Chapter 2269
Her health was always a bit finicky, and flying tended to make her under the weather for days. So, her loving circle of family and friends did their best to spare her the ordeal of air travel.
But now, against all odds, she had taken a flight alone.
Had she lost her mind?
The concern in Balfour’s voice was unmistakable, giving Mara a sliver of comfort.
“Balfour, for a second there, I thought you stopped caring!” She teased. “Olivia was tied up with something, and I had to fly back alone. Aren’t you going to pick me up? It’s been ages since I’ve been home, and I don’t even know how to find you.”
Balfour’s brow was a landscape of worry. He could not fathom why Mara would take such a risk. What if something happened to her?
“Stay put. I’m on my way.”
He raced to the airport, fearing Mara alone, vulnerable to health scares in unfamiliar territory, without a soul to turn to for help.
Stepping out of the car, he saw Mara.
“Mara.”
Her face lit up, and she bounded towards him, wrapping him in an eager embrace.
Before he could scold her, she inhaled deeply, her head against his chest, then looked up with playful eyes. “Balfour, I’ve missed you so much! It’s only been a short while, but it feels like centuries!”
Once he was sure she was alright, Balfour gently pushed her back, tapping her shoulder, “You scared me half to death, you know?”
She gave him a pout. “But I missed you! And you’re always so busy with work, you can’t visit me often. Besides, it’s been years since I’ve been home. I’ve missed where I grew up. Now that I’m here, you don’t have to trek all the way to M State, right? Isn’t that perfect?”
Seeing her lack of gravity about the situation, Balfour spoke sternly. “Next time you return, tell me or your family in advance. No more surprises. What if you had an emergency on the flight with no medicine? How could I face your sister then?”
Her pout deepened. “Always my sister. Would you even care about me if it was not for her?”
Balfour’s expression darkened. If it had not been for Mara’s sister saving his life, he would
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Chapter 2269
not be here today. It was one of the reasons he had looked after Mara for so many years.
Knowing how much respect Balfour had for her sister, Mara conceded with a playful stick of her tongue. “Okay, okay, I get it. I was wrong. Let’s get going? I’m tired, and I’ve yet to visit your grandma and grandpa. I didn’t bring them gifts because I rushed back. Maybe you could take me shopping for something nice?”
Balfour hesitated. “We can’t go back just yet. I need to swing by the hospital.”
Mara’s face drained of color as she frantically checked him for injuries, “Why the hospital? Are you hurt? Sick? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Pushing her hands away gently, Balfour explained, “It’s not me. It’s Ivy. I mentioned her on the phone before.”
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