Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever

Chapter 663: Busted!

Noah stood outside his car as he ran a hand through his hair, making it all the more disheveled than it already was. Frustration and helplessness filled his face and he stared at the apartment longingly. Although he had expected this outcome after what he had done, he was still disheartened and he could not stop the sadness and loneliness from engulfing him until it started to suffocate him.         

"Noah, don't lose hope." Joshua attempted to comfort him, unable to see his friend in such a situation.     

Even though Noah had not given away much, he could more or less guess that Oliver's words held some truth in them. Otherwise, Noah would not have returned this soon to apologize to the father and the daughter duo.      

Joshua understood the turmoil Noah was going through and he could not help but pity him greatly. In such a situation, he was seeking warmth and comfort from his beloved woman. But due to his irresponsible and thoughtless actions, he had infuriated her and pushed her away from him, although it was only for the time being.     

"Did you not hear what Aria said to you?"      

A frown marred Noah's face and he turned towards Joshua, his eyes questioning him silently.     

"What?" Joshua shrugged his shoulders lightly. "Was I the only one who heard her words clearly? What about you, Ian?"     

Ian had no idea what Joshua was referring to and he thought of the words Aria had told Noah.     

"Hey, what were you guys doing? Idiots." Joshua scolded them and rolled his eyes.      

Noah tilted his head and gave him a nonchalant expression and Joshua let out a cheeky grin. He did not delay the matter anymore and patted Noah's shoulder.     

"If I'm not wrong, Aria told you that she was unwilling to speak to you right now. What does that mean?"      

The two men did not need any more hints and they understood Joshua right away. Yet, Noah was still not in the mood to smile at that moment. From Aria's words, it was certain that she would speak to him once her anger subsided. But when would that happen? How long would he have to wait?      

Noah was unwilling to wait even for a moment. He wanted to speak to Aria and apologize to her for his actions. He wanted to kiss her, hug her and seek comfort from her. His grandfather's truth had delivered a huge blow to him and he needed someone to console and assure him. And that someone was the lady he loved the most, Aria.     

"Moreover..." Joshua stopped, creating an air of suspense around him. But he did not drag it for long. "Ivy will help us in this matter. So..."     

As soon as he brought up her name, his phone rang and he smiled brightly when he saw who the caller was.     

"Look at this." He exclaimed and showed his phone to his friends. "I was speaking about her and Ivy called me. How amazing! Our minds and hearts are connected for sure." Joshua rambled on before he eventually picked up the call.     

"Darling, you and I are definitely made for each other...."     

"Can we cut this talk? I have something important to discuss." Ivy interrupted him before he got carried away too much in his romantic talk.     

"Is Noah with you? Put the call on speaker. I have an idea."      

Joshua followed her words without questioning her and gestured for Noah to lean closer to him.     

"Noah, do not make a sound. Just listen." She ordered and without for the men to speak, she pocketed her phone while the call was still on.     

"Dad."      

The men heard her knock on the door, even though it was not that loud and Joshua glanced at his friends in confusion. He could not make out what Ivy was up to and what plan she had in mind.     

"Dad, if you are free, may I speak to you?" Ivy stood calmly in front of her father, hiding her true state even though her entire back was drenched.     

"Sure. What is it about?" Oliver dropped the file he was reading and looked at his daughter intently. Fortunately for her, her willpower was strong. Otherwise, Ivy was sure that she would have crumbled the moment she met her father's gaze.     

"Dad, are you really avert to Aria being with Noah?" She didn't beat around the bush and asked the question that was bugging Noah's mind.         

As soon as he heard her, his body stiffened while he waited for Oliver's reply nervously.      

However, he did not receive any response from the other side, making his heart crumble in fear and sadness.     

Seconds passed and Ivy watched her father going into a trance before he finally focused on her again.     

"To be honest," Oliver removed his spectacles and leaned forward. "I am just angry at Noah. I am not an idiot and definitely not cruel to separate Noah and Aria."     

To Noah, these words were like honey and he could not stop smiling. His lips arched up immediately and his entire stance softened. All his loneliness and sadness disappeared and he seemed as cheerful as a garden of flowers.     

Joshua, now, understood what Ivy was doing and his face too blossomed into a smile. He looked at the two men with pride, his eyes sparkling with joy.     

'See. My girlfriend is so smart and intelligent. Praise me.' He even gave himself an imaginary pat in appreciation.     

If Ivy had known about his thoughts, she would have spat a mouthful of blood. What a shameless man!!!! Utter narcissist!!     

But fortunately for the lady, she had no idea about it. She saved her blood.     

"Dad?" Ivy was surprised. This was not the response she had expected. "Then...why are..."     

"Ivy..." Oliver stood up and stopped her. "There are some matters you do not understand. Any relationship in this world is built upon trust and mutual understanding."     

Oliver walked away from his chair and looked out of the window. "I understand Noah's anger as well as his actions today. Anybody in his sane mind would have not trusted me and why would they when I was holding their loved one responsible for such a huge crime? I am not angry at him for not trusting me. But..."     

Noah held his breath as he waited in anticipation.     

"I did not like the way he handled the situation. Noah needs to control his anger. His emotions are volatile and I do not want Aria to suffer because of his lack of self-control."     

"But Dad..."     

"You might now ask him how Aria would suffer." Oliver read her mind and smiled at her faintly. "Let us assume that there arose a situation in the future where Noah lost control again. What if he were to lash out at Aria? Would it not be unfair to her?"     

Ivy had no words to refute this time. It was true that among the three men, Noah was quick-tempered and there were chances of Aria being at a disadvantage due to it.      

"Noah is a fine man. I have no doubts about it and I will not stop Aria from being with him if she wants to. But he will have to prove to me that my daughter will be safe with him." Oliver leaned against the window and looked at the sky.     

"He will save her from all danger, all evil. I trust him on that. But he should also protect her from himself. That is all I need." Oliver pushed himself away from the wall and returned to his chair.     

"Moreover, I have another reason why I'm picking up a fight with Noah at this time."     

Ivy's eyes widened in curiosity. Even the three men's attention was focused on the phone as they waited for Oliver to continue.     

"What other reason, Dad? What happened?" Ivy probed when she did not get any reply from her father.     

"You will find out when the time is right. And Ivy..." Oliver looked his daughter in the eye, the intensity of emotions in them making her feel guilty for what was she doing secretly to help Noah.     

"Things might get quite complicated from now onwards, dangerous as well. Be careful. My existence was hidden from the world. Now that I have appeared before everyone, you, Aria and I, all three of us are in danger."     

Ivy discerned what her father was trying to convey and she nodded at him.         

"Be vigilant at all times and if possible, try to not go out alone."     

"I understand, Dad. I will do as you say. But is Mr. Carter actually involved with Jared and Charles?" Ivy could still not believe that Noah's grandfather was such a person.     

"Ivy, there are chances that I might be wrong. But there is no smoke without fire. I have collected evidence against him and even though they do not strongly prove his involvement, it does show he too is guilty somewhere."     

"I get it, Dad. I will check on Aria." Ivy let out a sigh and Oliver nodded at her before he picked the file again.     

"And Ivy..." Oliver stopped her just when she was about to leave the room. "Make sure that Noah has understood everything I said today. I hope he will not disappoint me and will overcome his weakness. You may leave now."     

"How?" That was all she could manage to say as she watched her father smile at her meaningfully.     

"I know my daughter well. You do not have to be so shocked, Ivy. And make sure that Noah has understood what I want to convey to him."