Not wanting his mother to hold unrealistic expectations, Lucas decided to tell her the truth. "Mom, she is the daughter of the wealthiest man in Aryadelle," he said.
Lucas' mother froze, and, for a moment, she thought she had misheard him.
"Ivy used to be Irene, my nanny back with the Woods. Her biological parents found her after that. Her family is wealthy, and we don't belong to the same world."
Lucas' mother's face suddenly looked awkward. "Oh, my. I didn't know you were Irene, Ivy. Lucas told me about you when he heard that you passed away. Who would have known that you were alive and well? How surprising!"
"I'm sorry for worrying you two," Ivy said.
"Oh, don't apologize! It's a good thing that you are fine!" Lucas' mother studied her intently, awed but disappointed that Lucas was unlikely to marry Ivy.
"Please have a piece of cake!" Ivy unwrapped a cake and handed it to Lucas' mother. "A bite should be fine."
"Haha! I'm not watching my diet right now! The doctors told me to eat whatever I want." Lucas' mother took the cake, took a bite, and chuckled. "The doctors suggested I return home, but I didn't want to trouble Lucas. If I went home, he would need to find a caretaker for me. That's too much hassle! Staying in the hospital isn't too expensive, and taking care of the aftermath is easier here if something happens."
"Mom, please don't say such things," Lucas interjected.
"All right, I won't." She turned her attention to Ivy. "Ivy, did you arrive in Taronia today?"
"Yes, I landed this afternoon."
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