Chapter 2292
Ivy flashed a bashful smile, “Alyssa, I haven’t had a hard time at all. It’s Balfour who’s been running around taking care of me. He’s the one who’s really lost weight.”
“There you go again, sweetie,” Alyssa chided gently. “When will you learn that you don’t have to swallow all the hardships alone? Ivy, you need to learn to be a little more vulnerable around men, to playfully pout and lean on them a bit, you know? Balfour’s my grandson; no one knows him better than I do. You’re both strong-willed, which is fine, but you can’t both be stubborn all the time. Wouldn’t it be better if you could express things in a softer tone, so you could avoid all the fuss? Communication is key, especially between you and your husband. He didn’t want me and Dean to come over and fuss over you because he was thinking of our health. Later on, I figured it’d be good for you two to have some alone time, so I didn’t interfere.”
Ivy cut her off with a hint of urgency, “Granny, you and Grandpa coming to see me is never an intrusion. You’re always welcome, both of you. Balfour and I will always welcome you.” She meant every word. Alyssa and Dean had given her so much love; how could she ever resent their presence?
“Don’t fret, my dear. I get it. If we didn’t’know you to be the person you are, do you think we would have been so calm about leaving you two alone together? And you saw Ms. Lewis today and felt upset, didn’t you?” Alyssa’s tone shifted as she mentioned Mara, and Ivy bit her lip, unsure how to respond.
She could never hide anything from Alyssa. Alyssa knew her too well and understood that seeing Mara would naturally not make her happy.
“I was the one who told Balfour not to tell you about it in advance.”
Ivy was surprised at Alyssa’s revelation; she had thought Balfour had kept it from her on
purpose.
“Why?”
She didn’t understand. If she had been told in advance, at least she wouldn’t have been so startled and could have prepared herself mentally.
“I know what you must be thinking, but at that time, our first concern was your health. You were recovering, and hearing about such things would only cause you unnecessary worry. If I had let Balfour tell you beforehand, would you really have been able to keep from worrying yourself sick in the hospital?”
Alyssa’s face was adorned with a gentle smile, persuasive and kind. She genuinely had Ivy’s well-being at heart, even though she knew Ivy might be surprised by the sudden return home. It was better than having her fret during her weakest moment.
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Chapter 2292
“Granny, you’re right, but I…”
Ivy didn’t want to seem petty. After all, she was acutely aware of the nature of her relationship with Balfour; it was just an ongoing contract. She wondered if one day, when Alyssa and Dean learned the truth, would they think she was being overly sentimental now? She didn’t even have the right to question Balfour.
“I know it’s uncomfortable for you, and that’s okay. You can always talk to me about these things. Remember, Dean and I are always on your side.”
The warmth and conviction in Alyssa’s eyes filled Ivy with a cozy feeling.
“It just feels so sudden. I thought Mara had gone back to M State by now. How could I possibly compare to the many years of history between him and Mara?” Ivy’s voice trailed
off, reflecting the uncertainty of her place in Balfour’s life.
!
