Chapter 2088
Balfour didn’t utter a word, his hand gliding through her hair with such ease it seemed as natural as breathing.
Despite them both using the same brand of shower gel, Ivy’s scent was always richer, delightfully fragrant.
With Balfour keeping mum, Ivy took on the role to liven up the atmosphere.
“How’s Grandma’s throat been lately? Did you finish the honey I brought you last time?” she inquired with genuine concern.
Alyssa nodded vigorously, “Oh yes, I did. My throat’s much better now. The honey you got is really top-notch. Even your granddad, who isn’t keen on sweets, finds it soothing.”
Ivy chuckled, her lips pursed in a smile, “I bought it straight from a local beekeeper in the countryside. It has far fewer additives than the processed stuff, completely natural. So, you and Grandpa can enjoy it without worry. I’ll make sure to get some more next time!”
Balfour was still fiddling with Ivy’s hair when he caught another stern glance from her.
“Balfour isn’t fond of warm drinks; he kicks off his day with iced coffee, and how his stomach manages is beyond me. Thankfully, Ivy, you’re here now to keep an eye on him,” Alyssa chided gently.
Ivy pouted playfully, “Grandma, it’s not like he ever listens to me. We’ll need you and Grandpa to keep reminding him. He listens to you two more than anyone.”
Alyssa chuckled warmly, “Don’t you worry, dear. If this young man dares not to listen, you just let us know. We’ll make sure he gets the message loud and clear!”
Ivy leaned into Balfour’s shoulder, her gaze teasingly triumphant, “You hear that? I’ve got backup. You better start taking my advice seriously!”
Balfour wasn’t upset. Instead, he gently caressed her cheek with his index finger, “Hmm? When have I ever not taken your advice?”
His voice was as smooth as the deep notes of a cello, tinged with mirth, making Ivy’s cheeks flush with warmth. Seeing the young couple so at ease with each other brought Alyssa further peace of mind.
“Dinner is served, Mr. and Mrs. Howard, young master, and young mistress. Shall we dine now?” the housekeeper announced. “Let’s eat now and continue our chat at the table,” Dean and Alyssa said in unison, preempting each other’s thoughts. They knew what was on each other’s minds, but a hearty meal was first on the agenda.
After dinner, Alyssa inquired, “Now that both your love and careers are on solid ground, have you thought about when you’ll have the wedding?”
The wedding?
What young woman hasn’t dreamed of her wedding day?
Ivy had envisioned multiple times the notion of adorning herself in an intricate, white gown with a long train, heading towards her groom amidst the congratulatory cheers of others.
Yet, she wasn’t actually Balfour’s wife. Was it essential for her to go through a wedding ceremony with Balfour?
Ivy glanced questioningly at Balfour, only to see him frowning at his phone, seemingly troubled by something.
Feeling a chill in her heart, she said sensibly, “Grandma, the wedding isn’t urgent, right? We’re already legally married, so the ceremony isn’t that important.”
Alyssa shook her head, “My dear, obtaining a certificate is one thing, but a Howard family wedding is not to be skipped! You are the only granddaughter-in-law we acknowledge, and we are committed to arranging the most magnificent wedding for you, letting the entire world witness your joy. Whether it happens now or later, it will certainly take place. Balfour, don’t you have any thoughts on this? Must Ivy really be the one to bring it up?”
Alyssa’s gaze was piercing. She had noticed Balfour glued to his phone since dinner, engrossed in who knows what, as if he couldn’t get enough of it.
Distracted, Balfour barely registered the conversation until Ivy nudged him. He replied, “I’m fine with whatever you decide. If you insist on a ceremony, I’ll go along with it”
Alyssa’s eyes narrowed at his response. Balfour made it seem as if the wedding had nothing to do with him
