The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2624

Balfour tried not to let it bother him, but he couldn't help noticing how quickly Mara's mood had shifted. At the end of the day, as long as she was willing to listen, that was all that mattered.

When Mara returned, she plopped down right next to Balfour. He frowned instinctively; he wasn't used to sitting this close to a stranger. Yet there was little he could do with Victoria, who was fast asleep with her head resting on his shoulder, leaving him pinned in place.

So there he sat, enduring the discomfort.

Mara caught his reaction and her lips curled into a subtle smirk. She knew all along that Balfour's earlier words were hinting at something.

Seeing her take the seat next to him, even his posture stiffened. Did he really feel the need to show off in front of her?

But today had been a whirlwind of chaos, and realizing Balfour's feelings was the single silver lining amid the turmoil for Mara.

As the minutes ticked by, the ominous red light of the emergency room remained lit, and even Balfour started to grow anxious. Despite his maturity beyond his years, he was still a boy who hadn't reached adulthood.

It was because of him they had ended up in this mess. The thought made his brow furrow even deeper. He too was praying for Elton to make it out okay. But as time dragged on, he knew the chances were slim.

"Please, let my dad be okay," Mara muttered under her breath, gnawing nervously at her thumb.

"Dad, you have to make it. You've got to keep hanging out with us," she repeated in her heart, willing to trade years of Victoria's life for her father's safe return.