IVAN x KAYE : SHOPPING

While Kaye washed the dishes, Ivan was chatting with Alex, Eva and Jestoni. They had created a group chat since Ivan couldn't make a phone call or else, Kaye would know the details of his surprise.

He sent them a picture of his botanical garden where a large space will be used for tonight's event.

Jestoni sent him pictures of table set up with different styles and theme. Alex sent him pictures of lighting designs as well as colors of balloons and other things to decorate the place. Eva sent him pictures of different bouquets of flowers that would suit the occasion.

All of those were for Ivan to choose and now he was becoming more excited for his plan at the same time worried of what might be the outcome.

"Ivan, what time should we come to your house?" Jestoni asked in the group chat since it needs time to prepare everything.

"After lunch. We'll be outside to buy stuff. We will visit my auntie as well so you would have more time to prepare." Ivan typed back to them.

"Such a waste that last night's surprise was ruined. We've been waiting for that!" Jestoni replied back with anguish. True. They've been preparing for that since the time Ivan found Kaye. And it was just ruined by the rain!

"It's fine. I'm still thankful that you guys are there to help." Ivan responded to them.

"Of course. We wanted you guys to be happy. You're not young anymore, bro!" Alex chatted with a slightly raised brow emoticon.

"Good luck boss!" Eva cheered for him from the chat group.

Ivan had chosen the things that he likes for the surprise, just as Kaye finished her chores. She wiped her hands with a towel before walking towards Ivan.

She sat beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Honestly, you don't have to bother yourself with surprises. We can just sit and talk." Kaye mumbled just enough for Ivan to hear.

Ivan wrapped his arm on her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. "This surprise means a lot to me. I don't care if you'll play along or not but I'd still want to do this for you." He placed a gentle kiss at the top of her head. "You mean so much to me, Kaye. Ever since we were young. And I missed so many years and missed dozen of your birthday celebration. Just let me be this time, okay?"

Kaye was truly touched to his words. She didn't know that the person she came to know when she was five, would be someone she would love deeply in this lifetime.

"Fine. Fine. I won't hinder you from doing it." She moved away from him and stared at him, eye-to-eye. "No offense though, shouldn't you be proposing to the girl you like? Why are you so hung up with my birthday surprise? Even though I'm excited for it, I don't want to be the reason you missed a lifetime of happiness."

'It would be great if I'm that person.' she wanted to add but she only noted it mentally.

"I will propose to her but your birthday surprise must come first. It's the most important." Ivan stated but his brain was a mess already since he didn't know why Kaye would want him to marry someone else.

The past interactions they had made him believe that Kaye likes him. It's not to boost his ego but he had seen the flashing emotions in her eyes. And he thought he's got a chance, but why is she pausing him away?

Ivan really wanted to ask her but he didn't want to ruin the current atmosphere. "I have washed your clothes last night. You can check it in your room."

"Thanks. I'll take a shower first." Kaye didn't want to continue their conversation too so she left immediately.

At 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Kaye and Ivan wasn't done with their shopping yet. They bought shoes and sandals for her. They've switched to different stores to buy jacket, dress, t-shirts, shorts and other things.

Everything that they bought was to be sent to his villa. He gave them his address while Kaye continued to look around.

"Let's stop already. Why are we buying so many things? It's not like I would live there forever." Kaye commented while watching the sales lady punch in the barcode. "And you haven't made me pay for these? I have lots of money, too. What's the use of me having my own company if I couldn't even use my money?"

The last statement came in a whisper but the saleslady still heard her say that. She smiled secretly while listening to them.

It's very rare for her to see someone who is already rich but would still be pampered by their boyfriends or husbands. Some women wouldn't care about the hardwork that their husband put into work and would just spend their money carelessly. But the girl in front of her was different. She work to have her own money but her boyfriend still indulged her.

She watched Kaye scolding Ivan for paying her things. She could see in her action that she wasn't spoiled like any other girls.

"You use your money for other things. You care so much about the foundations and charities so I will spend my money on you while you spend your money for the children." Ivan gave her a logical reason which made Kaye nod her head in agreement.

It took her a minute to realize what he just said. "Huh? You're logic is wrong. Why do-"

"Let's go. Stop complaining. How about we buy something for auntie. Bracelet would be great." Ivan changed the subject after he took back his card. "Just send it after an hour." he reminded the saleslady.

"Yes sir. Rest assured." The saleslady made a deep bow and send them off, who were still bickering over the matter of who's going to pay.

"That was a lot of sales. Your commission would be huge after this." their store manager commented after seeing the couple walked away.

The saleslady just smiled and went back to her work.

Ivan and Kaye went to the third floor of the shopping mall where jewelries are located. They checked those stores that sell jade bracelet but Kaye didn't find anything that would suit Ivan's auntie.

"Let's get something we can engrave our name on?" Ivan suggested which brighten Kaye's face.

"Hurry up. I know where we can get that." Kaye pulled him as they walked towards the left wing of the floor.

It took them around ten minutes before they find the store. It was a Chinese owned store who sells items which you can engrave your name or short messages.

"Let's gave her a gold bracelet? We can put a message at the inner side and have our name written, too." Kaye commented as she checked the items in front of her.

"You can choose whatever you like." Ivan responded while checking on the rings inside the glass beside him.

"Hey! I'm paying this time, okay?" Kaye eyed him to make sure that he won't be wasting his money on her again.

Ivan let out a chuckle after hearing her. "Yes madam. You can pay for that." Ivan answered like and obedient servant.

Kaye was busy checking the items while Ivan asked for an attendant. He typed something on his phone and showed it to the attendant in front of him. It was written - Do you customize wedding rings?

The attendant looked at him before taking a look at Kaye who was oblivious to what was happening to the other side of the store.

"Yes sir." the attendant whispered to him. "You can send us your design thru email. This is our business card." She handed him a black card which contained business information.

Ivan slightly nod his head and walked towards Kaye. "Have you found anything yet?"

Kaye immediately covered the paper which was given by the attendant that contained her message.

"Go away for a moment. I'm writing something and my penmanship isn't good. It's embarrassing."

'What a nice excuse.' The attendant thought. After all, she had seen Kaye wrote short messages and she had a beautiful handwriting.