Chapter 1953
Giselle had been Balfour’s childhood friend, and his attitude towards her was markedly different. It was clear to Ivy that Balfour probably holds Giselle in his heart.
With the thought, a heavy cloud settled over Ivy’s heart.
This wasn’t her true home. In a year’s time, this sham of a marriage would come to an end, and she would leave the Howard residence and Balfour behind forever.
“Ivy, what’s got you so lost in thought?” Alyssa’s voice pulled Ivy out of her reverie, prompting an awkward smile.
“Oh, Grandma, it’s nothing much. Just thinking about what to whip up for breakfast tomorrow!”
“Darling, you cook up a storm, but you won’t need to worry about that kind of thing anymore. Balfour didn’t bring you here to slave away in the kitchen, he brought you here to live a life of comfort,” Alyssa said with a touch of gravitas.
Ivy was a sensible young woman, and Alyssa didn’t want her to wear herself thin with domestic chores, not when they could afford to have help around
the house.
Ivy knew Alyssa meant well, but she couldn’t help feeling guilty. Cooking for the elderly woman, after all, was one way she could alleviate that guilt, even if just a little.
“By the way, Ivy, did Balfour tell you what was the urgent matter he had to attend to at the office? What could possibly be that important at this hour?” Alyssa inquired further.
Ivy’s demeanor shifted uncomfortably. If Alyssa knew that Balfour was off dropping Giselle home, the facade of their marriage would surely crumble.
Eyes downcast, she dodged Alyssa’s piercing gaze. “He mentioned… there was some emergency at the office, so he headed straight there.”
“The office is closed, then what sort of emergency could it be? Honestly! Even if there was, he should have brought you home first. What’s a few more minutes?” Alyssa grumbled, clearly displeased.
Ivy frowned slightly. Lying wasn’t in her nature, especially not to someone who had been so kind to her.
Alyssa had always been so good to her, and Ivy hated to deceive her.
“Grandma, Mr. Howard made sure Quinton escorted me home. He didn’t leave me there alone.”
Alyssa, seeing the worry etched on Ivy’s face, looked at her with a tender concern. “Ivy, my dear, why cover for that rascal? I saw who brought you home and it wasn’t Quinton’s car!”
“Grandma, you saw…” Ivy’s head snapped up, realizing Alyssa was aware that Nolan had been her chauffeur.
Alyssa knew Ivy wasn’t one to lie willfully; she was just trying to spare her any worry. Gently patting her granddaughter-in-law’s shoulder, she consoled, “Don’t be nervous, Ivy. I’m not angry with you. I just feel like you’re being treated unfairly.”
“Grandma, I really don’t mind. I understand Mr. Howard has a lot on his plate, running such a big company. It’s normal for him to be busy!” Ivy said earnestly.
“There now, I understand, Alyssa reassured her. “It’s getting late; you should head off to bed.”
Ivy wanted to say more but feared it would only make things worse. Alyssa signaled for her to retire for the night, and with no other option, Ivy returned to her room. Once the door was closed, she hastily dialed Balfour’s number.
The phone rang and rang without an answer, adding weight to the sinking feeling in Ivy’s chest. Frustration mounted as she sent a text message. [Grandma knows you didn’t bring me home. I told her you were at the office. When you see her later, just play along.]
After sending the message, Ivy set her phone aside. She couldn’t be certain whether Balfour would see it before he got home, but she had done all she could.
