Chapter 2468
She had decided that once the film wrapped up, she would take a break before diving into another role. This time was, of course, meant to be spent cherishing moments with Alyssa and Dean, who were getting on in years.
Alyssa was elated by the attention. “My dear, even if you were to twirl around me every day, I would never tire of it. How could I not be happy with such a sweet grandchild?”
Dean was in high spirits, too, and Ivy’s eyes welled up with tears when she saw the dining table laden with all her favorite foods.
“This morning, Balfour mentioned you’d be coming home, so I made sure Althea prepared all your favorites. You haven’t had these in a while, have you?
Look at this sweet and sour pork! I personally went with the chef to pick out the freshest cuts. You’re gonna love it!”
Alyssa continued to describe the dishes, and Ivy couldn’t help but wonder how long the two old folks had been planning this meal.
She felt a twinge of regret. If she had come back unexpectedly, they wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble.
Now, they had put in so much effort just for a family dinner, and she would be leaving again in the morning.
It just didn’t seem worth it.
Balfour, sensing Ivy’s thoughts, gently patted her back.
“Letting them know ahead of time was meant to bring them joy earlier. A surprise visit wouldn’t be as happy as anticipating your arrival, don’t you think?”
Hearing Balfour’s words, Ivy stopped dwelling on her guilt and nodded.
“Yeah, I’ll make sure to come back more often.
Taking a deep breath, Ivy didn’t want to spoil Alyssa and Dean’s mood.
She eagerly took her seat at the dinner table, and Alyssa kept piling food onto her plate, but Ivy ate it all with grace. After all, nothing beat Alyssa’s cooking.
“Home-cooked meals really are the best!”
After dessert, Ivy leaned back, patting her belly, eliciting a beaming smile from Alyssa.
“If you enjoy it, then come back more often. Preparing this was no trouble at all with Althea’s help.”
Ivy smiled, “We definitely will.”
She had planned to chat with Alyssa and Dean after dinner, but soon after settling on the couch, she couldn’t fight off the sleepiness.
Balfour gently tilted her chin, allowing her to rest more comfortably on his shoulder, before quietly explaining to Alyssa.
“She’s been worn out. The production’s been wrapping up, waking up at four or five in the morning, and working till around eleven or twelve at night. We came because today’s scenes finished early, and I wanted to bring her to see you.”
Hearing this, Alyssa and Dean immediately felt for Ivy, urging Balfour to take her to bed.
“Don’t let her asleep here on the couch; she might catch a cold. Besides, she’ll be done with work soon, then you guys can come back and spend more time with us.”
No sooner had Balfour laid Ivy down on the bed than her eyes fluttered open, and she asked groggily, “Where are Grandma and Grandpa?”
“Just continue sleeping,” Balfour soothed, stroking her cheek. “I’ll go down and spend
some time with them.”
“But how can I?” she protested weakly. “I’ve hardly had the chance to talk to Grandma.”
Her words trailed off as she slipped back into a deep sleep.
Balfour watched her, contented, and kissed her forehead gently.
All the pursuits he had chased before paled in comparison to this simple moment of peace. As long as she was by his side, he was satisfied.
Descending the stairs, Balfour found only Alyssa sitting on the sofa sipping her coffee.
Dean had wandered off somewhere.
