As Balfour looked up, he noticed only Mara was left standing on the doorstep, but he didn't seem too bothered by it.
With one hand, he carried a small suitcase, mostly filled with Ivy's belongings; he only had a couple of changes of clothes for himself.
So when Mara reached out to take the suitcase from him, he dodged her, handing it off to the approaching butler instead, "It's too heavy for you."
Mara pouted in solidarity, "Balfour, why do Alyssa and Dean seem so indifferent about you, their own grandson? They don't seem to welcome you at all. It's downright upsetting."
Balfour didn't quite understand why Mara felt aggrieved on his behalf.
After all, he was used to coming home every other day; his grandparents probably had their fill of him.
Besides, why should they stand by the main entrance in the chilly wind?
The elderly couple were advanced in years, and Ivy had just recovered from her illness. There was no need for such formalities.
Still, he thought Mara might be a bit too sensitive, but ultimately she was looking out for him, so he didn't object.
"Balfour, now that Ivy is better, are you maybe a bit less busy? If you have some time, could you perhaps take me out for a bit?" Mara asked with hopeful eyes. She longed for some alone time with Balfour.
Staying in the house under the watchful eyes of the elders was stifling, and although they concealed their feelings well, it was clear they preferred Mara not to get too entangled with Balfour.
Mara scoffed, determined to disappoint them. She wasn't about to give up on Balfour!
One day, she would make them see that she was the one truly suited for him.
Just like a moment ago, Ivy hadn't even bothered to look back at Balfour. After all his fuss and worry over her these past days, couldn't she even pause for a moment?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Kiss that Sparked it All