After Levina left her residence, she headed to a nearby restaurant to grab something for breakfast.
She chose an empty seat by the window. As she stared out at the cherry blossom trees swaying gently in the summer breeze, a small smile tugged at her lips. Summer really is beautiful.
"Miss Levina Lannister?"
Levina frowned slightly at the sudden call of her name. She turned and saw Liam waving from a table across the room.
Her frown deepened.
Liam stood up and casually made his way over.
"Miss Levina, what a coincidence. Are you here to try the famous sushi too?" he asked with an overly bright smile.
Levina raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, but why do you care? Can I help you with something?"
Liam scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. He had been hanging out with friends nearby when he spotted Levina getting out of her car. At first, he mistook her for Ivy, but then remembered Ivy's car—and realized it was indeed Levina.
"Miss Levina, forgive me if I'm being forward. I was just here for breakfast too, and since we're both alone... I wondered if I could sit with you."
"Why?" she asked flatly.
"I—It's okay. I understand if you don't want to," he said quickly, backing off.
"I really don't. Now, if you'll excuse me, my order's here."
Just then, the waiter arrived with her breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee.
Liam gave a strained smile. "Alright, Miss Levina. It was... nice seeing you."
He turned and walked away.
Asshole, Levina thought coldly.
She had long since learned to read the intentions behind a man's gaze. She knew exactly what Liam had in mind.
Furrowing her brows, she sighed. Looks like today's morning isn't going to be so great after all.
She ate quickly, left a tip, and headed straight to her office.
Levina has her own fashion department in her father's company where she personally designed and supervised each collection. She also created jewelry and shoes under her brand name.
Today was a big day—the summer collection fashion show. She and her team had been preparing for months, and just last night, she'd stayed up late to finalize the last of the details.
"Good morning, ma'am," her assistant, Sana Rose, greeted as Levina entered the office.
"Morning, Sana. How's the preparation going for today?" Levina asked, walking toward her desk.
Sana smiled and handed her a folder. "Here, ma'am. Everything is ready. Please go through this to finalize the checklist."
"Alright. And what about today's guests? Did we receive confirmations?"
"Yes, ma'am. I have the list. Just a moment." Sana stepped into her office, grabbed the guest list, and returned to hand it over.
Levina scanned the names quickly, her heart quietly hoping to see one in particular: Zane Ernesto.
He's not coming... again.
He had never replied to any of her previous invitations either, so why had she hoped this time would be any different?
She sighed.
"Ma'am? Ma'am, is everything alright?"
She blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Ah... yes, Sana. Everything's fine. Let's go check on the models and the rehearsal."
"Yes, ma'am. This way."
They headed off together to inspect the preparations.
---
Meanwhile, back at the Lannister mansion, Ivy had taken the day off.
Because of the fire incident the night before, she had gone to see her father at his office to discuss it.
She knocked on the door.
"Come in."
As she entered, she saw her father, Edgar, instructing Uncle Dennis, the household butler.
"Dad."
"Ivy. What brings you here?" Edgar stood and welcomed her.
She walked in and sat down on the sofa, Edgar joining her while Dennis stood respectfully to the side.
"Dad, did you decide what to do about Nick Han?"
Edgar smiled and gently patted her head. "Don't worry, Ivy. I've already planned everything. Tomorrow, you'll hear the news."
Ivy blinked. "News? What kind of news?"
"You'll see tomorrow. But tell me—are you free today?"
Ivy nodded. "Yes, Dad. I took the day off. No appointments today. Is there something you need?"
Edgar sighed. "Today, there's a fashion show at the company. It's a summer collection event, and your sister is supervising it. We're all attending tonight, so I wanted to ask—would you join us?"
Ivy hesitated. "Dad, it's not that I don't want to go. It's just... Sister Levina won't want me there. Didn't you notice this morning at breakfast? She left without eating just because I was present. I don't even know why she dislikes me so much. I never wanted to fight with her, but somehow, we always clash. Maybe we're just not meant to be loving sisters."
"Ivy," Edgar said softly, "one day, I'm sure Levina will understand your heart. You both are my daughters—I love you equally."
Ivy leaned into him and hugged him tightly. "Dad..."
He patted her back. "Good girl. Don't be sad. I'm here for you."
Later that afternoon, Ivy wandered around the manor, feeling somewhat restless. Everyone was out on their own business, preparing for the evening's event. Her mother was busy running her small seafood restaurant, so the house was unusually quiet.
Eventually, Ivy found herself in the back garden of the estate. Although she had visited the Lannister mansion many times, she rarely explored beyond her father's study. Most visits were short—just a few hours and then she'd leave.
But today was different.
As she stepped into the garden, she was taken aback. Lilies, roses, tulips, marigolds, and lavender filled the space—but none of them were grouped by type. The entire garden seemed randomly mixed.
It looks really weird... who planted it like this?
The longer Ivy stared at the chaotic garden, the more it bothered her.
Her gaze drifted to a small set of shovels and gardening tools resting in a corner.
An idea lit up in her mind, and she smiled.