Chapter 1952
Ivy hesitated at the curb, her heart pounding with uncertainty about getting into the car.
It wasn’t until the horn honked impatiently that she hurried into the passenger seat, mumbling an apology. “Sorry about that.”
“You haven’t done anything wrong, what’s there to be sorry about?” Nolan shifted the car into drive as soon as she was settled. “I’ll take you home. Where do you live now? Did you move out with my cousin, or are you staying at the family estate?”
Ivy’s hands paused mid-smooth of her dress, offering an awkward smile. “We’re still at the family estate, you know the Howard Mansion, right? Just drop me there, that would be great.”
Hearing her words, Nolan gave a sheepish grin and nodded in response.
The ride was mostly silent until they pulled up in front of the grand entrance to the Howard estate. Nolan finally spoke up, “Ivy, let’s add each other on a social app? It would be great for old classmates to stay in touch and maybe meet up sometime!”
After a moment of hesitation, Ivy nodded, pulling out her phone to add him as a friend.
P
Phone tucked away, Nolan gave her a tight-lipped yet warm smile, “It was really good to see you today, Ivy. Take care!”
With a wave goodbye, Ivy turned and walked towards the grand gates of the Howard Mansion.
Nolan watched her disappear into the sprawling estate, a mix of regret and complexity clouding his gaze. If only he’d come back sooner, could everything have been different?
Ivy was oblivious to Nolan’s thoughts; the events of the day had drained her. The physical strain of standing poised in her formal attire and heels was nothing compared to the mental fatigue of the emotions swirling in her head.
She had once fantasized about confessing her feelings to Nolan when they met again, but her current situation left her feeling unworthy of someone so kind and outstanding.
“Ivy, you’re back!”
At the sound of the familiar voice, Ivy looked up to see her grandmother Alyssa coming to greet her. She quickly gathered her composure and flashed a dutiful smile. “Grandma, why are you still up so late?”
“I was worried when you and Balfour didn’t return. I wanted to wait up for you.” Alyssa took Ivy’s hand, admiring her outfit. “You look beautiful tonight, dear. Did you go out to dine with Balfour?”
With a nod and a smile, Ivy replied, “Yes, Grandma, I went to a gala with him!”
“And Balfour? Why didn’t he come back with you?” Alyssa inquired with a gentle smile.
“He… he had some other matters to attend to and will be back later, Ivy lied, unable to bear telling Alyssa that the man had left to drop another woman home.
Alyssa’s intuition seemed to sense something amiss. She led Ivy to the sofa, sitting down with her. “Tell me, Ivy. Did Balfour upset you? You both went out together; how could he let you come back alone?”
Surprised by Alyssa’s perceptiveness, Ivy tried to keep up her facade, offering a tight-lipped smile and shook her head. “No, not at all… Don’t worry about it, Grandma. Mr. Howard really just had some urgent business, that’s all. He didn’t upset me.”
“Good to know you’re both fine. If Balfour is willing to have you by his side, you must be special to him,” Alyssa said, patting her hand gently. “Don’t rush things. My grandson may come off as cold, but he’s warm on the inside. You’ll see.”
Ivy knew that Alyssa hoped for her to get along with Balfour.
Unfortunately, Alyssa didn’t know that her grandson has deceived her. Their marriage was a facade. Ivy and Balfour had no genuine connection, nor would they in the future
