The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2236

"Ivy's still lying in that hospital bed, and unless you've got something earth-shattering to tell me, I'm heading over there now."

Balfour's brow was furrowed deeply, a sign of his fraying patience. The mere thought of Ivy, so still and quiet on her hospital mattress, was enough to make his tolerance wear thin.

At a time like this, Mara had the nerve to question why he was short with her?

A sniffle came clearly from the other end of the line.

Balfour, aware of Mara’s tendency to shed tears, gentled his tone. "Look, I'm not irritated with you, okay? Just be patient for now, and I'll visit when I can. Ivy's sick, and she needs me, alright?"

"Balfour, have you forgotten what you promised my sister? Before she passed, you swore you'd always be there for me. But now, for a woman you've hardly known..."

The mention of her departed sister darkened Balfour's expression, sealing his lips shut. That was a promise he had indeed made.

If it hadn't been for his sake, Mara's sister would not have succumbed to her heart condition so young, leaving the world prematurely. In that respect, Balfour owed Mara's family, and he knew it.

"Don't bring her up just to make a point. Do you really think I'd forget what I promised her?"

Mara found his icy composure disconcerting. She was well aware of his aversion to discussing her sister, so why did she bring her up at such a critical moment?

Ivy's presence had thrown Mara off her game. Taking a deep breath, she tried to make amends.

"Balfour, I'm sorry! I spoke out of turn. I know you're not the kind of guy who forgets his promises. It's just... you haven't visited, and you flew back home without seeing me. It hurts, you know? November is coming up, will you be here this year?"

Every November, Balfour would fly to M State a week early to join Mara in remembering her sister.

He sighed inwardly at the memory of the girl who had died for him.

"I'll be there, like always."