The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2289

Balfour nodded with a hint of resignation, but the joy radiating from her was infectious, and his mood lightened despite himself.

He was blissfully unaware of how, in the days to come, her moods would have the power to tug at his heartstrings.

"Since you've asked so nicely, how could I not take care of your spirits? Let's head back. Go change into something comfy, and we’ll head home."

Ivy was all smiles during the ride, her grin never faltering until they pulled up to the gates of their suburban mansion. The excitement was palpable.

"It's been just over a week, but why does it feel like ages since I've been home?"

Balfour reached over to unbuckle her seat belt for her.

"It's not as dramatic as you think. Once you step out of the car, you'll see that everything's just as we left it."

Ivy was too happy to fuss over his comment, not yet realizing that she had begun to think of Balfour's place as her own.

"You're back?"

The sound of another girl's voice was the last thing Ivy expected to hear, and her smile faltered instantly.

She turned instinctively to Balfour, searching his face for answers.

Why was Mara here?

Balfour looked puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Ivy had been so cheerful just a moment ago, and he’d even helped her with her seat belt.

Why the sudden change?

Balfour sensed Ivy's discomfort and furrowed his brows in concern.

Mara stepped back, her voice tinged with unease. "I'm sorry, Ivy. This must feel sudden. I've been here for a couple of weeks now, but I'll move out as soon as I find a place."

Ivy didn't want to speak, feeling as if Mara was suggesting she was being pushed out.

Balfour intervened, "Let's go inside. Grandma and Grandpa should be in the living room."

He couldn't stand seeing the two women upset over this matter and turned back to gesture to Ivy.

Ivy sidestepped his attempt to take her hand and walked ahead, alone.

Her thoughts were a jumble. She had assumed that Mara would have returned abroad during her hospital stay. The shock of finding her still in the country, and in their home, was too much to process. The happiness she had felt earlier was washed away entirely.