly smile and he nodded. 
  “Ladies first!” he said. 

Ivy, taking the lead, opened the door only to find Lana on the lawn, trying to make a phone call. 
  “Lana?” Ivy called out, surprised that Lana, who had been her best friend and a strong part of her family, stood there. “What are you doing here?” Ivy asked, trying to keep a straight composure. 

Lana tucked her phone and said;
   “I'm here to confess something to you!”