The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2481

As Ivy approached the ward where Tessa lay, her pace involuntarily slowed, and Balfour matched his steps with hers.

"What if I can't handle seeing her like this?" Ivy murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She lowered her gaze, her hand gripping Balfour's as if to draw strength from his reassuring touch.

"Don't worry, I'm right here with you," he said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

With a deep breath, Ivy steeled herself. She had made up her mind to come first thing in the morning. They had reached the very door of Tessa's room. How could she think of turning back now?

No matter Tessa's condition, she owed it to her to be there.

After all, Tessa had given her life, and now it was Ivy's turn to care for her. How could she abandon Tessa in her time of need?

Whatever had happened in the past, fulfilling her duty as a daughter this one last time would allow Ivy to finally put it all to rest.

Resolved, Ivy knocked firmly on the ward door.

Inside, Tessa blinked towards the door, alone in her room, unable to speak even though she heard the sound.

"Cough, cough..."

Ivy exchanged a glance with Balfour. "Is there no one in there?"

Balfour had a hunch that Tessa was without company. "Just push the door open," he suggested.

"Uh... Fine," Tessa managed to say with great effort, prompting Ivy to finally look up, her heart clenching with pain.

"Where are Finn and Clara? Why aren't they with you, taking care of you? Even if times are tough, surely they could afford a nurse, couldn't they? Where is everyone who's supposed to be looking after you?"

After firing off these questions, Ivy realized that Tessa was in no state to answer.

But the desolation of the ward spoke volumes – it was clear that no effort or expense had been spared on her behalf.

For whom had she toiled all these years to keep the family together, only to end up like this?

Tessa blinked back tears, which quickly began to trickle down from the corners of her eyes.