IVY'S WORLD

____________Author's prov___________

Two months after their honeymoon, life had gradually returned to its usual rhythm, though it felt different for both Caspian and Ivy.

They have both agreed that Ivy would be working until her 8th month or when she feels it's getting to much. And of course not without close supervision and many aids around her.

Ivy is now the CEO of The Smith's Hosts, which is now changed to Asher's Event after her Six months with the Asher's Int. Just as Mrs Carol wanted.

They were back in the world they knew well, but now with the grounding knowledge that, whatever they faced, they had each other. Their offices reflected that change, subtle reminders woven into their daily routines—the fresh flowers Caspian kept on his desk because he knew they reminded Ivy of Paris, or the small watch Ivy gifted him, inscribed with a single word: "Always."

Caspian had returned to his work as the respected and feared mafia don, MORETTI but those around him sensed a change in him. While he was still powerful, decisive, and unyielding, there was a calmness to him, a patience that hadn't been there before. He kept a framed photo of Ivy on his desk, one taken on their honeymoon, her smile bright and carefree, and he found himself glancing at it whenever the weight of his world threatened to pull him down. He has another frame of Ian and Ivy where both are smiling to themselves.

His men noticed that he no longer tolerated any threats or challenges to his personal life—he guarded Ivy's name and reputation with fierce loyalty, letting the world know that anyone who crossed his family would face his wrath. He has also tracked down Dimitri and waiting judgements. If it were Caspian before he met and married Ivy, Dimitri would have been dead upon tracking him. But he let him pending when he's found what to do with him. Actually what's keeping him alive is the fact that they are yet to find Andy and Dimitri hasn't said anything about him yet. They need him to find Andy. Caspian needs to know what he deed to him after finding out about their fall out.

Ivy, meanwhile, had returned to her own office with a sense of purpose that felt sharpened by love and newfound confidence. She was managing her business with grace and efficiency, her presence a steady influence that brought calm and focus to everyone around her. Caspian had arranged for her to have additional security, a gesture of his unspoken protectiveness, though he respected her independence and made sure it wasn't intrusive. Her office also has pictures of both her husband and Ian.

Ian has started in his new school and enjoys it when both his parents takes him to school but that's not always possible. Ivy always take him and brings him back at the close of her work which she always close early for Ian. They would go to the mall or park sometimes.

The girls and Brandon takes time to go out with him during weekends and when they could. It has been a culture for them to hang out once a month just to remind themselves that they remain family and will always be there for each other.

Ivy is now into her fourth month. She's not having it so much easy but she keep going knowing that she's not alone.

Ivy and Caspian would often meet for lunch, finding a corner of the city where they could escape the demands of their lives, if only for an hour. On one particular afternoon, as they shared coffee and quiet conversation, Ivy noticed the subtle weariness in Caspian's eyes.

"You've been working hard," she said softly, reaching across the table to take his hand.

He gave her a reassuring smile, though his fingers tightened slightly around hers. "It's nothing I can't handle. Just…more than usual. But having you to come home to? It makes it all easier."

She squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with understanding. "Remember, I'm here for you too. We're a team now, baby. You don't have to carry everything alone."

He exhaled, feeling the tension ease at her words. He loved that she saw through the armor he wore, that she could remind him to let down his guard, if only for a moment. "I know," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "And it means more than you know."

When they returned to their respective offices, there was a renewed energy between them—a reminder that their love was not just a haven, but a source of strength they carried into everything they did.

Later that evening, as they settled into their home, Ian has fallen asleep in his room and they have retired to their own room, Caspian pulled Ivy close, resting his forehead against hers. "Thank you," he whispered, the words carrying an intimacy that went beyond gratitude. "For being here. For everything."

Ivy smiled, her hands resting gently on his chest. "We chose each other, Caspian. And I wouldn't want it any other way."

And with that, they embraced, knowing that as long as they had each other, they could face any challenge that came their way. In their love, they found both a respite and a quiet, enduring power that would carry them through whatever life had in store.

The next few months has been a whirlwind for Ivy. She has to stop working on her seventh month as the twins are super active and always wear her out. She gets tired by the end of the day and it's always a fuss in the morning with Ian only wanting Ivy to dress him up for School and feed him.

Mather and Tyler has been very helpful around the house assisting Ivy whenever she needs it.

One night Caspian called Ian and they had their father - son moment. Caspian had to explain to him as much as he could on how he shouldn't be giving his mum hard time because she's carrying his siblings. He made him believe he's now a big boy and should be protecting his mum and siblings.

After that day, it's as if Ian understand and started helping himself to school more and eating by himself. He told his mom that he's now a big boy as he would be turning Six in two weeks. He said it's his duty to protect her and her siblings.

Ivy knew that Ian has been a smart boy but ever since they started living together, Ian had been more happy around her and wanting her attention always. She understood perfectly well and always do her best to always be there for him. A mother's absence in his life made him to be more of a mummy's boy to his mum. He listens to his mum more.

Brandon and The girls, Scar, Ella, Grace and Emma has taken charge of the preparation for Ian's birthday party. Ivy had wanted to be part of it but her husband wouldn't allow her. He told her to relax and not stress herself. Ivy believed she's getting spoiled too much. As no one wants her to be doing much or anything.

Even in her office, it turn out every one is always ready to help and do her jobs. The only thing she does most times now is signing off some documents. Ava had installed a document reader for her on her phone.

Ivy and Caspian wanted Ian's sixth birthday to be unforgettable, so they enlisted the help of Ivy's friends and Caspian's best friend to create a celebration that would make Ian feel loved and celebrated. Their friends went all out, transforming their home's spacious backyard into a whimsical world that matched Ian's love for adventure.

The theme was "Around the World," designed to spark Ian's imagination and curiosity. Each corner of the yard represented a different "destination," giving the kids a chance to travel the globe without leaving home. Ivy's friends decorated the space with colorful bunting and balloons in blues, greens, and golds. There was a small wooden signpost pointing to "New York," "Paris," "Tokyo," and "The Amazon Jungle," with each destination offering a unique activity.

For "Paris," a charming little table was set up with mini croissants, tiny éclairs, and even some kid-friendly macarons. Caspian's best friend, who had a knack for cooking, set up a mini baking station so the kids could decorate their own cookies with sprinkles and icing. The "Amazon Jungle" was filled with plush animals hiding in plants and trees around the yard. Ian and his friends had a blast hunting for these hidden creatures and placing them into little safari bags provided as party favors.

In the "Tokyo" corner, a DIY origami table was set up, where Ivy's artistic friends helped the children fold paper cranes, stars, and other fun shapes. They even had a small photo booth decorated like a Japanese cherry blossom garden, where kids could dress up with paper fans and snap photos.

Caspian's best friend had set up the last stop—"New York"—where they had arranged for a magician to perform tricks, delighting the children with disappearing coins, floating objects, and even a "magic" bunny. Ian was especially amazed by this and watched every trick with wide-eyed wonder, laughing and clapping with his friends.

When it was time for cake, they brought out a multi-layered confection shaped like a globe, complete with little airplane and animal decorations. Ivy made sure it was Ian's favorite flavor—chocolate with a hint of caramel. As everyone gathered around, Caspian lifted Ian onto his shoulders, making him the center of attention as they all sang "Happy Birthday." Ian's eyes sparkled as he blew out the candles, his heart filled with joy and gratitude.

After the cake, Ivy and Caspian's friends gave out goodie bags filled with little compasses, mini globes, and personalized notebooks, where the children could "record" their adventures, just like true explorers.

As the sun began to set, Caspian and Ivy watched Ian run around the yard, laughing with his friends and looking happier than ever. They felt a deep sense of gratitude for their friends and family who had come together to make Ian's birthday so special. Later, as they tucked Ian into bed, he hugged them both tightly, his eyes already drifting closed, a soft smile on his face.

"Best birthday ever," he murmured, half-asleep.

Caspian and Ivy shared a quiet smile, knowing that this day was only the beginning of the beautiful memories they'd make together as a family.

Ivy slept feeling fulfilled as smiles graced her face. She remembered it's going to be a year since she met Caspian and decided to get something for him later. She made a mental note to ask for Brandon's help.

Her belly has become so big that she can't wait to pop them out. She has refused to check the gender of the babies but rather asked the doctor to send it to her friends who has taken over the decorations of the twins room as well. They had put everything in place and locked the room, even Caspian has no idea what they would be having but he's happy for whichever genders that graced his life. To him Ivy has already brought colours to his world.