Livid Guardian's Endless Coddling

Aria was sending out an important mail without knowing the battle Ivan was in. She was no different, she was the same as every other working day, but their personal life situation was different.

She pressed the last few buttons in her left hand as she grabbed a black folder on the desk. Her eyes which were on the screen the whole time, slightly moved. She glanced at the file she wanted to hand to Ivan. She was planning to assign the major project responsibility to Ivan pushing his limits, leading to his professional growth.

She clicked on the mouse button sending the mail as she turned to Ivan. She noticed his back stiffen as soon as their eyes met, and her hand froze in the air realizing she forgot to speak with him before work.

Ivan was mentally strong too, but the time comes when everyone falls weak, especially due to the love. She doubted if Arsh messaged his friend or not. She doubted if Ivan got a chance to speak with his father Isaac as the latter was in the Morgan mansion early in the morning. 

Keeping everyone apart, Aria wanted to ease up Ivan around her and also from a professional perspective. When at work, she never treated him like the son of her best friend. Anyway, now she doesn't want to be the president.

She placed the file down as she stood up. She checked how he might react, "Do you know your mistake, Ivan?" She stood up and went around the desk to reach him.

Ivan wasn't sure what she was mentioning. Office work? I don't remember doing anything wrong. Personal? That's where he had tripped hard and didn't know what was in the future. Looking at her aloof eyes, Ivan was confused again.

If it was about Arna, shouldn't Aria be very angry? Yeah, he forgot for a moment that Aria and Eva are best friends.

Aria shook her head in resignation before she slapped his arm, "I understand you are having trouble. If you are confused, shouldn't you speak with me?" She saw him relax back to his usual self, so she tried to ease him up more, "I see, I am just a President for you."

Ivan was about to shake his head. Aria led him out of the office, cueing him to follow her. "President Cooper, I didn't mean to avoid you. I was just..."

Aria snatched the word from his lips, "Tensed."

Ivan breathed relief. President Cooper always lets him speak everything before speaking, whereas Aria becomes a friend in private. "Aunt Aria, aren't you angry?"

Aria didn't lie, "I am." She was indeed grim seeing him worried so much about everything.

Ivan's face fell upon hearing her. Before he could speak anything else, she made him sit on the couch before she moved the back cushion on the arm of it and instructed him, "Take a nap." She looked around before guessing where he might have kept a throw-over.

She strolled towards the cupboard as she spoke, "I am angry because one of my sons didn't rest well. I am angry at myself for not taking care of you."

Ivan smiled. He wasn't new to Aria's care. He couldn't believe it when young ones had to take care of her; Aria was still the one who was taking care of everyone without a single complaint or expectation. There was an expectation. She just wanted them to be happy.

He was about to turn down and get back to work. Aria ordered him to rest. She was still bossy and cold despite her softness.

Obediently he rested for some time when Aria personally took care of the signing of a new project. 

Anyway, it wasn't the end. The punishment Ivan was expecting soon arrived. He had completed his lunch with Aria and Levi when Arsh dropped by at the Skyline. Ivan knew one or the other day. He has to face Arsh. Ivan was mentally prepared to have a conversation with him. So he stood up to take Arsh out.

Arsh didn't expect to meet Ivan there. He had just dropped by to meet his mother as it was lunchtime. Looking at Arsh excusing himself. Arsh decided to vent his frustration out. Without uttering a word to anyone, Arsh landed a fierce punch on Ivan, choking Aria, shocking Levi.

Ivan's head was thrown aside by force. The pain hit his brain, causing him to feel dizzy. He stumbled before he balanced. His face instantly flushed with the pain. He pressed his jaw, feeling them loose.

Arsh stretched his fingers and glared at Ivan for a moment before glancing at his mother was drinking water. She didn't look angry but shocked. It relieved Arsh.

Arsh hissed, "What? Did you think I will be like Mom?" He kicked Ivan's leg, "Then I am sorry to remind you that I don't bother to think from other's shoes." He snorted.

Aria: "..." She felt like her son was sympathizing with her. 

Arsh immediately responded to the confusion in her mind, "You are awesome, Mom. I am not as good as you."

Aria and Levi: "..."

Levi stood up and pointed the door for Aria, indicating he was out of their family drama. Aria nodded,,, thinking Levi hasn't changed a bit. 

Ivan uttered, feeling difficult to move his jaw. His voice had a hint of relief with the pain, "I am surprised I still have all the teeth." He is aware, Arsh didn't use all his strength on him. He was glad Arsh wouldn't avoid him or affect their friendship after venting his irritation.

Aria: "..."

Arsh went and sat next to Aria as he scoffed, "I don't want my sister to live with a toothless man." Then he cried when his mother twisted his ear, "Mom..."

Ivan wanted to laugh, but he was really in pain.

"How dare you hurt the Vice President. Are you going to do his job?" Aria tried to cool his son, sounding grumpy.

Anyway, Arsh shrugged, "Fire him then."

"What a friend I have!' Ivan thought. His friend kicked him out.

----

Once Ivan left, Aria gently brushed her fingers through Arsh's hair as she exclaimed, "My son is happy." She peeked at his face. He didn't have satisfaction in his eyes because he resolved the issues between him and Ivan.

"Did you meet... Noor?" She hit the bullseyes and saw her son speechless. She giggled when he tried to put on nonchalance which did no help in front of her.

"Mom, am I so readable?"

Aria continued to chuckle as she added, "No, you are just like your father." And she knows her husband too well.

Arsh: "..."