Chapter 2271


    Chapter 2271


    “Hey, sorry for barging in on you like this, Ivy,” Mara said with an apologetic grin. “It’s just, as Balfour’s


    good friend, I couldn’t not swing by when I heard you were sick. Balfour,e on, hand over that get-


    well present we picked up for Ivy!”


    She nudged Balfour, who looked as if he had just snapped out of a daze, and he reluctantly handed


    over the gift he was holding.


    “Ivy, I know it’s our first time meeting and all, and I did not have much time to prepare anything fancy. I


    just grabbed a couple of things at the mall that I thought mighte in handy. Hope they help in some


    way.”


    Ivy’s eyes fell as she forced a smile, stung by her familiar banter. “You didn’t need to go to all this


    trouble. I appreciate the thought, but really, I don’t need anything.”


    Mara looked around the room and nodded slowly. “Seems like you’ve got everything you need here.


    Balfour’s always been generous with his friends and makes sure they’re well taken care of. That puts


    my mind at ease. But hey, this gift is a little piece of my heart, so please, Ivy, just ept it.


    You rest up now, and when you’re feeling better, we’ll hang out for real. Got to pop by my ce now;


    his grandma and grandpa are waiting for me back home. Sorry to dash off, but we’ve got to head out.”


    The thought of Balfour’s grandparents waiting for Mara made Ivy’s heart clench. She could not bear the


    idea that even Balfour’s grandparents’ attention would be diverted upon Mara’s return, leaving her


    feeling a touch forlorn.


    Why did life always seem to y these cruel jokes just when she thought she had everything within


    reach?


    “Then you’d better get going. Don’t keep the old folks waiting,” Ivy said, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Balfour nced at Ivy, seeing the sheets almost swallow her fragile frame. He had nned to let Mara


    go home alone; he wanted to stay and look after Ivy.


    But Mara, as if reading his thoughts, tugged at his sleeve and said, “Come on, Balfour, you need to


    drop me off. I haven’t been back in years and am clueless about the way home now. I’d hate to get


    lost!”


    Balfour frowned, clearly worried about Mara, who had just returned. He turned to Ivy firmly. “Ivy, wait


    here for me. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve taken Mara home.”


    Despite his words, Ivy did not lift her head, smiling weakly. “Don’t worry about me. Go with her.”


    Mara’s grip on Balfour’s sleeve did not loosen. “Let’s go, Balfour. I wonder if your grandma and


    grandpa will like the gifts I brought them. They always said my presents were more thoughtful than their


    grandson’s!”


    Balfour let Mara lead him away, and as the ward door closed behind them, Ivy’s polite smile crumbled.


    Her heart felt like it had been clenched in a fist of broken ss-sharp and painful.


    Why did happiness always seem to slip through her fingers just when it was within reach? Was it a


    punishment from a past life? Why could she not ever seem to catch a break?


    Ivy could not help but feel like she was destined to lose now that Mara was back, and Balfour’s heart


    was sure to be imed.


    She felt ridiculous for even hoping.


    Meanwhile, Balfour sat in the driver’s seat, his hand hesitating over the ignition. Mara tried to make


    conversation, but his responses were short, his gaze deep and distracted.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Finally, Balfour turned off the engine, murmured, “Wait here,” and hurried out of the car as if pulled by


    an invisible string.


    “Balfour, where are you going?”