The Kiss that Sparked it All novel 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, come 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 might come 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 accept it.

You rest up now, and when you're feeling better, we'll hang out for real. Got to pop by my place 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 play 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 glanced at Ivy, seeing the sheets almost swallow her fragile frame. He had planned 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!"