Chapter 2498
“Seriously, you’re such a stand-in. Nothing but an understudy in the grand play of life,” Mara sneered with a smug twist of her lips.
Mara tried her best to keep that woman’s image out of her mind, but hellbent on getting under Ivy’s skin, she triumphantly whipped out a photo.
“Oh, dear Victoria, do me this one last favor, will you?” Mara’s voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.
After they left, Ivy finally exhaled in relief, retreating to the sanctuary of her bedroom. She flopped down on the bed as Balfour followed, carrying a warm glass of milk.
“At last, some peace and quiet. I’m absolutely spent,” she sighed.
Balfour took a seat beside her. “Sorry about that mess. I won’t let anyone barge in uninvited again. I’ve no idea how they even got our address.”
“It’s fine, really. I’m not mad at you.”
Ivy wasn’t in the mood to talk about Mara. Instead, her thoughts drifted to her work. Life had changed; she had to be wary of paparazzi every time she stepped out.
So, apart from essential classes, she spent most of her time at home.
If she couldn’t relax even in her own house, where could she? There would be no reprieve from the constant demands on her time.
Watching Ivy’s constant hustle, Balfour felt a pang of sympathy. “Do you really need to push yourself this hard for fans you’ve never met?”
Balfour’s question hung in the air as Ivy sat up, her face stern with conviction.
“You just don’t get it-the intricate web that connects me to my fans. They’re my driving force. Sure, I love acting, but without their support, I couldn’t keep going. There were times, after all that drama, when I thought about giving up. Just getting a regular job somewhere, I told myself. But then I’d see messages from my fans, consoling each other, steadfast in their belief in me, and I’d clench my teeth and vow to keep going, no matter how difficult the path.”
Ivy’s eyes got a little moist, and Balfour held her hand and listened to her attentively. “Do you know what that feels like? To know there are people out there who will take your side against the slander, who trust you unconditionally? It’s incredibly moving. They’re like a beacon of light for me. Sure, you give me strength and confidence, but they’re the ones who keep me moving forward. I can’t just give them a half-hearted effort. Besides, for many, this might be the only chance they get to meet me. I might not remember each one, but to them, I’m a shining star, and I want to make sure no one regrets supporting me.’
Ivy’s eyes glistened as she spoke from the heart, expressing her gratitude to those who believed in her.
“I want them to know they made the right choice by trusting me. I want to be their rock.”
Ivy’s words were very heartfelt. She just wanted to give back to the people who supported her and believed in her with everything she had.
“And I’ll always be right here behind you if you want me to,” Balfour promised, his voice firm and reassuring.
Ivy leaned into his embrace, overwhelmed with affection. “Oh, how I adore you. Meeting you has brought so much goodness to my life. You must be my lucky star.”
Balfour set the milk aside on the nightstand and leaned in to kiss her gently, cupping her face in his hands.
As they tumbled onto the bed, a pillow was knocked aside, revealing a hidden photo underneath.
“Huh? Who’s this?”
Curiosity piqued, Ivy picked up the photo. The girl in the picture looked vaguely familiar, and with one glance, Balfour recognized her.
