Chapter 2274
After the calamity years ago, Mara’s brief time around Alyssa left her feeling like Alyssa was distant, almost unreachable. Alyssa even mentioned that she had changed.
Those words haunted her for years, leaving her restless. Thus, she barely touched ground in her homeland before fleeing abroad.
Now, years later, returning filled her with unease.
Somehow, she had this gut feeling that this old lady would be tough to get along with.
Seeing Mara’s nerves, Balfour offered, “Do you want to postpone the visit?”
She forced a smile. “No need. I want to see them right off the bat. They’ll be thrilled. Otherwise, it might seem impolite. Besides, Balfour, I don’t even have a place to stay yet. Can I crash at your place for a while?”
Mara was curious about the life Balfour and Ivy had built together. She wanted to grasp the threads that might reveal Ivy’s place in his heart.
Balfour hesitated when she suggested staying with him. “I’ve got other places. Maybe I could set you up somewhere else? You’re worried about Grandma, right? It might be more uncomfortable under the same roof.”
His reluctance irked Mara. “Balfour, don’t you want me to be a part of your life? Or is it that now you have Ivy, you don’t care about me as much? I thought coming back would mean being closer to you.”
Her words were laden with longing for him.
But Balfour, ever so focused, did not take it in a romantic direction. He was all about responsibility.
She had just returned with hardly anyone she knew around. The thought of her being alone bothered him.
“Alright,” he finally soothed, “you can stay at our place for now. We’ve got the space.”
His agreement brought Mara great joy. “Great, that’s settled then. And Balfour, you’ll have to back me up in front of your grandma!”
“Sure.”
Mara steeled herself before getting out of the car, but standing at the doorstep with her luggage, she could not help but hesitate.
Just as she contemplated turning back and trying another day, Alyssa and Dean spotted them from inside.
“Balfour? Why are you home now? Aren’t you supposed to be at the hospital with Ivy?”
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Chapter 2274
Alyssa frowned, not yet noticing Mara behind Balfour.
Dean looked disapproving, too. Even though the VIP ward would have top-notch care, nothing replaced Balfour’s presence for Ivy’s peace of mind.
Why was he home now? Everything they needed was already at the hospital.
Realizing how much the grandparents cared for Ivy, a twinge of jealousy sparked in Mara.
That was when Balfour stepped aside, revealing her presence.
“I’ve brought Mara over. She’ll stay with us for a bit. Once she’s settled, I’ll head straight back to the hospital. Ivy’s not well; I would not dream of leaving her alone. Don’t worry.”
Alyssa’s brow furrowed as she recognized Mara, the youngest daughter from the Lewis family from years past.
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