IVY'S WORLD

__________ Third person Prov________

The air was thick with anxiety as Ivy finally sat up awaiting her loved ones to walk through the door. Her hands trembled slightly, but she held her head high. The door burst open they all rushed to her side, her eyes scanning the familiar faces gathered around her. It had been a harrowing few days since her abduction, a nightmare that no one had seen coming. Yet, despite the ordeal, she had made it back—battered, but unbroken.

Ivy's parents were the first to rush forward, their faces flushed with relief and joy. Her mother enveloped her in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. "We thought we'd lost you," she whispered, her voice cracking. Ivy clung to her mother, savoring the warmth, the familiarity, and the love that had seemed so distant during her captivity. Her father joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them, his usual stoic demeanor crumbling as he choked out, "Welcome home, sweetheart."

Friends gathered around, warm hugs, and words of comfort. Each embrace felt like a piece of her spirit being restored, and Ivy could hardly keep her emotions in check. Her best friends, Scar, Ella and Grace, held her hands tightly, studying her with teary eyes. "You're so brave, Ivy. We're here for you, no matter what." Ivy smiled, a genuine one, and nodded. She had missed this—the laughter, the familiar faces, the unconditional support.

But it was when she saw Cas, her fiancé, that her heart nearly burst. He stood a few feet away, looking at her as if she was the most precious thing in the world. Cas had barely slept since Ivy's disappearance, tirelessly working with both the authorities underworld, never losing hope that she would be found. Now, as he's satisfied and mouthed to her that he would come back later as everyone is still trying to look after her. his eyes glistening, Ivy felt a surge of love and gratitude she couldn't even begin to described. Her mother feeding her and her best friends taking turns to feed her fruits.

She looked around and couldn't have hoped for any other thing but this joy in her heart.

They fed her and Cas' father asked them to let her get some sleep as it's now early hours of the morning and they too should get some sleep as well.

The day that followed were filled with an outpouring of love from everyone around her. Cas has entered when she's now asleep and drew her closer to him and they slept peacefully.

They woke up late with Ivy waking up before Caspian. She kept staring at him and after awhile he opened his eyes to meet the most beautiful face he has ever set his eyes on. Words were not exchange but they understood each other. They took their bath and prepared for the day.

Ivy felt more alive now and she's thankful for the love.

Ivy was showered with gifts and letters, trust her over dramatic friends to do that. They brought her favorite meals, took her out to her cherished garden, and made sure she was never sad. Cas remained by her side all through the day.

He cooked her breakfast that morning, just to see her smile. They would sit on the porch in the evenings, holding hands and talking about everything and nothing, just as they had before. Ivy could see the concern in his eyes, the fear that she was still hurting, but he never pressured her to talk about what's on her mind. He was patient, letting her lead the way in her own healing.

She has been thinking lately about everything that has happened. It's been two days since she came back and her wedding was supposed to hold three days ago. Actually, she was rescued on her own wedding day. A day she has been preparing for before the kidnap. No one has mentioned about the wedding ever since and it's something she equally needs to talk about.

Caspian has been attentive to her and she has already made up her mind on some certain decisions.

She had made peace about whom Caspian is and the things he do and does and is ready to accept them. She just have few conditions and that's to not keep any more secret from her.

And then, that night, as they sat together, Ivy brought up something that had been on her mind. "Cas, I want to go on with the wedding," she said softly, her gaze steady despite the slight tremor in her voice. Caspian blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Are you sure, Ivy? I mean, after everything…"

"Yes," she interjected firmly, her grip on his hand tightening. "I don't want this to define me. I want to marry you, just as we planned. I need to move forward, and I need you by my side." Caspian's heart swelled, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Then we will. We'll have the wedding of our dreams, and I'll be right there, every step of the way."

I want the wedding in two days, a private wedding with just our families. Ivy said.

Cas had wanted to show the world his priceless bride but after the whole thing, he just agree with a quiet wedding with just family, friends and few business partners.

Word of Ivy's decision spread quickly, and it sparked a wave of renewed energy among her family and friends. They all rallied around her, more determined than ever to make sure her wedding day would be a celebration of love, resilience, and hope. Ivy's mother took charge of the planning, working closely with her friends to ensure everything was perfect. Emma designed a new bouquet, incorporating white roses and lavender to symbolize purity and strength, while Ivy's father arranged for a small orchestra to play Ivy's favorite songs.

The next day, they had called in everybody to tell them about Ian. They were all happy, especially Caspian's parents. They were all looking forward to meet Ian.

As the wedding day approached, Ivy found herself surrounded by a whirlwind of preparations. The bridal shower was filled with laughter, her friends making sure to keep the mood light and joyful. There were moments when Ivy felt overwhelmed, memories of her abduction creeping in, but every time, someone was there to pull her back, to remind her of the love that awaited her at the end of the aisle. Caspian.

_________________IVY_________________

The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, and as I stood in front of the mirror in my white dress, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I had survived something I hadn't thought possible, and now, l am about to step into a new chapter, one that I would shape on my own terms. My bridesmaids, including Emma, fussed around me, adjusting my veil and fixing my hair, all the while cracking jokes to keep me calm. Trust my crazy friends and I'm thankful that I have them.

For the past few days they have been here to stay with me. My parents were here too as well as Cas parents but these three had been my backbone for the past five years.

Did I mention that Tony and Ian Flew in yesterday. They had been out of the state and according to Tony, he needed the time out with Ian as that may be the last vacation for him as his guardian. Thank Goodness they were not around during all these fuse. Cas had asked them to stay a bit longer as the wedding has been moved a bit and would let him know when a new date is fixed.

Tony has been moody upon return and heard all that has happened. He has been apologizing for not being here for me. I on the other hand is grateful that he's out with Ian and taking care of him.

By, you're spacing out again, Emma spoke.

Shit!! You're ruining your make up by... Why are you crying? What's wrong? She asked.

I engulfed Emma in a hug, thank you for the beautiful gown and everything. It's beautiful and I love it.

The girls all came around me and we group huged.

Common, it's no time for tears, let's go, everyone is waiting already. Scar said.

She dabbed my face and fixed my makeup and hair that's falling out.

My parents entered the room and my mum started crying.

My baby is all grown. She fused.

Oh.. please don't make her cry, Grace pleaded dramatically seeing that it's about to turn to another emotional moment.

We laughed and my dad held my hand looking at me tenderly, I'm proud of you Leah, you're a strong woman and you know you can always call us whenever you need us. He said.

I know. I whispered.

I hugged them and we all left the room.

When the time came, I took a deep breath and walked down the aisle, my arm linked with my father's. I could see Caspian waiting at the altar, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. The ceremony was beautiful, intimate, and filled with raw emotion. When I and Caspian exchanged vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

"I promise to love you, to stand by you, through every storm and every sunrise," Caspian said, his voice steady. "Because you are my strength, my hope, and my home." Because you're everything to me. You thought me how to love without you saying anything. I will always be here for you and our kids. "I love you baby, mi amor, mi Tesoro"

My voice trembled as I spoke, but there was a fierce determination in my eyes. "I choose you, Caspian Asher. I choose love, even when it's hard, even when the world tries to break it. I choose us." I will stand by you all the days of our lives. "I love baby"

The applause that followed was thunderous, and as they kissed, I felt the weight of everything I had been through lift, if only for a moment. I wasn't just a survivor; I am a bride, a friend, a daughter, and a woman who had chosen to embrace life and love despite the darkness that had tried to consume me. And as I and Caspian walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together, surrounded by the love that had brought her back home.

The reception was more like a dinner, nothing to draw attention to, but trust me it's still very extravagant as it could be.

Caspian held me tightly as if I would disappear any moment. Now I'm am Mrs Asher.

A new world had began for me.

Mrs Smith flew in with her husband to attend our wedding. She kept teasing Caspian that she had known he had his eyes on me for long.

I'm so proud and happy for you Ivy. Mrs Smith had told me earlier, or should I say Mrs Peterson. That's her husband's name. She has been gushing over Ian and Ian seem to love her too.

Everyone has been happy and enjoying the moment. I had caught sight of Brandon and Grace holding hands and looking lovey dowey. I'm happy if they take things serious but I know Grace is still holding back. I really need to speak to her. I know she doesn't mind getting laid by Brandon but I really want something serious out of those two. They compliment each other. Although in the beginning, it looked as if the both first see eye to eye but I think they can't deny the attraction going on between them.

My family will be going back to Florida tomorrow. Everything seems to be going back to normal. 

We would be going for our honeymoon in two days. Cas wanted to round up with the adoption process before we leave which I agree. Ian will be staying with Cas parents until we're back from honeymoon which they had no issues with, in fact they are very much excited to spend time with their grandson.

Brandon and the girls seems to be Ian's latest paddies as they wasted no time in spoiling him. Brandon has already bought a car for him. I mean he bought a kid's gaming car for him. In his words, he wants to be the world's coolest uncle and that's seems to be working because Ian already gave him the tittle.

On the other hands the squad went on a full time shopping for him. They bought everything they could lay their hands on ranging from Super hero, bat man, spider Man and the rest. Emma had forgotten about Ian being a boy and bought dolls and make-up kits. It was hilarious but Ian had asked me to give him a baby sister so he would give it to her.

Talking about that. The doctor had told me about the text results he took and apparently I'm a month pregnant. I'm not showing yet, I mean you would hardly tell. I haven't told anyone not even Cas. I'm torn between telling him tonight or after our honeymoon.

I can't believe I'm going to be a mom, I mean birth a human being into this world. I would do everything to protect my children and raised them well.

The doctor had suggested I visit a gynaecologist to check myself well. I had booked appointment for tomorrow.....

Hey, are you ok? You've been looking around and not saying anything. Cas asked.

I'm ok. Just overwhelmed with everything Mr Asher, my husband. I smiled at him. A genuine smile.

Very well, then. Mrs Asher, my Wife. He teased back.

It's time for the best man and bridesmaid to talk. And Brandon has revealed so many embracing things about Cas. I could tease him with that forever. Scar spoke on behalf of the girls and I couldn't be thankful that it wasn't Grace but who am I kidding. She revealed more than was needed including when I had told Grace I wasn't a lesbian.

We had our first dance and everyone else joined.

The night drew close and Cas decided we head home.

We bid everyone goodbyes and goodnight.

Kissing Ian, I told him to be good for his uncle and we left.

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