Balbum moulded with a hint of resignation, but the joy radiating from her was inter and his mind lightened despite himself The was Idrefully unaware of how, in the days to come, her moods would have the po beling at his heartslinge ance youâve naked as nicely, how couhitt not take care of your pants? Letâs head Ga change into something candy, and weâll head home? hy was all smiles during the nde, her grin never faltering until they pulled up to the gater, of the suburban mansion. The secilement was palpable He been just over a week, but why does it feel like ages since Iâve been homer Itâs not as diamalle as you thinks (ince you step out of the car, youâll see that everythings Wy was too happy to fuss over his comment, died yet realizing that she had begun to think of Ballourâs place as her own The sound of another girlâs voice was the last thing ivy expected to hear, and her smile faltered instantly She turned instinctively to Balfour, searching his face for answers Why was Mara here?
Balfour looked puzzled âWhatâs wrong?â
Ivy had been so cheerful just a moment ago, and heâd even helped her with her seat belt.
Why the sudden change?
Mara, standing tall and poised, approached confidently.
Itâs been a while, Ivy How have you been feeling?â
Ivy forced a smile, âMuch better now, thank you Ms. Lewis, what brings you Oh! Are you wondering why Iâm here? Well, since I came back and planned to stay for a while, Balfour Kindly offered me to stay here for convenience. Being unfamiliar with the area, I really only have Balfour to rely on, so Iâm staying here for now. I apologize for not informing you earlier, Ivyâ
It was then Balfour chimed in, âI forgot to mention it to you. Iâve been so busy with your hospital stay and then the check ups, so I thought Iâd wait until we got home. I just forgot.â
Ivy nodded, her face expressionless. The extensive medical tests had indeed kept them both occupied.
Forgetting to mention something like this seemed understandable, yet, why hadnât he told her sooner?
Now, finally home and filled with joy, she was greeted by the sight of another woman living in their space.
How could she be expected to smile?
Balfour sensed Ivyâs discomfort and furrowed his brows in concern.
Mara stepped back, her voice tinged with unease. âIâm sorry, Ivy. This must feel sudden. Iâve been here for a couple of weeks now, but Iâll move out as soon as I find a place.â
Ivy didnât want to speak, feeling as if Mara was suggesting she was being pushed out.
Balfour intervened, âLetâs go inside. Grandma and Grandpa should be in the living room.â
He couldnât stand seeing the two women upset over this matter and turned back to gesture to Ivy.
Ivy sidestepped his attempt to take her hand and walked ahead, alone.
Her thoughts were a jumble. She had assumed that Mara would have returned abroad during her hospital stay. The shock of finding her still in the country, and in their home, was too much to process.
The happiness she had felt earlier was washed away entirely.