Chapter 2288
Despite the worry gnawing at Ivy’s heart about whether it might wear Balfour out, she could not deny that his round-the-clock presence was a balm to her soul.
Just having him near seemed to lighten her spirits and fill her with a sense of security.
And Balfour, upon realizing how beneficial his company was to Ivy’s well-being, was over the moon. He was grateful for having heeded Elara’s words and for recognizing Ivy’s psychological struggles.
But Ivy had been bugging him to be discharged for the past couple of days, adamant that she could not stand another moment in the sterile confines of the hospital room.
“You heard what the doctor said yesterday, right? I’m practically back to my old self. The doc said I could continue my recovery at home!”
Balfour, busy tidying up odds and ends, felt Ivy’s gaze following his every move.
“Just a couple more days in the hospital,” he said. “There’s one more test result we’re waiting on. Once we get that back, you can go home.”
His voice was steady, but it sounded too clinical to Ivy.
“But I really want to go home. The doctor even said that the test was optional. It was you who insisted I get it. If it were not for that, I could’ve been home today. I miss Grandma and Grandpa so much; it’s been days since I’ve seen them.”
Ivy’s longing for her grandparents was genuine. Apart from their two visits, she had asked Balfour to tell them not to come.
After all, they were getting on in years, and frequent trips to the hospital were not good for their health.
Balfour set down the potted plant he was fussing with and turned to look at Ivy. “Didn’t we just call them last night?”
Ivy blinked her large, expressive eyes, incredulity written all over her face. “How can that be the same as seeing them in person? Sure, video calls are convenient, but they don’t let me feel Grandma’s warmth or hug Grandpa. I don’t even know if they’ve lost weight. When I get home, I’ll have to explain to Grandma why I didn’t want her to visit.”
During their calls, Alyssa had been visibly upset. She felt perfectly capable of taking care of Ivy in the hospital, but with her grandson and granddaughter-in-law objecting, she reluctantly agreed to stay away.
“Don’t worry. Grandma’s just pulling your leg. She would not be mad at you,” Balfour reassured her, yet he remained firm. It was not that he did not want Ivy to go home, but he could not relax until that last report came in-even though the doctor had said it was of little importance.
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Chapter 2288
Last time, Ivy’s health scare had frightened him deeply, and until he was sure she had fully recovered, he could not allow her to leave.
“I really can’t go home? How about this: take me home just for the day, and we can return in the evening when it’s time to rest. I could stroll in the garden with them, have a cup of coffee, maybe play a game of chess!”
Ivy was bargaining now, figuring that even a brief reprieve at home would be better than none. With such a plea, Balfour found it increasingly difficult to refuse.
“That desperate to get back, huh?” Balfour’s lips twitched into a smile.
Ivy pouted. “Put yourself in my shoes; cooped up all day, every day. I bet you’d be itching for a breath of fresh air. Knock on wood, I don’t mean it literally! You won’t be the one in a hospital bed!”
Halfway through her sentence, Ivy hastily covered her mouth, not wanting to jinx Balfour’s health.
Balfour could not help but laugh at her antics. He moved closer, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Alright, since you’re so eager, I’ll take you home for a visit. But when night falls, you have to come back without a fuss. Once we check that report tomorrow, we can discuss your discharge. Deal?”
Ivy had not expected Balfour to relent. Her eyes lit up with joy, and it looked like she might leap out of bed any second.
“Really? You promise?”
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