Chapter 1973
“Alright then,” Ivy conceded, sliding out of the car with a sigh.
When she got out of the car, she misstepped and stumbled forward.
But Balfour was quick, catching her by the shoulders before she face–planted onto the sidewalk.
Once steady, Ivy looked up to find herself mere inches from Balfour’s gaze.
Suddenly, her heart was racing.
She hastily regained her balance and stepped back, putting some distance between them, and mumbled a flustered, “Thanks
“Focus,” Balfour replied, glancing at his now empty hand, his expression unreadable.
Trailing behind Balfour, Ivy kept replaying that moment of close contact. So close that she could see Balfour’s flawless skin, the thick, long eyelashes…
She patted her chest, willing her heartbeat to slow down.
At this rate, she feared he might hear it while walking beside her.
“Something wrong with your heart?
“No, nothing.”
Ivy had gotten out of the car and, with Balfour by her side, entered the hospital.
The nurse cleaned her wound, applied some ointment, and wrapped it up neatly.
“All done.” Ivy stepped out of the treatment room to find Balfour waiting, hands in his pockets, standing quietly in the hallway.
Seeing her, he asked in a deep voice, “Does it still hurt?”
“Not anymore. It wasn’t much to begin with, but thanks for asking.”
The injury was minor for Ivy; even more severe ones had gone uncared for in the past. But Balfour’s concern felt like a rare comfort.
He was about to say something more when his phone rang.
Interrupted, he turned to answer, “Hello?”
“What’s up? Alright, I’ll be there soon!”
Even though Balfour didn’t mention the caller’s name, Ivy picked up on the voice on the other and of the line.
was Giselle.
Quote 1973
Only when speaking to her did Balfour’s tone lose its usual frostiness.
“I’ve got to run,” he said to Ivy after hanging up.
Ivy had anticipated this. “Giselle’s call, right? What’s the matter?”
*She needs me for something. I have to go,” Balfour answered plainly, without elaboration. Ivy nodded. “Oh, then you better hurry. I can grab a cab home later on my own.”
