Ivy dodged Balfourâs extended hand in silence, forging ahead alone on the path.
Mara trailed behind with a pout, glancing at Balfour only to realize he wasnât paying her any attention.
She quickly masked her thoughts, but her heart was already scrawled with jealousy.
Alyssa and Dean had been eagerly waiting at the doorstep for Ivyâs return. They had received a call from her while she was still in the car, and their anticipation to see her was palpable.
It had been several days since they last saw Ivy, and since they couldnât visit her in the hospital, they were anxious to know how her recovery was progressing.
âSheâs back, sheâs back! Ivyâs home!â Alyssa exclaimed, hurrying down the steps with such speed that Dean struggled to keep up.
Ivy quickly moved forward to steady Alyssaâs arm.
Alyssa genuinely adored Ivy, and after giving her a once-over, she sighed, âYouâve lost weight, my dear.
How did you get so thin?â
Ivy hadnât thought much of it, but hearing the concern in Alyssaâs voice, she couldnât stop her eyes from welling up with tears.
In this home, she had received nothing but sincere love and care from Alyssa and Dean.
What more could she possibly want?
âDonât worry, Grandma, Grandpa, Iâm fine. The weight loss is just from lying in the hospital without much appetite,â Ivy reassured them.
Alyssa, however, wasnât convinced. âYou donât lose weight just from lying in a hospital bed. Itâs because youâve suffered. Are you staying with us this time?â
Alyssa glanced back at Balfour, who stood behind Ivy, barely acknowledging Maraâs presence.
Having Mara live in their house had already been a source of discomfort for Alyssa. She knew Ivy must be upset about it, but Ivy was always so well-behaved, swallowing her discontent instead of voicing it.
She could see Ivyâs complexion wasnât great, probably due to Maraâs presence, which must be upsetting her!
But Alyssa didnât tell Ivy in advance, fearing it would make her uneasy and prevent her from resting well in the hospital.
Later, she would need to have a proper talk with Ivy about this. She couldnât let her feel neglected.
âIâm just home for the afternoon; weâll return to the hospital in the evening. Once the final test report comes in tomorrow, we can come back for good if everything is clear,â Ivy explained.
Speaking of this, Balfour also felt a bit relieved. During this time, shuttling back and forth between the hospital, the company, and home had drained him both physically and mentally. Most importantly, Ivyâs discharge would mean her health had truly improved, and that was what would finally put Balfourâs mind at ease.
âIvy, you do look well-rested. It seems Balfour had taken good care of you these days.â Mara chimed in with a smile.
At the sound of her voice, Ivyâs smile faltered.
Alyssa patted Ivyâs hand and led her inside. âThey were husband and wife, after all. Itâs only right for Balfour to take care of her when sheâs ill. If he didnât, and Ivy looked worse, I would never forgive him!â
Ivy forced a smile. âHe has taken very good care of me, even though heâs worn himself out in the process.â
She wasnât just being polite; she had seen all the worry and effort Balfour had put in for her sake.
If it werenât for her, Balfourâs life might have been easier, but at least in front of his grandparents, they were united. She hadnât forgotten the contract they had signed at the beginning.