The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2283

“I know I've been a pain, but all I wanted was to come back.

If it were not for you, why would I have flown all the way back, only to find myself all alone in a chilly airport lounge? Balfour, I swear I won't be a nuisance to you anymore!”

With tears streaming down her face, Mara spun around, ready to sprint away.

Balfour was beside himself with worry. She was a stranger in these parts, and the thought of her running off into the unknown was unbearable.

He dashed after her, grabbed her arm, and started to soothe her worries.

"Hey, hey, it's alright. I misspoke, okay? I never meant you were a bother. You mentioned being bored at home, so I tried to come up with something that would suit you. You should be out having fun with your friends during the holiday, not cooped up here with my grandparents. You're welcome to stay as long as you're not feeling too trapped."

Mara sniffled, listening to his explanation.

"Balfour, do you really not think I'm a bother?"

Balfour, exasperated, replied, "I really don't."

"Did my coming here mess up your alone time with Ivy?"

Balfour furrowed his brow, puzzled at the sudden mention of Ivy and Mara’s tone.

"Ever since you met that woman, it seems like you have less time for me. Is it because of that woman you're so impatient with me?"

Balfour's patience, already thin, was wearing even thinner.

"You know her name; why call her 'that woman'? It's disrespectful. She's my wife now, and I expect you to treat her with respect."

Ivy, oh Ivy, even bedridden in a hospital, she occupied Balfour's thoughts, and Mara felt a surge of jealousy.

"I get it now. I won't do it again. Balfour, please don't be mad. I realize my mistake."

Mara sounded downcast. After all, Balfour had never used such a tone with her before. He noticed this, too.

Balfour did not want her to feel his patience had waned since Ivy came into his life.

"Alright! Let's put this behind us! It's boring for you here alone, so what do we do? Are you sure you don't want to go back to M State for a vacation?"

Mara's eyes twinkled with a new idea. "No worries! Ivy won't be in the hospital forever, right? She'll be discharged soon, and then both of you will have time to hang out with me! Oh, and isn't Ivy supposed to be on set for a shoot soon? I could tag along and check out the set; it'll be a blast! What do you think, Balfour?"