I discreetly got up and entered the bathroom, turning on the shower, and warm water cascaded over me. I opened my eyes and saw myself in the mirror—my swelling buds, proof of my desires. However, I suddenly noticed him standing behind me. Joe! I smiled, but I didn't look back. "What are you doing here?" He moved closer and closed the door behind him. "The door is open when you take a shower. Are you not afraid of us?" He wiped my damp hair off my back with his fingertips while his soothing breath touched my skin. I laughed. "Why should I be?" He taunted, "Aren't you scared of our bites?" I nodded and bit my lip. "I like them." I felt his hands slide to my waist and draw me in. "Ivy," he said as he encircled me. I let out a breath. "What is it?" "I love you," Joe murmured. "As if I didn't know that," I laughed. He tightened his hold and sighed. "I'm serious. I don't want you to act in this way." I turned to him and frowned. "Like this?" I reached for a towel and tried to dry it off, but Joe quickly took it away. "Can’t you understand what I’m saying?" His voice was fraught with frustration. "It's not possible, Joe," I sighed. "Why not?" he insisted, clutching my waist. "Don’t play with my feelings, Ivy." I met his eyes, my hands gripping his cheeks. "I do love you, Joe. If not, you are free to depart. I had no intention of playing with your emotions." He said nothing. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "But please understand—I can’t offer you anything more." "So, this is just friends with benefits?" he said coldly. "Call it what you want," I answered. Joe took a deep breath. "And if you meet someone else?" "Please, Joe. You are the one who knows me the most." I smirked as I stroked his lips. "Ivy…" he began, but I put my finger to his lips, stopping him. I caressed his delicate lips with my thumb and said, "I only believe this. This is just what I desire." I reached in and kissed him; our lips pressed against each other. His fingertips moved down and around my delicate skin. I whimpered into his mouth, pulling his hair to intensify our kiss. Then… Bang! Bang! There was a loud knock on the door. Joe's face darkened suddenly as he interrupted the kiss. He reached for a towel, wrapped it around me, and opened the door. I knew who was standing there. Liam! I walked by Joe and gave him an affectionate greeting. "Good morning, honey." Liam did not answer. Rather, he pulled me from behind, his breath warm on my ear. "Why did you leave me?" He spoke in a husky, lustful voice. I looked at Joe, who was drying his hair while ignoring us. Liam's fingers played with my towel's edge. "Why are you hiding at all? You look great without it," he said. "I know. But I can't really go home nude, can I?" He furrowed his brow. "Home? You're going to leave?" I nodded. "Yes. Mom told me last night that I needed to be home early today. We have a special guest visiting." Liam scowled. "So, you’re choosing that over this?" I made a face. "Honestly, I don't give a shit about some visitors. But if I don't show up, Mom will freak out. Furthermore, I'm not in the mood to listen to another lecture." Liam let out a loud sigh. "All right. But you still owe me something." I moved forward and gave his jaw a long, passionate kiss. "I always pay my debts, babe." With a grunt, he clutched my waist. "Then come back soon." In the car, the stillness between Joe and me was profound. I knew Joe was upset, so I broke the silence. "You should’ve gone to college," I said. "No, you're more important than the class," he said without hesitation. I chuckled. "How sweet!" "Are you mad at me, Joe?" I asked quietly. A little grin curved his lips. "How could I ever be mad at you?" I smiled as I looked out the window at the countryside that was fading away from us. When we arrived, I undid my seat belt. I put my palm over his and whispered, "Thanks, honey." Joe grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips for a long, passionate kiss. "Call me when you’re free." "Okay," I got out of the car after saying that. I was about to turn to face the house when I heard a voice. "You’re clingy with him." "You jerk, Jack! You frightened me," I said as I widened my eyes. Jack folded his arms. "Well, you scared me—seeing you all over Joe." I scowled. "Don’t tell Mom." "Mom is quite busy. Perhaps she forgot about you," Jack remarked nonchalantly. "What?" I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, she's tied up with a guest," he said. "A guest? So, are they here already?" I asked. Jack clarified, "Not them—just him." I frowned. "Him?" "Yeah, Dad said he's our uncle." Jack's comments shot a shock through me. Uncle? My heart was racing. Dad doesn't have a brother. Jack waved his hand in front of my face. "Hey, are you okay?" I didn't answer. I was aware of who was inside. I entered slowly, my heart beating frantically. My parents were sitting there, talking to a person. I could only see his broad back, not his face. Dad smiled as he turned to face me. "You're right here, my love. Look, who's here!" I moved in closer, trying not to stare at that person. Then he said something. "Ivy!" That voice. I felt a chill go through me. I gasped as the realization hit me hard. I was aware. I forced myself to glance up at him at last. My entire world froze as we locked eyes. His sharp eyes were fixed on me, unblinking, inscrutable. My heart pounded violently against my ribs as my chest constricted. I pushed my lips together, trying to make a logical thought. My head was filled with unanswered questions. "Do you remember him, baby?" Dad asked, unaware of the tempest brewing inside me. I took a deep breath. "U-uncle," I said in a whisper, scarcely able to nod. How could I possibly forget him? That man... the one I used to love. I pushed myself to stop thinking. I don't wish to recall. Still, I kept looking at him. Aaron, my so-called uncle, appeared even more attractive now. More elegant. More dashing. Furthermore, I felt embarrassed when his sharp eyes locked with mine. Does he still recall everything that I did? "Ivy, Aaron will be staying with us," Mom nonchalantly stated. I made an effort to smile, but my heart was beating fast against my chest. Is he planning to stay here? Like before? How could I be expected to see him every day?

"Go with Ivy, Aaron. She'll show you to your room," Mom added. "Mom, I just got home-" I opened my lips, but her piercing gaze cut me off. "Ivy, go." I took a deep breath. "Thank you, sister," Aaron replied softly, then turned his look to me. You can do it, Ivy. You aren't 11 anymore. You are 19. So, what's making you nervous? I looked at him for a moment, then turned and went upstairs. His room was at the far end of the corridor, and it overlooked the entire garden. The balcony was just next to mine. "This is your room," I remarked in a loud voice. Aaron took off his coat, showing his firm chest. For a moment, my eyes traveled to his, but then I swiftly turned away and stared at the floor. Why do I feel vulnerable when I look at him? There was something about him that kept drawing me in. "Ivy," his affluent voice broke through my daze. I stiffened up, my breath hitching. Before he could notice the distress in my eyes, I turned aside. "Yes?" I answered, trying to maintain an even tone. After observing me for a while, Aaron asked, "How have you been?" "I'm okay," I stated in a calm tone. You've rejected me several times. And you're suddenly concerned? Aaron smiled and responded, "You're an adult now." I sneered. "What, did you think I would be a little girl forever?" I noticed his eyes, but-damn-he still had that wonderful smile. It was exactly the same. "I know I'm not that immature anymore," I said, crossing my arms. "But someone still refuses to see that." Aaron laughed calmly, his face still inscrutable. I was hesitant to remain here. Not with him. I was about to walk away when his strong hands encircled my wrist. I gasped. It made my heart skip a beat. "Uncle," I murmured. His enigmatic but passionate gaze met mine. "I haven't heard you call me that in years," he continued, his voice tinged with emotion I couldn't quite understand. I looked down and felt instantly vulnerable. "Come on, sit here," he urged, using his hand to pat the spot beside him. I sat down on the side of the bed reluctantly, my gaze still on the floor. "Ivy, are you still mad at me?" Aaron asked tactfully. I said nothing. What was it he desired? Did he think I would admit that I still loved him? Was he expecting me to plead with him to finally accept my sentiments after all these years? "Uncle, you should rest," I said as I hurried out of bed. But before I could go out, he called my name once more, "Ivy!" "Look at me," Aaron replied calmly. I shook my head. "Please, Uncle. Let me go." I started to go, but his grasp on my wrist tightened. I felt a shiver run down my spine. The chilly breeze from the open balcony chilled the air, but my heart was racing for no apparent reason. "Ivy, I think you've completely forgotten the past," Aaron replied, his voice calm and almost disinterested. "But that makes sense. You were a little girl at the time." I was furious at what he stated. When I turned to look at him, his sharp eyes were already fixed on me. He was the first man to refuse my touch. The one who pushed me away initially. I tightened my jaw. However, I would no longer allow him to control me in that way. As I released my hand from his clutches, a gentle smile appeared on my lips. "Uncle," I murmured slowly, tilting my head. "Do you think I'm sexy now?" I grabbed his hand and tightened it around my waist before he could respond. His whole body stiffened. His eyes went wide with surprise, and he quickly withdrew his hand. "Ivy," he warned, his voice low and controlled... But I could feel the uneasiness behind it. I chuckled. I pressed him against the bed with a single shove. I straddled him and leaned forward. His breathing quickened, but he remained still. "I'm not that 11-year-old kid anymore, Uncle," I muttered as I ran my hand over his lips. "I'm now 19. I'm not scared of your shouting. I'm not scared of your reprimands. And I will not listen to you anymore." His adam's apple moved as he swallowed hard, his hands gripping the sheets beneath him instead of pushing me away. My lips formed a contented smile. I bent forward and kissed his cheek tenderly, letting my breath heat him up just long enough for him to notice. Then, taking a step back, I gave him a wink before strolling out of the room, leaving him stunned. Aaron's thoughts were racing as he lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Fuck! This girl! She remained the same... brash, unpredictable, and totally uncontrollable. She had gotten even more insane over the years. Did I make a mistake returning here? Am I about to go through the same thing again? He sighed tirelessly while running his fingers over his hair. Meanwhile, Ivy slumped on her bed, her heart pounding against her ribs. What the heck have I done? Her fingertips brushed over her lips as she smiled. I'd want to give him a kiss. No... fuck... I'm not pleased with that. But as soon as her enthusiasm began to rise, a voice within her thoughts interrupted. "Ivy, do you know what? You are a shameless jerk. Did you actually forget what he did to you?" How could I have forgotten? I gripped the blankets more tightly. I wouldn't let him get away so easily this time, though, as he had indeed returned. It evoked a memory-one from eight years ago, when Aaron was 16 and I was 11 years old. [A flashback] "Mom, I'm going outside!" Ivy hurried downstairs and grabbed her shuttlecock and racket. As she entered the drawing room, however, she saw a boy sitting rigidly on the couch. Curiosity aroused, she approached him with a smile. "Hello!" she greeted. The boy's eyes widened significantly as he gazed at her, but he remained silent. Ivy scowled. He stared but did not speak. She said, "Hey, can you talk?" But Ivy did not get any response. She urged, "Come with me!" "I'm going to play badminton!" "I would rather not play badminton," he stated bluntly. "Why?" she asked. He gave a little sigh. "I'm just not interested in playing with you." Ivy's expression dimmed. Her enthusiasm had faded, overtaken with disappointment. She sighed and flopped down on the couch, folding her arms. "Tell me why," she insisted, pouting and squeezing her lips. "You don't know how to play," Ivy responded, crossing her arms. Aaron sneered. "Do you know how to swim?" Ivy blinked in confusion.

"Of course, I do." Aaron's lips formed a little smirk. "At first glance, I assumed you didn't." Her smile disappeared. "Why?" Ivy narrowed my eyes and questioned. "I won't tell you," he stated plainly. "But why?" Ivy complained. He gave a shrug. "My wish." Ivy pouted, grabbing his sleeve. "No, tell me!" He only shook his head. "No." "Hey-" Ivy started to argue when her dad walked into the room. "Aaron," Mr. Franklin said. Ivy turned to look at her dad, then back at the boy. Aaron turned to look at Franklin. "Brother," he murmured quietly. Mr. Franklin smiled. "How are you doing?" Aaron nodded and smiled slightly. Dad hugged him. "Please have a seat, Aaron. Dad called me and told me everything. Please feel at home and don't be afraid to ask for anything." Mr. Franklin spoke heartily. Then he looked at Ivy. "Ivy, honey, come here." Ivy smiled and ran over to him. "Dad!" He touched her shoulder. "Sweetheart, meet your uncle." "Uncle?" "But he's still young, Dad! He can't be my uncle." Aaron glanced down to escape her eyes as Franklin giggled. "So what, baby?" Franklin made fun of it. Ivy's arms were folded. "Not at all. I am not calling him uncle." Ivy turned back to Aaron and gave him a teasing smile. "I'll call you by your name instead." Aaron scowled, obviously not impressed. Franklin shook his head and chuckled. "All right, give him any name you choose. Now, get him to his room." Ivy sat up. "Which one, Dad?" "It's up to you, my princess." Ivy put her hands together in a clap. "Then I'll take him upstairs, near my room!" He gave a nod of approval. Ivy smiled and took Aaron's hand. "Come with me!" He narrowed his brows, irritated, but Ivy ignored it and dragged him into his room. "Aaron, come," Ivy murmured, drawing his hand gently. **** Now, in the present, old memories rushed back to me. You were always so cranky, Uncle. And you haven't changed at all. Do you recall when we first met? Probably not. I've made an effort to ignore how much I've changed. My affection for you only intensified. I used to wait for you to be with you all the time. You shared my happiness and my grief with me at all times. I would read with you for hours on end, occasionally dozing off next to you. I laughed, realizing how dumb I had been. I didn't even realize I fell in love with you. My first kiss. I gave it to you. However, you've always rejected it, stating that you're my uncle, and I'm only a child. But I am not a child anymore. So how could you possibly reject me? I will not give up. I will make you fall for me. But then, a nagging thought crept into my mind-does he have a girlfriend? I don't think so. If he does, nothing will change. After getting out of bed, I went to my balcony. My eyes strayed to Aaron's balcony. As I expected, he was still awake. He may be reading or working. I looked around. Should I go there? There was only a little gap between Aaron's and my balconies. I could have easily crossed the tiny gap between the two balconies. I ascended the railing cautiously and slid onto his balcony without thinking. Although the entrance to his balcony was shut, I could see through the glass. He was sitting there without a shirt, typing on his laptop. His physique-strong and defined-was too much for me to bear. I bit my bottom lip, unable to keep my gaze away. My head whirled with the idea as my body responded to his appearance. I knew sleeping would be tough tonight. Aaron abruptly got up and moved in the direction of the bed. I have to go immediately. If he spotted me here, he might assume I was snooping on him. I was about to slip away when I unintentionally ran into something. "Oh!" Aaron's gaze instantly turned to the balcony entrance. Just as he was ready to leave, his phone rang. I clambered up the railing and headed toward my room. It came really close. I heard his door creak open at that very moment. When I looked back, I noticed Aaron entering the balcony bare-chested. His muscular chest was mesmerizing in the moonlight. How could somebody be that attractive? He would make a model. After looking up at the sky for a while, he turned to face my balcony. I took a step back and froze. The lights in my room were turned off, so he couldn't see my shadow. After staring out of my balcony for a while, Aaron finally broke into a smile. I let out a gasp. Is he able to have such a flawless smile? Aaron finally stepped inside. With a beating heart, I sat on my bed. Aaron, I can't let go of you. I'm not going to ruin this second opportunity. I thought you'd never return, but you did. I'll put all I've got into it. The next morning, I groggily opened my eyes to the annoying sound of my alarm going off. It had taken me out of my fantasy with Aaron. I pressed the snooze button in an attempt to go back to sleep. But suddenly I sprang up in bed, swearing beneath my breath. "Damn!" I leaped from my bed and ran to the bathroom. Five minutes later, I looked in the mirror as I changed into a pair of sexy shorts and a workout bra. I smirked, thinking, "I look pretty damn hot." I was aware that Aaron would be getting up early to go for a walk or to the gym. I had set the alarm the night before just for this purpose. I went out onto the balcony to see whether he had left already. He was in the garden when I saw him. He must have been completing his exercise. As I walked down, I noticed Aaron performing push-ups in the yard, his body moving precisely. Hearing my approach, he halted mid-rep and turned to look at me. My mouth almost fell open when I saw him. I couldn't take my eyes off of his well-defined, sweat-stained physique. I took a deep breath. "Good morning, Ivy," Aaron said, his voice calm, though I was too fascinated by his body to answer right away. "Hey," I said, turning to look at Aaron.