Chapter 2373
“I just need a little breathing room right now, okay? I wanna be alone for a bit.’
Today had been an absolute mess, and Ivy longed for solitude, to just be with her thoughts in silence.
Nolan watched Ivy’s resolve and finally relented, “How about I walk you up to your apartment, and I’ll leave once I see you’re safe inside, deal?”
Ivy nodded, but insisted on not needing his support while walking. Reluctantly, Nolan trailed behind her, watching as she hobbled up the stairs with her crutches, each step a small victory.
His heart ached at the sight. Ivy wasn’t meant for a life alone in a tiny flat; she deserved to be cherished, held close to someone’s heart.
If Balfour couldn’t do that, then he would!
After ensuring Ivy was back in her apartment, just as she was about to close the door, Nolan interrupted her.
“Hm? Is there something else, Nolan?”
Ivy looked up, locking eyes with Nolan, then quickly averted her gaze, sensing the tangled emotions within him. She knew his feelings weren’t something she was meant to accept.
“If there’s nothing else, you should head back, Nolan. You’ve got a ton of work at the office, right?”
“I do have something. I need to tell you,” Nolan interrupted Ivy’s polite deflection.
Her heart raced, “Whatever it is, can it wait? I’m pretty wiped out today.”
“Ivy, how long are you going to keep running away? I need to say this now. Is it so hard to just give me a chance?”
Facing Nolan’s earnest plea, Ivy was at a loss for words.
“You know, Nolan, I’ve always seen you as a dear senior, nothing more. I’m sorry.”
Undeterred by Ivy’s words, Nolan pressed on, “Of course, I know that. But we met before you and he did! I get that Balfour is a hotshot in the business world, young and successful, with admirers galore. I may not measure up to him. But if he treated you well, I wouldn’t be saying this today. If you’re unhappy, why not leave?”
Ivy stared at Nolan, taken aback.
“Nolan, you don’t have to compete with Balfour. You’re entirely different people. You have your strengths, and he has his. Really, there’s no need for you to compare yourself with
him.”
1/2
08:09
Ivy’s frown softened, her soothing tone striking a chord in Nolan’s heart.
Even now, her first instinct was to comfort him.
It wasn’t about outshining Balfour for her; she was concerned about Nolan’s needless comparisons, especially if they stemmed from her.
“I’ve never wanted to compete for anything with him because he’s outstanding, and I know almost everything is out of my reach. But with you, I want to try, at least. I know you’re not an object, not something to be tossed around. You’re a living, breathing person. I just want to know if you’re truly happy with him. If you are, I’ll take back everything I said today. But if you’re not, could you consider turning around to look at me? I’ve always been right here waiting.”
Ivy met Nolan’s gaze, recognizing a familiar emotion reflected back at her, the same one
she felt when she looked at Balfour.
She wondered if Balfour looked at her with the same intensity. Ivy couldn’t be sure.
2/2
