Her Return, His Regret

Chapter 13- Is Larisa alive?

"He still thinks the world revolves around him," Lora muttered under her breath.

Ryan had already left but anger was still bubbling up within her.

She returned with a new identity to put her past behind her and start anew but it seemed she became entangled with Ryan and Ivy once again.

Lora's eyes flashed when she recalled the thug's words before they set the warehouse on fire. Someone wanted her out of the way and Lora could only assume that it was Ivy.

Now that Ryan was giving her unnecessary attention, Lora knew it was only a matter of time before she became Ivy's target again.

'I have to avoid Ryan at all costs to protect myself and my children,' she mused. If Ivy knew Lora had Ryan's kids, only the heavens knew what she would do to them. Jason saw her expression and asked, "Do you know Ryan?"

It was strange how the man'kept following Lora around.

Lora came back to the present after that question. She smiled and said, "How can I know such an important man? I was just an orphan before my parents found me, remember?"

She had no intention of speaking about her past. After being betrayed, she pulled Ryan out of her heart and life like a tooth that ached and had no plans of looking back. To her, they were nothing but strangers who just met.

Jason chuckled. He nodded and replied, "You're right. Ryan is part of a very important family... perhaps. he's giving you attention because you're the daughter of Jack Davis." Lora shrugged and said, "Maybe... but that's none of my business."

When Jason saw how indifferent she looked, his heart calmed down.

"That's right... such men can never settle for one woman. It's better to avoid him," he remarked and they continued to enjoy their meal.

Meanwhile, Ryan was in a bad mood. While seated in the backseat of his car, his jaw was clenched and green veins seemed to be almost popping out of his forehead.

He couldn't understand why he was so angry but he couldn't help himself either. Lora's face kept flashing before his eyes, her image overlapping with Larisa's.

Ivy glanced at him and jealousy flared through her. Why was he so upset?

It must be because of Lora Davis! She just showed up and Ryan was no longer himself!

'I have to get rid of her!' She said in her mind.

"Ryan..." Ivy called out to him. "When are you coming to see my parents? Dad has been asking about you."

Ryan frowned. He replied, "When I have time."

"What about the wedding? I think we should get married now," Ivy asked, her heart racing.

Ryan looked at her and said, "Let's discuss this matter later. I'm still busy with company matters."

Ivy pursed her lips.

It was always one excuse after another and before they knew it, six years had passed since she returned to the Country! Ryan kept delaying their marriage.

Although she was not happy, Ivy smiled at Ryan and remarked, "It's ok. I'm willing to wait for you until you're ready."

Ryan didn't reply, his mind was still in the restaurant, wondering if Lora would spend the night with Jason. Ivy clenched her hands into fists, digging her nails into her palms.

"I'm going to physiotherapy tomorrow, will you go with me? I'm going to have a checkup for my legs," Ivy requested.

When Ryan heard that, he glanced at Ivy's legs and guilt crept into him. He was upset but it wasn't fair to vent it out on Ivy.

Looking at her, he nodded. "Sure. I also want to find out if we need to bring in more experts to treat your legs."

Ivy smiled happily. As long as she couldn't use her legs, Ryan would always care for her.

Ryan's phone suddenly rang and he answered it when he saw that it was his grandfather, Charles Kingsley, who was calling him. "Hello Grandpa," he said.

"Is Larisa alive?" The old man immediately asked on the phone. There was a hint of excitement in his tone.

Ryan knew what his grandfather was talking about. He must have read the news and seen Lora Davis' picture.

Sighing, he replied, "I hate to burst your bubble, Grandpa. That woman is not Larisa."

"What? Come home and tell me what's happening," Charles instructed.

When Ryan cut the call, Ivy said, "Can I come with you to see Grandpa?"

Ryan furrowed his eyebrows. His grandfather never liked Ivy and he always favoured Larisa. It would be a bad idea to take Ivy to see him. "Not tonight," Ryan responded and left it at that.

After dropping Ivy off, Ryan went to his grandfather's mansion. He went to his study and found his grandfather reading an entertainment magazine. "Grandpa," Ryan called out and Charles dropped his magazine to look at his grandson.

"Are you sure this woman is not Larisa? Have you looked into it?" Charles asked.

"She's not the one... she doesn't recognise me and she's Jack Davis' daughter. Larisa was an orphan," Ryan answered.

Charles sighed. He said, "Too bad... I thought she was the one. Anyway, it doesn't matter. I want to meet her. Can you arrange it?"

Ryan frowned. He replied, "Are you trying to arrange another marriage for me, Grandpa?"

"What do you think?" Charles remarked. He clicked his tongue and said, "To me, no one can replace Larisa so I won't be forcing you to do anything. But I want to meet Lora Davis." "I'll see what I can do... but she seems guarded against me-"

"That's because you hang out with that two-faced woman! Even I can avoid you if you're moving around with a troublesome woman. How long are you going to keep her by your side?"