Wild Young Miss: Mister, Let's Kiss!

The conversation didn't last long as Ivan left while nodding his head. He didn't say anything after Zoey mentioned about the third option.

When Ivan departed Zoey's office, he glanced over at Cora's desk. He saw her pop her head up and smile at him. Ivan stretched his lips into a subtle smile and waved.

After that brief interaction, Cora giggled as she resumed her work. Meanwhile, Ivan let out a deep sigh as he dragged his feet out.

Before Ivan could realize it, he arrived at the door leading to the rooftop. He sighed, holding onto the door handle before he pushed it open.

To be honest, Ivan just went 'YOLO' when he embraced his feelings for Cora. Although he considered the difference between Cora and his life, it was barely thought out. Ivan didn't have a plan to break ties with Nikolai.

But, Zoey was right. Even though Ivan only dated Cora for a little while, her life would be in danger in the long run. 

Therefore, this predicament that Ivan tried to avoid, needed attention as Zoey pointed it out. He didn't want to break up with Cora -- he was so fond of her that he couldn't imagine leaving her just like that.

'But, is it too selfish of me to keep her by my side despite knowing the dangers?' Ivan wondered internally, looking at the clear sky and sighed.

Slowly, Ivan placed his hands inside his pocket. "Why is she asking me to choose now?" 

He muttered along with his nth sigh. It was too early to worry about this stuff, but Zoey's words were laced with urgency, making him panic and choose right off the bat.

Heck! Nikolai and the entire Silva Family had been Ivan's family from the beginning. He was an orphan before he met the Silva Family. They took him under their wing; clothed him, fed him, taught him things in life, and who he was right now was all thanks to the said family.

Thus, Ivan was conflicted about this situation. It was easier said than done.

Zoey should understand how hard of a decision she was asking from him. After all, Zoey didn't break ties with the Silva family easily. Up until today, Ivan was unaware of the real reason he compelled Zoey to threaten Nikolai from killing herself if he didn't set her free.

Whatever it was, Ivan subconsciously believed that Zoey had a strong reason; a reason that was stronger than her love for the Silva Family, the family they all once called home.

"Uh…" Ivan took a long breath in and then exhaled, his chest moving along in sync. "Damn it!"

Through his gritted teeth, Ivan cursed as he clicked his tongue in frustration. He loved his family, but was Cora worth leaving everything behind to an uncertain future?

He liked Cora, but he was uncertain if these emotions would last. As he thought, it was too soon for him to decide something so big.

Now, Ivan wondered if he truly loved Cora or it was just a mere infatuation just like what Angelo had said. Ivan's thoughts were in a merry-go-round, thinking everything from the beginning to the end before he ends up questioning himself with the same exact questions.

Yet, he didn't have an answer.

He stood there, looking at the horizon over the towering buildings conquering the air. He didn't notice that time had passed and it was already noon.

Ivan was too occupied with his plethora of questions that he only snapped back to reality when he sensed another person's presence within his vicinity.

"Ahem," Cora cleared her throat loudly, holding her hands behind her as she skipped her steps towards where he was standing.

Slowly, Ivan turned and faced Cora who was walking towards him bearing that bright smile on her lips. "Lunch!" 

She exclaimed and all the thoughts muddling his mind suddenly cleared up. Without noticing it, the corner of his lips curled into a gentle smile as he nodded.

"Hungry?" He asked in a low tone. 

Cora nodded.

"You could have called me. You didn't have to walk all the way here just to say that." Although it has only been a day since they started their lessons with Angelo, Cora was a quick learner. Hence, Ivan was confident Cora would understand him.

"Not tired." Cora replied, still bearing the smile on her lips as she shook her head sideways.

Even with just those two words, Ivan understood what she meant. It may not be grammatically accurate, but he understood that coming to him was what she preferred than calling him for him to join her.

Ivan breathed calmly, biting his lower lip gently before taking a step forward. Cora raised her brows in puzzlement.

Next moment, to her surprise, Ivan wrapped her in his arms and rested his chin on her shoulders. "You're too precious…"

He whispered, a little frustrated about himself as he wasted his time contemplating on this 'predicament'.

"Huh?" Although flustered by this close physical contact, Cora didn't ask him to let her go or go away.

Instead, she felt that he needed a hug. Thus, she let him be. Still, she was hesitant to let her hand rest on his back as they stopped midway, shaking.

"Are you okay?" In a low and worried tone, Cora asked.

Upon hearing her question, she felt him tighten his embrace but not enough to suffocate her. This time, Cora mustered her courage and removed all hesitation that was holding her back.

She placed her hand on his back, patting it upon feeling that his back was drenched with sweat and trembling. This made her worry as he was acting a little low as if he had a problem.

"Yes, I'm okay now. I just had a lot in my mind." Suddenly, Cora's worries subsided as Ivan chuckled and drew away.

Holding her shoulders, he pushed her lightly and stared at her straight in the eye. He could see the bafflement flickering in her eyes which made him chuckle once again.

"Thinking, what?" Cora asked, intrigued at what he had been thinking all this time.

'You'll kill me for sure if I told you I've been having second thoughts.' Ivan answered inside his mind that he wouldn't dare say it aloud as he shook his head sideways.

"Hmm?" Cora hummed, waiting for him to respond.

"That you're worth it. Even if I'm afraid of the future, one thing's for sure; I wouldn't regret taking this leap of faith."