________________Ivy__________________
Five years had passed since the twins had turned four, Brandon had proposed to Grace on the twins birthday party. It was hilarious as we teased them every time about it.
The family had only grown closer and more joyful. The arrival of our youngest, a baby girl named Ellie Star Asher, had filled our home with even more love, laughter, and that gentle chaos that only a big family could bring. Elle was a vibrant one-year-old, toddling around the house on wobbly little legs, The twin would make trouble and get Elle to side with one of them making her to chose between who to side with. It has really been an amazing journey.
Now, The twins, at nine, had become her watchful older siblings. Ian, now a mature fourteen, was her biggest protector, always ready to lend a helping hand or make her laugh.
Parenthood had brought I and Caspian closer than ever. We had a strong, balanced partnership, both at home and in the world. I had grown in my role as a mother and still managed my work with effortless grace, setting an example of both warmth and strength for my children. I become the heartbeat of the family, someone the kids naturally turned to for comfort, advice, and reassurance.
One day, Author had told me while we eat breakfast that Ariel has a boyfriend. It was a hilarious moment as Cas wanted to find out who the boy is.
Mum? Author started. Ariel has a boyfriend in school. And I don't like him.
I don't like him too. Caspian has interjected.
I looked over at them to see the horror in his face,
Why would you have a boyfriend at nine Ariel, Cas asked again.
Dad!. He's just a friend, Author just don't like me hanging out with boys.
You know he's right. Ian chipped in.
What? I said he's my friend not a boyfriend!. Mum you're not saying anything. Ariel cried out. Asking for my rescue.
But I have a boyfriend! Elle said. I really like him.
What? Imagine the horror in both Caspian and Ian's faces as they both shouted simultaneously.
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
I have met Ariel's so called "boyfriend"
I have gone to pick the twins when a young boy ran towards the twins and handed Ariel a paint picture that he had drawn for her as a thank you for helping him out with maths. The boy had greeted me cheerfully but I can see the protective side of Author throwing daggers at the boy. Author doesn't like boys coming close to his twin and same with Ian.
Ian had told me he would marry someone like me.
As for Ellie. Her "boyfriend" is Brandon and and Grace son Tim. Tim is 5 year old and both Tim and Ariel always seems to stay together whenever they see each other.
Young ladies. You both are not to have any boyfriend until you're 50 years of age. Caspian deadpanned.
Mum!! Ariel shouted in horror
Supported dad. Ian said.
Me too. Author added.
Will all of you calm down. Come on, allow the girls have friends.
Do you all not have female friends? Huh? Ian and you Mister?
He has, Ariel pointed at Author.
The same way you both has female friends will also be the same way they will have other male friends.
Besides Ellie was talking about Tim.
What? Caspian shouted. Brandon's Tim? I'm going to warn him to keep his son away from my daughter.
Why? I asked. Daring him to say something stupid. He shut his mouth up.
Anyways, you two boys needs to see me later after breakfast my room. Referring to Ian and Author.
The boys grumbles their displeasure on what I said about allowing their sisters to have friends.
You wouldn't believe Caspian actually called Brandon to hold his son far away from his daughter while Brandon also asked him to hold his daughter far away from his son. What a dramatic adults.
Caspian, too, had embraced fatherhood with all his heart. While his business empire continued to thrive, he made sure to be present and active part of his children's lives. The softer side of Caspian—a side that I had brought out—was now visible to anyone who saw him with his family. He loved spending evenings telling stories or engaging in playful challenges with the kids, often ending in laughter.
As the eldest, Ian had taken his role seriously, especially with Elle in the picture. He was gentle and patient, guiding the twins and Elle with a quiet, watchful nature that reminded me and Caspian of ourselves. Though he was a teenager with his own dreams and ambitions, Ian made time for his siblings, balancing his responsibilities with a maturity that Caspian admired deeply. He was my confidant and Caspian's pride, a young man growing into a person we were both immensely proud of.
The twins, now nine, were full of curiosity and boundless energy, a delightful mix of my kindness and Caspian's adventurous spirit. They shared an unbreakable bond, best friends and partners in every childhood escapade. They adored Elle, and when they weren't busy with their own antics, they could often be found entertaining her or teaching her new words and games. I and Caspian marveled at how the twins had developed their own unique personalities—one was a dreamer, creative and imaginative, that's Ariel , while the other was practical and grounded, always thinking ahead, Author.
The challenges of family life, far from diminishing our relationship, had deepened the love and respect I and Caspian shared. We continued to prioritize each other, stealing away quiet moments whenever we could. Late-night talks, impromptu getaways, and date nights were a cherished part of our routine. Caspian often teased me about my "supermom" abilities, but in truth, he was deeply grateful for my strength, love, and the life we had built together. I, in turn, saw Caspian as my anchor, a loving husband and dedicated father who'd grown into a man who balanced strength and tenderness perfectly.
Little Elle was a ray of sunshine, adored by everyone. She had inherited my big, curious eyes and Caspian's mischievous smile, and her infectious laughter filled the house daily. Despite being the youngest, Elle held her own, fearlessly following her older siblings and learning quickly from them. Her first word had been "Da-da," much to Caspian's delight, though "Mama" soon followed, and I reveled in her baby's affection.
Elle had her father wrapped around her tiny finger, and her siblings would often gently tease Caspian about how easily he melted at her slightest request. I found it endearing, watching the once formidable Caspian turn into a soft-hearted father whenever Elle was around.
As a family, we created traditions that brought everyone closer. Sundays were for family breakfasts, with everyone helping out in the kitchen. Holidays became cherished memories, from Christmas tree decorating to summer vacations where they could unwind together. Evenings were spent with games, stories, and laughter that echoed through their home.
Through all the challenges, I and Caspian had built a life that was rich and fulfilling, a home filled with love, trust, and togetherness. The years had taught us resilience, the strength of family, and the beauty of unconditional love. And as we looked forward to watching our children grow, we felt deeply grateful for the journey that had brought us to this place—a place we knew was our forever home.
Over the years, the circle of friends that I and Caspian held dear had also evolved into close-knit families, bringing new bonds and even more reasons to celebrate.
Brandon and Grace, with their two children—a lively five-year-old son and an adorable two-year-old daughter—had become regular visitors. Their kids and Elle, all around the same age, had formed an instant connection, often spending hours together playing and sharing their childlike wonder. Brandon, once Caspian's closest confidant, was now a dedicated father himself, and watching him navigate family life brought a sense of pride and camaraderie for Caspian.
Scar and Ella, who had each found partners and married in recent years, were also deeply involved in our circle. Scar had a knack for being the fun "aunty" type, often engaging the kids with her boundless energy and games that would keep them laughing for hours. She has a 3 year old daughter. She and her husband had become part of the family. Ella, with her gentle warmth, was my steady friend and confidante, someone who I could always turn to for both support and joy. She has a 3 year old daughter and gavd given birth 6months ago to her son. Their marriages and family lives blended seamlessly into mine and Caspian's world, strengthening the bond we all shared.
Emma has not just become an alluring individual but a strong force in our lives. Her empire grew so wide and her craft was known everywhere. She married her heart-trob and they had a two year old daughter. She's expecting another soon. The kids are ever joyful whenever she comes around.
The gatherings became more frequent, from impromptu barbecues in the backyard to grand holiday celebrations where all the kids ran about, filling the air with laughter. The friendships I and Caspian had fostered were now a part of our children's lives, and it gave us a profound sense of fulfillment. Each of our friend's couple's journey and the growing group of children symbolized the love and loyalty that had seen us all through the years.
Mine and Caspian's parents had been our unwavering pillars of support through every chapter of their lives. From the early days of our marriage to the birth of each of our children, our parents had been there, offering love, wisdom, and help whenever it was needed.
They were grandparents who adored their grandchildren, each bringing a unique bond to the lives of Ian, the twins, and little Elle. Caspian's parents, who had not once been reserved, found themselves entirely smitten with the children. They took great joy in spoiling them with treats, teaching them family traditions, and sharing stories of the family's history. Caspian's father, in particular, enjoyed giving Ian little life lessons, always impressing on him the value of loyalty, respect, and resilience.
My parents, on the other hand, who were reserved due to our earlier relationship brought a warmth and playfulness that balanced everything perfectly. They loved to plan activities for the children, often taking them on little outings or helping them with creative projects. They were my sounding board, the ones I could turn to for advice on balancing my career, parenting, and my relationship with Caspian. My mother especially took pride in watching me thrive as a mother myself, often reminding me to carve out time for my own passions.
My siblings had been a super duper uncles. Though Bruce comes around once in a while, he never fails to call in the kids.
Stephen always take the kids to his gallery for sight seeing. Ellie loves painting and it's no wonder that Stephen bought her a whole painting set and brushes, boards and other things.
Whenever I and Caspian faced challenges—be it the intricacies of family life or the demands of our careers—our parents were always there. They gave us the confidence to make decisions and a stable, loving presence for the children. The strength and love they had instilled in us had shaped the kind of parents we were indirectly.
Looking back I wouldn't have it any other way.
My family, my everything....
All in my world.
"Ivy's world"
A world where two entities collides together. We accepted the love and fought many battles together. My fears, scars and battles.
My world with Caspian was one that defied expectations, a story of love woven through contrasts. He was the ruthless mafia Don and powerful billionaire, a man whose name struck fear in most hearts yet filled mine with warmth. In his world of intensity and darkness, I had become his light, the calm to his storm. Entangled in his web of love, I found a side of him few had ever glimpsed—one who, beyond the steel and control, was devoted and tender, utterly captivated by me and our little ones.
Together, we created a beautiful life that blended his two worlds, one of resilience, passion, and undeniable love. The mansion I called home was a sanctuary, a place where he could lay down his armor and simply be a husband, a father, a man who cherished every moment he had with his family. Behind closed doors, he was vulnerable with me in a way that gave depth to the fierce protector everyone else saw.
I built traditions and routines that held our world together. Mornings where he'd surprise me with quiet tea conversations before the kids woke, evenings filled with laughter and storytelling, and late nights where he would wrap me in his arms, the weight of the world momentarily lifted. The life I had created was a testament to both of our strengths, a haven for my children, and a partnership rooted in unwavering loyalty and passion.
Despite the shadows that lingered in his business, I never felt fear—I'd learned to navigate it, trusted him implicitly, and had even come to show my own strength when needed. I was his anchor and, in turn, he was my safe place. Together, we built not just a family, but a legacy that was as resilient as it was beautiful, a world where love reigned above all else, and where, no matter what, we faced everything together.
This is my world. Ivy's World.